The goal of this event is to support local business owners by allowing them access to expert resources all in one place to quickly and easily explore options and have their questions answered. OlyFed wants to give back, helping the small businesses that support our local economy.

“We wanted to have events specific to the area that would bring together business professionals, experts, and organizations as a resource for small business owners,” says Ryan Betz, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Olympia Federal Savings.

This event is part of their new strategic plan for small bus

iness services which launched almost two years ago. Services include establishing retail banking accounts and small business loans for new equipment, expansions or purchasing real estate. Currently, two OlyFed employees work with small business customers – Carrie Whisler who focuses on business operations including loans and Ken Pekola who focuses on commercial real estate such as facility purchases.

While the century-old local bank contemplated a sit-down workshop or a lunch-and-learn meeting, they understand how busy small business owners are and how hard it is to attend a daytime event or one that requires several hours of time. “Ultimately, we wanted to create something that was beneficial and a good use of everyone’s time,” Betz explains. The Market Mixer is designed so that even the busiest business owners can fit it into their schedule and get the information they need. It’s also a fun and relaxed opportunity to meet ot

her small business owners who serve as a priceless resource.

“The true expertise and knowledge come from being able to network with other small business owners who have ‘feet-on-the-ground experience’ and can share what’s worked for them, where they have been challenged and what resources they have found useful,” says Betz. “For this reason, we wanted to create an event that encouraged mingling.”

The location for the event – 222 Market – is no accident. The artisanal market is home to new, local businesses, including Sofie’s Scoops where OlyFed recently held their first Cash Splash. “We wanted to support these businesses in some way and felt having our Market Mixer there was a great way to do it,” says Betz. “Small business owners can try food and drink from the different businesses inside 222 Market, meet their owners and talk to the experienced professionals we’ve invited.”

Professionals attending include:

• Darryl Murrow from the Economic Development Council will explain ScaleUP, an 8-12 week program to help businesses grow and expand operations responsibly.
• Representatives from SBA (Small Business Administration) Seattle will share what SBA loans looks like, the benefits they have for small businesses and steps you can take to secure them.
• The Olympia Downtown Association will talk about their Main Street Program (which OlyFed sponsors) and the benefits they see when businesses work and collaborate together.
• Carrie Whistler and Ken Pekola will be on-hand to answer questions about small business services and how they collaborate with these other community organizations to benefit their business customers.

Jason Andrew from OFS Financial Services*, located at OlyFed will be available to discuss wealth management and financial services. For small businesses, he can share information on secession planning, risk management and strategies for business owners to help protect their small business now and in the future.

*Securities and insurance products offered through Cetera Investment Services, LLC. Member FINRA/SPIC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisors, LLC. Neither Cetera Investment Services, nor Cetera Investment Advisors, are affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. Registered location: 8300 Quinault Dr. NE, Lacey, WA 98516; (360) 493-1800. Investments are: NOT FDIC INSURED, may lose value, not financial institution guaranteed, not a deposit and not insured by any federal government agency.

There will also be chances to win great prizes from the 222 Market merchants.

A Bank That Cares
Some people ask why banking local makes a difference and the reasons are many. Oly Fed’s dedicated employees are easy to reach and you can talk to a real person in a branch or on the phone. It’s true. No automated menus to navigate, just a local banker ready to help. But more than that, since the employees belong to the same community you do, they are invested in your success.

“It’s wonderful to be part of an organization that is so authentic in terms to being true to their mission and really caring about the community and the people who live here,” Ken Pekola, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager shares.

Local also means they have a good understanding of the economy, leaders and influencers and where to find resources vital to small business owners. “We don’t just want people to succeed financially with our help, we also want them to feel we truly care about them as a human being and not just a bottom line,” says Carrie Whisler, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager.

And, since the bank is locally owned and operated, every dollar invested in the bank is then reinvested by the bank into the local economy. Oly Fed does this through loans as well as through its dedication and support of non-profits in the area and community events.

At the end of the day, the employees at Oly Fed will feel like they have done their job if you can continue to do yours.

To RSVP for the upcoming Market Mixer, email marketing@olyfed.com or call 360-754-3400 ext. 1169. RSVP by March 6. For more information about Olympia Federal Savings small business services, visit their website, call the number above, or visit your local branch – they’d love to chat in person.