Thurston Chamber's March 2019 VOICE Magazine

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...

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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

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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

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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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

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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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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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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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.

thurstonchamber.com

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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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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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.

thurstonchamber.com

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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/

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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.

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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427