Business, community leaders tour light rail construction
Light rail from downtown Seattle to Tukwila starts next summer; Airport station will open by end of 2009
Business and community leaders who serve on the Chamber's Transportation Committee examined the Link Light Rail line and viewed station construction during a tour on Tuesday, July 29.
Committee members traveled from the Stadium and SODO Stations, where testing has already begun, to the nearly complete Tukwila station at International and Southcenter Boulevards. In addition to touring a rail car, which is designed to hold 200 passengers, committee members learned that Sound Transit is working to expand park and ride capacity at this station. Approximately 600 parking stalls will be available but Sound Transit anticipates higher demand.
From Tukwila, committee members followed the light rail line through the Rainier Valley. Construction on the Rainier Beach, Othello, and Columbia City Stations is nearly complete and full power testing will begin soon on this portion of the track. The final stop was the Mount Baker station that is still under construction.
Interested in this committee?: Committee membership is open to all Chamber members. For meeting dates and times, contact the Chamber's Public Affairs Coordinator, Alicia Graham, 206.389.7262.
By Susan Hempstead, Chair, Chamber Energy and Environment Committee, and Director of Local Government & Community Services, Puget Sound Energy
The Chamber's Energy and Environment Committee engages with local utility providers and monitors policy and program proposals for potential impacts on business. Key issues include proposed rate impacts, system reliability, leadership, environmental stewardship and sustainability. The committee also provides a conduit for communication between Chamber members, the area's utility companies, and government and community leaders.
Committee expands scope to meet ongoing needs
Originally called the Utilities Committee, the group was formed to monitor water rate increases. Committee members soon saw the need to address a wider range of issues and added energy, solid waste, and recycling.
Recently, the growing concern over the impact of climate change on the region’s reliance on hydro power led to an even broader scope. Now called the Energy and Environment Committee, members examine and track issues such as renewable energy sources, clean tech, cap and trade, diversification of energy sources, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Recent accomplishments and next steps
The committee helped establish the City Light Advisory Board and participated in the reconfirmation process for Seattle City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco. Committee members are frequently briefed by policymakers and other officials. Recent meetings have included representatives from Puget Sound Partnership, Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Public Utilities, as well as city and county councilmembers. The committee will also continue to analyze proposed rate increases for electricity, water, and solid waste. Next month, the Energy and Environment Committee will meet jointly with the Chamber's Sustainability Committee.
Join this committee: Committee membership is open to all Chamber members. For meeting dates and times, contact the Chamber's Manager of Public Affairs, Ann Reid, at 206.389.7265.
Christine McDaniel
Deputy Assistant Secretary Economic Policy Coordination
U.S. Treasury Department
McDaniel covers issues related to globalization, including international trade and investment, energy, intellectual property rights, productivity, and economic growth. Prior to joining Treasury, she was the senior economist for international trade at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and has also worked as an international economist for the U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Ports, Trade, and Globalization
Wednesday, August 20
8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Greater Seattle Chamber, 1301 5th Avenue, Suite 2500, Seattle 98101
$10 Trade Alliance members; $12 non-members. RSVP required Register online or contact Michelle Grey, 206.389.7227.
Pollster John Zogby at Legends & Leaders, Sept. 10
John Zogby is the CEO of Zogby International and one of the leading voices in public opinion research.
In his new book, The Way We’ll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream, Zogby draws on thousands of in–depth surveys to reveal a developing new American character. According to Zogby, the American dream is transitioning toward a path of limited consumption, openness to diversity, and a demand for authentic leaders and media institutions.
Understanding this emerging American consensus will be beneficial for any leader or individual seeking to market and understand audiences that are more media-savvy, better informed, and more technologically enabled than ever before.
Legends & Leaders with John Zogby
Wednesday, September 10
7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Red Lion Hotel*, 1415 5th Ave., Seattle 98101—*New Venue
$65 pre-paid members; $75 pre-paid non-members (includes breakfast and a copy of Zogby's new book) Register online or contact Larry Pike, 206.389.7215.
Young Professionals Network: Summer networking event, August 21
This will be the event of the season for young professionals! Enjoy tasty treats catered by Apulent Events & Catering on the spectacular Ballard waterfront while building your network.
YPN is the largest business group for young professionals in the Puget Sound area. Participating in this event will help you create opportunities and connections within the Seattle business community.
Join YPN: If you are in your 20s or 30s, YPN programs may be of interest to you. If you have other young professionals in your office, please encourage them to become involved.
YPN Summer Networking Event
Thursday, August 21
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Shilshole Bay Beach Club, 6413 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle 98107
$15 pre-paid Register online or contact Larry Pike, 206.389.7215.
The Author Series is one of the Chamber's most popular professional development programs.
Each session features a nationally-recognized expert in an informal, interactive setting. It's an ideal place to learn about the latest business trends and connect with Chamber colleagues from all types of businesses and disciplines.
Author Series: Crowdsourcing Friday, September 5
7:30 to 9:00 a.m., One Union Square Boardroom Wired Magazine contributing editor Jeff Howe will discuss the phenomenon of crowdsourcing, and how it will impact everything from how work is organized to how products are created and marketed. More information and registration
Author Series: Born Digital Wednesday, September 17
7:30 to 9:00 a.m., One Union Square Boardroom
Harvard Law School Vice Dean and Director of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, John Palfrey, will examine the changes taking place in our homes, workplaces, schools, and the global community caused by the first generation of "digital natives," children and adults who have grown up in a wholly digital age. More information and registration
Author Series: The Nonverbal Advantage Wednesday, September 24
Noon to 1:30 p.m., One Union Square Boardroom
Learn how nonverbal communication influences business success from international lecturer, change manage specialist, and executive coach Carol Kinsey Goman. More information and registration
Author Series: The Subprime Solution Thursday, September 25
7:30 to 9:00 a.m., Rainier Square Conference Center
Yale University Economics Professor and best-selling author Robert J. Shiller will explain the origins of the subprime mortgage crisis and the bold measures required to solve it. More information and registration
Free employee wellness program from Washington Health Foundation
Comprehensive program that you can customize or use "as is"
The Healthiest State Employee Wellness Program is a no-cost way to engage your employees in healthy behaviors at work and at home—and to get some great tips on how to support health as an employer.
Implementing the program takes little effort on your part and allows you to:
Offer your employees access to great tools on the web
Get aggregate Health Risk Assessment data for your workforce
Compete with other businesses in fun challenges
Find free downloadable materials to help you market the program to your staff!
Did you know that the Greater Seattle Chamber's website has a section for your company news?
At www.seattlechamber.com/membernews you can let other members know about a new product or program, share details of an upcoming event, or tell your peers about awards or honors received by your company.
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The Healthiest State Employee Wellness Program is a no-cost way to engage your employees in healthy behaviors at work and at home—and to get some great tips on how to support health as an employer.
