#TheBizVoice - Accelerating Tomorrow Today

May 23, 2018 | Issue #60

The Bellevue Chamber is a catalyst for sustainable growth within the local business community. We provide information, access, connections and resources to position you and your team for business success!

The YEA! Class of 2018 Has Graduated!

Twenty-four young entrepreneurs recently launched 17 companies through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Students in grades six through twelve participated in this 30-week program that guided them through the process of starting and running real businesses. We congratulate them on their achievements and thank our sponsors for their support!

Read more about the companies launched in The Bellevue Reporter >

Champion for a Stronger Community

City Seeks Additional Input on Proposed Grand Connection I-405 Crossing

As a business community, we know one of the factors which makes Bellevue a global destination for commerce, is our sense of “place.” The Grand Connection offers a civic vision to reconnect Meydenbauer and Old Bellevue, with the downtown core and Wilburton. The City has just released the second volume to the Grand Connection Framework Plan, including several proposed alternatives for crossing I-405.

You’ll be hearing more about this at the Chamber in the coming months, so now is the time to consider the alternatives and provide feedback at the project website .

Shaping the Future of “The City in A Park”

Whenever something important is happening in our community, Chamber members are present, providing leadership, service and expertise. That’s because Chamber members are also community-builders. The City has announced an opening on the Parks and Community Services Board – a great place to give back and help shape the future of “The City in A Park.”

Applications are due by June 1 ^st ; go online and submit your name today.

Catalyst for Business Success

Eastside Business Award Winner

Alex Gounares, CEO

Innovative Product of the Year: Polyverse

“Traditional cybersecurity solutions are expensive and complicated to run—and as we see in the near daily reports of major breaches, they quite simply don’t work to hold back sophisticated attackers," said Polyverse CEO Alexander Gounares. "With Polyverse’s Moving Target Defense cyber technologies, including our flagship Polymorphic Linux product, we create intrinsic cyber resiliency that defeats even the most sophisticated of attacks."

Watch the video >

Ribbon Cuttings

Join the Chamber Ambassadors for these ribbon cutting ceremonies! We look forward to seeing you there!

Nerds to Go

Wednesday, June 6 | 3:00pm

11639 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98005

Hotel California by the Sea

Wednesday, June 20 | 3:00pm

1601 114th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Connecting & Convening Leaders

The Business Lunch: Lisa Bridge A New Generation of Leadership

Thursday, June 7, 2018

12:00 - 1:30 pm

The Westin Bellevue

600 Bellevue Way NE

Lisa Bridge is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Ben Bridge Jeweler. She is the first female president in the retailer’s history, and its youngest top executive in more than 60 years. Meet Lisa and you’ll learn why her retailing acumen combined with her understanding of today’s consumer have been hailed by parent company chairman Warren Buffett.

Wonder What's Happening with the Eastside Rail Corridor?

Each month, Chamber members meet to discuss important business issues .

June 14 | 12:00-1:30pm

Bellevue Chamber Office

We’ll get an update on the Eastside Rail Corridor project and provide feedback from a business point of view. The planned bike and pedestrian improvements within the ERC right of way, along with the proposed Grand Connection and the extension of East Link across I-405, are key components of the Wilburton Study Area land use and transportation vision.

Public Affairs meets on the second Thursday of each month at Noon. RSVP & Questions

Advocacy in Action: Your Voice Matters

Lend Your Business Expertise to City’s Proposed Budget

We’re pleased to announce the Chamber and BDA will join forces once again, to provide coordinated feedback on the City of Bellevue’s proposed 2019-20 biennial budget. Here’s your chance to lend your business expertise, as we look at the City’s overall fiscal health, property and sales tax trends, and the growing need for fire and police services.

Our joint task force will meet at least three times between now and early July, so now is the time to volunteer. For additional details, contact Chris Johnson .

Central Hub for Business

Business After Hours

Networking at full speed! Experience the thrills of indoor go kart racing, play a game of pool, or watch the action while you enjoy tasty treats and beverages. Ten lucky people will win a free race for future use. Our host K1 Speed is ready to entertain you - zero emissions, 100% adrenaline!

May 31 | 5:30-7:30pm

2207 NE Bel-Red Road

Redmond, WA 98052

It's Time To DREAM BIG!

Big dreams deserve big rewards, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with MetLife to recognize the very best in American small business.

The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Awards celebrate the success of small business and honors its contributions to America's economic growth.

The 2018 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year will take home a $25,000 cash prize and be recognized at the National Small Business Summit in Washington, DC.

Nominations are due by June 22

Applications are due by July 20

Bellevue Blitz: News You Can Use

Kelsey Creek Culvert Replacement; Memorial Day Weekend Recycling Event; Construction Alerts Continue.

Sponsored by

Members Making News

Here's what our members have been up to lately:

Justin Stewart, Executive Vice President of Synergy Construction, discussed current trends and issues in the construction industry with the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce

View more news >

Have a story to tell? Let us know >

Save with the Office Depot Program

Did you know you can save up to 55% on some of the office supplies(and up to 50% on school supplies) you use every day? Chamber members and their employees qualify automatically for these great savings!