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 Corps oversees operations that extend far beyond the installation, and its current mission involves administrative oversight of army units in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Pacific Pathways program.
A native of Burke, Virginia, Lt. Gen. McFarlane commissioned as an Infantry officer in 1992 after graduating as a distinguished military graduate from James Madison University. He has served in Ranger, Airborne, and Mechanized Infantry formations and has commanded at every level from company to corps, including a combined joint task force. His assignments have taken him across the continental United States, as well as Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii, with combat leadership experience in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
Why it matters
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is one of the largest employers and economic drivers in the South Sound. Thousands of service members, civilian employees, veterans, and military families live and work in Thurston County—making JBLM a vital part of the region’s economy and community fabric.
The big picture
Located just north of Thurston County, JBLM plays a critical role in U.S. defense strategy across the Pacific Rim while serving as a key regional partner. From workforce connections and small business opportunities to community collaboration, the relationship between JBLM and Thurston County is both strategic and deeply interconnected.
What you’ll learn
Lt. Gen. McFarlane plans to provide an inside look at:
- Operations at scale: The coordination and readiness required to support missions at home and abroad
- Strategy in real time: How decisions made at JBLM connect to defense priorities across the Indo-Pacific
- Modernization: How military operations have evolved over the past 15–20 years, including advancements in technology, personnel expertise, and data-driven decision-making
Chamber leadership report
The Annual Meeting will also feature a report from Thurston County Chamber leadership, highlighting key accomplishments, strategic priorities, and ongoing efforts to connect business, education, and community in support of a thriving regional economy.
Why attend
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the nation’s top military leaders while gaining insight into the Chamber’s impact and direction in the year ahead.
Event details
When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 11:30 am – 1:15 pm
Where: Saint Martin’s University, Norman Worthington Center
Learn more and register: ThurstonChamber.com
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