Thurston Economic Development Council Events

Friday October 31 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Researching the Government Marketplace

This in-person course shows you how to navigate free web-based market research tools like USASpending.gov, FPDS, WEBS, and more. These tools can help firms learn which agencies buy what they sell, how much they spend on those goods or services, and who their competitors......More

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Friday October 31 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Webinar

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | Transformational Leadership for a Profitable, Empathetic Future

This talk explores how empathy-driven leadership, rooted in trust and diversity, can act as a catalyst for sustainable business success. Drawing from his work at a union-run, employee-owned printing company, Miguel shares strategies for building organizations where empl......More

Webinar

Wednesday November 5 9:00am - 10:00am PST

Webinar

Intro to Business Live Webinar

Start your entrepreneurial journey with confidence! This no-cost course offers the essentials you need to launch a successful business. You’ll learn key elements of business success, the basics of business planning, and how startups can obtain capital. Whether you have ......More

Webinar

Friday November 7 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Webinar

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | Economic Sovereignty: Building Robust Tribal Economies

Economic sovereignty is the foundation of Tribal self-determination, enabling Indigenous communities to build resilient economies that honor history and cultural values while creating sustainable prosperity for future generations. This lecture explores how Tribes leverage their unique legal status, resources, and cultural assets to develop diverse economic portfolios that reduce dependency on federal funding and external markets. Drawing on successful case studies from across Indian Country, the discussion covers: Innovative approaches to Tribal business developmentThe role of financial institutions, workforce development, and regulatory frameworks in long-term growthHow economic sovereignty intersects with stewardship, cultural preservation, and community well-beingThe session demonstrates that Tribal economies can serve as sustainable development models, benefiting both Indigenous peoples and broader society. Recommended ResourceInsights from a Decade of Economic Research in Indian Country Speaker Bio: Cory BlankenshipCory M. Blankenship, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has dedicated over 17 years to serving his tribe and community through leadership in non-profit, tribal finance, and philanthropy. Prior to joining NAFOA, Cory served as Community Investment Officer for Dogwood Health Trust, focusing on economic opportunities related to social determinants of health. He spent six years as Secretary of the Treasury for EBCI, overseeing daily financial operations, managing tribal investments, and leading economic diversification efforts. Cory’s leadership extended to boards and committees including the Tribal Planning Board, Balsam West FiberNet, Investment Committee, and EBCI Holdings LLC, where he chaired the Finance and Strategy Committee. During his nearly 12-year career with EBCI, he also held positions as Tribal Treasurer and Finance Director. When: November 7, 2025Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pmRegister HereFor more information, contact: Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change (CELTC) 360.867.6827

Webinar

Saturday November 8 9:00am - Sunday November 9 12:00pm PST

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Make: Stained Glass Two Day Class, Fall Edition

Learn to create a beautiful hanging suncatcher using traditional stained glass techniques. In this hands-on class, you'll master the fundamentals of cutting, grinding, and soldering glass pieces together while exploring whether this medium aligns with your creative inte......More

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Sunday November 9 2:00pm - 4:00pm PST

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Make: Luminary Globe Lanterns

An introduction to decorating Luminary, 101. Use tissue paper, pens, mulberry paper and fairy lights to make a lantern. Come enjoy this two-hour class. Personalize and learn how to decorate and design your very own globe lantern. Use different types of papers and techni......More

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Friday November 14 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Webinar

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | The Hidden Cost of Sustainability Work

What happens when your work to support a better world leaves you struggling to support yourself? In this candid and inspiring talk, visual designer and sustainable entrepreneur Amy Dritz shares her journey launching a green tech startup designed to help companies move beyond compliance and create a culture of sustainability. What began as a mission to support sustainability professionals and drive change led to a breaking point and a hard truth: unless sustainability is led from the top and embedded into the business model, it often remains an underfunded add-on with limited impact. Drawing from over 100 interviews with sustainability professionals and her own lived experiences, Amy offers a behind-the-scenes look at the systemic barriers that stall progress—and the emotional toll they take on those working to change the system. A personal story of burnout and growth, this talk invites conversation about how we can sustain both our work and ourselves as leaders and changemakers. Recommended ResourcesChief Sustainability Officers are Burning Out (Eco-Business) Why read this? A look at why even top leaders in sustainability are struggling under unrealistic expectations and limited resources.How to Manage Burnout in High-Stakes Sustainability Careers (CSR Jobs)Why read this? Practical strategies for recognizing, addressing, and preventing burnout in mission-driven careers.Overcoming the Hurdles to Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategy (Deloitte)Why read this? Insights into why sustainability must be embedded into core business strategy—and how to make that happen.Speaker Bio: Amy DritzAmy Dritz is a visual designer, systems thinker, and sustainability strategist with over a decade of experience advancing sustainable change. Most recently, she co-founded a healthcare sustainability platform, where she led user research, design, and strategy. Her background includes founding a boutique design agency and consulting with mission-driven organizations to strengthen sustainability communications and reduce environmental impact. She has served on nonprofit boards as well as her city’s environmental commission. Amy holds a Master’s in Sustainable Design from MCAD. A recent transplant from Minnesota, she has fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest and can often be found hiking in the forest, photographing nature, or nerding out over native plants. When: November 14, 2025Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pmRegister HereFor more information, contact: Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change (CELTC) 360.867.6827

Webinar

Saturday November 15 10:00am - 11:30am PST

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Intro to Tool Sharpening

Tool Sharpening Basics: Knives and ScissorsKeep your tools sharp and ready to use! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sharpening a pair of scissors or a non-serrated knife using professional equipment, including the Tormek T-4 sharpening system. Wh......More

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Saturday November 15 1:00pm - 5:00pm PST

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

MAKE: Jewelry - Silver and Pearls

Time to pull together those last minute gifts that you create yourself. Pearls of any kind are unique in their ability to carry an outfit from day to night. A cascade of pearls is an elegant staple for any fine jewelry collection. For minimalist allure, or for making a ......More

Lacey MakerSpace, 16 Baran Drive SE, Lacey, WA, 98503, United States

Friday November 21 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Webinar

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | Food Justice in Urban Areas

This lecture examines systemic inequalities that limit urban communities—especially low-income and marginalized groups—from accessing healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food. It discusses how historical policies, economic disinvestment, and racial segregation shaped today’s food deserts and health disparities. It highlights how grassroots movements, community gardens, local food cooperatives, and policy reform can foster equity and food sovereignty. Ultimately, the talk advocates for shifting from charity-based approaches to structural change, affirming that every resident deserves nourishing food and the right to shape their local food systems. Recommended ResourcesBooks Food Justice – Robert Gottlieb & Anupama JoshiFreedom Farmers: Agricultural Resistance and the Black Freedom Movement – Monica M. WhiteThe Color of Food: Stories of Race, Resilience and Farming – Natasha BowensBuilding Community Food Webs – Ken MeterFeeding the City: Work and Food Culture of the Mumbai Dabbawalas – Sara RoncagliaAcademic Articles & Journals Food Apartheid: The Root of the Problem is Racism – Leah Penniman, YES! MagazineUnequal Access to Food: The Challenge of Food Deserts in American Cities – Journal of Urban AffairsCultivating Food Justice: Race, Class, and Sustainability – Edited by Alison Hope Alkon & Julian AgyemanGrowing Food and Justice for All: Diversity, Food Justice, and Community Engagement – Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community DevelopmentReports & Toolkits Healthy Food Policy Project – Center for Agriculture & Food SystemsThe Grocery Gap: Who Has Access to Healthy Food and Why It Matters – PolicyLink & The Food TrustFrom the Ground Up: Inspiring Community-Based Food Justice Projects – FoodShare TorontoSpeaker Bio: Ahndrea L. Blue (Esquire – President & CEO)Ahndrea is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Making A Difference Foundation (MADF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she established in 2003. Prior to forming MADF, she served as Washington State’s Governor’s Executive Policy Advisor and Legal Counsel, served as Chief Operating Officer at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and worked as an attorney at Lee, Smart, Cook, Martin & Patterson in Seattle. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies and Society & Justice and a Juris Doctor (J.D.), both from the University of Washington. Ahndrea has received numerous professional and scholastic honors, including: Thomas Nevelle Pro Bono AwardDerrick Bell Academic Achievement AwardEarl Warren Legal Academic Achievement ScholarshipNational Black Philanthropist of the Year (2008)Ford Freedom’s Sisters Civil Rights Award (2012)Jefferson “Public Service” Award (2011)Many others themadf.orgShe has also held leadership and affiliate roles with organizations such as: Washington Food CoalitionFood Lifeline CoalitionNew FuturesWashington State Bar Association (diversity committee)NAACP Seattle BranchUrban League of Metropolitan Seattle...among many others themadf.orgAhndrea’s purpose is deeply rooted in her faith and passion for service: “Her purpose in life is to make a difference in the lives of others. She credits her faith in God, and her loving and supporting family and friends for her success” When: November 21, 2025Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pmRegister HereFor more information, contact: Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change (CELTC) 360.867.6827

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Researching the Government Marketplace

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | Transformational Leadership for a Profitable, Empathetic Future

Intro to Business Live Webinar

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | Economic Sovereignty: Building Robust Tribal Economies

Make: Stained Glass Two Day Class, Fall Edition

Make: Luminary Globe Lanterns

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | The Hidden Cost of Sustainability Work

Intro to Tool Sharpening

MAKE: Jewelry - Silver and Pearls

Sustainability, Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series | Food Justice in Urban Areas

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Thurston Economic Development Council

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