Olympia, Washington, April 21, 2008 — Catalyst Publishing Company announces the acquisition of Thurston Business Connections on April 8, 2008. Thurston Business Connections is a unique web-based resource that allows quick access and a centralized location to local business resources, networking, chambers, and community business events. In addition, the website will provide free information that can be quickly accessed through calendars, lists, directories, links, advertising, articles and more. The site will include participation of membership, professional and governmental organizations in addition to local businesses and resources. The initial launch will be focused on Thurston County, but will soon include other counties in the South Sound and beyond. The launch date is scheduled for May 5, 2008.

“I’m excited to have Ryan Rutledge work with Catalyst Publishing,” says Michele McGehee, President and Publisher of South Sound Woman and South Sound Lifestyles magazines. “Local Business Connections (formerly Thurston Business Connections) is a great fit for our mission to offer print and web-based information resources that connect and inspire our local communities.”

“Local Business Connections will become the number one, centralized web-based business information source for counties in the South Sound, “ says Ryan Rutledge, Project Director. “I’m excited to have Catalyst Publishing Company deliver this much needed and highly anticipated online resource to the Thurston business community.”

Initial community supporters include Washington Business Bank, Red Lion, Dale Carlson with Prime Locations, Jackson Insurance and Signs by Tomorrow and Nonprofit Solutions. "Washington Business Bank is pleased to sponsor Local Business Connections. We believe that this site will be the premier tool for business to business networking in Thurston County and keeping connected to what is happening in the local business community," says Jon Jones, President and CEO of Washington Business Bank.

The business community is invited to contact Ryan Rutledge ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Catalyst Publishing at 360-352-1230 to submit information, resources, request a media kit and learn more about available advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

About Catalyst Publishing Company Michele McGehee, President, has been in the publishing industry for over 20 years, working in the medical, government and business sectors. She started Catalyst Publishing Company 5 years ago to bring local communities and information together. Their projects include South Sound Woman and South Sound Lifestyles magazines, website development, user interface design, book publishing and design and consulting services. The staff is skilled and able to respond to the individual needs of their customers. From concept to finished product, their services are designed to chart a clear course to a quality release and reach target markets through print and web-based media. They focus on personal health and well-being, community building, directories, and networking within the evolving business community. To learn more about how Catalyst Publishing Company can help you or your business, call 360-352-1230 or visit www.catalystpublishing.com.

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