VOICE Magazine, February 2020

F E B R U A R Y

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Angela Jones Washington STEM CEO fights for inclusion and family-sustaining wages

2020 Shared Legislative Agenda • Craft Brewing District • Capitol Lake Management • Lacey Food Bank

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February 2020 THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

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 Kelley Imaging Systems Please join our host Kelley Imaging Systems on Tuesday, February 4 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Kelley Imaging Systems will provide breakfast treats, and our sponsor, L&E Bottling, will host the coffee bar and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend.

Where: 8300 28th Court NE, Suite 100, Lacey WA 98516

Chamber Forum: 2020 Education Summit & Expo On February 12, attendees of the Thurston Chamber’s Annual Education Summit and EXPO will learn how our community can help prepare students to enter the workforce with the skills necessary to access family-sustaining wages.

Angela Jones, J.D., is Chief Executive Officer at Washington STEM and will keynote the Summit. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 12 at 11:00 a.m. and includes a lunch buffet. The Expo will begin at 11:00 a.m. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members in advance; $30 for members, $35 for non-members at the door. When: Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. Program begins at 12:00 p.m. Where: Saint Martin's Norman Worthington Conference Center, Pavilion Way SE, Lacey, WA

Thurston Young Professionals at Hawks Prairie Casino Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Hawks Prairie Casino. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-39 year olds) and expand your network.

Where: 8318 Quinault Dr NE, Lacey, WA 98516

Business After Hours at Olympia Federal Savings Join the Thurston Chamber on Thursday, February 20, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Olympia Federal Savings. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. This is a great opportunity to learn about a local business and expand your network. Where: 4310 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503

In This Issue...

Reality Fair p. 7 Reality Fair teaches money management skills to students before they launch.

2020 Shared Legislative Agenda p. 10 • Craft Brewing District • Capitol Lake Management • Lacey Food Bank

Angela Jones p. 13 Washington STEM CEO fights for inclusion and family-sustaining wages.

Intercity Transit Moves to Zero Fare p. 17 Zero-fare gains national media attention.

Keeping an Eye on Seattle p. 19 Will the Seattle solution work in Thurston County?

Upcoming Chamber Foundation Events p. 20 Find Your Future and Math for Life need business support.

Caught in the Lens p. 22 A glimpse at Thurston Chamber events over the past month!

Thank You Sponsors!

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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst Doria Maselli

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Blake Knoblauch

SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART Angela Jones, courtesy of Washington STEM

PRINTING Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the 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. ©2020 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

Our Education Issue

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston Chamber

W

e’re excited to bring you several stories focusing on education in this issue of the VOICE Magazine. February is 'Careers in Technical Education Month' and also when we will hear from our featured speaker, Angela Jones, CEO of Washington STEM, at our Education Summit and EXPO. Angela Jones and Washington STEM are passionate about helping students access family-sustaining wages. Read more about Jones' mission on page 12, then register to attend Forum to engage directly on this topic.

To celebrate Math Awareness Month in April, the Thurston Chamber Foundation invites students to participate in the 10th annual "Math Scavenger Hunt" for a chance to win prizes. There are several ways you can help! We’re looking for Math for Life locations and Math for Life sponsors. Nearly 60 businesses and over 1,000 students participated in Math for Life last year.

The event runs from March 28 – April 12, 2020! Students who participate have an opportunity to win great prizes. Learn more at thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife.

We often hear people say, “Schools need to teach kids how to manage their money.”

Well, many schools are, thanks to partners such as WSECU. Read about Yelm Public Schools’ Reality Fair that will take place in February, and learn how you can get involved in this community event.

The Washington State Legislature is back in session, which means the Thurston Chamber is taking a leadership role in developing the Shared Legislative Agenda, created with community partners. Read more about this group’s effort on page 10. We develop this agenda with input from the business community. If you have any input on further agenda items, please email us at info@thurstonchamber.com.

Over 1,000 Thurston County 8th through 12th-grade students are planning to attend Find Your Future, the Chamber Foundation’s career exploration day on Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Tumwater High School. Thanks to the partnership with area school districts and support from various sponsors, there is no cost to attend. Learn more about Find Your Future on page 20.

Finally, congratulations are in order to Intercity Transit. They adopted a zerofare policy on January 1 and are receiving national attention for this bold move that, we believe, shows incredible leadership and commitment to transformational service.

Well done.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS

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Washington Business Bank

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Reality Fair Teaches Money Management Skills to Students Before They Launch

by Doria Maselli | Photography courtesy of Yelm School District

Balancing a monthly budget. Calculating and tracking expenses. Planning and saving for the future. These are all things that become a routine part of adult life.

And now, thanks to Reality Fairs started

by WSECU, students in the region are getting important lessons on these skills to prepare for their futures.

WSECU has been designing curriculum, planning and putting on Reality Fairs across Thurston and Mason counties.

The events give students a glimpse into the reality of becoming self-sufficient and financially independent adults.

WSECU's goal is to host a Reality Fair at every high school in Thurston and Lewis County this year.

Volunteers assign students a scenario – a career and salary as a recent college graduate; the careers and salaries vary.

Like many college graduates, they thurstonchamber.com

graduate with some debt, student loan payments and savings. They are asked to create a monthly savings goal and manage the rest of their salaries, factoring in expenses including rent, health insurance premiums, as well as federal tax withholdings, and other living expenses.

such as an unexpected car repair or a monetary birthday gift from a family member. At the end, students meet with a financial coach who helps them recap their spending and expenses and assess their priorities and financial decisions.

The Reality Fair was held at Yelm High School for the first time last year. “Our At the fairs, stations are set up for goal is for every student to participate students to visit. The volunteers manning in a Reality Fair before they graduate as the booths are encouraged to “sell” to part of their High School and Beyond students, things such as vacations, pets Plan, a state mandated graduation and tattoos. Other stations include requirement,” says Teri Pablo, Career regular items like groceries, cell phones and Technical Education (CTE) Director and other necessities. The Life Happens with Yelm Community Schools. The station, a required stop, can often be a events also rely heavily on the time reality check, as it includes a “wild card,” and support of volunteers.

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“I was completely impressed with the response from the local community,” says Pablo. “I sent out an email to recruit volunteers, and within hours I was inundated with emails from local businesses and volunteers looking to partner with us for our Yelm event.” In fact, the response was so overwhelming that the community formed a Financial Advisor Literacy Committee to collaborate and provide resources for the future of both the community and the Reality Fairs.

“After the fair, we surveyed the students and were so pleased to learn that each student responded that they would participate again and would also encourage a friend to do the same,” says Pablo. “We are really encouraging students to develop necessary life skills and financial literacy to be able to plan and prepare for the future. Every freshman goes through a job interview experience, and we build and provide additional learning opportunities from there, including the Reality Fairs for juniors and seniors.” The Reality Fair also includes an online component, where students can access additional information and resources.

The goal for Pablo is to hold the event in Yelm four times a year.

Above: Community volunteers partner with Yelm Community Schools at Reality Fair.

Left: Thurston Chamber's Training & Development Manager Michele Winn and Yelm Mayor J.W. Foster interact with students at Yelm's Reality Fair 2019.

Reality Fairs are possible because of WSECU and their commitment to encouraging financial literacy, responsibility and education for the community and the future. For additional information or to participate or volunteer, contact WSECU at wsecu.org.

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2020 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Tumwater Craft District, Lacey Food Bank & Capitol Lake SHARED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director

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The greater Thurston County Shared Legislative Partnership (SLP) is advancing three capital budget projects for the 2020 legislative session. Community leaders are working with members of the Thurston legislative delegation to advocate and seek support for these projects that are unique to the Thurston region.

The new Craft District in Tumwater, currently under construction, will be a flagship location that champions Thurston County’s rich heritage in craft brewing and distilling and advances craft beverage and agriculture interests in the State. An Integrated Malt System & Storage combined with an innovative CO2 Recovery Device will further differentiate this unique and innovative district. The Integrated Malt System

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

& Storage local allows grains grown from the surrounding region to be stored in a centrally located urban center. This makes growers and products more accessible by the brewers, distillers and students located on site, as well as those across the region. The CO2 recovery device harvests carbon dioxide gas from the fermentation process. The captured gas is used in later steps of beverage production, such as carbonation. The device reduces the need for purchase of industrial CO2 and off-sets the carbon footprint of all fermentation operations.

The SLP requests $240,000 to help purchase these devices.

The Lacey Food Bank is a new regional resource that will provide critical access to food to over 11,000 food-insecure residents in the Lacey area. The third and final phase of the project is the construction of a $2 million Client Services/Food Pantry building and parking area. This facility will provide thurstonchamber.com

individuals and families in need with weekly or monthly access to a wide variety of food products, including fresh produce and dairy products, frozen meat and canned and dry goods (subject to availability). The Lacey Food Bank has a special place in our community. In 2017, the Lacey Food Bank was designated by the Lacey City Council, North Thurston School District Board and Lacey Chamber of Commerce as the City’s first “Compassionate Community Project.”

The SLP made an initial request of $500,000 to help start the final phase.

The Capitol Lake Long-Term Management Project is currently underway.

In 2018, the Legislature provided the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) $4 million for Phase 2 of the Long Term Management Project. An additional $2.4 million is needed in order to complete the full scope of Phase 2 and the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) designating a preferred alternative for long-term management of the lake and estuary.

In 2019, DES initiated discussions with local stakeholders to evaluate opportunities for shared funding in Phase 2. The Executive Work Group, which includes the cities of Olympia and Tumwater, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Port of Olympia and Thurston County expressed commitments to collectively contribute between $250,000 and $300,000 to fund consultant and legal support to the Funding and Governance Work Group. The SLP requested $2.1 million combined with $300,000 in local funds to complete this part of the management project.

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 County Economic Development Council, South Puget Sound Community College and the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, will continue to work with area legislators during the 2020 legislative session on these projects of regional significance. To find out how you can assist with this effort, please contact Doug Mah, with the Chamber’s Public Policy Division at Doug@DougMahAssociates.com.

The Lacey Food Bank has a special place in our community. In 2017, the Lacey Food Bank was designated by the Lacey City Council, North Thurston School District Board and Lacey Chamber of Commerce as the City’s first “Compassionate Community Project.”

The Capitol Lake Long-Term Management Project is currently underway. In 2018, the Legislature provided the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) $4 million for Phase 2 of the Long Term Management Project. An additional $2.4 million is needed in order to complete the full scope of Phase 2.

What is the Shared Legislative Partnership? The Partnership 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. The shared legislative priorities meet specific criteria and agreement that include: • Exclusive and unique only to the Thurston County region • Result in benefits to more than a single member entity • Demonstrated commitment to member cooperation and collaboration • Non-supplanting to individual member requests Last year, the Shared Legislative Partnership, working with the region's legislative delegation, successfully obtained funding for the NEPA/SEPA review for I-5 Tumwater to DuPont; the Lacey Veterans Services Hub; the SW Washington Regional Agricultural & Innovation Park; and a Restoration of Judicial Impact Fee Funding to offset the impact of State related actions in Thurston County Superior Court.

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The new Craft District in Tumwater, currently under construction, will be a flagship location that champions Thurston County's rich heritage in craft brewing and distilling and advances craft beverage and agriculture interests in the State.

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ANGELA JONES

& WASHINGTON STEM

by Natasha Ashenhurst | Photos courtesy of Washington STEM

It was one, short line in a job description that caused Angela Jones to change her career trajectory and become the new CEO of Washington STEM — “We try to help students access family-sustaining wages.”

Angela Jones, Washington STEM CEO, shares how STEM education went into developing the 'Cosmic Crisp apple' as part of her keynote speech at the STEM Summit.

“That did it. I knew I had to work for this organization because the mission of my entire career is creating equitable access to quality education and opportunity,” she said.

Jones grew up in the Mountlake Terrace/Lynnwood area, but left the rainy side of the State 30 years ago and did not look back. She has a law degree from Gonzaga University and has spent much of the last 26 years serving in leadership positions in higher education, most recently serving as Vice President at Eastern Washington University. She was not looking to return to our side of the mountains, but when someone asked her to look at the job description for CEO of Washington STEM, she knew she had to apply. Jones took the helm of what would be her new home August 1, 2019.

Washington STEM is a statewide, independent nonprofit headquartered in Seattle. Launched in 2011 and founded on the principles of equity, partnership and sustainability, they

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seek solutions that lead to opportunities for underserved and underrepresented students in STEM fields. They believe that through high-quality STEM education, Washington students will become, “the leaders, critical thinkers and creators that will tackle the biggest challenges facing our State, nation and the world.”

Located in the McKinstry Innovation Center in Seattle, they support ten regional networks, including the Capital Region, which has an office in Tumwater.

“A large part of our work involves taking deep dives into data for each region in our State. We show communities how to interpret the data, and then we convene partners to improve key indicators and make connections with the private sector.

For instance, hi-tech serves as one of the cornerstones of Washington State’s economy. We want Washington State students to have access to those hi-tech jobs, yet we rank 46th in the country for students earning post-secondary credentials in order to access those jobs,” she said.

The other role of Washington STEM is to increase STEM access for girls, students of color, students living in poverty and students in rural areas of the State. Jones and her team also work with companies thurstonchamber.com

to help them make their work culture one that encourages these populations to stay. “We encourage more girls, for example, to consider STEM careers while at the same time we are working with companies to reduce women leaving those fields because of unfriendly workplace environments,” she said.

significant focus of our regional networks as they expose educators to what is going on in the industry,” she said.

Finally, Jones and her team work directly with students to bring their voice to community leaders. “We try and understand why kids are deciding not to attend college or a certification Jones and her team also work with job program. Rather than conjecture, we ask sectors to make sure there are students the students directly,” she said. “In many in the pipeline to fill anticipated growth rural communities, we want students areas. For example, Computer Science is to compete in robotics competitions, a well-known and publicized STEM field yet they still do not have access to with jobs often left unfilled. Still, there are broadband. We have to bring the entire lesser well-known fields with incredible community along with us, and this demand such as Surveyors and Transit includes bringing heart to the science.

Planners; both STEM careers with plenty Ultimately, I see this as my role.” of potential in a region with anticipated population growth. “A lot of people don’t Angela Jones will keynote the Thurston grow up saying, ‘I want to be a Surveyor,’ Chamber’s February Education Summit but there is a lot of science, math and on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at technology increasingly used in this field. Saint Martin’s University at 11:30 a.m.

When we want to encourage students to The community is invited to attend and consider these fields that they typically can purchase tickets at thurstonchamber. don’t think about, we’ll bring groups of com. Prior to the luncheon and keynote teachers to the industry so they can learn address, attendees are encouraged to about what skills these jobs need and attend the Education EXPO, which then go back and speak first-hand to their begins at 11:00 a.m. students. A great example is the Tacoma STEAM Group recently brought folks Editor’s Note: STEM stands for Science, to Sound Transit to consider careers in Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. transportation, helping move populations Others refer to STEAM, Science, Technology, efficiently and reduce gridlock. This is a Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

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Zero Fare

Thurston County's Intercity Transit is receiving national attention for its move on January 1, 2020 to zero-fare. If you've read a national newspaper or listened to the radio in the past few weeks, you've probably read or heard these headlines: The Wall Street Journal “Cities Offer Free Buses in Bid to Boost Flagging Ridership”

The New York Times “Should Public Transit Be Free? More Cities Say, Why Not?”

What’s causing the stir? Starting on January 1, 2020, passengers riding on Intercity Transit buses no longer need bus fare or passes to ride. As of today, Intercity is the largest bus fleet in the Pacific Northwest to eliminate a fare collection.

Intercity Transit leadership looked at the cost of replacing its obsolete fare boxes with new electronic fare card readers and decided it wasn't worth it, especially given the potential to increase ridership and speed up boarding by not charging fares at all.

The zero-fare system eliminates fare collection on buses and Dial-A-Lift, increasing access to those services, reducing travel times and eliminating the need to replace outdated fare collection equipment.

Last year, the community approved Intercity Transit Proposition 1 to expand transit services within the agency’s service area, which includes Lacey, thurstonchamber.com

The Hill “Olympia becomes largest city in Pacific Northwest to offer free public transit”

Olympia, Tumwater and Yelm. With the passage of IT Proposition 1, Intercity Transit committed to nine specific service enhancements that would make our transit system “transformational.”

The agency has already implemented 60 percent of those improvements, including earlier and later service, improved frequency, service to new areas and enhanced facilities.

After evaluating a range of options, including new fare collection technologies, the Authority determined a zero-fare system may be the most efficient and economical way to achieve the transformational transit system voters supported in 2018. Transitioning to zero-fare did not require any additional public investment or result in any service cuts.

KUOW “'Get on and go!' No bus fare needed anymore in this Northwest capital city”

According to General Manager, Ann Freeman-Manzanares, zero-fare offers distinct advantages over alternative fare structures. Most notably, systems that institute zero-fare programs have experienced ridership increases from 20 to 60 percent. “It’s clear the community has bigger plans for transit. They want us to move more people more quickly and reduce congestion. Frankly, zerofare is probably the least expensive and most efficient way we can accomplish those goals.”

Replacing obsolete fare collection boxes or moving to integrated e-fare systems like ORCA, would cost the agency millions. There are also practical considerations. Fare collection takes time as people search for the right change, and it creates barriers for riders. According to Authority Chair, According to the Olympian: [Intercity Debbie Sullivan, “replacing the fare Transit] says fares currently net less than collection system doesn’t make sense 2 percent of its operating revenue, while when the community is telling us to replacing an outdated fare collection reduce barriers, increase ridership and system would cost at least $1 million. make service faster.”

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Keeping an Eye on

SEATTLE

by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director

T

here is no doubt that Seattle, its voters, residents, city government and the businesses that call the Emerald City home, have dominated and shaped the region and the State for decades. All sectors of our community, private, public and nonprofit, can find inspiration, innovative and cutting-edge solutions to problems and challenges coming out of the unique culture and environment that is Seattle. But what “works” in Seattle cannot and does not automatically work around the rest of the State.

It is pretty common to hear some Thurston County residents and policy makers advocating forcefully for Seattle solutions to our South Sound challenges. As the Thurston region continues to grapple with difficult problems, it is tempting to short cut the process and assume that politically popular ideas, initiatives and regulations founded in Seattle will work in Thurston County and the region’s cities.

We have seen public policy proposals for raising revenue for social services, programs for addressing addiction, efforts to create more affordable

thurstonchamber.com

housing and initiatives to provide more renter protections come out of Seattle.

As rules, regulations and taxes trickle down from Seattle and are presented as viable for the South Sound region, the Thurston Chamber of Commerce and the Public Policy Division believe we must ask key questions of our policy makers and elected officials.

• Can we demonstrate that Seattle solutions can effectively and efficiently be “scaled down” to fit Thurston region and a different local economy and business ecosystem?

The Thurston Chamber recognizes that our region’s policy makers are facing numerous calls for action, and for our most urgent challenges there Questions such as: is pressure to “just do something”. But we need to recognize that the Thurston • What are the intended and region is unique and differs greatly unintended outcomes associated compared to Seattle. What works in one with the policy change? community does not necessarily work • Does the Thurston region have the in all communities. Good public policy infrastructure, experience and ability requires that we ask good questions. to successfully start and sustain a solution? If not, why? What is an Yes, Seattle can be a source of acceptable period to go from start incredible innovation and the source of to success? inspiration. But the Thurston Chamber • Are there valid, reliable and timely and Public Policy Division expects data specific to the Thurston region that our regional enthusiasm for to correctly identify the problem Seattle solutions be weighed against and evaluate the solution? What good public process and rigorous does success and failure look like? questioning and examination of the • Has the Seattle solution been data. We urge members of the Thurston audited, measured and confirmed to Chamber of Commerce to remain achieve the intended outcomes? Are engaged, alert and participate in our there any lessons to be learned from public policy efforts and to help us ask Seattle or other communities? some good questions.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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CHAMBER FOUNDATION EVENTS

Career Day Set For March 7 FIND YOUR FUTURE

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ver 1,000 Thurston County 8th through 12th- grade students are planning to attend Find Your Future career exploration day on Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tumwater High School. Thanks to the partnership with area school districts, and support from various sponsors, there is no cost to attend.

Students who preregister can select their top three career choices, and the Find Your Future Committee will assign them

to two. Parents will simultaneously attend sessions titled, ‘Financing Your Child’s Education’,‘Planning Their Future’ and ‘Trends in Employment.’

Students will hear directly from professionals working in their careers of choice what their job is like on a day-to-day basis, and each session will have a Q&A period.

Visit thurstonchamber.com/findyourfuture for more info.

GET YOUR TICKETS!

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NIGHTON THE TOWN

Friday

March 27

BENEFITTING THE THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER FOUNDATION

Tips from Wes Martin of Sound Business Brokers

Become a "Math for Life" Business

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en years ago, the Thurston County Chamber Foundation founded a program that has soared to success: Math for Life. Our goal is to promote real life math skills through a program that directly connects businesses, students and schools. The number of students enrolled in the program has more than tripled since it began. The reason for success is simple; businesses are looking for ways to engage with students and education, and Math for Life provides an opportunity for them to do that. Parents love the program because it reinforces what their children learn in school by providing powerful, real-life examples. It also introduces students to potential careers that they may not have been aware existed.

This year, we are limiting the number of Math for Life businesses to 70. We anticipate that over 1,100 students, plus their parents, will participate. From the letters and comments we receive from students and businesses after participating in the program, we know this is a worthwhile endeavor. It showcases the quality businesses we have in our community, while demonstrating to students the importance of math in our everyday lives. Math for Life is solely funded by participating businesses and sponsors.

What: 10th Annual Math for Life Event. When: March 28 – April 12, 2020.

For more info, visit thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife

thurstonchamber.com

Michael Gerber, Author of the iconic book about business, E-Myth Revisited said: "In fact, there is ultimately only one reason to create a business of your own, and that is to sell it!" Many could argue that there are multiple reasons for starting a business, but nothing is truer than the fact that an exit needs to be considered for the future. Preparing for such an exit or sale should be woven into the very structure and way that you do business. By focusing not only on the day- to- day business, but also how the daily operations fit into the eventual exit strategy, you could be adding value well in advance of selling.

Here are some tips to consider: • Retiring business owners sometimes overlook the possibility of selling their businesses in favor of just shutting them down. A successful sale can ensure the company’s legacy - saving jobs, providing uninterrupted services to clients and continuing to contribute to the local economy.

• Sound Business Brokers can consult confidentially regarding value.

• Business value varies from day to day but factors that drive value upward are related to risk. The less risk for a buyer, the more value it generates.

Profitability, upward sales and profit trends, competent employees and client diversity all increase value.

• Consult with Sound Business Brokers to assess current value and develop a path forward for preparation before life or economic circumstances force your hand.

Contact us for a consultation at 360-352-9191 or visit our website http://soundbusinessbrokers.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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February 2020

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Caught In The Lens

Caught in the Lens is a place to catch up on all of the Chamber happenings over the past month - whether it's Morning Mixxer, Business After Hours, Thurston Young Professionals, Chamber Forum, an awards ceremony, fundraising event or a Ribbon Cutting. For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427