New Moses Lake Chamber president connected to community

MOSES LAKE - Michelle Price knew little about Moses Lake when she moved here with her family as a young girl, but now she is in the know.

Her connection to the community runs deep.

Price became superintendent of the Moses Lake School District on July 1, 2009.

In 2010 she has assumed the position of president of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce after serving as president-elect in 2009.

Price sees a natural connection between the educational system and the business community. But she admits she did not see it when she returned to Moses Lake to work in 1990.

“I was a teacher, and I really didn’t understand the connection, but I learned I needed to be involved with the business community,” she said. “It’s a mutual relationship. I’ve learned from business members of our community, and I’ve been able to share things with them.”

After graduation from Moses Lake High School, Price earned a Bachelors in education from Central Washington University. She taught in the Tacoma School District, then returned to Moses Lake as a teacher.

After earning a masters degree in school administration, Price left the classroom for the front office. She was the principal at Delancey Houghton Elementary in Soap Lake, the principal at Longview Elementary in Moses Lake,  assistant superintendent for curriculum instruction and assessment in Moses Lake and finally superintendent.

She is a dissertation away from a doctorate in school administration.

“My goal is to finish next December. My son will graduate from (Washington State University) with his BA degree, and he’s challenged me to graduate with him,” Price said.

Although she is an educator, Price thinks like a business person. The focus of her presidency will be to grow and support businesses in Moses Lake by helping make the chamber “an organization that is value-added for its members”

Price likes to tout the chamber’s education committee. It brings educators and business owners together at the same table to find ways to get teachers and students into local businesses for exposure to the business community. She said educators need to know what business needs in the way of a talent pool.

“We want (graduates) to have high paying, good jobs in Moses Lake,” she said.

Among other things, Price is a cheerleader for chamber projects and efforts. She’s currently focused on the annual chamber banquet and auction on March 20 at the Pillar Rock Grill at the Moses Lake Country Club. It is held in conjunction with the Morning Rotary, with the organizations splitting the proceeds.

“It’s our primary source of revenue after member dues,” Price said. “We are soliciting for auction items now.”

The revenue goes to Chamber projects, such as support of the business information kiosks in downtown Moses Lake and maintenance of the Chamber Web site.

Tickets for the banquet and auction will cost $50. They may be purchased at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.