August 2020: 15 Minute Forum | Marketing During COVID-19

For the inaugural 15 Minute Forum, local business owner Eddie Nelson [The Olympia Furniture Company] and marketing expert Jeff Bowe [Experience Olympia] joined us to share some tips and tricks for getting the word out about your business during COVID-19.

15 Minute Forums are casual conversations that will give you the opportunity to hear directly from your fellow West Olympians about their strategies, what has gone well, and what has not. In support of our local businesses during this time, we have included a recording below.

August 2020 15 Minute Forum | Marketing During COVID-19

June 2020 Association Meeting | COVID-19: Local Resources for Our Community

Mike Reid, Economic Development Director from the City of Olympia, joined us on June 18th to discuss local resources available to local businesses. Mike spoke about Simplified Sidewalks, Thurston Strong, Free PPE, and the efforts of the city to help businesses cope with the impacts of the pandemic.

In support of our business community during these unprecedented times, we have included the recording of the presentation below.

June 2020 Association Meeting | COVID-19: Local Resources for Our Community

Additional Resources:
Thurston Strong PPE Resources
City of Olympia Simplified Sidewalks
City of Olympia Waste Assessments

City of Olympia updates sidewalk use policies for businesses during COVID-19

City sidewalk use for vending and restaurant dining has been simplified

The City of Olympia wants to make operating your business during the COVID19 Pandemic as user-friendly as possible. In an effort to do so, they have updated their internal procedures for sidewalk vending and worked with their partners at the LCB to remove barriers.

Outdoor Liquor Sales

  • A new LCB approved program for outdoor sidewalk cafe alcohol service
  • No railing or City permit fees required
  • Olympia staff will come to you to assist in setting up for LCB and City compliance

*LCB approval is restricted to businesses that hold a “Restaurant Liquor License”

Retail establishments with Interior Sales and Curbside Pickup

The City is here to help enhance outdoor street vending opportunities with:

  • Streamlined sidewalk vending requirements
  • Outdoor sidewalk striping for safety protocols
  • Dedicated curbside pickup parking stalls

Contact the City of Olympia for more information

email: mrentfro@ci.olympia.wa.us or text: 360-480-0362