Bellevue Chamber

Bellevue Chamber CEO, Joe Fain, was joined by Governor Gregoire and Microsoft President Brad Smith earlier this week as they hosted local mayors and other elected officials at the Microsoft offices in Bellevue. Officials shared their growing concerns about the economic impacts of taxes being considered in Olympia as part of budget deliberations. (More on that here: https://lnkd.in/gKhQKycF)

Bellevue City Councilmembers were unified and adamant as they adopted a motion to send a message to state legislators that the city strongly opposes the Business & Occupation tax hike, and the creation of a statewide "Jump Start-style" Payroll Excise Tax - both under consideration by state lawmakers in Olympia. As Councilmember Dave Hamilton put it ... "Just as Bellevue has benefited from bad tax policy implemented elsewhere, other states or countries will happily reap the benefits of a misguided decision to impose a statewide head tax here in Washington." Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell echoed these sentiments in his statements following the release of Seattle's latest revenue projects, which show a steep decline in the "Jump Start" tax receipts: ?"[W]e know this decrease in revenue is aligned with recent reports of major employers moving thousands of high-paying jobs out of Seattle to other cities in our region." Each Bellevue councilmember spoke resolutely about the intended damage that would be done were lawmakers to create a statewide payroll tax, each voicing their strong belief that these sought-after jobs would likely relocate out of state over time.

The Bellevue Chamber works well with both sides of the aisle, and Democrats and Republicans alike have helped push through meaningful pieces of legislation that have helped Bellevue and the Eastside flourish. This year, however, majority Democrats are pushing an extinction-level event for Washington’s economic engine. This is not hyperbole; the end is near. As we approach the final few weeks of session Washington’s major employers will learn their fate and be faced with a difficult decision about their future.

GeekWire came to our Chamber Lunch last week! Read the recap here: https://lnkd.in/g5ui3PSs

"Let’s be clear—this budget shortfall is a self-inflicted crisis. State revenues are expected to continue growing over the next four years. This is not a revenue problem; it is a spending problem. Over the last two budget cycles, state spending has grown 40%, far outpacing revenue growth. But, instead of taking corrective action, House and Senate Democrats are doubling down with tax increases." - Joint Statement by Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Washington Roundtable, Bellevue Chamber and Association of Washington Business.

Claire Sumadiwirya was unanimously appointed to the seat vacated by Councilmember Janice Zahn. Last week, councilmembers narrowed the field of applicants to five finalists. Tonight, each of the remaining candidates took the hot seat in council chambers and made their case. After discussing the relative qualifications of each finalist in Executive Session, councilmembers emerged and selected Claire. Claire Sumadiwirya, founder of Bellden Cafe and an influential Bellevue entrepreneur and community advocate, has been appointed to the Bellevue City Council. A Bellevue resident for over 30 years, Sumadiwirya has demonstrated her ability to drive positive, lasting change through her business and extensive civic involvement. Her café has been nationally recognized as a hub for community engagement and inclusivity. Sumadiwirya currently serves on several boards, including the King County Immigrant & Refugee Commission and the Bellevue Schools Foundation. Her leadership emphasizes creating pathways for civic participation, advocating for innovative public-private partnerships to address housing affordability, and enhancing Bellevue’s economic landscape for businesses of all sizes. Her vision for Bellevue prioritizes comprehensive transportation planning, cultural inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. Sumadiwirya’s extensive record in fostering community collaboration and her inclusive leadership style position her well to guide Bellevue’s evolution into a thriving global city deeply rooted in local engagement and equity. This seat is up for election this November.

Microsoft's Global Director for Energy, Mariah Kennedy, shares the company's role in the modern grid. Join us on March 20 for the next program in the Chamber's energy series. https://lnkd.in/gtZjTkn8

I am thrilled to announce our PNW JPMorganChase Team’s participation in the 2025 Bellevue Chamber Women’s Leadership Conference at the Meydenbauer Center! This year’s theme, “Invest in Yourself,” was a powerful reminder of the importance of financial, professional, emotional, and physical growth. One of the standout moments was hearing from Chef Kristi Brown-Wokoma, whose journey and insights on leadership, resilience, and community impact left us truly inspired. Her story exemplifies the power of investing in oneself and lifting others along the way. I love her mantra “Everybody Gotta Eat” as food is an excellent way to build connections and relationships. My biggest takeaways were to start somewhere, to embrace failure as an opportunity to start new and to meet others where they are. Big shoutout to Lauren Anderson and Cynthia Hwang for participating in the Invest in Yourself Financially Panel, both are exemplary leaders at our firm and in our community. Money conversations are never easy - find someone you trust to have those candid conversations with and plan for your future on your timeline. We also enjoyed the inaugural WLC Resource Fair, which provided an incredible opportunity to connect with experts and local business owners. A huge thank you to the Bellevue Chamber for organizing such a dynamic and impactful event. Looking forward to carrying these lessons forward and continuing to empower women in leadership! #InvestInYourself #WLC2025 #WomenInLeadership #BellevueChamber #Empowerment #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth Amber Shroyer Dianne Hauck Ramon Hemerlein, MBA Nicole Perfette Kathryn Lawrence Elena Biryukova (she/her/hers) MBA Lindsey Brito Michelle Henry Viriya Reichersamer, CTP Nishant Kumar Yvonne Baker Timothy Howell Gretchen Alger Lin, MBA Kate Koslosky Matt LaCoss Kerri Schroeder Daniel McGraw

Moderated my first panel at the sold-out Bellevue Chamber Women’s Leadership Conference today! This event was amazing in so many different ways, but one of my (many) big takeaways from the event was it’s never too late to start something new. Stepping into this role was a great reminder that growth happens when you put yourself out there—and I’m glad I did. Now that I have this under my belt, I’m excited for more! Keep me in mind when you’re needing a moderator. :) Was glad to have some of my favorite Sweeney Conrad, P.S. women there supporting as well! Emily Taibl Leticia Zamarripa Sydney DeRouen Julia Griggs Jill Kinney, CPA Shirley W. Huang, CPA Kellie McLain

Thank you Bellevue Chamber & Ashley C. for putting on another great Women’s Leadership Conference! 500 women came together to learn about investing in ourselves financially, physically & in our social capital. So many great takeaways, including a reminder to be INTENTIONAL daily. Be intentional with your habits, who you allow in your circle, with your goals and your mindset. Find your community and make sure you are continually talking about what’s going on with your physical health, mental health, finances, goals and support one another and hold each other accountable. Thank you for allowing Frontier Dermatology to participate in the resource fair to educate on all of the medical and cosmetic services we offer. It was a great time with our team! #WLC2025