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

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...

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...

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...

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...
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...
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...
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....
Thurston County Olympia Scenic sunset

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...

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...
Tony Taylor seated outside

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...
Heidi McCutcheon headshot

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...
HOTBABE-HOTSAUCE owners Sandra Bocas and Fiona Douglas-Hamilton headshot

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...
Lynette McCarty at the Thurston EDC Hootenanny

Thurston Economic Development Council Celebrates with Upcoming Second Annual Hootenanny Event

The Thurston Economic Development Council's second annual Hootenanny will once again feature food, drink, music, and fun! This year, Southbay Dickerson’s BBQ will be...
The team at The W Marketplace standing in front of a large glass greenhouse

Support Upcoming and Established Olympia Businesses at the First WCWB Quick Start-Up Pop Up

With ever-changing technology and shifts in the digital age, many small businesses are looking for ways to break into online sales and service. E-commerce...
Shina Wysocki and her brother Kyle Lentz on a boat in the South Sound

Chelsea Farms Owner and Farm Director Shina Wysocki Finds Fulfillment in Community as Thurston...

The Pacific Northwest is known for many things, from sweet cherries to prime seafood. One of the most popular niche markets in this region...
David Burnett, Thurston Economic Development Council board member headshot

Thurston Economic Development Council Board Member Dave Burnett Shares Joys of Making a Difference...

The Thurston Economic Development Council Board of Directors is full of wonderful people dedicated to supporting our local economy. Chehalis Tribe CEO Dave Burnett...
Kate Isler and Susan Gates, founders of TheWMarketplace headshot

Get Inspired at the 6th Annual Washington Center for Women in Business INSPIRE Virtual...

In our modern age, many women are setting out on their own entrepreneurial journey and starting businesses from the ground up. The Washington Center...
Olympia waterfront

Tickets Now Available for INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference

Submitted by Washington Center for Women in Business Registration is now open for the 6th annual Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) INSPIRE Virtual...
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Thurston Economic Development Council: Build Connections and Explore Opportunities in the Government Marketplace at...

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is known for providing quality events that connect businesses with opportunities for business and community growth. Their next...
Mount Rainier

The City of Lacey offers Business Startup Training through the Center for Business &...

Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council The City of Lacey in partnership with the Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation is offering...
Thurston Economic Development Council business training

Take Your Business to the Next Level with Thurston Economic Development Council’s ScaleUp Business...

Is your business running you? Or are you running your business? ScaleUp Business Training has solutions to help your business find greater success and...
Olympia Downtown-Holidays-Nutcracker-Scene

Thurston Economic Development Councils Wants Shoppers To Get In the Spirit of the Season...

The holiday season is upon us, which means many exciting seasonal events are happening in our community. The Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA) is proud...