News from the  Ballard Alliance
Serving Seattle's Ballard Community since 1927
March 2nd, 2017 


MORE ABOUT BALLARD
Upcoming Events
March 3
So Totally 80's w/ DJ Indica Jones feat Wanz @ Tractor Tavern
March 4
Passport Approved featuring: Katea/Speaker First/Ben Hazlewood/MADYX @Sunset Tavern
March 8
Ballard Alliance Luncheon-Speed Networking @ Ray's Boathouse
March 10
Refugee Alliance Benefit Show @ Conor Bryne
March 18
Norwegian Heritage Day @ Leif Erikson Lodge
March 24
An Evening of Jazz @ Leif Erikson Lodge
March 26
Spring for Seniors Auction and Dinner @ Ballard NW Senior Center
What's Happening
AMICHELLE ROSENTHAL AND ERIC STOLL
Michelle Rosenthal

Eric Stoll
What is your unique connection to the Ballard Alliance/or neighborhood?
I moved here more than 12 years ago and quickly fell in love with this colorful and eclectic community and its amazing collection of family-owned shops, restaurants, bars, businesses, and music venues. In an effort to get more involved in the neighborhood, I first volunteered on the Ballard SeafoodFest Committee (which was so much fun!) and then the Ballard Chamber of Commerce. I subsequently had the great pleasure and honor of serving as the Ballard SeafoodFest Chair, the Chamber Board President, and on the Ballard District Council. This community continues to grow and evolve and I'm so excited to be a part of it by living here and playing here.
What do you hope to accomplish as Co-President in 2017?
This is an exciting time in Ballard! I'm looking forward to working with Eric to implement the Ballard Business Improvement Area's (BIA) many new programs and services, which will be at the heart of our long-term efforts to ensure the neighborhood remains a vibrant and exciting place to live, shop, work, eat, and play. For so many years we've struggled to find the funding for such things as holiday lights and street cleaning - and now we'll be able to do all of that - and more! I'm also excited about the upcoming roll-out of the Ballard Alliance's new Visit Ballard website, which will provide a robust new platform for showcasing local businesses, promoting local events, and shining the spotlight on all those things that make Ballard such a unique and special place.
What do you want people to know about our business and/or practice?
I'm one of the owners of Veris Law Group PLLC, which prides itself on providing high-quality client-focused legal services. Most of us have worked at large firms, but have found that we much prefer working in a small, entrepreneurial environment that is collegial, collaborative, and ultimately, a whole lot more fun and rewarding. Although the firm is located in downtown Seattle, the firm has strong connections to Ballard - nearly half of us live in Ballard, we represent clients in Ballard, hold our annual holiday party in Ballard, and have been proud sponsors of the Ballard SeafoodFest for several years. We work primarily on environmental, land use, real estate, development, and business matters. My own practice is centered on issues involving "dirty dirt," which means I help clients figure out how best to address contaminated properties.
What is your favorite place or thing to do in Ballard?
Picking just one thing is impossible! I love the Sunday Market and get there whenever I can. I also love walking our giant Malamute Nanuq around town - he adores people and gets lots of love and snuggles from friends we run into while walking around and visiting stores. Actually, I guess that's what I love best about Ballard - having come to know so many folks who own shops, restaurants, bars, and music venues here - there's always a friendly face and it's always great to catch up when we see one another. Indeed, it's that sense of "place" and community and home that sets Ballard apart. I can't imagine living anywhere else! 

1809 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98101
206-829-9590

What is your unique connection to the Ballard Alliance/or neighborhood?
I have lived and worked in Ballard for more than 10 years. My kids attend Adams Elementary School, and my law office is just down the road at Leary and 15th Ave. In addition to serving the Ballard Alliance as Co-President, I am an executive board member with the Ballard Food Bank. Honestly, I rarely leave Ballard, but why would I with all of my favorite people and restaurants so close?!
What do you hope to accomplish as Co-President in 2017?
I am looking forward to continue bringing people together, focusing on partnerships and strategies to tackle our neighborhood's bigger challenges, like homelessness, public safety, parking and transportation. I really want to emphasize that the Ballard Alliance is about people coming together for the common good - similar to the collaboration and efforts that resulted in getting the BIA passed. We have seen an incredible amount of growth and change in Ballard over last few years. I've had the privilege of representing Ballard through my work as public policy chair and now co-president, speaking on KUOW about homelessness and serving on Mayor Murray's Task Force on Unsanctioned Encampments Cleanup Protocols. I believe 2017 is going to be a pivotal year for the Alliance and Ballard, and I feel a great responsibility to use my position to push for solutions that work for everyone.
What do you want people to know about our business and/or practice?
My partner, David Petteys, and I strongly believe our law practice at Stoll Petteys PLLC is all about our clients. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to earn their trust each day, helping them with corporate and business matters, state and local and federal taxes, estate planning and probate, real estate and litigation. David and I have been good friends since law school, and we started our legal careers together at Perkins Coie downtown in 2002. Our experience with Seattle's largest firm provided great training for us, but we much more enjoy having our own practice in Ballard because we can be more responsive to our clients' overall needs.
What is your favorite place or thing to do in Ballard?
I really enjoy the weight room and pool at Olympic Athletic Club - what a great club we have here! Also, I enjoy the walkability of Sunset Hill and Ballard. On Saturdays, my wife, Emily, and I and our kids will walk to downtown Ballard. We'll have sushi for lunch, and then do a little shopping and hanging out at Secret Garden Books. Being a musician, I really love checking out a show at the Tractor or Sunset Tavern.
 



1455 NW Leary Way, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98107
206-456-6697


      
 
B INTRODUCING THE BALLARD ALLIANCE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, DEVIN REYNOLDS
Devin Reynolds is a Texas native, former musician, and a graduate from the University of Washington's Community, Environment, and Planning program. Devin and his wife Kelly, moved to Seattle seven years ago.

Prior to joining the Alliance team, Devin worked for the City of Renton's Economic Development Department. While with the City of Renton, Devin focused on event planning and new business recruitment projects.

In addition to his roll as Economic Development Specialist, Devin is our new SeafoodFest Vendor Manager. We are excited to have Devin a part of our Ballard Alliance team. If you would like to reach Devin his phone number is 206-784-9705 ext 3.

UP, UP, UP AND WELL UNDERWAY 
Piles of dirt have been shuffled to and fro, the concrete footprint has been poured and now steel frames are taking shape on the site of the   new Nordic Heritage Museum. It is an exciting time in Ballard, witnessing this soon-to-be iconic building coming to fruition.  

To stay informed about the progress of the new museum or to show your support by following them on twitter or facebook.  

 
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FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE SEATTLE METROPOLITAN CHAMBER 
CONCERNING OFFICE OF LABOR STANDARDS FUNDING
Last fall, Councilmember Lisa Herbold introduced a proposal that would have implemented a new tax on every business in the city, regardless of size. The Head Tax. In the proposal the funds were going directly to the Office of Labor Standards which works to enforce the new labors laws that have recently passed through council.

Working together, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber fought hard to defeat the head tax. Ensuring council was aware that a new tax on business was not needed. After much work and the many conversations with Councilmembers, the Seattle Metro Chamber successfully secured enough votes to stop the head tax.

Since then, the Seattle Metro Chamber has been working closely with Councilmembers and other stakeholders to come up with a resolution that would finally put this issue to rest. Recently, a proposal was introduced by Councilmember Burgess, Johnson, Herbold and Juarez that would create a dedicated account within the general fund and use existing revenue from the city's B&O tax to fund Office of Labor Standards (OLS).

Through the Seattle Metro Chamber's efforts, a new tax was avoided.  Additionally they successfully negotiated a solution to ensure OLS had the funding they need to be successful in their outreach efforts.

It is important for us to show council our appreciation for this solution and advocate in favor of it if you agree that it's a win. Councilmembers need to hear from business owners directly. Please consider sending an email to councilmembers expressing your appreciation of the solution and avoiding the Head Tax. Feel free to use the  Letter Writing Tool. You may edit the preformedtext or just enter in your information and hit send. An email will go to the correct councilmembers.

DREGISTER FOR NEXT WEEK'S LUNCHEON 
There are a few spots left for the next Ballard Alliance Speed Networking Luncheon. 

Our Speed Networking Luncheon gives you the opportunity to share what you do with others and learn about Alliance members. 

Get connected, stay connected and be sure to  REGISTER  today, space is limited! Don't forget to bring a stack of business  cards to share.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8th 12:00 p.m. -- 1:30 p.m.

Ray's Boathouse - Northwest Room
6049 Seaview Avenue NW
Seattle, WA 98107  

For questions: contact  anndrea@ballardalliance.com 
NORWEGIAN HERITAGE DAY 2017 
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Norwegian or not, this all-day celebration is free and open to the public. Alle er Velkommen! 

Start off with the Leif to Leif 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. and then enjoy the Tastes of Norway with music, folk songs, folk costumes, crafts, Scandinavian gifts and children's activities throughout the day at the Leif Erikson Lodge. 

Brought to you by the Sons of Norway.

MARCH 18th, 2017
 
Sons of Norway | Ballard
LEIF ERIKSON LODGE 
2245 NW 57th AVE NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206-783-1274 

9:00 a.m. - Leif to Leif 5k Run/Walk (registration begins at 8:00 a.m.)  

10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Taste of Norway


VISIT THE BALLARD ALLIANCE WEBSITE