Panowicz Jewelers: Over 70 Years of Serving the Community
Over 70 years of serving Olympia and the wider Puget Sound area, Panowicz Jewelers continues the tradition of family ownership with the third generation. Led by Leslie Panowicz, granddaughter of founder Anton Panowicz, Sr., the legacy of exceptional jewels, craftsmanship, and community endures.While ownership has evolved, the values that built the business remain unchanged. Since…
Olympia Federal Savings: A Legacy of Community and Service
For more than 120 years, Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) has built its success by staying true to its community and people. With nine locations and just over $1 billion in assets, OlyFed has earned a reputation for prioritizing people. Their commitment is evident in every aspect of OlyFed’s operations, from the customers it serves to…
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital: A New Era of Care Rises in Tacoma
Since 1955 Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital has played a critical role in pediatric care in our region. The new hospital campus will open in the coming weeks and it won’t just mark the debut of a state‑of‑the‑art medical facility that costs $479 million, it signals a renewed promise to the region’s youngest patients and their…
Building a Place Where Community Comes to Life
Building a Place Where Community Comes to Life
Capitol City Honda: 55 Years of Award-Winning Service
Capitol City Honda: 55 Years of Award-Winning Service – It’s All in the Family “We work hard to earn satisfied customers,” says Dale Cooper, Fixed Ops Director at Capitol City Honda. “We are about the people – the community, our customers, and the people who work here.” Cooper has been part of the team for…
Summer Sounds Returns to Gig Harbor
Free Tuesday Night Concerts at Skansie Brothers Park, Celebrate Music, Community and America 250 Visit Gig Harbor and the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the 2026 Summer Sounds lineup, bringing live music back to the waterfront every Tuesday evening this summer at Skansie Brothers Park. The beloved concert series kicks off…
INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference Returns in 2026
The Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) is proud to announce the return of the INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference in 2026, a dynamic, one-day event designed to equip women entrepreneurs and professionals with the tools, connections, and confidence to grow and thrive. Bringing together business owners, leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Washington, INSPIRE 2026…
Storm Large Brings Vocals to the Federal Way PAEC
Part of the 2025–2026 PAEC Presents Season, Sponsored by FASTSIGNS Federal Way The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is proud to present Storm Large on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM, as part of the 2025–2026 PAEC Presents season, generously supported by FASTSIGNS Federal Way. This special performance is additionally sponsored…
Lieutenant General to Keynote Chamber’s Meeting
OLYMPIA, WA — The Thurston County Chamber invites business and community leaders to attend its 121st Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This year’s keynote speaker is Lieutenant General Matthew W. McFarlane, Commanding General of I Corps, one of the U.S. Army’s largest and most globally deployed corps, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). I…
National Recognition for Local YMCA CFO – Celebrating Colleen Oczkewicz
The South Sound YMCA is proud to announce that Chief Financial Officer Colleen Oczkewicz has been selected to receive the YMCA Women of Excellence Award from the National Women’s Leadership Resource Network (WLRN).The Women of Excellence Award recognizes outstanding women across the YMCA movement who champion positive change, inspire others, and create meaningful, measurable impact…
Hostess with the Mostest Now on View at the Harbor History Museum
A new exhibition exploring the traditions of hospitality, ingenuity, and community connection recently opened at the Harbor History Museum. Hostess with the Mostest: The Art of Making Much with What’s at Hand draws from a 19th and 20th-century collection of aprons and household items that reflect how local families balanced old-world traditions with the evolving…
Washington’s Biggest Celebration of Spring is almost here!
Spring is in the Air and the Spring Fair and family fun is here! Break out of the winter chill with the Puyallup Spring Fair April 10-12 and 17th-19.. This year there is more fun, food, rides, exhibits and animals to explore at the Washington Spring Fair. Come for the fun and stay for the…
Christmas in the Forest 2025 Gala
Providence Foundation celebrated the 38th annual Christmas in the Forest Gala Dinner & Auction at Great Wolf Lodge. Rob Rice, Rick Middleton & Ellen Middleton, Helena Rice Guests enjoyed a festive evening surrounded by beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, while supporting the Mission of Providence. Auctioneer Chris Cashman of KING 5’s Evening entertained guests and…
Saint Martin’s University Gala
Chef Rick Bayless Saint Martin’s University celebrated the 20th anniversary of its signature black-tie Gala hosted by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. The milestone event honored two decades of generosity and community support that have made a Saint Martin’s education accessible to all students. Drew Philips and Samantha Kersul join renowned chef Rick Bayless on stage…
OlyFed School Debit Card Program is A Huge hit!
Around our region, students, staff, families and alumni will have a new way to wear their school pride with OlyFed’s new Affinity Card Program. These custom designed cards feature the local high schools in Thurston and Mason counties and also include Saint Martin’s University and South Puget Sound Community College. Every time the cards are…
Fall in Love with Downtown All Over Again: LoveOly Shop & Dine Returns this February
February is here, and there is no better time to celebrate the heart of our city. The Olympia Downtown Alliance is proud to announce the return of LoveOly Shop & Dine, offering more ways than ever to connect, explore, and support the local businesses that make Olympia unique. Beginning February 1st through February 28th, you are…
How Leaders Use AI to Solve Real Problems—Not Chase Trends
The Thurston County Chamber invites business and community leaders to its February Chamber Forum, Can My Business Afford to Ignore AI?, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Norman Worthington Center on the campus of Saint Martin’s University. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes how work gets done, many businesses are asking the same question: Where does AI actually fit in…
Intercity Transit Expands Routes and Remains Free to all Riders
In May 2026, Intercity Transit will complete the implementation of a system redesign that will increase coverage and frequency throughout Thurston County. “It’s a massive changeover,” says Nick Demerice, Chief Marketing, Communications & Outreach Officer. The planning began after Proposition 1 passed in 2018, which created funds to enhance commuter services, upgrade bus stops, purchase…
Light Dental Studios to Open Fatherland Forest
After years of planning, Light Dental Studios’ Puyallup location is ready for their grand reveal of Featherland Forest. Over six years ago, Lumi the Tooth Fairy began making appearances around the South Sound promoting good oral hygiene. The reception to Lumi was so amazing she inspired a book. Now a perfect replica of her home…