Economic Forecast – Stronger Together

By Andrea H. Reay CEO/President Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce John F. Kennedy once said, “A rising tide lifts all boats”. But, did you know that Kennedy actually “borrowed” that phrase from the local regional chamber of commerce in New England, the New England Council? As a Chamber that principle is etched into our being. We work hard to boost economic and community growth knowing that as the economic tide lifts, so will we all rise. However, these last few years in the Puget Sound Region that principle has been tested. We have experienced tremendous economic growth, but many people still find themselves in boats that are not rising. Why are so many boats still leaking in our community? At the Chamber we work with businesses, community leaders, and local elected officials to advocate for policies and provisions that we hope can start to plug those leaking boats. Rapid change in the suburbs regarding housing, affordability, and the business climate mean that we must come together to find solutions. The speed and extent of change experienced in the county level is immense. But, our time to act is now. We recently were able to co-host a business round table with the Seattle Metro Chamber and were fortunate to have King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove discuss many of our area’s concerns along with the challenges that come with our booming economy. Mr. Upthegrove confirmed the county is not in the business of building walls and is interested and focused on working across geographical, political, and cultural boundaries to ensure our communities thrive. Most of our challenges will need broad regional support that will require us to come together in partnership and collaboration as never before. “The opportunity to sit down with business leaders at the Small Business Roundtable from South King County was invaluable. I am looking forward to building regional partnerships to address housing, transportation, the achievement gap, and affordability.” Offered Councilmember Upthegrove “As our region faces unprecedented changes, it is more important than ever for us to be partners in finding solutions. Together we can keep King County a destination for new families, entrepreneurs building their businesses, and tourists from across the country hoping to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.” Our Chamber is committed to finding those regional solutions, building those strategic partnerships and working together to truly raise the tide for our region. If you would like to learn more about the current state of our local economy and what our municipal partners in Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila are doing to leverage their resources and capacity for economic and community development, we would like to invite you to our first ever Economic Forecast Luncheon. This luncheon is presented in partnership with cities within the Chamber’s service area of Southwest King County and will feature city leadership and staff discussing and presenting their economic priorities and focus for 2018. This luncheon will also feature a panel discussion and Q&A. The luncheon will be held on Friday, Jan. 12, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, at DoubleTree Hotel SeaTac Airport, 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188. Thank you to our host, and our Presenting Sponsor Tomorrow @ Sea-Tac, and our Event Sponsors; Crain Photography and South King Media. Space is limited at the luncheon so don’t forget to register early to reserve your seat. Register on-line here http://www.seattlesouthsidechamber.com/events/details/economic-forecast-luncheon-1022 or call our office during regular office hours at (206) 575-1633. Please join us at the Chamber as we continue to strive to find the right answers, and work together to build a bright future for all in Southwest King County. Together we are stronger, #SeattleSouthsideStrong.
Andrea H. Reay is the President/CEO of Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce – “A voice for business, a leader in the community”. Seattle Southside Chamber has served the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila since 1988. For more information on Chamber benefits, opportunities and partnerships, please visit www.SeattleSouthsideChamber.com.
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