Happy New Year from the South Lake Union Chamber Board

On behalf of the South Lake Union Chamber Board of Directors, I want to wish you a happy and prosperous 2014!   If last year was any indication, we have much to look forward to in 2014.  We can expect more businesses, restaurants and residents moving into the South Lake Union neighborhood, which presents more opportunities for all of us to live, work and play!

As a valued Chamber member, you also have the opportunity to show off your business in front of SLU and your greater Seattle neighbors in the New Year.    We’d like to thank the following members for their support and sponsorship in 2013:

American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific,  Antioch University,  Athletic Awards, CleanScapes, Group Health, King County Metro, NBBJ, PEMCO Insurance, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance - Shine, SpringHill Suites Seattle, Vulcan Real Estate, and Zipcar.

We still have a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available in 2014, and these can be a terrific way to market your business. Chamber events and programs are highly publicized...and so are our sponsors!

Sponsorship benefits could include:

• Prominent logo visibility on event promotion materials and event webpage
• Public recognition/opportunity to promote your brand during breakfast or lunch meetings
• Exclusive brand awareness building via marketing material placement at tables
• Complimentary registrations to events
• Recognition on our monthly newsletter
• Recognition on South Lake Union Chamber’s social media channels and more!

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can sponsor an upcoming 2014 South Lake Union Chamber event, please contact Jodie King at director@sluchamber.org today.

Happy New Year!

Michelle Sievers
President, South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Community Relations Manager, PEMCO Insurance

How do you climb Rainier in the middle of winter wearing a t-shirt?

Join the Fight for Air Climb at Rainier Tower in Seattle on January 25, the first stairclimb event ever held in this iconic 40-story downtown skyscraper.   Presented by Fidelity Investments, the event is drawing hundreds of participants and volunteers to support the mission of the American Lung Association.   

In addition to a new building this year, organizers have added repeat options – climb 40, 80, 120 or 160 flights total, making it one of the most ambitious of similar stairclimb events across the country.  There is also an opportunity for back-to-back climbs, with Portland’s Fight for Air Climb following the next day.   For first time climbers to elite athletes, there is a challenge fit for anyone, and a real test of your own lung capacity.  Award presentations will follow Seattle’s event, with an after-party at Rock Bottom Brewery in Rainier Square.

Participants in the Fight for Air Climb pledge to raise a minimum of $100 for the American Lung Association and will receive fundraising tools as well as training tips from event organizers.  On event day, climbers will also receive commemorative “I Climbed Rainier” performance t-shirts.  For registration, visit www.ClimbRainierTower.org.  Use Discount Code 'SLU' for $10 off.

The sport of stairclimbing has grown in recent years and has many benefits, especially as a winter fitness alternative. 

For those that really want to climb Mt. Rainier (in summer) registration is open and limited spots are available in the American Lung Association’s Climb for Clean Air, an exclusive mountaineering program designed to help novice climbers achieve this dream in a supportive team setting.  For details visit www.climbforcleanair.com or attend an informational meeting at REI Seattle on January 23 at 6:30PM.

6th Annual SLU Chamber Awards Breakfast

The South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce hosted its 6^th Annual SLU Chamber Awards Breakfast, at the Pan Pacific Hotel on Tuesday, November 19, with nearly 100 in attendance.  The awards serve to recognize excellence in local business and service in South Lake Union, and are determined by popular vote of the community. 

The winners are as follows:

Volunteer of the Year: John Carrico, Excellence Health & Fitness

Excellence in Business – Large: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Excellence in Business – Small: Athletic Awards

Excellence in Sustainability: Sellen Construction

Retailer of the Year: Shine

Non-Profit of the Year: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

 

Special keynote speaker Kate Joncas, President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, delivered the “State of South Lake Union” address, discussing the progress of Seattle in growth and development, specifically praising South Lake Union in its consistent standard-setting.

Kate Joncas, Downtown Seattle Association

The South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce is enjoying its seventh year of playing a key role in shaping the neighborhood’s business and culture, and is currently led by new Board President Michelle Sievers from PEMCO.  

 

Our next event is a Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, December 4 at the South Lake Union Discovery Center. This event is free, and we ask that guests bring a donation for YouthCare, as part of Athletic Awards' Fill The Cup drive. Their wish list for items is on our event page. Register here.

400 Fairview Breaks Ground

Earlier this month Skanska held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the media at the site and announced the first tenant for 400 Fairview, Tommy Bahama. The tropical event featured sand, beach chairs, and sun umbrellas!

Tommy Bahama, the island-inspired lifestyle retailer, has leased 120,000 sq. ft. and will bring 350 employees to 400 Fairview when it opens in 2015.

Pictured here for the shovel strike are, from right to left: Sarah Lewontin, Bellweather Housing Executive Director; Lauren Smith, King County Policy Advisor; Lisa Picard, Skanska Executive Vice President and Regional Manager; Terry Pillow, Tommy Bahama CEO; Doug Wood, Tommy Bahama President and COO; and Chris Toher, Skanska USA Building Executive Vice President.

SLU Chamber Trade Show, presented by Athletic Awards

On Tuesday, September 17, join South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce Members at the 4th Annual South Lake Union Chamber Trade Show from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

You may not be first in line, but don't miss out!

 

This year's SLU Chamber Trade Show is presented by Athletic Awards.

More than 900 guests are expected, with over 45 vendors onsite featuring their businesses and services.  Free swag bags filled with goodies, discounts, and deals will be given for the first 500 guests.

We're excited about this signature event and hope you'll join us for fun, food sampling, networking, learning, and giveaways.  Admission is free. Join our Facebook event and invite friends.

Free food samples galore! Join us on your lunch break!



Thank you to our supporting sponsors:








Thank you to our in-kind sponsors:

Welcome, Deanna Show, Trade Show Coordinator!

Today's guest blog post is an introduction letter from the 

SLU Chamber's Trade Show Coordinator, Deanna Shaw. 

Welcome,Deanna!

  

My name is Deanna Shaw, and I am thrilled to help the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce plan this year’s Trade Show. I recently moved to Seattle, and consider myself very lucky to have connected with the SLU Chamber.

After graduating from the University of Missouri, I gained work experience both in an administrative role and as an Event Planner. My passion has become planning, as it is a career that uses my leadership and organizational skills to create something exciting.

My event background is rather comprehensive. From non-profit fundraising dinners to million dollar corporate parties, nothing is too big or small.

Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time to introduce yourself and/or ask any questions you may have. I’m always available, and never seem to be too far away from my email.

I look forward to meeting you all and using my skills and experience to help put together this neighborhood networking event. I’m confident it will be the best one yet!

Deanna Shaw, Trade Show Coordinator

tradeshow@sluchamber.org

P.S. Don’t forget to register your organization for the Trade Show on September 17.

Join The Amazing Race to End Homelessness!

Join Compass Housing Alliance and SLU businesses in helping to combat homelessness in Seattle through a fun and exciting scavenger hunt and fundraiser.

Compass Housing Alliance is a trusted local provider of homeless services and builder of affordable housing. Their latest project, Compass on Dexter, will provide affordable housing to families in the South Lake Union neighborhood.  In preparation to join this amazing neighborhood, Compass is holding a scavenger hunt fundraiser that will take teams (of up to 10 people) around SLU, following clues, visiting local businesses and Compass sites, and gathering points in an effort to win prizes. This event is called “The Amazing Race to End Homelessness”!  Join in our efforts to expand services and affordable housing in Seattle by creating or joining a team and fundraising through a free personal webpage provided to you.  Sign up today!

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2013

Time: 10:30am-12:30pm (Celebratory BBQ to follow)

Location: South Lake Union Discovery Center (101 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

Sign up here: http://compasshousingalliance.org/AmazingRace