Sumner, Washington, is a delightful blend of small-town charm and modern convenience that welcomes residents with open arms. Known for its stunning views of Mount Rainier, Sumner offers a picturesque backdrop to everyday life. Its vibrant
downtown exudes warmth and community spirit, inviting you to stroll through quaint shops and savor the local dining scene.
What truly sets Sumner apart is its dedication to community connections. From regular farmers' markets showcasing the bounty of local produce to lively festivals that fill the streets with music and laughter, Sumner is a town that celebrates its heritage and its people.
Education and family life thrive here,
Discover the Charm of Living in Sumner,
Hello Sumner, Washington • Winter Issue |5
thanks to top-notch schools and parks that offer endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The city’s focus on walkability and green spaces means there’s always a spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Conveniently situated with easy access to major highways and railways, Sumner is a commuter's paradise. Yet, it retains the peaceful tempo that comes with living away from the hustle
and bustle of larger metropolitan areas—you truly get the best of both worlds.
Living in Sumner isn’t just about finding a place to reside; it's about becoming part of a close-knit family with a beautiful natural backdrop.
Discover the Charm of Living in Sumner,
Discover the Charm of Living in Sumner, Washington
Sumner, Washington, is a delightful blend of small-town charm and modern convenience that welcomes residents with open arms. Known for its stunning views of Mount Rainier, Sumner offers a picturesque backdrop to everyday life. Its vibrant downtown exudes warmth and community spirit, inviting you to stroll through quaint shops and savor the local dining scene.
What truly sets Sumner apart is its dedication to community connections. From regular farmers' markets showcasing the bounty of local produce to lively festivals that fill the streets with music and laughter, Sumner is a town that celebrates its heritage and its people.
Education and family life thrive here, thanks to top-notch schools and parks that offer endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The city’s focus on walkability and green spaces means there’s always a spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Conveniently situated with easy access to major highways and railways, Sumner is a commuter's paradise. Yet, it retains the peaceful tempo that comes with living away from the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas—you truly get the best of both worlds.
Living in Sumner isn’t just about finding a place to reside; it's about becoming part of a close-knit family with a beautiful natural backdrop.
Beyond Pay: The Role of Purpose and Belonging in Employee Retention
Competitive pay may bring employees through the door, but purpose and belonging are what keep them. In today’s labor market, especially in industries like automotive retail and service, workers are looking for more than financial incentives; they’re looking for meaning.Purpose connects employees to
the mission behind the work. For a service technician, that might mean pride in solving real problems for real people. For a sales associate, it could be guiding someone through a major life purchase. When employees understand how their daily efforts make a difference, work becomes more than a task;
6 | HelloSumner, Washington • Winter Issue
Beyond Pay: The Role of Purpose and Belonging in Employee Retention
Competitive pay may bring employees through the door, but purpose and belonging are what keep them. In today’s labor market, especially in industries like automotive retail and service, workers are looking for more than financial incentives; they’re looking for meaning. Purpose connects employees to the mission behind the work. For a service technician, that might mean pride in solving real problems for real people. For a sales associate, it could be guiding someone through a major life purchase. When employees understand how their daily efforts make a difference, work becomes more than a task; it becomes a contribution. Belonging turns a workplace into a community where people are recognized, supported, and understood. This isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, consistent signals like celebrating milestones, checking in on personal goals, and creating space for open feedback. These practices build trust, which in turn reduces turnover and increases engagement. Dealerships that foster purpose and belonging don’t just keep employees; they empower them. And empowered employees serve customers better, represent the business more confidently, and often become advocates for the brand in the broader community. Retention is no longer just a strategy. It’s the result of a workplace culture that values who people are, not just what they produce.
Phil Mitchell
trust, which in turn reduces turnover and increases engagement.Dealerships that foster purpose and belonging don’t just keep employees; they empower them. And empowered employees serve customers better, represent the business more confidently, and often become advocates for the brand in the broader community.Retention is no longer just a strategy. It’s the result of a workplace culture that values who people are, not just what they produce.
it becomes a contribution.Belonging turns a workplace into a community where people are recognized, supported, and understood.This isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, consistent signals like celebrating milestones, checking in on personal goals, and creating space for open feedback. These practices build
Belonging turns a workplace into a community where people are recognized, supported, and understood.
About the Author
Phil Mitchell is the seventh and current owner of Sunset Auto Family in Sumner, Washington, where he has upheld the dealership's legacy of exceptional customer service and innovative offerings like the "Warranty Protection for Life." Under his leadership, Sunset Chevrolet has become a top-performing dealership with one of the highest customer satisfaction rankings in the country.
HelloSumner, Washington • Winter Issue |7
Washington
In the delightful town of Sumner, Washington, education isn't just a part of the community—it's at the heart of it. Known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, Sumner combines small-town charm with a progressive approach to learning, ensuring students are equipped with the skills they need for a bright future.
Sumner’s schools are renowned for their commitment to academic excellence and innovative teaching techniques. Take, for instance, the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, where educators dedicate themselves to nurturing the curiosity and potential of each student. Their comprehensive curriculum covers an array of subjects, fostering critical thinking and creativity across all grade levels.
The community actively participates in educational initiatives as well. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, students gain a broader perspective and valuable hands-on experience that extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Passionate parent-teacher associations further enrich the educational journey, supporting schools and students with enthusiasm and drive.
With a clear focus on inclusivity and forward-thinking, Sumner's educational landscape is truly remarkable. It provides a supportive e...
Educational Excellence Shines in Sumner,
8 | HelloSumner, Washington • Winter Issue
Educational Excellence Shines in Sumner, Washington
In the delightful town of Sumner, Washington, education isn't just a part of the community—it's at the heart of it. Known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, Sumner combines small-town charm with a progressive approach to learning, ensuring students are equipped with the skills they need for a bright future.
Sumner’s schools are renowned for their commitment to academic excellence and innovative teaching techniques. Take, for instance, the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, where educators dedicate themselves to nurturing the curiosity and potential of each student. Their comprehensive curriculum covers an array of subjects, fostering critical thinking and creativity across all grade levels.
The community actively participates in educational initiatives as well. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, students gain a broader perspective and valuable hands-on experience that extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Passionate parent-teacher associations further enrich the educational journey, supporting schools and students with enthusiasm and drive.
With a clear focus on inclusivity and forward-thinking, Sumner's educational landscape is truly remarkable. It provides a supportive environment where young minds can thrive, inspiring each learner to aspire and achieve. The future looks bright for Sumner’s students as they grow within this nurturing community.
