State Chamber Director Visits Culbertson

Olson Talks To Students, Chamber Members

Montana Chamber of Commerce director of network development Matthew Olson paid a visit to Culbertson Jobs for Montana Graduates students Wednesday, March 23.

Olson, who has family ties in the McCabe area, is in charge of The Prospects, a statewide high school business plan and pitch competition with scholarships and cash prizes for high school students.

Olson spent a whole day in Culbertson with his wife, Chizuko, and children Tage and Koto.

Mary Marchart told the Community News the day began with a visit to junior high students. This is the first year underclassmen were included in the competition.

“Matthew was excited to meet many of the JMG students who have submitted entries for The Prospects,” said Machart.

Olson introduced the students to various aspects of Japanese culture, including origami the use of chopsticks. Olson worked in Asia for two decades, gaining international business development experience.

“Students really engaged with the activities and were quite surprised when they were give gifts from the Olsons from Japan,” said Machart.

During lunch, Olson met with Culbertson Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture President Wayne Hendrickson and other community members to discuss how the state chamber wants to help connect business leaders and high school students for mentoring.

The Olsons then met with some kindergartners before moving on to speak to members of the senior class about employability skills and opportunities available to Montana high school students. Culbertson has over 12 submissions in the contest this year.

Olson is a fifth generation Montanan with roots tracing back to McCabe. After connecting with relatives Karen Baxter and Ron Olson, the visitors were treated to a visit to Ebenezer Church in McCabe followed by a meal on the Olson’s farm.

For more information about the Prospects Contest, visit montanachamber. com/montana-chamber- foundation/prospects.