The Chamber of Commerce is working on a program to encourage residents to support local stores and service providers. Given that some businesses in the city send their profits to owners outside the state and the country, do you think ‘local’ should refer to any business in Issaquah, or only those owned by locals?

Position 5

Maureen McCarry

I think this is an interesting question. Issaquah, more than any city its size, enjoys purchasing power of communities on both sides of I-90 corridor.

This estimates our service area of more than 100,000 people.

To answer this question, let’s encourage Issaquah to maintain its robust service to the broader community.

For Issaquah to prosper, the stores that choose to locate in Issaquah draw shoppers who will also spend their money in neighboring shops.

I would like to see the Chamber promote some of the high quality businesses in Issaquah.

When people shop at national stores in Issaquah, they are more likely to shop at local stores as well, if they are aware of their quality.

For this reason, I think the Chamber should encourage shopping at companies located in Issaquah, and build a marketing plan to highlight those locally owned and those having a history or a local following.

Joan Probala

The City of Issaquah needs business to help pay for the critical services we have all learned to expect and appreciate.

Our quality of life depends on the sales tax, B&O tax and permitting fees generated from any business in our community.

Jobs are created and families are supported.

When businesses locate here, they make a commitment to be a part of the community.

Over the years, the support for charitable and environmental projects has been beneficial to those in need and has made Issaquah a leader in creating ways to protect our natural resources.

The Chamber should be a resource for local residents for information and help with the process of starting a business and a champion for their success.

But, we live in a global society which knows no boundaries.

The city benefits from business and any business in Issaquah is a local business and deserves our support.

Position 3 – unopposed

Eileen Barber, incumbent and sole candidate, did not respond to this question.

Mayor – unopposed

Ava Frisinger

Local businesses provide jobs in Issaquah and are the backbone of our economy.

When Bill and I remodeled our kitchen this year, we bought locally. A portion of the sales tax came back to Issaquah and helped, in a small way, to fund revenues that provide services to this community.

Some of the local purchases were from businesses whose owners live here. Some were from businesses whose dividends are paid to stockholders outside Issaquah.

In either case, their businesses provide jobs here and support the economy.

Position 7

Tola Marts

The Chamber of Commerce is a private organization, charged with promoting the benefit of its members.

It’s not up to the City Council to create policies for the Chamber.

However, the Council certainly has a vested interest in creating an environment where local business can thrive.

The City of Issaquah engages in numerous activities to support local businesses.

Currently the city directs a portion of the 1 percent Hotel/Motel Tax to the Chamber in support of the Visitor Center.

To help struggling small businesses, earlier this year the city exempted the first 10,000 square feet of a business from Transportation Impact Fees.

The city partners with the Chamber on Salmon Days, and we now have a full time Economic Vitality Director.

I support our local retail areas, shop in town whenever possible, and when elected will promote the excellent services and quality products our local merchants provide.

Nathan Perea

As an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, I have been graciously asked to be a part of the new “Shop Issaquah” task force.

This is going to be a great opportunity for Issaquah to strengthen our economic climate and help keep Issaquah dollars in Issaquah.

I imagine our very first task will be to define “local” and I look forward to the discussion.

In my opinion there are many factors that can go into defining a local business.

Do their products come from Issaqauh? Are the owners local? Are the bulk of their employees Issaquah residents? Are they a chain or solely located in Issaquah?

Because there are so many ways to measure a business’s local impact, I think there should be a graduated scale, where a business can achieve different levels of “localness”, similar to a star rating system in energy efficiency or green building standards.

Position 1 – unopposed

Mark Mullet

On June 16 I opened a neighborhood business in Issaquah called Zeeks Pizza.

I’ve been extremely grateful for all of the support the surrrounding community has given Zeeks.

During the middle of a recession we opened a business that employees 35 people and provides health care for the full time employees.

My business fits all definitions of “local”, but my feeling is the “buy local” campaign should include all businesses in our city limits.

It is important for our community to attract strong and vibrant businesses.

We want to send a message to the world that if you locate a good business in our community we will help you succeed.

There are many national chains who treat their employees with dignity and respect.

Our challenge as city leaders is to get these national companies more involved with our local community.

Any company that treats its employees well deserves our full support.