washington business
“Staying competitively priced when
you’re distributing around the country
can be a challenge. If the cost of
doing business increases, it
affects our ability to grow and
create jobs.”
Jean Thompson, CEO & Owner
Seattle Chocolates
Sweet, creamy ascent.
In early 2015, Seattle Chocolates CEO Jean Thompson ascended 19,341-foot
Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Successfully
reaching the top required following the slow, deliberate steps of experienced
trail guides during the six-day journey. It’s not the first time Jean experienced
a steep, difficult climb.
When the Nisqually earthquake hit in 2001, Seattle Chocolates was one
of two buildings in Seattle leveled by the destructive quake. Jean and her
ownership team regrouped, and today they are they are on a well-earned
ascent to total chocolate domination.
But competition is stiff. “We are situated in the upper north left corner of the
country,” notes Jean. “Staying competitively priced when you’re distributing
around the country can be a challenge. If the cost of doing business
increases, it affects our ability to grow and create jobs.”
To learn more about Seattle Chocolates and how
business costs affect employers’ ability to expand
and share prosperity, visit AWB.org/GrowHere.
PO Box 658, Olympia, WA 98507-0658
•
800.521.9325
•
www.AWB.org
#GrowHere
summer 2015 27