MARCH 2019
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Meet Sam Gibboney Get to know the new Executive Director at the Port of Olympia
Fiddlehead Marina The Story of Bob & Joan Wubbena’s “Iowa Farm” B U I L D I N G C O MMU N I T Y PROSPE RI T Y F OR OVER 140 YEA RS
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PUBLISHER
Good Stewardship of Olympia's Waterfront
Chamber of Commerce
A Chamber Legacy of 100 Years... and Counting.
EDITORIAL
By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO
Thurston County
Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
O
ne of our community’s most valued
One could argue that this vision from nearly 30
assets is our urban waterfront. It sets
years ago has come to fruition. The waterfront
us apart from other cities, and as
has amenities that the public utilizes including
Bob Wubbena said in the Fiddlehead Marina
access to almost two-thirds of the water.
story, on page 19, Olympia’s waterfront has
Olympia’s waterfront infrastructure supports
“A peacefulness that you can’t find anywhere
both private boating and the marine industry.
Michele M. Horaney
else, and it is critical to our quality of life.
Its features include hospitality, and public
Heather Harris
The water connects us with the rest of the
gathering places, a deep-water terminal that
world, it is an escape and it has an aliveness
connects us to the world of trade, open spaces
that we all crave.”
and both private and public marinas and a
David Schaffert Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst
Dinea Norrell
ADVERTISING
yacht club.
Sales and Marketing: Krystal Barkus Blake Knoblauch
As an organization, the Chamber recognizes the importance of Olympia’s waterfront and
The urban waterfront has continued to evolve
Phone: (360) 357-3362
has paid close attention to its preservation
but we must remain attentive to potential
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
and vitality for over 100 years.
impacts to the downtown waterfront and
Marny Bright
SUBSCRIPTIONS
all its amenities including sea level rise and Early on, the connection to water meant
sediment management. Land leases with the
commerce and economic opportunity. Over
Department of Natural Resources, regulatory
the decades, the community has worked to
impediments for property investment, costly
DESIGN
develop a waterfront that benefits all. In
environmental migration and international
Mosaic Marketing Studio
1992, the Chamber outlined its vision for
trade and shipping trends all play a role in
the community’s urban waterfront, stating,
shaping the future of the urban waterfront.
Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
COVER ART Sam Gibboney, photo by Dinea DePhoto
PRINTING Print NW
“We envision an economically vital urban waterfront which balances our community’s
I ask you to join the Chamber in supporting
need for both economic diversity and public
a vibrant urban waterfront, one that serves
utilization while allowing for the enjoyment
commerce and industry and that is accessible
of its natural resources and amenities.”
for all to enjoy.
CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS
COPYRIGHT
DIAMOND INVESTORS:
All material appearing in the
America's Credit Union - Lacey Capital Medical Center FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Port of Olympia Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank
VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.
PLATINUM INVESTORS Caliber Home Loans
Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital Puget Sound Energy South Puget Sound Community College
GOLD INVESTORS American Workforce Group C.P.C. Landscape, LLC Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College
Community Youth Services Creative Office Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. GHB Insurance, Inc. Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management, Inc. Hooper Financial Services Loanstar Home Lending Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Radia, Inc., PS SCJ Alliance The Rants Group Venables Pest Management
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March 2019
CONTENT & CALENDAR
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.
Morning Mixxer at Prime Lending Please join our host, Brandi Heinemeyer of Prime Lending, on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Prime Lending will provide breakfast treats from Wagner's Bakery, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar, and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend.
In This Issue...
7
Meet the Port of Olympia's New Executive Director
Where: Prime Lending, 606 Columbia St. NW, Ste. 106, Olympia, WA 98501
Sam Gibboney takes the helm at the Port of Olympia.
Thurston Young Professionals After Hours
12
Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Indian Summer Golf & County Club. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-35 year olds) and expand your network. Where: Indian Summer Golf & Country Club, 5900 Troon Ln. SE, Olympia 98501
Forum: Best of South Sound Awards Ceremony The Thurston Chamber and The Olympian are proud to co-host the seventh annual Best of the South Sound Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 13 at 12:00 p.m. Immediately preceding the Awards Ceremony is the Best of the South Sound EXPO, where attendees can speak with the top three nominees in each category in a tradeshow-style format. Visit thurstonchamber.com for tickets and information. When: The EXPO is at 10:30 a.m. The Awards Ceremony is at 12:00 p.m. Where: Little Creek Casino, 91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584. What: Forum includes lunch and is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, $30 for members at the door. Finalists are able to register for $25 online through March 7. Advanced registration is encouraged.
BAH at Jensen Milner | Cap City Law, PS Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Jensen Milner | Cap City Law. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. This is a great chance to learn about a local organization and expand your network. Where: 2604 12th Ct SW B, Olympia, WA 98502.
Shared Legislative Agenda The Shared Legislative Partnership highlights the priorities it's advocating for in Thurston County in 2019.
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Best of South Sound Awards Ceremony The Olympian and the Thurston Chamber co-host the 'Best of the South Sound' awards ceremony.
17 Fiddlehead Marina Bob and Joan Wubbena & their legacy at Fiddlehead Marina.
21 The Future of Work Public-private partnerships help to upskill the workforce in Thurston County.
Thank You Sponsors! thurstonchamber.com
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Sam Gibboney at the Port of Olympia oversees 1,600 dairy cows boarding a vessel bound for Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the Port of Olympia.
Meet the Port of Olympia's New Executive Director Sam Gibboney takes the helm at Port of Olympia, directing what she calls an 'important and crucial engine' for economic development in Thurston County. By Michele M. Horaney
S
now was falling heavily under the dark
And Sam Gibboney was there. Snug in a Port parka,
gray skies over the Port of Olympia. Traffic
wearing heavy gloves, sturdy boots and a helmet,
through the city was light. And hundreds of
she walked through the ship with the crew and checked
thousands of area residents had taken shelter to
paddocks and supplies as the fifth such shipment of
wait out the storm. It was Monday, February 11, and
cows since 2015 was being prepared.
while the rest of the region was shut down, more than 1600 dairy cows were being prepped to board
It was admittedly far from “just another day� for
the ship Devon Express for a three week-long voyage
the new director of the Port of Olympia, who started on
to Vietnam.
January 18.
thurstonchamber.com
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The Port also is involved in the
Her early career took her to
development of light industry
Alaska as a civilian employee
property in Lacey and several
of the military and then to
acres in Tumwater.
Washington State. As her work evolved, she applied her skills in
The Port of Olympia currently
engineering and her passion for
provides 5000 jobs, $300 million
the environment to water, water
in direct business revenue and
quality and the shoreline and
generates an indirect economic
nearshore. She understands that the
benefit of $20 million in local
Thurston County community places
tax revenue.
a high value on environmental stewardship and she is excited to
“Ports are important – crucial
be joining the team at the Port,
- economic engines, with more
in order to lead these efforts.
than maritime activity,” Gibboney said. “Ports today have a specific
Gibboney will be instrumental in
economic development mission, as
moving the Port to deliver positive
authorized by state law. We look
results for the community. She is
for new and innovative ways to
especially keen on the development
“But,” said Gibboney, “this kind of
partner with cities and government
of the Vision 2050 plan, which
operation so perfectly illustrates
agencies to provide a platform for
is now underway and will be
how diverse the Port and its work
business growth and job creation,
advancing to the Port’s commission
really is. We ship plenty of lumber
while sustaining a resilient, vibrant
this summer.
out of the Port. Everyone sees that.
and connected community.”
Sam Gibboney getting a view of the Port from a crane.
But there’s so much more to the
“I’m grateful to be taking the helm
Port that makes it what Washington
Gibboney most recently was
with this plan already underway.
Public Ports Association Executive
executive director of the Port of
It will provide the data we need
Director, Eric Johnson, likes to call
Port Townsend where she managed
to shape the trajectory for the
‘the platypus of local government.’
an 18-acre ship yard, three marinas,
next 30 years,” she said.
It is a diversified and flexible
a general aviation airport and a
operation that can stretch and
campus of historic buildings.
The plan is collecting information
work in so many ways.”
and input from a wide spectrum She earned a degree in civil
of stakeholders, including public
Gibboney directs and oversees
engineering, a natural outgrowth
officials, agency directors, leaders
multiple business units and
of her facility with math and her
of traditional public institutions,
departments, enterprises and
“fascination with how things
representatives of three Native
facilities under the Port mantle,
worked and a love of building
American tribes and local
which has a $12 million annual
things” as a child growing up on
residents.
operating budget. They include
a farm in Ohio. She also holds a
the historic and picturesque Port,
master of public administration
“We want to reflect and pay
the Marine Terminal Seaport,
degree from the University of
attention to the values of the
Swantown Marina and Boatworks
Washington-Evans School of
community and use the current
and the Olympia Regional Airport.
Public Affairs.
assets as a springboard to
thurstonchamber.com
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opportunities for growth,”
to enjoy all that Thurston County
Gibboney said.
offers and her family. Her husband, Lowell Jons, is a teacher and her
Gibboney is spending time meeting
son, Rowan Jons, is a student at
leaders in the Thurston County
Walla Walla Community College in
community and beginning to build
the wind energy program.
relationships. She also is meeting with Port staff and believes the Port
For more information about
is and will be “a place of continual
the Port of Olympia, visit
learning and rigorous analytics.”
www.portolympia.com.
There are long days and much to
For more information about
learn and share at this point. But
the Port's Vision 2050, visit
Gibboney makes sure there is time
www.portolympia2050.org
Michele M. Horaney is a communications consultant, writer and editor in Olympia.
“I’m grateful to taking the helm with this plan already underway. It will provide the data we need to shape the trajectory for the next 30 years,” Gibboney said, in reference to the Port of Olympia's Vision 2050 plan.
Port of Olympia At A Glance Business Revenue: $300 million annual business revenues and economic activity. Jobs Created: 5,000 family-wage jobs and $100 million in wages (including direct Port activity as well as Port vendors, clients and leaseholders). Tax Revenue Generated: $20 million for local municipalities. Taxes Collected: Just over $6 million in annual property tax levy, larger percentage of those funds allocated to environmental clean-up, bond repayment or other public benefit. Cost to Taxpayers: Approximately $55-60 per year for the owner of a median-priced home ($310,000) in Thurston County. Real Estate - 2018: Number of Land Leases: 106 Average # of Acres Leased: 320 Space Occupied (Port-owned warehouse space): Approx. 70,000 square feet of office and warehouse space leased. Olympia Regional Airport - 2018: Airport Operations (Landings/Takeoffs): 54,108 Swantown Boatworks - 2018: Round Trip Haul/Launches: 434 One Way Hauls: 181 Total Hauls in 2018: 615 Swantown Marina - 2018: Guest moorage night stays: Approx. 2,500 Marine Terminal: 2017: 28 2018: 26 Credit: The Port of Olympia, including the Vision 2050 Plan at www.portolympia2050.org
thurstonchamber.com
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SHARED LEGISLATIVE PARTNERSHIP
In February, Michael Cade, Thurston Economic Development Council, Sam Gibboney, Port of Olympia, Steve Hall, City of Olympia, Doug Mah, Thurston County Chamber and David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber – members of the Shared Legislative Partnership – meet with a member of the Thurston legislative delegation, representative Drew MacEwen.
Legislative Priorities include Veterans, First Responders and Agriculture The Shared Legislative Partnership (SLP) advocates on common interests to maintain the region’s economic vitality and generate opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Thurston County Region. By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division Director
The greater Thurston County
structure that was first built in 1984
lacks adequate space and technology to
Shared Legislative Partnership is
and has not been updated since its
train officers in contemporary policing
advancing three capital budget
original construction. Renovation
practices. Those that exist are outdated,
projects for the 2019 legislative
and overhaul of the building’s
poorly located and not designed to meet
session. Community leaders are
exterior, as well the incorporation
current needs. The costs and training
working with members of the
of green building principles, is
experience will be shared and officers
needed to enhance the Hub’s
from multiple jurisdiction will receive
operational efficiencies. A state
the same and consistent high-quality
investment of $2 million will
training that agencies could not achieve
provide the necessary support to
on their own. Olympia will provide in-
sustain this key regional asset.
kind contributions of $500,000 in land,
Thurston legislative delegation to advocate and seek support for these projects that are unique to the Thurston region.
The Veterans Services Hub in Lacey is a service delivery
utilities and fencing. Lacey, Tumwater
model utilizing 51 veteran-centric
A First Responder Regional Training Center will create more
organizations to help Thurston County
effective and comprehensive police
million will help provide enforcement
region’s 32,000 veterans. The Hub
training required by the passage of
a more cost-effective and efficient
operates out of an 8,624-square-foot
Initiative 940. The Thurston region
approach to training needed.
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
and Olympia will contribute $1 million to the project. A state investment of $4
thurstonchamber.com
MEMBER PROFILE
The Southwest Washington Regional Agricultural and Innovation Park will concentrate
County Economic Development Council, South Puget Sound Community College and the Thurston
multiple technical service providers
County Chamber of Commerce, will
to serve rural and agriculture – based
continue to work with the delegation
businesses throughout the region in
during the 2019 legislative session
a single location. The park will focus
these projects of regional significance.
exclusively on value added foodrelated manufacturing, will help
To find out how you can assist
create over 150 jobs and increase the
with this effort, please contact
vitality of food and farm businesses.
Doug Mah, with the Chamber’s
USDA Rural Development, Thurston
Public Policy Division at
Economic Development Council,
Doug@DougMahAssociates.com.
Port of Olympia City of Tenino and a previous investment from the state have launched the project. A state investment of $1.9 million will fund site development and construction of the first building to meet the production and distribution needs of the park’s first tenants.
What’s next? The Shared Legislative Partnership, established by the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston
Thurston Chamber President/CEO, David Schaffert speaks at February meeting with the Thurston delegation.
thurstonchamber.com
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The Olympian & The Thurston Chamber to Host 'Best of South Sound' Awards & EXPO The Thurston County Chamber and The Olympian are pleased to co-host the seventh annual 'Best of South Sound' Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony will take place at the Chamber’s Forum on March 13, preceded by the Best of South Sound EXPO – featuring a tradeshow-style introduction to the top three nominees from each category. For the past decade, the Olympian has recognized Thurston County businesses with the coveted Best of South Sound award. Readers vote online for their favorite business in over 80 categories, including favorites such as Best Bank, Best Real Estate Agent, Best Dentist and of course, Best Barista. Immediately preceding the awards ceremony, the Chamber will host the 'Best of South Sound' EXPO – beginning at 10:30 a.m. The EXPO begins at 10:30 a.m. and is a tradeshow-style format featuring the top three nominees from each category. This is an incredible opportunity to get to know these businesses. Forum includes lunch and the cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members and $30 for members at the door. We expect over 500 people at Best of South Sound, so reservations are strongly encouraged. What: Best of South Sound Awards Ceremony & EXPO When: Wednesday, March 13. EXPO begins at 10:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. Where: Little Creek Casino, 91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584. Call (360) 357-3362 or visit thurstonchamber.com for tickets and additional information. Thank you to our sponsor, TwinStar Credit Union.
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Joan and Bob Wubbena have owned Olympia's Fiddlehead Marina for almost 40 years. Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.
Fiddlehead Marina: "Our Iowa Farm"
The story of Bob & Joan Wubbena's waterfront legacy.
Written by Natasha Ashenhurst | Photography by Heather Harris
F
iddlehead Marina, nestled in a protected cove along Olympia's boardwalk, paints a pretty picture of sailboat masts framed by the Olympic mountain range, especially on blue-sky days. I t wasn’t so picturesque when Bob and Joan Wubbena and three partners purchased the marina almost 40
years ago. In 1981, oil barges used the marina as an unloading dock for the “tank farm” across the road. The docks were really just floating logs, and electrical wires were hanging everywhere, according to Joan. Fiddlehead’s office was a tin shack with a potbelly
who wanted lively conversation and good company.
stove locals would gather around most mornings—
When West Bay Marina floated away during a severe
the coffee always on and a man named Rocky
storm later that same year, Fiddlehead quickly filled
Holmes—a Pearl Harbor survivor fondly referred to
up with boats that needed a new place to moor. Its
as “Harbor Master”—would hold court for anyone
78-slips have been full ever since.
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in Environmental Engineering
family—including grown children—
from the University of Iowa and
can all work on together.
job offers from New York, Michigan and Washington State arrived soon
“The waterfront has a calming
after. After a rainy three-day visit to
effect. I love to go down on
Washington, they decided to move
Saturdays just to be near the water.
to Olympia, though the original plan
That’s why I call it my Iowa Farm.
was to try it for three years, then go
A peacefulness exists here that you
on a new adventure. They never left.
can’t find anywhere else,” said Bob. Neither Bob nor Joan do a lot of
Bob worked for the State for
boating, in fact, their current boat is
nine years and then opened his
a $400 Costco paddleboat, but they
consulting firm. The Wubbena’s
love the water.
bought into the Marina as an investment and income stream
Bob and Joan have seen dramatic
for their family. They refer to
changes during their tenure on
Fiddlehead as their “Iowa Farm”
Olympia’s waterfront—and are
because it is a hobby business
pleased to see its transformation
and something their entire
from an industrial park to a vibrant,
Over the next five years, the owners updated the docks, dredged the marina and took out the launch ramp because they were not able to compete with the new ramp Swantown Marina installed. When the City began constructing the wooden boardwalk, Bob and Joan joined a group that developed what is now Percival Plaza. Fiddlehead was able to move out of the shack and into modern new headquarters that was home to Bob’s environmental engineering business and over time became an incubator space for new businesses springing up along the waterfront. In 1991, Bob and Joan bought out their partners to become Fiddlehead’s sole owners. Bob and Joan both grew up in Iowa. In 1968, Bob received his Master’s
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thurstonchamber.com
peaceful place for boating, dining
Waterfront that brought Bob and
here that you can’t find anywhere
and walking.
Joan from Iowa almost 40 years ago.
else and it is critical to our quality
Joan said, “When the weather turns
of life. The water connects us with
They believe that to preserve
in the spring, we begin to see a
the rest of the world, it is an escape,
Olympia’s working waterfront, the
steady stream of people walking the
and it has an aliveness that we all
community will need to make some
boardwalk. A peacefulness exists
crave.”
hard decisions about the best way to protect it. They are prepared for sea level rise and can work with the impacts that the homelessness issue has had on the Marina, but they are concerned about Capitol Lake, said both Joan and Bob. “We are members of CLIPA, the Capitol Lake Improvement and Protection Association. Capitol Lake is a sentiment trap. To keep Fiddlehead viable, we have to keep sentiment managed. Without Capitol Lake, we will lose the entire boating waterfront,” said Bob.
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
wabizbank.com thurstonchamber.com
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
A craftswoman grinding timbers with a drill press. © Volodymyr Melnyk | Dreamstime.com
The Future of Work
T
he Thurston County Chamber is currently accepting
Employers must agree to cost-sharing requirements based on
applications for the Future of Work Employee
the size of their workforce, and contributions can be in-kind
Development Program on behalf of the Pacific
with the employer paying employees their wages to attend
Mountain Workforce Development Council. They have set aside $100,000 for their five-county region (Thurston, Lewis,
the training. •
Mason, Grays Harbor and Pacific) to foster public-private partnerships to upskill our workforce.
with 50 or fewer employees •
move into higher skilled and higher wage jobs in the company. We do encourage organizations to partner in order to create
25% cost sharing for a company with 51-100 employees
Employers can apply for up to $15,000 per year to upskill their staff, helping them acquire new skills that help them
10% cost sharing for a company
•
50% cost sharing for a company with more than 100 employees
For more information, visit thurstonchamber.com/ workforce/the-future-of-work/
a larger training group, if possible, which may provide
To hear a podcast about the Future of Work, visit:
greater regional impact and lower the cost of training.
thurstonchamber.com/workforce/talent-magnet/
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Caught in the Lens...
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber/
thurstonchamber.com
YOUTH & EDUCATION
Math for Life: Adding Up Student Engagement The Chamber’s “Math for Life” is expected to engage over 1,000 Thurston County students. Olympia, Wash. – To celebrate Math Awareness Month
to promote the importance of math in business and
in April, the Thurston County Chamber invites students in
everyday life”, said David Schaffert President/CEO of
the Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm, Griffin, and North Thurston
the Chamber. “We need more businesses to assist us
school districts, as well as Olympia Christian Academy and
in this endeavor. There are several way you can help!
Temple Baptist Academy, to participate in the 9th annual
We’re looking for Math for Life locations and Math for
"Math Scavenger Hunt" for a chance to win prizes.
Life sponsors. Give us a call if you can help,” he said.
Participating students visit local Chamber member
Nearly 60 businesses participated in Math for Life
businesses and learn how they use math in their
last year and over 1,000 students. The event runs from
workplace. Students are asked a series of math questions
March 23 through April 7. Students who participate
by the business and after students visit five businesses
have an opportunity to win great prizes.
they qualify to win prizes. For more information on the event and to register, “This is a great partnership between the Chamber,
visit thurstonchamber.com & click on 'Math for Life'
Chamber member businesses and the school districts,
or call 360.357.3362.
thurstonchamber.com
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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427