February 10, 2016
Issue #9
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.

   
Video Highlights: The Business Lunch Innovation Spotlight!
The Eastside is home to many innovative and entrepreneurial companies! Listen to the C Level Executives of Point Inside and Coding Dojo to glean business tips and learn innovative ways to find new market niches and exceed customer expectations.

Want to know who was there? Check out the photo gallery courtesy of Mike Nakamura Photography!  
Our annual Chamber Day in Olympia was a great success and with thirty days left in the short Session, important bills relating to our adopted Coalition priorities are still alive. SB 6194 - 2015-16 would clarify legal authority for public charter schools and provide funding, while SB 6152 - 2015-16 proposes modifications to HOT lane operations on I-405. Need more info, contact [email protected] 
Meet Bellevue's New Mayor & Deputy Mayor
The Public Affairs Committee will meet on February 11 at Noon - newly-elected Bellevue Mayor John Stokes and Deputy Mayor John Chelminiak will share their priorities for the coming year. RSVP to [email protected].
 Stuck?
Congestion relief and mobility are top priorities for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. So, not surprisingly, the recently implemented managed lanes with tolls have generated a lot of energy and conversation.   

 

Social Media: 20 Tips for Creating, Growing and Profiting from your Social Media Channels
Social Media as a way to connect with your customers can offer your business greater returns and more insights into their needs and interests than any other method.

 
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.

 
 2016 Strategy Guide:
Eastside Retail Sales
The 2016 Eastside Economic Strategy Guide is jam packed with insight about the economy in Bellevue, including trends in local retail sales!  

 




Services Industries &
the US Economy
The services sector continues to grow - click the graph above to check out the latest data. Together, these industries account for approximately 55 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product and had aggregate revenue of $13.4 trillion in 2014 for employer and nonemployer firms.

   
Ribbon Cuttings
Center for Discovery (top) celebrated their grand opening on 1/28, while Seattle Children's Bargain Boutique (bottom) celebrated on 2/2.

Upcoming Ribbon Cutting
Embassy Suites - 3/15 
$242 Million Expansion to Transform Healthcare on the Eastside
Overlake Medical Center announced plans for Project futureCARE, a major $242 million investment to transform healthcare on the Eastside and in the region.







Super Bowl =
Super Ads?
Chances are you were watching Super Bowl 50 - what was your favorite ad? Check out USAToday's Ad Meter to see what viewers thought from the best to the best forgotten.

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
16 Years: Pattison General Contractor
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
2 Years: Miele Center
1 Year: Rekdal Hopkins Howard, PS