Economic Development Council

edc video contest — The Business & Innovation Celebration is an opportunity for local businesses to learn, network, and market themselves. Photo courtesy: Thurston Economic Development Council.

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) can attract new industries and businesses, retain existing employers and expand interest in doing business in Thurston County. Along with ensuring the economy remains vital, the EDC also prepares economic data and demographic information to educate people on the unique aspects of Thurston County.

In addition, the EDC provides a variety of business services to help entrepreneurs through all stages of business development.

A variety of community programs, such as energy rebates, are also managed by the EDC.

Thurston Economic Development Council
4220 – 6th Ave SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360-754-6320

Economic Development Council

Celebrating Inspiration and Hard Work During November’s Entrepreneurship Month

For many folks, November equals Thanksgiving. But it’s also a time to honor the tireless, hardworking, inspired and inspirational entrepreneurs around us with Entrepreneurship...

2024 Olympia Minimum Wage Analysis by Thurston Economic Development Council

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council As discussions around raising Olympia’s minimum wage expand, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) has released a comprehensive analysis...

Join the Capital STEM Alliance in Honoring National STEM/STEAM Day on November 8

National STEM/STEAM Day on November 8 was designed to encourage kids to think about careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. These industries...

four people pose for a photo in a grocery store, one is holding a box of produce

Building Abundant Communities with the Southwest Washington Food Hub

In Washington State, one in nine people – and one in six children – face hunger on a regular basis. Feeding America says that...

1934 'Butter Truck' with a person waving from the driver's seat

Thurston Economic Development Council Sees the Joy of Supporting Generational Businesses

As with any family, there are the relatives we’re born with and those we choose. Who doesn’t have an unofficially adopted (but much beloved)...

Saint Martin's University Old Main Building seen through flowering dogwoods

The Tremendous Benefit of Local Higher Education on Economic Development

When thinking about economic growth and development, we tend to focus on storefronts, restaurants and bustling destination spots that both draw in tourists and...

Large group of women sitting at round tables listening to a speaker

Attend the INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference Highlights Cultural Leadership, Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce on May...

The Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) is delighted to once again co-host the INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference on May 23, 2024, in...

Alliance Northwest is the Premier Business Event for Government and Businesses to Connect on...

The Pacific Northwest’s largest business event, the Alliance Northwest Government Contracting Conference, is ready to get underway on March 14, 2024, in Tacoma for...

Lacey MakerSpace Opens Big, Bright Expansion of Space and Equipment for Entrepreneurs, Creators, Innovators...

The first week of February isn’t typically the sunniest time of the winter, but this year it provided a bright light shining on Lacey...

a little girl plays with blocks on the floor

Thurston EDC Says Data Shows Early Childhood Programs Like the Future Bezos Academy in...

Did you know the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) champions early learning programs like the new North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) Bezos Academy in...

large group of people sitting at large round tables looking at a stage.

Excitement Builds as Popular Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo Returns December 7 at...

Excitement is growing as business and community leaders plan to gather once again to share insights into critical and emerging economic trends at the...

Johnson Berry Farm Continues to Bring Fresh Produce & Value-added Products to Thurston County...

The effects of the pandemic may seem like a distant memory for most of us, but for small business owners, it is still evident...

Thurston Economic Development Council’s George Sharp Inducted into Washington Festivals & Events Association Hall...

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) proudly announces that George Sharp, Rural Program Manager for Thurston EDC, has been...

The 15th Annual Real Estate Forum Returns to Offer Reflections and Projections in Thurston...

Real estate is one of the top indicators of the state of any given economy, so understanding how well our local real estate market...

Nancy Broach stands behind her table full of her art and jewelry and smiles for the camera

Shop Local and Support Women-Owned Businesses at the WCWB Pop-Up

Many women are embarking on the path of entrepreneurship, and Thurston County is no exception. Thanks to the amazing resources and support of the...

for people hold up plush bouncing ride on toys, two horses, a rooster and a unicorn

Get Your Yeehaw on at the 3rd Annual Hootenanny and Celebrate Economic Courage with...

As we continue to rise up out of the recent economic downturn, it is important to celebrate our wins and successes as a community....

white wood shelves made to look like a tree with glass plates on display, next to it a fern and other table tops with glass artwork and glass artwork hanging from the ceiling.

Thurston Economic Development Council Proudly Supports Growth of the Tenino Creative District

Art starts in our own backyard, and many of our rural communities are hidden gems for amazing local artists and pieces. In June of...

Thurston Economic Development Council’s Economic Courage Award Nominations Now Open

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is thrilled to announce the return of the Hootenanny for its third year!...

Extensive Expansion Underway at the Lacey MakerSpace Thanks to $1.5 Million Combined Funding from...

The Lacey MakerSpace provides an amazing space for local entrepreneurs, creators, and inventors to bring their ideas to life. They have been eager to...

Look Into the Economic Future of Thurston County with the Economic Vitality Index Led...

Understanding the impacts on the economy and its long-term effects can be quite complex. Luckily, organizations like the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) have...

a bag on its side with fruits and vegetables spilling out on a counter

SW Washington Food Hub Cooperative Offers Multi-Farm Produce Box Program

Submitted by Thurston County EDC Eating healthfully and locally may be one of the best, most achievable New Year’s resolutions to check the waistline, support...

Thurston Economic Development Council Releases the Thurston Economic Vitality Index: Conditions for Thurston County’s...

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and report sponsors Port of Olympia and South Puget Sound Community College are...

Thurston EDC Hosts Leadership Retreat

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and Center for Business Innovation Staff and its Board of Trustees convened on October...

Thurston Economic Development Council Board Member Tony Taylor Inspires Others to Find Their Voice...

Words are powerful, and we each have a unique voice and a story to tell. Tony Taylor, owner of Speak University and co-founder of...

Mayor Andy Ryder and wife Becci Ryder (center) show off the contents of their Farmshare. (L-R) Marilyn Sitaker, Tina Sharp, Casey McCrone, Stephen Bramwell (behind Becci and Andy), Jeni Shaefer, and interim City Manager Rick Walk.

New Wellness Program for City of Lacey Employees Features Locally Grown Produce

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council On November 9, the distance from dirt to desk got shorter as City of Lacey employees munched delicious locally-grown...

$1 Million in Grants Awarded to 10 Impactful New Small Businesses through the Target...

The pandemic brought a surge of uncertainty, but with that we saw a great deal of resiliency and comradery emerge as well. People banded...

digital design for 521 Capitol Way to create a mixed-used boutique hotel.

14th Annual Real Estate Forum to Showcase and Investigate Current Market Trends in Thurston...

The real estate market is an obvious indicator of economic growth, though it can be complex to understand and apply its impact to our...

Thurston Economic Development Council Names Heidi McCutcheon as Operations Director

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) has named Heidi McCutcheon as Operations Director. The Operations Director is a critical leadership...

Thurston Economic Development Council hootenanny 2022 winners

Thurston Economic Development Council Awards Economic Courage Medals at Hootenanny

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council On July 19, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) held an old-fashioned BBQ and Hootenanny! That’s right – delicious...

Taste the Heat of the Caribbean with Scovie Award Recipient and Local Women-Owned Business...

One of the greatest things about food in America is it encompasses cultural favorites from all around the world. Even here in the Pacific...

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