February 22, 2016
Issue #10
What's the economic impact of a world-class sporting event on the local economy? Sean Riley, Championship Director for the 2016 KPMG Women's PGA Championship will explore the significance of this major sporting event coming to Sahalee Country Club in June 2016. Join us as we look at the business of golf and the importance of positioning the Eastside as a premier location and host for select sports competitions.

   

Chamber Weighs In on Hot Topic I-405 HOT Lanes
The Bellevue Chamber's Director of Government Affairs, Chris Johnson, and Board Member Eli Darland recently went down to Olympia to talk to the State Transportation Commission to recommended changes regarding HOT lane operations on I-405. Click the video above to learn more, or you can watch the whole committee meeting here; the Bellevue Chamber addresses the commission at the 3:07:00 mark. 
The recent results of the first bi-annual City of Bellevue Business Survey are in and Bellevue received high marks for its overall business climate, with areas to improve on such as traffic congestion, the need for more parking and the lack of affordable housing.

 
Advocacy in Action:
Policy Committee Recap  

Our Public Affairs Committee received two special visitors last week - Bellevue Mayor John Stokes and Deputy Mayor John Chelminiak. This year, look for the Council to prioritize the Grand Connection from Meydenbauer to Wilburton, keeping Bellevue Open For Business during East Link Construction, and adopting a biennial budget. Contact Chris Johnson to join the committee and keep on top of these and other important issues. 

The 2016 Eastside Economic Strategy Guide is jam packed with insight about the economy in Bellevue, including how the Eastside is fueling growth in the tech sector!  

 





Happy Birthday to our First President & Namesake!  
Did you know George Washington was a shrewd businessman in addition to being an exemplary leader? Says the Smithsonian "When George Washington left the presidency in 1797, he was looking forward to some relaxation...but Washington was a man of innovation, who rarely let an opportunity slip by and in 1797, Washington added another line to his resume..."

 
Job Postings Now Available 
Hiring? Your membership now includes FREE job postings! To post, login to the Chamber Site and visit the Career Center. Need help? Call 425.454.2464.

 
Cruise Business Continues to Rise
Alaska cruises are hotter than ever - up 10% and this will be the ninth year that over 800,000 passengers have boarded cruises. All this activity generates about half a billion dollars in annual business revenue.

 
Wilburton Sewer Project Traffic Impacts Starting February 26
Bellevue Utilities is making improvements needed to increase sewer capacity to meet growth demands and to replace aging infrastructure. Construction activities will begin Feb. 26 and last through December. Construction will impact 114th Ave. SE between Main St. and SE 8th St.



Business After Hours Photo Gallery
Brazen Sotheby's International Reality and The Bellevue Chamber joined together for a special evening of business connections and delicious appetizers, courtesy of the 520 Bar and Grill. Click below to view the gallery! Photos by Mike Nakamura Photography.

Welcome New Members
Block Advisors - 102nd Ave SE
Camano Island Inn
Center For Discovery
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Northwest Chapter
Dataworks Consulting, Inc
German Car Specialists
Grace Liberty Counseling, PLLC
H&R Block - Main Street
Home Care Assistance
Inabia Software & Consulting
JayMarc Homes
People's Acupuncture, Eastside
Real Circles
U.S. Security Associates
VISIONHOUSE
Waddell & Reed Inc.
Wade's Eastside Gun Shop
Wagly 
Renewing Members
39 Years: Bellevue Downtown Association
27 Years: Office Depot
21 Years: Synergy Construction
18 Years: Mariners Team Store
16 Years: Pattison General Contractor
14 Years: OpenSquare
12 Years: AXA Advisors
11 Years: Alaska USA Credit Union, Berntson Porter & Company PLLC, and Managed Wealth Financial
7 Years: Healthcare Realty Trust and Rare Form Limousine
5 Years: Armour Unsderfer Engineering Inc. PS, HST Construction Inc.
2 Years: Kitsap Bank, Miele Center
1 Year: Fox Plumbing & Heating, Rekdal Hopkins Howard PS