The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) celebrated regional entrepreneurship, leadership and ingenuity during the Thurston EDC Business Awards on June 24, 2026. Summer was in the air as local business owners, elected officials and community members gathered at Hangar 51 Event Center, with a panoramic view of the busy runways and helicopter pad at Olympia Regional Airport. While attendees mingled and enjoyed refreshments, Thurston EDC Executive Director Michael Cade, and Board President Malcolm Miller, arrived in style through a helicopter landing just outside of Hangar 51.
Annual Thurston EDC Business Awards Showcase Our Stories
Established in the early 1980s, the Thurston EDC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to multifaceted support of local businesses and a thriving Thurston economy. Programming from the Thurston EDC ranges from the ScaleUp training series, to public-private-nonprofit partnerships like the Agriculture Innovation Park in Tenino. And for entrepreneurs looking to jumpstart or grow their business in Thurston County, the Thurston EDC Center for Business & Innovation is equipped with more than a dozen resources at low or zero cost. This can range from perfecting a business plan, to help with market research.
The annual Thurston EDC Business Awards help to showcase the stories that make up Thurston County’s diverse and one-of-a-kind economy. Community members are invited to nominate businesses in the community, and award recipients are chosen by a selection committee that may include Thurston EDC board members, Center for Business & Innovation board members, staff members and past Business Award recipients.
Thurston EDC Business Award Winners Reflect on their Journey and Local Economy
This year’s New Business of the Year was awarded to Colvin Ranch Provisions. Colvin Ranch Provisions serves as a physical storefront for Colvin Ranch, a fifth-generation cattle ranch based in Tenino, which incorporates humane care of livestock and environmental protection into operations. Housed in the Agriculture Innovation Park, Colvin Ranch Provisions also features foods from farms and ranches across Southwest Washington.
“We put a lot of our heart and soul into this project,” says Jennifer Colvin, owner of Colvin Ranch Provisions. “And it really means a lot personally to me to be able to highlight our other farmers and ranchers and create an opportunity for people to come and connect with them and know where their food is coming from.”
Large Business of the Year was presented to Cardinal Glass Industries. A pioneer in glass for household windows and doors, Cardinal Glass Industries’ coated glass plant in Tumwater serves as a significant regional employer. According to Joe Underwood, plant manager for Cardinal Glass Industries Tumwater, the Thurston EDC has been a longtime supporter of the Cardinal Glass plant in Tumwater, helping to facilitate regional growth and community connection.
“Being recognized as one of the leading large businesses in Thurston County has reinforced how proud I am of our employees, business partners, and community relationships that have contributed to our success,” says Underwood.
Small Business of the Year was awarded to MediaRoom, a video production company that helps to showcase the unique missions of local businesses, governments and non-profit organizations. To help expand their scope, Media Room has utilized multiple programs from the Thurston EDC, including the ScaleUp training series.
Media Room also participated in the Washington APEX Accelerator program available through the Thurston EDC. This program advises businesses that are interested in becoming local, state and federal government contractors. Misael Martínez Melo, principal, filmmaker and producer for Media Room, found that the Washington APEX Accelerator helped Media Room to adopt the proper business structure and insurance to work with governmental agencies.
“Owning a small business means wearing a lot of hats and figuring things out as you go,” says Martínez Melo. “There are challenges behind every success, so being recognized with this award means a lot. One thing I’ve learned is that you have to keep an open mind and never stop learning, there’s always a better way to do something, and every project teaches you something new. This award reminds us that all the hard work, late nights, and commitment to our community have been worth it.”
Nonprofit Organization of the Year went to Earthbound Productions, which brings thousands of people to Olympia’s downtown each year through the Procession of the Species and Luminary Procession. According to Eli Sterling, director of Earthbound Productions, the Procession of the Species combines creativity, community and environmentalism, while also promoting local economic development. Each year, the Procession of the Species takes place during the weekend of Spring Arts Walk in Olympia, where attendees are able to visit downtown businesses and enjoy the surrounding festivities.
The Thurston EDC also presented a Legacy Business Award to Gary’s Bulldozing, which has been a part of developing Thurston County for the past five decades.
“I really appreciated the recognition. It was truly an honor,” says Gary Kittelman. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my wife, my family, our employees, and our customers. They’ve all played an important part in my success. I never really thought about what I was building as a legacy, but looking back, I can see that it is. And my life is better because of it.”
The Thurston EDC Business Awards are an opportunity to recognize the businesses, organizations and individuals whose work strengthens Thurston County’s economy and quality of life. Through programs, partnerships and events like the Business Awards, celebrating the people helping shape the region’s future. To learn more about Thurston EDC Business Awards and the resources available to local businesses, visit the Thurston EDC website.
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