January 10, 2018
Issue #51
The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is an innovative business association focused on the future.  With a focus on your top challenge of removing transportation log-jams, the Chamber is working with companies to help accelerate and integrate technologies to help reduce peak period demands. The ACES sector (Autonomous, Connected, Electric, & Shared) is anticipated to be a multi-billion-dollar industry in the next couple of years. As an early adopter in this disruptive transportation space, Bellevue can attract innovative companies in the this sector to be part of our local economy. Join us as we impact the future of transportation on the Eastside.

 
A Day of Power Meetings in Olympia -  January 24
With critical business issues being discussed in Olympia this session how can you impact the outcome? Get some face time with your legislators. On Chamber Day, we take all the guess work out of the equation and queue up a day of power meetings for you and other business people on the Eastside from Bothell to Maple Valley. As we take our legislative priorities to the Hill, we'll pair you with your local legislators and provide lunch to fuel the conversations!


Overlake Medical Center just opened the doors to their new Cancer Center, transforming the way cancer treatment is delivered. This $20-million project is part of a $270 Million Project FutureCare Campus Transformation. Michael Marsh, President and CEO of Overlake Medical Center, is leading Overlake's game-changing innovation across the health care continuum. You'll be inspired by the hospital's long history of serving our community and their drive to be at the forefront of delivering transformative health care to our region.

Does the business voice matter? Yes, evidenced by the full attention of 15 local legislators at the Eastside Chamber's Coalition breakfast held in anticipation of the start of Monday's short 60- day legislative session. Over 160 Eastside business people packed the house to share their top priorities with their representatives in Olympia. Elected officials were cautious about predicting business tax relief, new education policy initiatives or transportation fixes.



It's time to Mingle and Say "Thanks" to Our Eastside Elected Officials
Newly elected members of your local city council are looking forward to meeting you at this casual reception! So, take the opportunity to have a great informal conversation and enjoy the ambiance of one of Bellevue's newest hotel bars. We'll raise a toast to our newest non-partisan local officeholders and say goodbye to old friends.

Career and Technical Education at Top of Business Agenda
Last year, the Legislature reached agreement on a basic education funding package. While there are still lingering issues, including teacher salaries and funding for special education, business leaders are calling for a greater emphasis on career and technical education. See this year's East King Chambers Coalition  Education Policy Paper to learn what we're asking for in Olympia and join us on Chamber Day to share what's important to your business.  
School Class Size & Data Center Tax Break Issue on the Docket 1/11 @ Noon
Business leaders will weigh in on the following topics at the next public affairs meeting:
  • Back in 2014 voters adopted I-1351, mandating reduced K-12 class sizes. Lawmakers balked at the $2.0 billion yearly price tag, however and voted to delay full implementation. Now, school districts could face fines for non-compliance. What should we do next?
  • A proposal to extend existing tax incentives for data center development statewide is in front of legislators. How will this issue impact how business is done in our state?
Contact  Chris Johnson  to RSVP.
Reserve Your Exhibitor Space Now!
Connect with business owners, professionals and consumers while you enjoy delicious appetizers and beverages at this high-energy event! Exhibitor tables sell out fast so reserve yours today! 

2018 Young Execs Enrollment Closing Soon
Program Kicks Off January 30!

The Chamber's Young Execs program only enrolls once a year. Take advantage of this opportunity for yourself or for the rising star in your company. Young professionals have said they gain an amazing network of support as well as "a ha" moments they may not have otherwise had as early in their career.


Welcome to Our Newest Board Members!
Marc Berekja,  REI
Jim Blundell,  T-Mobile
Gary Guenther,  Kidder Mathews
Michael Marsh,  Overlake Medical Center
Brandon Nett, Grant Thornton
Greg Russell, Peterson Russell Kelly
Tyler Tonkin, GLY

Click here to see the full list of our 2017-2018 Board of Directors representing the depth and breadth of the Bellevue business community!
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has passed, impacting businesses large and small. According to the Journal of Accountancy, the new law would make "sweeping modifications to the Internal Revenue Code, including a much lower corporate tax rate, changes to credits and deductions, and a move to a territorial system for corporations that have overseas earnings."



Ribbon Cutting: AAA Bellevue Cruise & Travel Grand Opening
January 11
 We hope you will join us as we celebrate the launch with a special ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. Light refreshments will be served.

New Year's Resolutions  for the 
Rest of Us
Have you made a New Years' resolution? Check out these practical ways to make some little changes that could make 2018 a better year.


Looking to do Business with Chamber Members?

Check out InsideEastside.biz!
Shop, stay, play, and do business locally - it's easy just visit our new directory! 

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.


Welcome New Members
ADT Security
Advanced Weight Loss Clinic LLC
American National - Hoyt Agency
Ascend Steak and Sushi
Baron's Xi'an Kitchen & Bar
California Pizza Kitchen
Cost Plus World Market
Fresh Look Real Estate
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas
Healthy Sense of Self LLC
HSBC
K1 Speed
League
LegalShield
Life Time Fitness - Bellevue
Lincoln South Food Hall
Meditouch Clinic
Natalie Quick Consulting, LLC
PemReal Advisors
Security Properties Residential/Sparc Apartments
The Evergreen at Northpoint
T-Mobile
Uplift Yourself
Village Homes & Properties
Youth Eastside Services
Renewing Members
50 years: North Coast Moving & Storage Company
44 years: Kaye-Smith Enterprises
44 years: The Bellevue Collection
34 years: Cushman & Wakefield Commerce Real Estate Solutions
33 years: The Seattle Humane Society
31 years: Puget Sound Energy
30 years: Kelsun Distributors
28 years: Embassy Suites Bellevue
16 years: Langton Spieth, LLC
13 years: Berntson Porter & Company, PLLC
11 years: King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn
11 years: Wright Runstad & Company
7 years: Heathman Hotel
6 years: Kaiser Permanente
4 years: Allstate - Denslow Agency
4 years: GHB Window Cleaning Services, Inc.
3 years: CMIT Solutions of Bellevue
3 years: Lori Morefield-Berg Consultant
3 years: Proliance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
3 years: Rekdal Hopkins Howard, PS
2 years: DuBois Cary Law Group
1 year: Excellent Cultures, Inc
1 year: Juetten Personal Financial Planning, LLC
1 year: WSECU