Thurston EDC

For many folks, November equals Thanksgiving. But it’s also a time to honor the tireless, hardworking, inspired and inspirational entrepreneurs around us with Entrepreneurship Month. Locally, there are many civic organizations dedicated to entrepreneurial success. The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and its Center for Business & Innovation (CBI) and Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) is one organization that works around the clock helping local businesses begin, expand, adapt and succeed in today’s fast-paced, crowded marketplace. The U.S. State Department says that November’s Entrepreneurship Month, which also contains Global Entrepreneurship Week, is “a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs who serve their communities and bolster the American economy.” When launching a small business or moving from side-hustle crafter to full-time entrepreneur, it can be tricky to know where to start. Continue reading here: https://lnkd.in/gBaqt52j

We’ve assembled an incredible lineup of speakers for the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo on December 5, 2024, at Great Wolf Lodge. Connect with top leaders from business, industry, and government to explore vital topics like workforce development, economic trends, and innovative strategies for regional growth. Featured Panels and Keynote: - Tribal Nations’ Economic Impact - Collaboration in Action for Economic Vibrancy: Economic Development Leaders Panel - Tomorrow’s Talent Starts Here: College Leaders Panel - Keynote Economic Forecast by Dr. Bill Conerly Plus, dive into breakout sessions on topics like the creative economy, government contracts, healthcare access, and more. Click here to review our breakout sessions! Don’t miss this chance to network, collaborate, and shape our region’s future. Get your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/gzDqzWh

Join Us for the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo! December 5, 2024, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Grand Mound. This powerhouse networking event draws over 350 decision-makers, community leaders, and innovators from Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Pacific counties—and beyond! We could not do this without support of our sponsors. Thank you! Register now to secure your spot! https://bit.ly/4eWrG32 Thank you, sponsors: Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council TwinStar Credit Union South Puget Sound Community College Umpqua Bank Impact Washington - NIST MEP Intercity Transit Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) SCJ Alliance MultiCare Capital Medical Center Puget Sound Energy NorthStar Law Group, P.S. Mason Health Centralia College Economic Alliance of Lewis County Pacific County Economic Development Council Board City of Olympia Heritage Bank NW South Sound Business Port of Olympia

Keynote Spotlight: Dr. Bill Conerly at the Regional Economic Forecast and Innovation Expo! We're thrilled to announce that Dr. Bill Conerly will deliver this year’s keynote economic forecast, offering deep insights into the national, state, and local economies of the Pacific Mountains region—including Grays Harbor, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, and Thurston counties. Dr. Conerly, with his extensive background in economics and business strategy, will help you connect the dots between economic trends and decisions for your business and community. Don't miss this opportunity to plan your next move with expert guidance! Date: December 5, 2024 Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Grand Mound https://lnkd.in/gzDqzWh #EconomicForecast #InnovationExpo #DrBillConerly #RegionalGrowth

Only 16 days to go, and tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss Dr. Bill Conerly’s keynote at the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo on December 5. Gain valuable insights into national, state, and regional economic trends (covering Grays Harbor, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, and Thurston counties) and how to create strategies for your business and community. Network with 350+ leaders and innovators at Great Wolf Lodge. Register now before it’s too late! https://lnkd.in/gzDqzWh #EconomicForecast #InnovationExpo #networkingevent Bill Conerly Economic Development Council of Mason County Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. Economic Alliance of Lewis County Pacific County Economic Development Council Board

Only 16 days to go, and tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss Dr. Bill Conerly’s keynote at the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo on December 5. Gain valuable insights into national, state, and regional economic trends (covering Grays Harbor, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, and Thurston counties) and how to create strategies for your business and community. Network with 350+ leaders and innovators at Great Wolf Lodge. Register now before it’s too late! https://lnkd.in/gzDqzWh #EconomicForecast #InnovationExpo #networkingevent Bill Conerly Economic Development Council of Mason County Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. Economic Alliance of Lewis County Pacific County Economic Development Council Board

Who remembers Michael Cruz's mind-blowing AI presentation at last year's EXPO? We were there, and let’s just say—inspired doesn’t even begin to cover it. Guess what? He’s coming back! This year, Michael will dive into how AI has evolved over the past year. Think Co-Pilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and more—live demos included! Ready to level up your professional toolkit? Date: December 5, 2024 Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM Location: Great Wolf Lodge | Grand Mound Cost: $100 Join 350+ decision-makers, innovators, and leaders from across the region for this must-attend networking event. Don’t wait—grab your ticket now! ??? Get tickets at the link in our bio. #AIInnovation #ThurstonEDC #NetworkingEvent #Microsoft #AI

Breakout Session Spotlight: The Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative Join us at The Regional Economic Forecast and Innovation Expo to explore the Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Initiative—a program that certifies regional readiness for bio-based manufacturing, connects communities globally with project developers, and sparks clean energy opportunities across sectors. Event Details:? Date: December 5, 2024 Time: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Location: Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Grand Mound, Centralia, WA Cost: $100 Be part of this dynamic networking event with 350+ regional leaders and innovators, all converging to shape the future of sustainable industry in Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Pacific counties. Tickets here:?https://lnkd.in/gzDqzWh #RegionalEconomicForecast #InnovationExpo #Bioeconomy #CleanEnergy

Alliance Northwest is the largest business-to-government conference in the Pacific Northwest. This event features high-quality workshops and one-to-one meetings between small businesses, government agencies, and prime contractors. Alliance Northwest has a strong history of federal agency support. Event Details: Location: Greater Tacoma Convention Center Date: March 19 and 20, 2025 Cost: $99 Buy tickets here: https://bit.ly/3AN2qgL

The City of Lacey, in partnership with the Thurston EDC, offers a Business Startup Training Program designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in launching successful businesses. This program covers essentials like business planning, financial management, marketing, and compliance—everything first-time business owners need to get started with confidence. Led by seasoned professionals, the program includes interactive workshops, expert consultations, and networking opportunities to help participants gain practical knowledge and connect with local entrepreneurs. If you’re ready to turn your business idea into reality, the City of Lacey’s Startup Training Program is your path forward. Learn more and register today: https://bit.ly/3Z0TZYH