The West Olympia Business Association, WOBA, continues to focus on its mission promoting the vibrancy and prosperity of Olympia’s west side. It is true that the social and in-person network gatherings have dissipated during pandemic restrictions, but WOBA is still at work. “We think it’s a good thing we can be part of the future,” says Jim Randall, past president. With an auto mall, a hospital, two colleges and many businesses, there are multiple avenues of interest and concern. WOBA wants the westside of Olympia to offer employment and comfortable and convenient living for the residents in its various neighborhoods.
Photo courtesy: WOBA
The concerns of Olympia’s westside are complex. Not only are there businesses to promote, but there is traffic to manage. These are critical to making neighborhoods that are friendly and accessible to parks, recreation, transportation and taking care of the business of life. WOBA President Wes Weller, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, works side by side with his other officers, VP Jessica Jenson of Cap City Law; Treasurer and past President Jim Randall of Bean, Gentry, Wheeler & Peternell, and Secretary George Smith of SCJ Alliance.
WOBA prides itself on the long-term relationship with the City of Olympia. There have always been regular communications and meetings with the city and Thurston Regional Planning Council. For example, WOBA was influential in establishing and keeping a police station on the west side near Garfield Elementary School. The City had considered letting it go, but WOBA believed it was important even if it was small. It was beneficial to all parties. The police have a place of their own, which gives quicker access to all of the west side, avoiding crossing over the downtown bridge or going around on the freeway.
WOBA has also been instrumental in the widening of Mud Bay Road near the 101 interchange, a significant help to traffic flow. Not surprisingly, road construction projects, including more access to the highway, are time consuming and expensive. However, the end results are appreciated by businesses and the people who travel the roads regularly. WOBA also made $40,000 contributions to the project.
Olympia’s Economic Development Director Mike Reid is enthusiastic about WOBA. “The challenge as a city is that it is difficult to communicate with every single person and business,” he says. WOBA is an excellent information conduit. Mike, along with the city manager and the mayor, routinely attended WOBA’s monthly gatherings. “I look forward to those face-to-face meetings again,” he adds. The City truly values the important resources of Olympia’s west side. Mike encourages businesses to connect with associations like WOBA to get their voices heard.
The internet and the pandemic have greatly influenced the ways people due business. People value environmental awareness and want to live near parks and walking paths. They want to be close to services. The ingredients for desirable living are all available on the west side. WOBA realizes the world is changing, and it is working on its vision to serve the businesses of the west side. The organization is meeting cooperatively with the West Olympia Community Visioning Group. This group holds the vision to, “improve the quality of life in the West Olympia community through the development of public recreational and/or educational facilities such as parks, libraries, and museums.” A joint project is the West Olympia Public Plaza, meant to be a hub of public amenities.
Wes and Jim both are enthusiastic about the central business triangle bounded by Cooper Point Road, Harrison and Division Streets. “We want to bring in new ideas, be more flexible in zoning and create more mixed uses,” says Jim. How can the mall and surrounding parking lot be utilized in more creative, useful ways? What is the best way to rehab older buildings? What will bring more people to shop, eat, and recreate? The future is bright.
Several months ago, WOBA distributed PPE (personal protection equipment) in the form of hand sanitizers and masks to its membership. Businesses appreciated the support. WOBA is looking for new ways for members to engage with each other and with the community as we all move through pandemic restrictions.
WOBA has been serving westside businesses since 2004. You can learn more about what WOBA does for the community by checking the News and Information shared on the website. There are plans in the works for events in both March and April. You can also stay up to date on programs, events and other community efforts by following the WOBA Facebook page. Look at the membership page and do your part in supporting these businesses. Spending your dollars locally makes a difference. And it’s fun!
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