By Karen Robes Meeks
This week, the Port of Olympia announced the cancelation of its popular public working waterfront tours for 2020 due to COVID-19.
The free tours provide an opportunity for the public to explore and learn more about Thurston County’s shipping terminal, its equipment and its economic role.
“These are challenging times, and we had to make the tough decision to cancel the public tour program in an effort to keep our community and staff safe,” said Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “While we will not be holding the tours this year, we look forward to sharing the behind-the-scenes look of the working waterfront with citizens in 2021.”
Visit https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/coronavirus.aspx for more information.
Showing posts with label Port of Olympia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Port of Olympia. Show all posts
Friday, May 22, 2020
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Port of Olympia to Re-Open Some Facilities May 5
By Karen Robes Meeks
Starting May 5, the Port of Olympia will reopen Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail, Port Plaza, Swantown Boatworks, Swantown Marina public boat launch, Swantown boat launch parking lot, and the Swantown restrooms near BC docks.
The decision comes after Governor Jay Inslee sanctioned the partial re-opening of some outdoor activities, provided that safety and health practices are honored.
For Billy Frank Jr. Park & Trail, part of the trail will stay closed to curb pedestrian traffic within the Swantown Boatworks operational area.
Those enjoying the Port Plaza should practice social distancing. Swantown Boatworks will be running but the office will stay closed to the public. Those using the boatyard should not bring guests and those in the boatyard need to be 10 feet from the Boatworks staff.
Only one lane of the Swantown Marina boat launch will be open. There will be social distancing and traffic control markers in the land and water side.
Starting May 5, the Port of Olympia will reopen Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail, Port Plaza, Swantown Boatworks, Swantown Marina public boat launch, Swantown boat launch parking lot, and the Swantown restrooms near BC docks.
The decision comes after Governor Jay Inslee sanctioned the partial re-opening of some outdoor activities, provided that safety and health practices are honored.
For Billy Frank Jr. Park & Trail, part of the trail will stay closed to curb pedestrian traffic within the Swantown Boatworks operational area.
Those enjoying the Port Plaza should practice social distancing. Swantown Boatworks will be running but the office will stay closed to the public. Those using the boatyard should not bring guests and those in the boatyard need to be 10 feet from the Boatworks staff.
Only one lane of the Swantown Marina boat launch will be open. There will be social distancing and traffic control markers in the land and water side.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
New Guidelines for Port of Olympia Commission Meetings
By Karen Robes Meeks
On Friday, the Port of Olympia released new guidelines for how the public can attend and post comments for remote commission meetings, which the port began practicing March 9 to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Those wanting to provide public comment must sign up in advance or submit written comments by 9 a.m. on the day of the meeting at commissioncoordinator@portolympia.com.
Written input will be gathered and delivered to the commission before the meeting starts.
In order to speak at the meeting, individuals must sign up by 9 a.m. on meeting day at commissioncoordinator@portolympia.com and confirm if the comments will be provided via computer or phone. Comments are limited to a three-minute window.
To join the meeting, visit https://www.gotomeet.me/PortCommissionMeeting. Listen to it by calling 1-669-224-3412 and entering access code 364-815-149.
On Friday, the Port of Olympia released new guidelines for how the public can attend and post comments for remote commission meetings, which the port began practicing March 9 to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Those wanting to provide public comment must sign up in advance or submit written comments by 9 a.m. on the day of the meeting at commissioncoordinator@portolympia.com.
Written input will be gathered and delivered to the commission before the meeting starts.
In order to speak at the meeting, individuals must sign up by 9 a.m. on meeting day at commissioncoordinator@portolympia.com and confirm if the comments will be provided via computer or phone. Comments are limited to a three-minute window.
To join the meeting, visit https://www.gotomeet.me/PortCommissionMeeting. Listen to it by calling 1-669-224-3412 and entering access code 364-815-149.
Friday, April 17, 2020
Port of Olympia and ILWU Partner to Help Nonprofit
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Olympia and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 47 are teaming up with nonprofit The Moore Wright Group to help those affected by the COVID-19 health crisis by expanding warehousing and distribution of goods.
The Moore Wright Group works with major organizations and companies to garner donations such as hygiene items, toys, cleaning products and personal protective equipment, which will benefit first responders, seniors and tribes dealing with the pandemic.
The nonprofit was in need of additional space to store the influx of additional donations. The port responded by providing space and equipment to transport and store the donated goods, as well as facilitate receiving and distribution. ILWU Local 47 is donating manpower to receive and inventory the goods in addition to receive and package orders for pickup.
"Ports play a unique role in emergency response and disaster recovery,” said Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “We are proud to partner with our Local Longshore Union 47 and The Moore Wright Group to help aid our community during this unprecedented and trying time."
This team approach is allowing the organization to serve more of the region, which include Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Pierce, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Clark counties.
“We see this as an opportunity to step out and serve Washington and our neighbors during this pandemic to give hope,” said The Moore Wright Group’s executive director Tanikka Watford Williams. “We were getting calls from companies with truckloads of items they wanted to send to us, and at the same time getting calls and emails from organizations needing more items than they ever did before. We know firsthand funding is tight and the need is great. This partnership with the Port of Olympia and the ILWU Local 47, allows us to accept every truckload and accept partnerships to help our communities to be able to thrive again and give hope.”
The Port of Olympia and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 47 are teaming up with nonprofit The Moore Wright Group to help those affected by the COVID-19 health crisis by expanding warehousing and distribution of goods.
The Moore Wright Group works with major organizations and companies to garner donations such as hygiene items, toys, cleaning products and personal protective equipment, which will benefit first responders, seniors and tribes dealing with the pandemic.
The nonprofit was in need of additional space to store the influx of additional donations. The port responded by providing space and equipment to transport and store the donated goods, as well as facilitate receiving and distribution. ILWU Local 47 is donating manpower to receive and inventory the goods in addition to receive and package orders for pickup.
"Ports play a unique role in emergency response and disaster recovery,” said Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “We are proud to partner with our Local Longshore Union 47 and The Moore Wright Group to help aid our community during this unprecedented and trying time."
This team approach is allowing the organization to serve more of the region, which include Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Pierce, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Clark counties.
“We see this as an opportunity to step out and serve Washington and our neighbors during this pandemic to give hope,” said The Moore Wright Group’s executive director Tanikka Watford Williams. “We were getting calls from companies with truckloads of items they wanted to send to us, and at the same time getting calls and emails from organizations needing more items than they ever did before. We know firsthand funding is tight and the need is great. This partnership with the Port of Olympia and the ILWU Local 47, allows us to accept every truckload and accept partnerships to help our communities to be able to thrive again and give hope.”
Friday, April 10, 2020
Port of Olympia Offers Tenants Relief
By Karen Robes Meeks
Effective immediately, the Port of Olympia is offering 90 days of relief to tenants affected by COVID-19, thanks to a recent decision by port commissioners to temporarily suspend issuing notices of default, late fees, and penalties for nonpayment of rents immediately.
The port originally published the resolution being in effect for 60 days but has since updated that number to 90 days for real estate leases and liveaboard moorage, or until the commission terminates or extends the time period.
Under the resolution, Swantown Marina vessel owners who use their vessel as their main home and have approved liveaboard status won’t have their vessels impounded and sold if they have been affected by COVID-19. They must provide self-certification that the health crisis has affected their ability to pay rent or moorage.
Effective immediately, the Port of Olympia is offering 90 days of relief to tenants affected by COVID-19, thanks to a recent decision by port commissioners to temporarily suspend issuing notices of default, late fees, and penalties for nonpayment of rents immediately.
The port originally published the resolution being in effect for 60 days but has since updated that number to 90 days for real estate leases and liveaboard moorage, or until the commission terminates or extends the time period.
Under the resolution, Swantown Marina vessel owners who use their vessel as their main home and have approved liveaboard status won’t have their vessels impounded and sold if they have been affected by COVID-19. They must provide self-certification that the health crisis has affected their ability to pay rent or moorage.
Friday, April 3, 2020
Port of Olympia Helps Port Tenants Affected by COVID-19
By Karen Robes Meeks
Port of Olympia tenants affected by COVID-19 got some relief this week when port commissioners agreed to temporarily suspend issuing notices of default, late fees, and penalties for nonpayment of rents effective immediately.
The resolution ensures that Swantown Marina vessel owners who consider their vessel their main home and approved live-aboard status won’t have their vessels impounded and sold if they’ve been affected by the health crisis.
Those seeking suspensions or deferrals must furnish self-certification that Covid-19 has affected their ability to pay rent or moorage, the port said.
Qualified tenants and live-aboards won’t be charged interest and/or lease reinstatement fees.
The resolution will be in effect for 60 days and can be dissolved or extended by the commission.
Port of Olympia tenants affected by COVID-19 got some relief this week when port commissioners agreed to temporarily suspend issuing notices of default, late fees, and penalties for nonpayment of rents effective immediately.
The resolution ensures that Swantown Marina vessel owners who consider their vessel their main home and approved live-aboard status won’t have their vessels impounded and sold if they’ve been affected by the health crisis.
Those seeking suspensions or deferrals must furnish self-certification that Covid-19 has affected their ability to pay rent or moorage, the port said.
Qualified tenants and live-aboards won’t be charged interest and/or lease reinstatement fees.
The resolution will be in effect for 60 days and can be dissolved or extended by the commission.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Port of Olympia Implements new Changes Amid COVID-19
By Karen Robes Meeks
Heeding Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order, the Port of Olympia’s offices will be closed to the public until April 8 and regular port commission meetings and work sessions have been postponed until the order is lifted, the port announced this week.
Staff coverage will be limited in the port’s administrative offices, with most working remotely.
The commission will only convene if a commission decision is required. Meetings will be conducted via GoToMeeting (http://portolympia.com/89/Commission) to maintain social distance. Swantown Marina will continue to operate but business will be done by phone, email or through its website as the office are closed. Maintenance and Harbor Operations personnel are onsite and the marine fueling station will stay operational. Harbor Patrol operations have been suspended.
Swantown Boatworks’ office and work yard closed this week and will remain closed until the end of the stay-at-home order. The boat yard will only operate emergency haul-outs. Staff members will check daily for any voicemails and address customer needs.
Also, the Marine Terminal will be operational with limited access. All ship visits and community tours have been cancelled.
Heeding Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order, the Port of Olympia’s offices will be closed to the public until April 8 and regular port commission meetings and work sessions have been postponed until the order is lifted, the port announced this week.
Staff coverage will be limited in the port’s administrative offices, with most working remotely.
The commission will only convene if a commission decision is required. Meetings will be conducted via GoToMeeting (http://portolympia.com/89/Commission) to maintain social distance. Swantown Marina will continue to operate but business will be done by phone, email or through its website as the office are closed. Maintenance and Harbor Operations personnel are onsite and the marine fueling station will stay operational. Harbor Patrol operations have been suspended.
Swantown Boatworks’ office and work yard closed this week and will remain closed until the end of the stay-at-home order. The boat yard will only operate emergency haul-outs. Staff members will check daily for any voicemails and address customer needs.
Also, the Marine Terminal will be operational with limited access. All ship visits and community tours have been cancelled.
Friday, January 10, 2020
Port of Olympia Welcomes New Senior Harbor Manager
By Karen Robes Meeks
Timothy J. (TJ) Quandt is the Port of Olympia’s new senior harbor manager.
Quandt comes to the port with strong maritime, business operations, and customer service experience. In his previous role at the Port of Port Townsend business manager, Quandt oversaw three marinas, a boatyard, a recreational vehicle park, and a fuel dock. He previously worked as an assistant harbormaster, hoist operator and commercial fisherman.
"The port received many excellent applications for this position, and while the competition was close, we found TJ to be the best fit for the Port of Olympia,” said Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “We are looking forward to having TJ on the port’s leadership team and working with him to move Swantown Marina & Boatworks into the future under his leadership.”
Timothy J. (TJ) Quandt is the Port of Olympia’s new senior harbor manager.
Quandt comes to the port with strong maritime, business operations, and customer service experience. In his previous role at the Port of Port Townsend business manager, Quandt oversaw three marinas, a boatyard, a recreational vehicle park, and a fuel dock. He previously worked as an assistant harbormaster, hoist operator and commercial fisherman.
"The port received many excellent applications for this position, and while the competition was close, we found TJ to be the best fit for the Port of Olympia,” said Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “We are looking forward to having TJ on the port’s leadership team and working with him to move Swantown Marina & Boatworks into the future under his leadership.”
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
New Olympia Business Development Head
By Karen Robes Meeks
Allyn J. Roe has been tapped to be the Port of Olympia's Business Development Director, confirmed Executive Director Sam Gibboney.
Roe has business development, real estate development, and airport management experience, having worked as chief operating officer for Industrial Park at Trans Alta, and as airport manager of the Chehalis-Centralia Airport where, for eight years, he managed daily operations and retail marketing.
“The Port received many excellent applications for this position,” said Gibboney. “And while the competition was close, we found Allyn to be the best fit for the Port of Olympia. We are looking forward to having Allyn on the port's leadership team and working with him to continue to build and foster the port's commitment to economic development, growth and revenue generation in Thurston County.”
Allyn J. Roe has been tapped to be the Port of Olympia's Business Development Director, confirmed Executive Director Sam Gibboney.
Roe has business development, real estate development, and airport management experience, having worked as chief operating officer for Industrial Park at Trans Alta, and as airport manager of the Chehalis-Centralia Airport where, for eight years, he managed daily operations and retail marketing.
“The Port received many excellent applications for this position,” said Gibboney. “And while the competition was close, we found Allyn to be the best fit for the Port of Olympia. We are looking forward to having Allyn on the port's leadership team and working with him to continue to build and foster the port's commitment to economic development, growth and revenue generation in Thurston County.”
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Olympia Approves Vision 2050 Plan
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Olympia officially has a Port Vision 2050 plan. Port Commissioners recently approved the 24-page document, the culmination of a 15-month community engagement process that resulted in 10 core goals and 59 actions.
The first goal is to preserve and enhance Thurston County’s working waterfront and global trade link by diversifying terminal operations. Some key actions for reaching that objective include pursuing manufacturing opportunities, completing the master plan and permitting for future marine terminal uses, developing military and humanitarian cargo strategies and creating a more welcoming layout around marine terminal.
Another goal is to invest in the Swantown Marina and Boatworks by adding amenities and access to water along the peninsula, as well as enhancing the facilities through improvements and marketing, and raising the share of regional boat-based spending.
The plan also calls for researching the idea that the port could serve as a cruise ship destination and regional commuter node by taking part in state-led ferry service studies and exploring the potential for offering or hosting water-taxi service.
“The valuable feedback received from the citizens of Thurston County will help shape future port activities and investment for years to come,” said Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “This body of work is a wonderful gift for the port to receive.”
For more information, visit www.portolympia2050.org.
The Port of Olympia officially has a Port Vision 2050 plan. Port Commissioners recently approved the 24-page document, the culmination of a 15-month community engagement process that resulted in 10 core goals and 59 actions.
The first goal is to preserve and enhance Thurston County’s working waterfront and global trade link by diversifying terminal operations. Some key actions for reaching that objective include pursuing manufacturing opportunities, completing the master plan and permitting for future marine terminal uses, developing military and humanitarian cargo strategies and creating a more welcoming layout around marine terminal.
Another goal is to invest in the Swantown Marina and Boatworks by adding amenities and access to water along the peninsula, as well as enhancing the facilities through improvements and marketing, and raising the share of regional boat-based spending.
The plan also calls for researching the idea that the port could serve as a cruise ship destination and regional commuter node by taking part in state-led ferry service studies and exploring the potential for offering or hosting water-taxi service.
“The valuable feedback received from the citizens of Thurston County will help shape future port activities and investment for years to come,” said Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “This body of work is a wonderful gift for the port to receive.”
For more information, visit www.portolympia2050.org.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Olympia Harbor Days
By Karen Robes Meeks
From Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, the Port of Olympia will host the 46th Harbor Days Maritime Festival to celebrate the community’s maritime roots.
Vintage and working tugboats will be on display at Percival Landing and Port Plaza in downtown Olympia. Some tugs will offer tours on Saturday.
Festival goers will be able to admire various vessels including the retired US Coast Guard Cutter tug Comanche, now a floating WWII museum, and Tordenskjold, a 100-year-old Bering Sea fishing vessel. Also returning to Olympia is the famous tall ship Lady Washington, which will share dock space with the historic Mosquito Fleet steam ship Virginia V and US Navy retired admiral’s barge, Old Man IV. Tours and cruises will be offered all weekend.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to take a free port tour. Go to the Port of Olympia’s booth on the northwest corner of the Port Plaza, just north of Percival Landing on Budd Inlet for more details.
Harbor Days after Dark will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Port Plaza. This free live theater performance of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is presented by OlyArts Magazine, a local art publication.
Not to be missed is the annual Tugboat Races in Budd Inlet scheduled for noon on Sunday Sept,1.
For more information, visit www.HarborDays.com.
From Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, the Port of Olympia will host the 46th Harbor Days Maritime Festival to celebrate the community’s maritime roots.
Vintage and working tugboats will be on display at Percival Landing and Port Plaza in downtown Olympia. Some tugs will offer tours on Saturday.
Festival goers will be able to admire various vessels including the retired US Coast Guard Cutter tug Comanche, now a floating WWII museum, and Tordenskjold, a 100-year-old Bering Sea fishing vessel. Also returning to Olympia is the famous tall ship Lady Washington, which will share dock space with the historic Mosquito Fleet steam ship Virginia V and US Navy retired admiral’s barge, Old Man IV. Tours and cruises will be offered all weekend.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to take a free port tour. Go to the Port of Olympia’s booth on the northwest corner of the Port Plaza, just north of Percival Landing on Budd Inlet for more details.
Harbor Days after Dark will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Port Plaza. This free live theater performance of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is presented by OlyArts Magazine, a local art publication.
Not to be missed is the annual Tugboat Races in Budd Inlet scheduled for noon on Sunday Sept,1.
For more information, visit www.HarborDays.com.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Port of Olympia and State Agree on Stormwater
By Karen Robes Meeks
An Agreed Order has been reached between the Port of Olympia and the Washington State Department of Ecology over the industrial stormwater permit that covers the port’s Marine Terminal.
The order gives the port a specific timeline to propose and implement a range of possible system modifications designed to ensure the facility can consistently meet Chemical Oxidation Demand (COD) permit benchmarks into the future.
“The Port of Olympia is committed to sound environmental stewardship,” said Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “I appreciate Ecology’s cooperation in clarifying our mutual expectations and look forward to working together to achieve our shared goal of protecting the water quality of Budd Inlet.”
In 2015, a failed system component in the then-newly operational Port Marine Terminal stormwater treatment facility led to a release of hydrogen peroxide. The system returned to operations in 2016 and have since been working to make corrective action requirements.
An Agreed Order has been reached between the Port of Olympia and the Washington State Department of Ecology over the industrial stormwater permit that covers the port’s Marine Terminal.
The order gives the port a specific timeline to propose and implement a range of possible system modifications designed to ensure the facility can consistently meet Chemical Oxidation Demand (COD) permit benchmarks into the future.
“The Port of Olympia is committed to sound environmental stewardship,” said Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney. “I appreciate Ecology’s cooperation in clarifying our mutual expectations and look forward to working together to achieve our shared goal of protecting the water quality of Budd Inlet.”
In 2015, a failed system component in the then-newly operational Port Marine Terminal stormwater treatment facility led to a release of hydrogen peroxide. The system returned to operations in 2016 and have since been working to make corrective action requirements.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
June 16 Deadline for Olympia Input
By Karen Robes Meeks
June 16 is the last day for the public to take the Port of Olympia’s Vision 2050 Survey.
Results for the survey will help inform port officials of its priorities in the coming years.
Thanks in part to a community-based Task Force, the port has already garnered close to 10,000 comments, allowing the port to develop 10 core goals and 60 possible actions.
The survey’s results help will prioritize those goals and actions and form a final plan for the port commission to consider.
To take the survey, go to www.portolympia2050.org.
Those who participate will be automatically entered into a drawing for a $250 Visa Gift Card.
June 16 is the last day for the public to take the Port of Olympia’s Vision 2050 Survey.
Results for the survey will help inform port officials of its priorities in the coming years.
Thanks in part to a community-based Task Force, the port has already garnered close to 10,000 comments, allowing the port to develop 10 core goals and 60 possible actions.
The survey’s results help will prioritize those goals and actions and form a final plan for the port commission to consider.
To take the survey, go to www.portolympia2050.org.
Those who participate will be automatically entered into a drawing for a $250 Visa Gift Card.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Port of Olympia Grants Community Funds
By Karen Robes Meeks
The cities of Bucoda, Rainier, Tenino, and Yelm each recently received $10,000 for community and economic development investments by the Port of Olympia Commission.
The funds are part of the Port’s Small Cities Program, which was created in 2010 to help provide gap funding for community and economic development efforts in Thurston County cities with fewer than 15,000 residents.
Bucoda will use the money to buy event equipment for its popular Annual Haunted House, as well an outdoor event space.
Rainier will use the funds toward renovating and preserving the historic Rainier School and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church for event and activity space rentals.
The funds will help Tenino with construction of a shaded pavilion for bicyclists.
Yelm will use the money to buy emergency notification message boards.
The cities of Bucoda, Rainier, Tenino, and Yelm each recently received $10,000 for community and economic development investments by the Port of Olympia Commission.
The funds are part of the Port’s Small Cities Program, which was created in 2010 to help provide gap funding for community and economic development efforts in Thurston County cities with fewer than 15,000 residents.
Bucoda will use the money to buy event equipment for its popular Annual Haunted House, as well an outdoor event space.
Rainier will use the funds toward renovating and preserving the historic Rainier School and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church for event and activity space rentals.
The funds will help Tenino with construction of a shaded pavilion for bicyclists.
Yelm will use the money to buy emergency notification message boards.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Olympia Gains New Citizen Advisors
By Karen Robes Meeks
Three new members have joined the Port of Olympia Commission’s Citizens Advisory Committee: Kevin Decker, Chris Richardson and Tom Szymoniak.
“I am impressed by the number of motivated and qualified members of our community willing to give their time and knowledge to assist the commissioners with issues and opportunities that chart the future of our port,” said Port Commissioner Bill McGregor.
Formed in 1994, the Citizens Advisory Committee is made up of nine to 13 volunteer residents who gather monthly to address commission assignment, which includes various port programs and projects such as the ferry study, fuel dock report, public participation report, port cargoes report, port renaming, comprehensive plan land use plan update, new market industrial campus development alternatives study, commission redistricting, marine fuel dock public participation, small cities program report, and naming convention and protocols.
Three new members have joined the Port of Olympia Commission’s Citizens Advisory Committee: Kevin Decker, Chris Richardson and Tom Szymoniak.
“I am impressed by the number of motivated and qualified members of our community willing to give their time and knowledge to assist the commissioners with issues and opportunities that chart the future of our port,” said Port Commissioner Bill McGregor.
Formed in 1994, the Citizens Advisory Committee is made up of nine to 13 volunteer residents who gather monthly to address commission assignment, which includes various port programs and projects such as the ferry study, fuel dock report, public participation report, port cargoes report, port renaming, comprehensive plan land use plan update, new market industrial campus development alternatives study, commission redistricting, marine fuel dock public participation, small cities program report, and naming convention and protocols.
Friday, January 4, 2019
New Olympia Commissioner
By Karen Robes Meeks
Former Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Sam Gibboney will lead the Port of Olympia Commission as its new Executive Director.
Gibboney outshone two other finalists for the top job formerly held by Ed Galligan, who served 12 years before resigning.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead an organization with such significant economic impact,” said Gibboney. “I look forward to joining the Port of Olympia team and getting to know the Thurston County community.”
At the Port of Port Townsend, Gibboney managed the operations of an 18-acre shipyard, three marinas, an international general aviation airport and a campus of historical buildings.
She joins the port as it implements the Strategic Plan adopted in 2017, which seeks to develop economic opportunities in the region, be an environmental steward, and create and maintain community assets.
“Gibboney will be expected to move the Port toward the ultimate goal: A More Resilient Thurston County,” the port said.
“The Commission strived for a great public servant to lead our organization with transparency and strong values,” said Commission President E.J. Zita. “We are thrilled to have Sam’s experience and leadership as we progress and change.” Gibboney, 57, is expected to start in Olympia on Jan. 22. Her compensation is set at $175,000 a year.
Former Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Sam Gibboney will lead the Port of Olympia Commission as its new Executive Director.
Gibboney outshone two other finalists for the top job formerly held by Ed Galligan, who served 12 years before resigning.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead an organization with such significant economic impact,” said Gibboney. “I look forward to joining the Port of Olympia team and getting to know the Thurston County community.”
At the Port of Port Townsend, Gibboney managed the operations of an 18-acre shipyard, three marinas, an international general aviation airport and a campus of historical buildings.
She joins the port as it implements the Strategic Plan adopted in 2017, which seeks to develop economic opportunities in the region, be an environmental steward, and create and maintain community assets.
“Gibboney will be expected to move the Port toward the ultimate goal: A More Resilient Thurston County,” the port said.
“The Commission strived for a great public servant to lead our organization with transparency and strong values,” said Commission President E.J. Zita. “We are thrilled to have Sam’s experience and leadership as we progress and change.” Gibboney, 57, is expected to start in Olympia on Jan. 22. Her compensation is set at $175,000 a year.
Friday, September 28, 2018
Olympia Seeks Executive Director
By Karen Robes Meeks
The search for a new executive director for the Port of Olympia is now open. The port posted the job description on its website earlier this week.
The winning candidate will manage a $10 million operating budget and 42 full time employees. The commission hopes to choose a new leader by the end of the year.
The former Executive Director Ed Galligan, who helmed the port since 2005, stepped down after the commission, desiring a directional change, placed him on administrative leave last spring. Airport Director Rudy Rudolph is serving as acting executive director while the search is underway.
Visit http://www.portolympia.com to apply or for more information.
The search for a new executive director for the Port of Olympia is now open. The port posted the job description on its website earlier this week.
The winning candidate will manage a $10 million operating budget and 42 full time employees. The commission hopes to choose a new leader by the end of the year.
The former Executive Director Ed Galligan, who helmed the port since 2005, stepped down after the commission, desiring a directional change, placed him on administrative leave last spring. Airport Director Rudy Rudolph is serving as acting executive director while the search is underway.
Visit http://www.portolympia.com to apply or for more information.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Olympia Seeks Community Input
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Olympia is inviting the community to weigh in on how the port should look and how it should function in the next 30 years.
The port has put out a survey as part of its Port Olympia Vision 2050, which will help guide the port in prioritizing what matters to its community.
As the port launched the survey last week it posted on its website, “The Port has been an integral part of community development in Thurston County for nearly a century. We understand our success is tied to our ability to implement defined community priorities. So, please share what matters most to you, and think big!” The survey period ends on October 31.
Please visit https://www.portolympia2050.org to take the survey or find out more information.
The Port of Olympia is inviting the community to weigh in on how the port should look and how it should function in the next 30 years.
The port has put out a survey as part of its Port Olympia Vision 2050, which will help guide the port in prioritizing what matters to its community.
As the port launched the survey last week it posted on its website, “The Port has been an integral part of community development in Thurston County for nearly a century. We understand our success is tied to our ability to implement defined community priorities. So, please share what matters most to you, and think big!” The survey period ends on October 31.
Please visit https://www.portolympia2050.org to take the survey or find out more information.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Help Choose Olympia’s New Executive Director
By Karen Robes Meeks
Karras Consulting has been tapped to help the Port of Olympia search and select its new executive director and a recruitment plan is being developed.
The port is asking the community to weigh in on the selection by inviting the population to take a survey on what a potential candidate needs in terms of background and qualifications.
Residents will get a chance to meet finalists during a public forum in late 2018.
After serving 12 years, Executive Director Ed Galligan resigned after the port commission placed him on administrative leave. In June, the port said the move was necessary to make “a leadership change that would be instrumental in positioning the Port for the future.”
Galligan agreed to be available as an on-call consultant if necessary.
Airport director Rudy Rudolph will serve as port interim executive director while the search takes shape. Residents have until the end of October to visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V89P6JL and take the survey.
Karras Consulting has been tapped to help the Port of Olympia search and select its new executive director and a recruitment plan is being developed.
The port is asking the community to weigh in on the selection by inviting the population to take a survey on what a potential candidate needs in terms of background and qualifications.
Residents will get a chance to meet finalists during a public forum in late 2018.
After serving 12 years, Executive Director Ed Galligan resigned after the port commission placed him on administrative leave. In June, the port said the move was necessary to make “a leadership change that would be instrumental in positioning the Port for the future.”
Galligan agreed to be available as an on-call consultant if necessary.
Airport director Rudy Rudolph will serve as port interim executive director while the search takes shape. Residents have until the end of October to visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V89P6JL and take the survey.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Olympia Celebrates Five Years with Sister Marina
By Karen Robes Meeks
Port of Olympia’s Swantown Marina & Boatworks and Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor Hyogo, Prefecture, Japan, recently commemorated the fifth anniversary of their “Sister Marina” relationship, a bond created in 2013 to celebrate the 50th milestone of Hyogo, Prefecture, Japan and Washington being sister states.
Port Commissioner Bill McGregor and staff were joined by Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor President Shoji Sakai and Chief Manager Toshihiro Kuroki to mark the occasion. A tour of the marina and a lunch preceded a signing ceremony at the Capitol to commemorate the 55th Sister State anniversary.
“We are reaffirming our agreement to exchange information on the development of our marina services and operations, and share knowledge and activities on environmental stewardship, and at the heart of this agreement is our cultural exchange to promote mutual understanding and further relations between the citizens of Japan and the United States,” McGregor said.
Port of Olympia’s Swantown Marina & Boatworks and Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor Hyogo, Prefecture, Japan, recently commemorated the fifth anniversary of their “Sister Marina” relationship, a bond created in 2013 to celebrate the 50th milestone of Hyogo, Prefecture, Japan and Washington being sister states.
Port Commissioner Bill McGregor and staff were joined by Shin-Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor President Shoji Sakai and Chief Manager Toshihiro Kuroki to mark the occasion. A tour of the marina and a lunch preceded a signing ceremony at the Capitol to commemorate the 55th Sister State anniversary.
“We are reaffirming our agreement to exchange information on the development of our marina services and operations, and share knowledge and activities on environmental stewardship, and at the heart of this agreement is our cultural exchange to promote mutual understanding and further relations between the citizens of Japan and the United States,” McGregor said.
