Your regional voice and resource for building business success

Monthly News                                                                     September 3, 2007

·  This Week

Labor Day
Monday, September 3
Chamber Office Closed

Tukwila Government and Community Affairs
Tuesday, September 4
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Chamber Office
14220 Interurban Ave S, #134, Tukwila
Register Now...

·  Next Week

Ambassador Committee
Tuesday, September 11
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Chamber Office
14220 Interurban Ave S, #134, Tukwila
Register Now...

Highway 99 Action Committee
Tuesday, September 11
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42^nd Avenue, Tukwila
Register Now...

SeaTac Business Committee
Thursday, September 13
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Dave’s Diner - 2825 S. 188^th St., SeaTac
Register Now...

Chamber Calendar

·  From the Chairman

Greetings Members!

Enjoy these last few days of summer! And, be sure to mark your calendar for the ACE Awards coming up on November 8th at 4pm at the Embassy Suites. It will be a great event that will celebrate successful business practices.

Chuck Cox
Chairman

·  King County Councilmember Julia Patterson to Speak at September Membership Luncheon

Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember representing District 5, will discuss the Roads and Transit Plans for King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Business leaders and citizens will have the opportunity to weigh-in on the roads projects in the November elections. You'll want to be sure to attend the luncheon to hear the options and alternatives.

The luncheon will be held on September 14, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the DoubleTree Guest Suites, located at 16500 Southcenter Parkway in Tukwila. The cost is $20 pre-paid or $25 at the door. To register, contact the Chamber at 206.575.1633 or click visit www.swkcc.org.

·  Election Time – Chamber to Elect New Board Members

Following is this year’s Nominating Committee recommendations for new Elected Directors for the year 2008. The Nominating Committee’s recommendations have been approved by the Board of Directors for submission to the membership. Members in good standing have the right to petition for additional names to be added to the slate of candidates for Elected Directors. If interested, contact the Chamber office for this procedure.


Proposed New/Renewing Elected Directors

(Term 2008-2010)

Burien
Michael Goldstone, Elliott Bay Brewhouse
Susan Hempstead, Puget Sound Energy

SeaTac
Paul Barden, Radiant Health 4U
Natalie Elert, Dollar Rent-A-Car

Tukwila
Donna Braungardt, Manpower Temporary Services
Mike West, Southtowne Auto Rebuild

At-Large
Jane Ipsen, Landmark on the Sound
 

·  SUCCESS Foundation Roche Harbor Raffle

The SUCCESS Foundation kicked off its Roche Harbor Raffle at the July 13th Membership Luncheon.  One ticket requires a $10 donation.  There are 250 raffle tickets and the winner will be drawn at the September Membership Luncheon. You need not be present to win.

The lucky Roche Harbor Raffle winner will receive two night’s accommodations at Roche Harbor Seaside Village with a View; spa treatments for two from the world class spa; and dinner for two at McMilin’s Dining Room.  The trip may be used anytime between October and May – what a wonderful weekend get-away!

The SUCCESS Foundation’s Roche Harbor Raffle is the third in a series of three raffles to raise money for the student scholarships. The first raffle, for two unrestricted first class tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, was won by Tina Rogers with the City of SeaTac. George Lanegraff with Renton Technical College won the Mexico Raffle, the second raffle.

·  A•C•E Awards: Achievement • Community • Excellence

Grab your masks and beads; the Chamber’s Annual A•C•E Awards are treating you to a Mardi Gras party on Thursday November 8^th!

This year, 17 Chamber Businesses were nominated for their merit in the areas of Large Employer Business Excellence, Small Employer Business Excellence, Non-Profit/Humanitarian Service, and Beautification.  This year, Chamber Chairman Chuck Cox will also be presenting the Chairman’s Choice Award.  The results will be determined by member votes and the winners will be announced at the November 8th awards ceremony, which will take place at the Embassy Suites in Tukwila at 4:00 pm.

This year’s event will also include a silent auction and casino games!  If you are interested in donating an item to the auction, please contact the Chamber.

The cost to attend the awards ceremony is $30 pre-paid and $35 at the door. Business, cocktail, or Mardi Gras attire is requested. Contact the Chamber office to make your reservations at 206.575.1633 or register online at www.swkcc.org and click on Chamber Calendar.

Sponsors of the 2007 A•C•E Awards are:

Major Sponsors

Baker Commodities, Inc.

Cox Financial L.L.C.

Port of Seattle

Westfield Southcenter

Silver Sponsors

Alaska Airlines

BBC Dodge

Bowman Investment Group

Highline Medical Center/Main Campus

Puget Sound Energy

Table Sponsors

Banana Pages

Cascade E-Commerce Solutions, Inc.

Dollar Rent-A-Car

Highline Community College

Vickie Bergquist Insurance Agency

Bravo Sponsor

Plato’s Closet

·  3rd Annual All-Chamber Business After Hours

Enjoy an evening of networking in The Great Hall at Union Station! Come meet and mingle with fellow chamber professionals from around the Puget Sound.

Thursday, October 4, 2007 is the date for the 3^rd Annual All-Chamber Business After Hours!  The event will be from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at The Great Hall Room at Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle 98104.  This event is hosted by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

Local chambers have united to offer their members the opportunity to attend an evening of networking that will benefit the individual's professional growth while building important business-to-business relationships.  This will be a fantastic evening, promising good food and great networking opportunities.

Union Station is a magnificently restored historic landmark train station filled with charm and architectural detailing. The station was built in 1911, and the Great Hall offers a spectacular mosaic tile floor, light colored walls with gold leafing, and over 460 lights glittering from the 55-foot high ceilings.

·  2007 Washington Small Business Fair

The Washington Small Business Fair is a free event for small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs.  Biz Fair 2007 will take place on Saturday, September 8, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th Street, in Renton.

Get information and training in one day and in one place from local business experts, trade organizations, and government agencies about how to create or expand a small business.  Business professionals will teach over 40 seminars, on a wide variety of topics.  Talk to representatives from federal, state and local government agencies, local chambers of commerce, and business and trade associations. 

The fair is free, with plenty of free parking and no advance registration.  Attendees may stay for the entire event or come for part of the day. 

·  2007 Get-Away Golf Tournament a Success

A beautiful August day greeted Chamber golfers at Foster Golf Links for the Chamber’s Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament on August 10^th.

The top place teams, BBC Dodge and Sterling Savings, received prizes generously donated by Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops and Bahama Breeze, as well as Foster’s Pro Shop.  

The Chamber thanks all of the sponsors who made the tournament a success.

Major Sponsors:

Baker Commodities

BBC Dodge

Hole-In-One Sponsor:

Downtown Harley - Buell

Tee Sponsors:

Bonney Watson Funeral Home

Exact Financial

Hometown Lending

SeaTac Self Storage

The Quincy Group

Corporate Foursomes:

Boysen & Boysen

Courtyard by Marriott at Southcenter

Farmers Career Center

Highline Medical Center

Sterling Savings Bank

·  Sea-Tac Airport Wins National Award

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has won the highest marketing award presented by a national airport organization and was cited for its communications efforts.

The Airports Council International - North America group said that Sea-Tac Airport won its top honor, the Peggy G. Hereford Overall Award for Excellence, besting the efforts of 73 other airports that submitted entries.

According to the airport group, the award "recognizes creativity in illustrating the airport's message, effectiveness in connecting with audiences, and the overall scope of the airport's effort in marketing and public relations."

Sea-Tac won an individual first-place award in internal newsletters and second-place awards in special events, partnering with carriers and marketing campaigns.

·  New Police Chief at Port of Seattle

Colleen Wilson was recently sworn in as chief of the 130-person Port of Seattle Police Department.  She replaces Chief Tim Kimsey, who retired earlier this year.

"Colleen Wilson is exactly the right leader to make our police department one of the best in the country," said Port Chief Executive Officer Tay Yoshitani. "She is an experienced chief, has received the respect and recognition of her peers in law enforcement, and has the mix of skills and experiences that are essential for this important job."

Previously, Chief Wilson headed police departments in the cities of Sumner and Monroe.  While in Monroe, she rose through the ranks from assistant city clerk to police officer, sergeant and lieutenant before becoming Washington State’s first female chief of police in 1993. 

She also currently is serving as president-elect of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

·  Port of Seattle Offering Port 101s

The Port of Seattle invites everyone to participate in their 2^nd annual – award winning - series of Port 101s!

Offered this year are:  Ship Canal 101, Green Airport 101, Fishing 101, and Cargo 101.

·  King County Trade Mission to China For Businesses in the Puget Sound Region

Take part in a very special opportunity to advance your business prospects in China!

The King County Office of Business Relations and Economic Development is pleased to announce the upcoming Trade Mission to China for companies interested in developing the necessary relationships for business success in China’s dynamic economy.  For assistance in finding business partners in China or to successfully navigate the Chinese business world, this unique professional exchange will be tailored to small and medium-sized companies intent on expanding their business opportunities in China.

The Trade Mission is scheduled to take place November 9 – November 20 and will be customized per the needs and interests of participating companies. In addition, a specialized agenda will be developed to include sessions on intellectual property issues, customs clearance, import/export issues, international shipping and contracting, as well as meetings with Chinese Ministry of Commerce officials. With initial visits to Beijing and Shanghai, other cities will be designated based on the specific goals of those participating. 

The King County Trade Mission is an excellent means to explore business opportunities, facilitate commercial ties with Chinese counterparts, and further develop important contacts in Chinese industry and government. 

Hear more about this exciting business opportunity and have your questions answered at an information session taking place Tuesday, September 11, from 10:30 am – Noon.  The meeting will be held in King County’s offices in the Columbia Tower at 701 Fifth Ave., Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104.  Contact Allison Clark at Allison.clark@metrokc.gov if you are interested in attending.

Included:

• Roundtrip airfare
• Complete planning of your private Trade Mission
• Arrangement of meetings with potential business partners in China
• Interpreters
• National and/or local guides
• Sightseeing
• All transportation related to the program while in China
• Entrance fees
• 10 nights accommodation in first class hotels
• All meals
• Gratuities
• Comprehensive documents (detailed itinerary, local maps, etc.)
• Business invitation from China
• Chinese travel visa
• Alternate custom program for spouses and partners during your business meetings
• Basic medical and travel insurance within China
• Orientation prior to departure to China
• Pre-trip import/export information session

Fees and Payment Schedule:

• $5,000 - $5,500 per person, all inclusive except personal expenses
• Receive $150 “Early Registration Discount” per person if registration deposit is received by September 1, 2007.
• Information Session: September 11, 2007, 10:30 am – Noon.
• Regular registration and deposit deadline: September 25, 2007.

Early registration is suggested since space is limited. A nonrefundable deposit of $600 is due on September 25, 2007.  If registration and deposit is received by September 1, 2007, companies will receive a discount of $150 from the total Mission cost. Only personal checks or money orders are accepted for deposit payments.  Final payment can be made with cash, check, money order, Visa, or MasterCard and will be required by October 4, 2007.

For more information about the King County Trade Mission and the organizing partners, please visit the King County website, under Highlights: www.kingcounty.gov or contact Allison Clark at 206-296-1939 or via email at Allison.clark@metrokc.gov.

·  Business Showcase Featured at December Luncheon

The December Membership Luncheon, to take place at the Marriott - Seattle Airport, will feature the Annual Business Showcase at which your company can set up an exhibit booth to inform attendees about your business.  This should be a nice addition to the December luncheon and Chamber holiday celebration!

·  City Beats - Burien

Burien Town Square: With construction just starting on the first phase of Burien Town Square, more than a quarter of the 124 condominiums that will be in (or fill) the upper levels of the retail/residential building have already been sold.  Sales began in mid-July when the Urban Partners marketing center opened across from the construction site on SW 152^nd Street in downtown Burien.  For the retail space, talks are taking place with potential tenants that include a bakery/café, coffee and juice shop, salon and spa, and a sit-down restaurant.  Town Square’s first phase is scheduled to open in fall 2008.  The developer is moving forward with plans for Phase 2, which will include two seven-story buildings with a similar mix of retail on the lower floors and residential on the upper levels.

National Night Out:  Burien’s National Night Out is growing in popularity each year.  This year’s event, held August 7, saw residents from throughout the community participate in block parties and other gatherings to discuss crime prevention and other neighborhood issues.  City police and fire personnel attended many of the gatherings to discuss public safety issues with residents.  The main purpose of NNO, and maybe the best crime prevention measure officials say, is for residents to get to know their neighbors and watch out for each other.

Another Good Audit: We’re proud of our Finance Department!  For the fifth consecutive year, the Washington State Auditor’s office reported a “no findings” audit in a review of 2006 City finances. The City received a letter of commendation from State Auditor Brian Sonntag for the five-year accomplishment.

Fall Art Walk:  Burien’s annual fall event is the Downtown Art Walk that takes place on Friday and Saturday, September 7 and 8.  Downtown visitors can stroll along 152^nd Street and experience the works of over 30 visual artists featured at participating Burien businesses.  Performing artists will include aerial dance, theater and music.  Participating restaurants will be offering happy hour pricing and more.

Day in the Park: Volunteers from throughout the community will be gathering at Seahurst Waterfront Park in Burien on Saturday, September 29, for the “Day in the Park” event, coordinated by Earth Share of Washington. Volunteers, led by the City’s parks’ staff and volunteers for Outdoor Washington, will improve trails and remove invasive plants along the beach on hillside.  Seahurst is one of seven King County locations selected by Earth Share for the all-volunteer park clean-up.

·  City Beats - SeaTac

SeaTac Develops New Business Attraction Brand:  For the last six months, the City of SeaTac has worked alongside marketing firm HadleyGreenCreates to create a new brand for the City’s economic development efforts.  This brand will enhance the City’s image among the region’s businesses and developers to facilitate future business attraction efforts.

City Councilmembers were presented with the final brand concept on Monday, August 6.  In the process of developing the brand, HadleyGreenCreates met with various groups for input including: Councilmembers, the Business Ambassador Team, the Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Committee, and City staff.  The consultant packaged the input into the following statement meant to reflect the City’s current state and future aspirations: 

“The portal to the Puget Sound region, the City of SeaTac is a transportation-centric community perfectly positioned and highly motivated to help you succeed.” 

In other words, the City of SeaTac is a “Portal to Opportunity.”  The overall brand concept emphasizes the existing opportunities in the City while reminding the public of the City’s central location.  “Everywhere’s Possible” in SeaTac, is the new branding slogan that communicates how the City offers city businesses and residents access to air transportation, highway infrastructure, and forthcoming light rail access.

In addition, the consultant created a marketing plan recommending methods for the City to communicate this new brand as part of its comprehensive economic development program.  The City is currently examining this plan and prioritizing action items.

For more information on this effort, contact Economic Development Manager Todd Cutts at 973.4816.

September Park Dedications: 

The dedication of the new SeaTac Community Center Neighborhood Park will be held on Friday, September 7 at 11:30 AM.  This new neighborhood park is located at the SeaTac Community Center.  The park includes play equipment for pre-schoolers and elementary school aged children, two half-court basketball courts, a climbing boulder, swing sets, picnic tables and benches, and a walking path through the park. In addition, a sensory garden has been installed next the to senior program entrance of the community center.  The project was partially funded by a King County Community Development Block Grant.

The dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Valley Ridge Park Sports Park will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 10 AM.  The playfield has been reconfigured and renovated using a synthetic play surface called Pro-Turf and new lights have been installed.  Additionally a walking/running path encompassing the playfields has been completed and the tennis courts have been resurfaced.  The renovated park will be an asset to the community and sport organizations throughout the region.

·  City Beats - Tukwila

Domestic Violence: October is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Domestic violence reduces worker productivity and business profitability and to find out how it can affect your business and what you can do www.endabuse.org/workplace.  An excellent way to start is by encouraging your employees to walk 5 or 10 kilometers along the beautiful Green River Trail in the second annual Steppin’ Out to Stop Domestic Violence Walk-a-Thon on Saturday, October 6^th between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Starfire Sports at Fort Dent Park in Tukwila. For more information, visit www.SOSDomesticViolence.com.   

Parks and Trails Map Available: If you’d like to encourage your employees to exercise more, give them a new map showing the beautiful parks and trails in Tukwila and adjacent cities.  If you would like some maps, contact Derek Speck at dspeck@ci.tukwila.wa.us.

·  New Members

Domestic Abuse Women’s Network

P.O. Box 88007

Tukwila, WA 98138

425.656.4305

Facsimile: 425.656.4309

Human Services

Famous Dave’s Tukwila

17770 South Center Parkway

Tukwila, WA 98188

206.631.2000      

Facsimile: 206.631.2001

·  Renewed Members

The Southwest King County Chamber extends its

gratitude to renewing members for their continued support.

1-5 Years
AAA Washington/Inland Inc.

ACT 3 Catering

American Cancer Society

Commodity Forwarders, Inc.

Comprehensive Health education Foundation

Des Moines Way Self-Storage

Discover Burien

Evergreen Eye Care

Farmers Career Center

HomeStreet Bank

Joseph A. Breidenbach

Library Connection @ Southcenter

Nordstrom-Southcenter

Pancake Chef

Prevail credit Union

6-10 Years
Budget Rent-A-Car

Kamino International Transport Inc.

Lovers

Lowe’s Home Improvement

Mid America Overseas, Inc.

Miller Paint Company

Radiant Health 4U

11-15 Years
Fred Meyer

20+ Years

Manpower Temporary Services