Business | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

The Olympia City Council tackled the Workers' Bill of Rights initiative at a study session on Tuesday, July 17, 2025. The council will decide on July 22 whether to adopt the measure or send the ordinance to voters in the November election.

Olympia City Council tackles Workers' Bill of Rights ahead of July 22 decision

The Olympia City Council reviewed the Workers' Bill of Rights initiative, a proposal that would establish a $20 minimum wage and new workplace ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/18/25 | 14 comments

The Thurston Economic Development Council and partner agencies have released the semiannual Economic Vitality Index. The report tracks five key indicators of the local economy and is now publicly accessible via the council’s digital reports archive.

Thurston County business confidence falls to 15-year low in midyear economic report

Business sentiment in Thurston County has fallen to its lowest level since 2010, a Thurston Economic Development Council ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 7/18/25 | 10 comments

Olympia Distilling Co. won second place for its Kelsey Gold Gin at the 7th annual Bartender Spirits Awards in Chicago.

Spirit with a spirit: Kelsey Gold Gin wins award at Bartender Spirits competition

A tasty, well-crafted spirit with an inspirational backstory was a hit at a recent international competition. Olympia Distilling Company won second place at the ... more

By Maven Navarro | 7/18/25

Dough Zone is located at 2480 Marvin Road NE, Suite D, in Lacey.

Dough Zone brings its brand of Chinese fare to Lacey

Dough Zone, a new authentic Chinese restaurant in Lacey, opened its doors on Wednesday, June 25, to welcome customers to try Xiao Long Bao ... more

By Jessie Darland | 6/30/25 | 1 comment

Bids due for vessel up for public sale at Swantown Boatworks

The Port of Olympia is holding a public sale, at which individuals can participate in a bidding process for a 35-foot ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 6/26/25 | 4 comments

Tumwater Finance Director Troy Niemeyer, top left, briefed the Tumwater City Council about its 2025 first quarter finances at a meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Tumwater reports shrinking sales tax

The City of Tumwater reported reduced sales tax in the first five months of the year, in part because of a change in consumer spending ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/18/25 | 2 comments

Port of Olympia plans sending out requests for qualifications to seek a developer for the Waterfront Center project in Olympia.

Port of Olympia plans to solicit developers for Waterfront Center project

The Port of Olympia is planning to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) to solicit developers interested in the Waterfront Center ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/17/25 | 8 comments

Mike Marohn and Jes Wes present the finest in classic rock 'n' roll music while supporting the local community.

Local rock 'n' roll stations play classic rock

Classic rock 'n' roll is a unique and enduring musical creation comprised of numerous influences, from cultural and social movements to technological innovations ... more

By JM Simpson | 6/9/25 | 5 comments

At a meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee evaluated a proposed behavioral health facility on McPhee Road.

Olympia committee reviews plans for proposed crisis stabilization clinic on McPhee Road

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a pre-submission conference to review plans for a proposed 20,000-square-foot crisis stabilization clinic at ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/5/25 | 3 comments

Michael Day is the new chief executive officer of Experience Olympia & Beyond.

Experience Olympia & Beyond names new chief executive officer

Experience Olympia & Beyond announced the hiring of Michael Day as its new chief executive officer. Day, an Edmonds native, graduated from the University of ... more

By Maven Navarro | 6/5/25

A team from consulting firm ECONorthwest presented findings from the economic development strategy’s research phase to the Lacey City Council during a work session on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Lacey advances work on economic development strategy amid growth, vacancy concerns

The Lacey City Council held a work session on Tuesday, May 27, to review progress on a five-year economic development strategy aimed at guiding the city’s future growth ... more

By JC Medina | 5/30/25 | 2 comments

Home sales fall, median price climbs in April

Single-family home prices climbed and sales retreated in the first full month of spring, amid a backdrop of some of the lowest inventory levels in the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/28/25 | 1 comment

The Dancing Goats, as seen at the Dancing Goats Coffee building at 200 Market St. NE in Olympia on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

Port of Olympia expands contract with architecture firm to support relocation of admin offices

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized the expansion of a contract with its on-call service engineering and design service ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/20/25 | 5 comments

Public comment period open for Hardel Mutual Plywood cleanup

The Washington Department of Ecology is accepting public comments on the Hardel Mutual Plywood cleanup in ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 5/2/25 | 2 comments

Two O Bee Credit Union staff members, as seen in this undated photo.

O Bee Credit Union to offer scholarship for students in craft brewing, distilling industries

The O Bee Credit Union announced a $50,000 endowment for the O Bee Brewers & Distillers of Tomorrow Scholarship for South Puget Sound Community College ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/29/25

At the South Thurston Economic Development Initiative meeting on Friday, April 18, 2025, Thurston County Lodging Tax Coordinator Ellen Massey (online attendance) said that Thurston County will award the lodging tax revenue to 16 chosen applicants.

Thurston County divides $150,000 in lodging tax revenue among 16 recipients

Thurston County will award the $150,000 lodging tax revenue to 16 chosen applicants this year. The Lodging Tax is an excise tax paid by people who stay overnight in lodging … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/23/25 | 1 comment

Local housing, climate, farming nonprofits to open events in May

Nonprofit organizations throughout Thurston County have prepared activities for May, including events related to housing and nature. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , a … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/23/25 | 1 comment

Smokin Js is closing up shop after 27 years in business. All inventory is 50% off through the end of April. The store is located at 3730 Pacific Ave. SE in Olympia.

Smokin Js closing up shop after 27 years

Since 1997, Jay Fratt has been working in the industry of alternative culture. Whether it was hemp clothing or locally-blown glass products on the shelves, Smokin Js has offered a … more

By Jessie Darland | 4/22/25 | 4 comments

Intercity Transit and union reach tentative agreement

Intercity Transit and the union representing its bus operators have reached a tentative agreement on a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/18/25

Warren Hendrickson, Port of Olympia’s Director of Operations, showed the Port Commission a conceptual rendering of the Sound Commerce Center. Panattoni Development Company intends to develop the 29-acre site for industrial use.

Port of Olympia nears lease deal with Panattoni

The Port of Olympia is weeks away from finalizing a lease agreement with Panattoni Development Company to develop the first parcel of a 200-acre property in the ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/16/25 | 4 comments