The Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, as one of Issaquah’s oldest and strongest community institutions, is excited about 2015 — and the many positive things happening in our community this year.
The Chamber’s core functions include: supporting the local economy, representing business to government and providing networking opportunities and promoting the community. To achieve this, we provide over 50 networking, business development and community celebration events a year, ranging from Business University seminars, the “Innovation in Issaquah” business awards program and production of Issaquah’s signature tourism, celebration and community promotion event — the annual, award-winning Salmon Days Festival.
In 2015 we will continue to focus on programs that support business success and community prosperity. This includes connecting local small businesses with the resources, seminars and advisers in our Small Business Resource Center in support of their business’ growth and success. We also will continue to partner with the city of Issaquah and others on the development of a stronger tourism program for the community, helping to bring new customers, new dollars and new tax revenue into Issaquah.
Some of our work this year will focus on advocacy at the state level. In Olympia, we will be fighting for a statewide transportation package to invest in transportation and mobility infrastructure to improve the flow of customers, products and employees throughout our region. We also will be advocating for education funding and reform initiatives to ensure Washington’s education systems can meet our future workforce needs. Progress on these two topics — transportation and education — must be priorities for our elected leaders this legislative sessions. The needs are both urgent and critical.
Locally, we will continue to partner with the city of Issaquah on matters important to the local business community and the region at large. This includes supporting the city’s economic development work, advocating for a balanced tax/regulatory system, engagement on local transportation initiatives and more.
There is much ahead in 2015 for the community, such as the growth of Swedish Hospital, a new hotel under construction, new opportunities at Lake Sammamish State Park, the Costco development agreement and the continued focus on the Central Issaquah redevelopment Plan. The Chamber commends the various businesses and organizations, as well as the city, for these and other community success stories in the making.
You can learn more about what’s ahead for Issaquah in 2015 at our annual Preview Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 8, featuring speakers from the city, school district and business community. All are welcome to attend and you can register at www.issaquahchamber.com.
As 2015 begins, we wish to thank Richard Gabel for his leadership and service as 2014 board chairman and welcome new Chairman Alan Finkelstein. Alan is no stranger to chamber leadership, having just completed a two-year term with our partners at the Sammamish Chamber. Thank you Richard and welcome Alan.
In closing, if you are looking to get further involved in the community or want to give your business additional exposure, I hope you will contact us. You can reach me at mbott@issaquahchamber.com.
Here’s to a prosperous 2015 for you and for Issaquah!
Matthew Bott is CEO of the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. He writes on topics relating to economic development, business success and community prosperity.
