#2HoursInSLU - WeWork

For this installment of #2HoursInSLU, Dave Mercer from Athletic Awards interviewed Gina Phillips from WeWork, where the SLU Chamber offices are located.

Gina Phillips, WeWork

I recently had the opportunity to meet up with Gina Phillips with WeWork. Gina leads the company’s Seattle presence and has been here since they opened in February of 2014. Located at 500 Yale Avenue North, WeWork is an office space solution company offering individual and multiple team member offices as well as open spaces for meetings and drop in use.

Currently WeWork has 30 locations worldwide all listed on their website. Members to WeWork benefit from access to all their facilities. As a Seattle member traveling to New York for example, you have the convenience of a location to do business or hold a meeting. They are expanding rapidly and Gina indicated that a new location in downtown Seattle is scheduled for September while a Portland location will open later in 2015.

During my tour of the facilities with Gina, I noted that the open and common spaces were bright and comfortable. The atmosphere was professional yet creative and light. Custom murals adorned the walls with local themes to add to a sense of place. A variety of businesses are benefiting from this unique business model. During the tour I noticed offices ranging from lawyers and large beverage companies to gaming and small startups. 

I asked Gina what she liked most about South Lake Union. She spoke about the excitement of being in an area experiencing so much growth. She is thrilled to be part of the momentum that is happening in this slice of the city. She also indicated that, with so many wonderful options, it was not possible to narrow down her favorite lunch spot. Gina helped to bring food trucks to the east side of Fairview Avenue and finds that her favorites change almost daily.

Consider dropping in to WeWork to check out their facilities. If you make it on a Thursday afternoon you can enjoy their “Happy Hour” with a free beer drawn right from their tap.

For more information give WeWork South Lake Union a call at (202) 688-2302.

Get to know Danah Abarr, our new SLU Chamber Executive Director

What was your background prior to joining the Chamber?
Prior to taking the role as Executive Director, I served on the SLU Chamber’s Board of Directors for 3 years and before that oversaw membership and business development for Washington State’s biotechnology and biomedical industry trade association. I am also the founder of a small local nonprofit and understand the struggles of entrepreneurship and a small business.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time and what is that people would find most surprising about you?
Like many Seattleites, I love being outdoors. One of my favorite past times is hanging off the sides of cliffs – rappelling, rock climbing, canyoneering . . . show me a canyon or rock face and I’m there:)

What do you love most about being involved in South Lake Union?
The energy in this neighborhood is electric. I love being surrounded by such smart, motivated, and passionate individuals. It feels great to help individuals achieve their business goals and the Chamber plays a part in making that happen.

What's on your to-do list as the SLU Chamber ED?
What isn’t! This is such an exciting role in which I get to wear many hats. My first priority is always our members – connecting with them, understanding their businesses and what unique challenges they face. This building of partnerships helps the Chamber to better engage with local stakeholders and better understand their needs so we may advocate on their behalf.

What do you see as some of the goals and opportunities for the Chamber in the coming year?
The Chamber is excited about the growing opportunities to partner with its members to support and get involved in community events and activities. We are working with City officials on improvement projects and economic development opportunities for our local businesses.

Why should someone join the SLU Chamber?
The Chamber offers individuals and businesses great benefits like access to networking and business connections, free business consulting, 401K programs, free marketing and brand visibility. Through the Chamber you are supporting projects like transportation initiatives, construction mitigation and advocacy for neighborhood improvements!

What events do you have coming up?
Summer is just around the corner and we are celebrating with some fun after hours social events! Join us on June 4th at Art Marble 21 for a fun mixer and don’t miss out on one of our most popular events, the Summer Celebration aboard the Virgina V docked in Lake Union on June 17th! I hope to see many of you there!