A community is made up of more than simply homes and businesses. It includes clubs, civic groups, nonprofit organizations, neighborhoods and schools. With this in mind, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) seeks out Board members from all walks of life. Dr. Roy Heynderickx has spent the last 13 years as president of Saint Martin’s University and shared his experience with the EDC since 2018.
The mission of the EDC is more than just creating a strong economy, it also, “supports the values of the people who live and work in Thurston County” and ties into their vision of building, “a prosperous economy that provides employment, cultural, educational, and investment opportunities that create a sustainable and vibrant community.”
“I learned of the Thurston EDC when I first joined this community back in 2009,” says Heynderickx, who grew up in the Pacific Northwest near Mount Angel, Oregon. “For many years Saint Martin’s has had membership on the board and I stepped up to join in 2018. The EDC’s mission aligns well with our mission to educate and help provide career focused graduates to the community.”
With nearly 30 years’ experience in higher education, Heynderickx will soon wrap up his tenure with both the University and EDC Board as he retires in the summer of 2022. He and wife Kathleen are excited to get out and do some exploring. “The Northwest provides many opportunities for us to be involved with family and activities that bring true meaning to our lives. We enjoy both the beach and the mountains for hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, kayaking and biking. Add to that list that we both like gardening, reading and people. This region has it all.”
Like a school setting, the Board is all about integrating different backgrounds and voices in a knowledgeable, cohesive way that lets everyone learn from each other. “The EDC board clearly understands the intersection of a skilled, educated workforce and a sustainable, strong local economy,” says Heynderickx. “It includes representation from the area’s colleges, and we are often asked for our opinion and view on presentations. The EDC’s mission of Retain, Expand, and Recruit would not be possible without a skilled, educated workforce.”
As such, it beautifully ties back to his daily role at the school. “The alignment of academic degrees to the needs of the local community is of great interest to all of us here at Saint Martin’s. The EDC provides a way for us to hear firsthand of the needs in this community and the changing landscape of our economy.”
Heynderickx also deeply appreciates how active the group is in every facet of Thurston County life. “The EDC provides a central hub for a dynamic and sustainable economy in our county,” he shares. “It brings together leaders that have the sole focus of fostering a strong local economy. This community is fortunate to have a strong EDC that supports a wide spectrum of economic vitality that is part of the landscape in this county. Many resources are available to those individuals, companies, or organizations that seek guidance, information or general support. More should avail themselves of the services offered.”
Services include ways to start, grow or maintain a well-established business. Their events calendar shows classes addressing social media essentials, business startup training, tax readiness and branching into government contracting.
The Center for Business & Innovation offers Business Enterprise Startup Training through the Washington Center for Women in Business, a Small Business Development Center and ScaleUp training which guides business owners through marketing, accounting and expansion.
“It is difficult to express all of the areas that EDC is involved,” says Heynderickx. “One thing that I have learned that I believe would be of great value to anyone, both new and old to this county, is to call or drop by the EDC office to learn more. The staff of EDC is dedicated to serving the community and no question or request will go unanswered.”
You can contact the EDC online, at office@thurstonedc.com or by calling 360.754.6320. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates and activities or sign up to have their newsletter and event postings sent right to your inbox. Follow Saint Martins news and events, including details of the presidential search, through their website or Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
For more than 125 years, Saint Martins has watched Thurston County grow and thrive. They’ve seen families, businesses and developments put down roots and helped teach generations of students how to succeed and give back. Whatever type of community—from ecclesiastical to next door neighbors—we succeed by working together and learning side by side.
