By Natasha Ashenhurst
The sweet corn is roasting, the campfire has turned to coals and is ready for making s’mores, great live music is playing in the background, the kids are running through the corn maze, and fresh Meconi sub sandwiches are waiting to be eaten. A helicopter ride may be in store later in the evening to provide a bird’s eye view of this year’s maze theme, The Marshawn Lynch Family First Maze, Driven by All Star Ford.
This will be the scene on September 13th at the Tumwater Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event held at the Rutledge Corn Maze, an evening of fun to which all Thurston County business members and their families are encouraged to attend.
“This is a departure from the traditional Meet and Greet Chamber Events that we typically have,” said Marge Price, Director of the Tumwater Chamber. “Ditch the business suit, put on some casual attire, fill your pockets with business cards, load up the family, and come on over. This is a chance for the local business community and their families to get together and build personal relationships.”
Price says that this event is also unique in that it is for all Thurston County Chambers, not just Tumwater. “If you do business in the county, even if you have never been to a Chamber event before, come join the fun.”
She particularly wants to encourage the South Thurston County business community to attend. “If you do business in, or want to do business in South Thurston County, come and meet these folks!” said Price.
When asked about the importance of events like this Price said that Chambers help businesses build personal relationships. “Facebook and Twitter are great, and social media has its place, but if you want to cultivate strong, one-on-one relationships, events like this are the best way to build those.”
This corn maze, multi-Chamber event, might be a first for Thurston County, but it has roots that go back centuries. Local businesses getting together to network and join forces for the good of the community is an age-old tradition that has a long history. According to a website documenting the history of the Chamber, www.chamberme.com, “The concept of various businesses joining together in a mutual effort to increase commerce had its beginnings in Europe hundreds of years ago.”
It goes on to state that the first organization of businesses was believed to have originated in Marseilles, France, where the first use of the term “Chamber of Commerce” has been documented. The idea caught on and spread to Germany, and throughout Europe, and eventually the United States.
The Chamber believes: “The prosperity of individual businesses depends on the development of the community. The success of individual businesses serves to increase the prosperity of the community and the resulting prosperity bounces back to the benefit of the local business owner.”
Price agrees. “Chambers connect people. That is what they are all about. They work with the city, the school district and the business community. Chambers encourage collaboration and partnership for the success of the community we want to live and work in.”
Ryan Rutledge, whose family owns and operates the maze, encourages all Thurston County businesses to join a Chamber and reap the benefits. “If the Corn Maze can join and find value in a Chamber, any business can.”
So, mark your calendar!
When: September 13th, 5:30pm
Where: Rutledge Corn Maze located at 302 93rd Ave SE, Tumwater.
Admission is $10 for families or $5 for adults, $3 for children. Military admission is half-price. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please R.S.V.P by calling 357-5153 or by emailing director@tumwaterchamber.com
