Olympia Federal Savings Holds First Market Mixer to Help Small Business Owners

Olympia Federal Savings choose 222 Market Street for their first business mixer because it embodies what they are trying to achieve – successful, locally-owned small businesses. Photo credit: Olympia Federal Savings
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Olympia Federal Savings (Oly Fed) is hosting their first Market Mixer on Thursday, March 9 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at 222 Market in Olympia. The goal of this event is to support local business owners by allowing them access to expert resources all in one place to quickly and easily explore options and have their questions answered. Oly Fed wants to give back, helping the small businesses that support our local economy.

“We wanted to have events specific to the area that would bring together business professionals, experts and organizations as a resource for small business owners,” says Ryan Betz, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Olympia Federal Savings

Carrie Whisler is one half of the dynamic duo heading up the Olympia Federal Savings’ new small business department. She wants to see small business succeed and love being part of their success.
Photo credit: Olympia Federal Savings

This event is part of their new strategic plan for small business services which launched almost two years ago. Services include establishing retail banking accounts and small business loans for new equipment, expansions or purchasing real estate. Currently two Oly Fed employees work with small business customers – Carrie Whisler who focuses on business operations including loans and Ken Pekola who focuses on commercial real estate such as facility purchases.

While the century-old local bank contemplated a sit-down workshop or a lunch-and-learn meeting, they understand how busy small business owners are and how hard it is to attend a daytime event or one that requires several hours of time. “Ultimately, we wanted to create something that was beneficial and a good use of everyone’s time,” Betz explains. The Market Mixer is designed so that even the busiest business owners can fit it into their schedule and get the information they need. It’s also a fun and relaxed opportunity to meet other small business owners who serve as a priceless resource.

“The true expertise and knowledge come from being able to network with other small business owners who have ‘feet-on-the-ground experience’ and can share what’s worked for them, where they have been challenged and what resources they have found useful,” says Betz. “For this reason, we wanted to create an event that encouraged mingling.”

oly fed
Lori Drummond, OlyFed CEO, talks with Boys & Girls Club kids at the recent Cash Splash. Photo credit: Brent Lotz

The location for the event – 222 Market – is no accident. The artisanal market is home to new, local businesses, including Sofie’s Scoops where Oly Fed recently held their first Cash Splash. “We wanted to support these businesses in some way and felt having our Market Mixer there was a great way to do it,” says Betz. “Small business owners can try food and drink from the different businesses inside 222 Market, meet their owners and talk to the experienced professionals we’ve invited.”

 

Professionals attending include:

oly fed branch
Oly Fed offers a wide variety of services including those of financial planner, Jason Andrew. Photo credit: Olympia Federal Savings

Jason Andrew from OFS Financial Services*, located at Oly Fed will be available to discuss wealth management and financial services. For small businesses, he can share information on secession planning, risk management and strategies for business owners to help protect their small business now and in the future.

*Securities and insurance products offered through Cetera Investment Services, LLC. Member FINRA/SPIC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisors, LLC. Neither Cetera Investment Services, nor Cetera Investment Advisors, are affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. Registered location: 8300 Quinault Dr. NE, Lacey, WA 98516; (360) 493-1800. Investments are: NOT FDIC INSURED, may lose value, not financial institution guaranteed, not a deposit and not insured by any federal government agency.

There will also be chances to win great prizes from the 222 Market merchants.

A Bank That Cares

Some people ask why banking local makes a difference and the reasons are many. Oly Fed’s dedicated employees are easy to reach and you can talk to a real person in a branch or on the phone. It’s true. No automated menus to navigate, just a local banker ready to help. But more than that, since the employees belong to the same community you do, they are invested in your success.

Ken Pekola is the other half of the power team dedicated to helping small business owners achieve their dreams at Olympia Federal Savings. He is passionate about business owners getting the real estate they need with a loan that works for them.
Photo credit: Olympia Federal Savings

“It’s wonderful to be part of an organization that is so authentic in terms to being true to their mission and really caring about the community and the people who live here,” Ken Pekola, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager shares.

Local also means they have a good understanding of the economy, leaders and influencers and where to find resources vital to small business owners. “We don’t just want people to succeed financially with our help, we also want them to feel we truly care about them as a human being and not just a bottom line,” says Carrie Whisler, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager.

And, since the bank is locally owned and operated, every dollar invested in the bank is then reinvested by the bank into the local economy. Oly Fed does this through loans as well as through its dedication and support of non-profits in the area and community events.

At the end of the day, the employees at Oly Fed will feel like they have done their job if you can continue to do yours.

To RSVP for the upcoming Market Mixer, email marketing@olyfed.com or call 360-754-3400 ext. 1169. RSVP by March 6. For more information about Olympia Federal Savings small business services, visit their website, call the number above, or visit your local branch – they’d love to chat in person.

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