Submitted by Olympia Federal Savings
Every time you choose a neighborhood restaurant over a chain or pick up a new read at a local bookstore instead of a big-box store, you’re doing more than making a purchase, you’re investing in your community.
In downtown Olympia, locally-owned businesses are the heart of the community. These businesses don’t just operate here; they help define the community. And they share a partnership that strengthens their foundation: banking with OlyFed.
Having a local banking partner has made all the difference. Whether it’s navigating the loan process with a personal touch or simply knowing who to call when it’s time to expand, these business owners have found more than a financial institution, they’ve found a team that’s personally invested in their success. Even better, the bank has helped downtown grow into a thriving community of amazing culinary treats, cute boutiques and a host of fun experiences.
The Heart of Local Is Where Business and Community Meet Up
In fact, if you haven’t been to downtown Olympia lately, you’re missing out! With summer in full swing consider stopping by Shiny Prize for a craft cocktail and some one-of-kind appetizers and treats. Owner Tim Zohn, dreamed of owning a small bar with big impact and OlyFed helped make it happen. He suggests you try the Pink Squirrel with some of his famous chips and dip.
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, consider 1889 Steakhouse, another OlyFed customer that delivers an amazing dining experience where you will find a steak and sides that are out of this world. Looking for a fun day downtown with kids? Check out Legends Arcade, visit Browsers Books or swing by Odds & Ends, a curiosity shop. Then grab lunch at The Reef, pickup some flowers from Fleurae and bring them home with dinner from Pizzeria La Gitana. The options are endless when you shop downtown and when you bank with OlyFed.
What’s even better is when you use your OlyFed debit card to do your shopping, your purchases automatically generate $0.02 to the bank’s Two-Cent Campaign – at no cost to you! What’s the Two Cent Campaign you ask? It’s a charitable giving initiative where OlyFed donates two cents for every debit card transaction to a different local nonprofit and education partner each month. It’s just one more way you can see your money at work in our community through choosing to bank local.
The Ripple Effect of Local Banking
“Banking locally is one of the most overlooked but most powerful ways to strengthen the local economy,” shares Casey Kilborn, VP/director of business development. “Simply put, banking local is the most impactful shop local decision you can make.”
When you deposit money at a community bank like OlyFed, that money doesn’t get sent out of state or invested in far-off interests. It stays right here funding local businesses, supporting homeownership and helping to build the economic strength of our region.
“By banking with OlyFed, I’m investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs,” says Todd Monohon of Olympic Rentals, a long-time OlyFed business customer and Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA) board member. “OlyFed reinvests locally to help build the wealth of the community — it’s really made a difference.”
OlyFed has been a longtime partner and supporter of the ODA because of their shared mission of creating opportunities where small businesses can thrive.
“I love seeing my bank supporting the things I care about,” says Jamie Brayshaw, owner of Octapas Café. “Not only through their sponsorship of programs and events, but I see their employees out volunteering, attending community events and shopping our small businesses.”
That kind of consistent, values-based support has become a cornerstone of OlyFed’s approach — and a key reason so many local entrepreneurs choose to bank with a mutual institution, not a megabank.
From Banking Local to Building Community
One recent example of this came to life through a collaboration between Reeves Middle School, downtown Olympia businesses and OlyFed. Led by Monica Taylor, OlyFed’s creative design manager and Reeves parent, the school’s eighth Grade Activity Day transformed downtown into a vibrant learning experience for 155 students.
The centerpiece was a 150-clue scavenger hunt, guiding students through shops, landmarks and nonprofit organizations in the downtown core. Stops included Sofie’s Scoops, Senior Services for South Sound, Ossa Skinworks, Browser’s Bookshop, OlyFed and more – each offering an activity, challenge or learning moment.
“For many students, it was their first time engaging with downtown,” Monica says. “Now, they’re asking to come back with their families. That’s the power of local: you create experiences that last well beyond the day.”
Monica believes supporting the local economy starts with making connections. “I’m a huge fan of economic development,” she says. “Planning this even came naturally because I see every day how much our small businesses give back. And when they bank with OlyFed, it creates space for us to support efforts like this.”
So, the next time you’re choosing where to shop, dine, or invest, take a moment to consider where your money sleeps at night. Choosing a community bank is one of the most meaningful ways to keep your dollars working right here — supporting the people, places, and businesses that make this community home.
Want to learn more about how OlyFed supports local businesses? Contact Casey or visit the OlyFed website.
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