Lacey Chamber of Commerce honors businesses

Lacey: Hawks Prairie optometry office named best new company at annual awards luncheon

ROLF BOONE; The Olympian | • Published November 05, 2009

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LACEY - Rouse EyeCare Center was selected as the best new business of the year, one of a number of awards that were announced at a Lacey Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday.

Other businesses winning awards were Williams Group Marketing & Design, small business of the year; Obee Credit Union, medium-size business of the year, and Olympia Federal Savings, corporate business of the year.

The awards are handed out annually and about 40 businesses were nominated for the 2009 awards, said Jenny Thorsell, executive director of the Lacey Chamber. About 130 people attended the event, chamber staff said.

Dr. Craig Rouse said he opened his Hawks Prairie office about a year ago, consolidating two locations in Tacoma into one office in Lacey because he lives in the area.

Today, he works out of a 2,500-square-foot office with a five-person staff at 8160 Freedom Lane N.E., Lacey.

Rouse acknowledged that when he opened the business it got off to cold start because of the recession, but business since has improved, he said. Rouse has been an optometrist for the past 12 years and said his practice provides routine eye care but also treats and diagnoses patients with glaucoma and offers pre- and post-operative care for cataract surgery.

Rouse said every patient gets the same level of care whether they receive medical benefits through Medicare, Medicaid or a traditional health insurance plan.

“I’m pleasantly surprised by the award and hopefully we can become a medium-size winner,” Rouse said.

Also recognized Wednesday were individuals associated with the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.

• A president’s choice award went to Carlene Joseph of Harborstone Credit Union.

• Linda Jensen of Asset Care & Preservation Services was the volunteer of the year.

• Bonnie Vandver of Nutshell Write to the Point was the chamber ambassador of the year.

The new Lacey Chamber of Commerce president is Jeff Powell, co-owner of Prime Locations, a commercial real estate company in Lacey. Powell replaces Patrick Davidson, formerly of Versata Home Loans and now the Loan Network LLC.

Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403

rboone@theolympian.com