Help veterans and their families and save for your future
New program uses WWII war bond legacy to help veterans and their families
Did you know that one in two U.S. soldiers is married with children? Many of these families are already challenged by multiple deployments, and visible injuries as well as unseen scars of an individual solider may affect them for years to come.
It is estimated that as much as $600 billion will be required to care for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans over their lifetime. Yet our federal benefit programs do not cover every need and they are not designed to help families.
Veterans Family Fund Certificate of Deposit
The Veterans Family Fund of America (VFFA) is an independent, nongovernmental organization located in Vancouver, Washington. VFFA was founded by citizens wanting to make a difference in the lives of veterans. Through their six-month certificate of deposits, they are providing a tangible way for everyone, regardless of political preference, to help veterans whose lives and loved ones have been so profoundly impacted by the war on terror.
How it works:
Invest a minimum of $100 (no maximum) in a Veterans Family Fund CD. Sold through participating financial institutions, CD terms are for six months and pay a competitive interest rate.
At maturity, half of the interest earned is automatically donated to an account dedicated to assisting veterans and families with unmet needs. VFFA works with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to identify veterans and families in need, and that department's Veterans Innovations Program will disburse funds based on these recommendations.
Veterans and their families will receive nearly 100 percent of donated funds. Participating financial institutions and public and private grants underwrite the program's administrative costs.
Depositors receive the other half of the interest at six months, plus a tax deduction for the donation.
Economist Rob Grunewald, John Stanton discuss early learning, May 22
United Way and others host "The Economics of Early Learning" Luncheon
On Thursday, May 22, join the United Way of King County and co-presenters Thrive By Five Washington, the Business Partnership for Early Learning, and CityClub for a special luncheon discussion.
Hosted by John Stanton
Chair, Business Partnership for Early Learning
Managing Director, Trilogy Partners
United Way Luncheon: The Economics of Early Learning
Thursday, May 22
11:45 to 1:00 p.m.
Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Ave., Seattle 98101
$35. RSVP by May 19.
Register online www.brownpapertickets.com, or contact Kelly Phanco, 206.461.5001.
Committee addresses land use issues that affect housing affordability and job growth in City of Seattle
Ensuring the city of Seattle is a place for diverse industries, as well as an affordable place for families to live, is the objective of the Land Use and Development Committee, one of the Chamber's most active member-led committees.
Making development more efficient and less costly
The Land Use and Development Committee saw many years of work come to a successful conclusion yesterday when the full city council approved the proposal advanced by Councilmember Sally Clark to raise the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review thresholds in urban centers, such as Downtown and Northgate.
These modifications to the SEPA thresholds will help streamline the local permitting process, which will ultimately reduce housing costs. Although the Council did not raise the thresholds as high as we would have liked, it is unlikely any changes would have been made without direct intervention from the Land Use and Development Committee.
Housing costs and regulation, multi-family development, incentive zoning, and industrial lands
The Land Use and Development Committee is actively engaged with a number of other key policy matters that affect our business climate and quality of life. This includes successfully pushing for a third-party economic analysis of the impact of incentive zoning policies, monitoring industrial lands legislation, and following new developments concerning regulation costs on housing, and the multi-family tax exemption. Read more.
Become involved: To join the Land Use and Development Committee, contact the Chamber's Director of Government Affairs, Vitoria Lin, at 206.389.7268.
Alaska Committee examines cruise industry challenges and opportunities, May 8
The 2008 cruise-ship season is underway and it's anticipated that 211 ships will call at the Port of Seattle this year. Each time a ship calls, the Port estimates a $1.4 million economic impact for Seattle.
On Thursday, May 8, join the Alaska Committee for a look at both the opportunities and challenges facing the cruise industry. You'll hear perspectives from Seattle and Alaska, such as economic activity generated by hotel and tour operations, what's new in the cruise industry, and insights on issues such as proposed international layovers, wastewater requirements and new pier facilities.
Speakers include:
Linda Springman,VP Marketing-Alaska, Holland America Line
Dick West, Chairman and Managing Director, Cruise West
Alaska Committee: The Cruise Industry
Thursday, May 8
7:45 to 9:15 a.m.
$15 pre-paid
Rainier Square Conference Room, 1301 5th Ave., 3rd Floor, NW corner Register online or contact Ann Reid, 206.389.7265.
Chamber Tradeshow May 14. Don't miss our biggest annual networking event!
1500+ business people expected to attend
Register now for the Chamber's largest and best networking event of the year: the Annual Tradeshow on Wednesday, May 14.
The show features 150 exhibitors representing businesses of all types and sizes. Preview the list at www.seattlechamber.com/tradeshow.
And while you are making valuable new contacts, you can also enjoy delicious food courtesy of Levy Restaurants and enter to win fabulous prizes including airline tickets from JetBlue and Southwest!
Greater Seattle Chamber Annual Tradeshow
Wednesday, May 14
Qwest Field & Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave S
3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
$10 pre-paid; $15 at the door Register online or contact Larry Pike, 206.389.7215.
For general information about the Tradeshow, contact Bethany Thornton, 206.389.7246.
Smart and Simple Strategies for Small Business Conference, June 4
Register by May 16 and bring a guest for free!
Microsoft and the Chamber are teaming up to present the first "Smart and Simple Strategies for Small Business Conference" on Wednesday, June 4. Join other small business owners for an invaluable day packed with expert advice and proven strategies that will help you know your customers better, improve your marketing efforts and increase your bottom line.
Choose from one of two session tracks:
Reinventing your small business
Market and sell your services
All attendees will be eligible for exciting giveaways, including a luxurious Asus VX2 Lamborghini laptop, free software and more!
Smart and Simple Strategies for Small Business
Wednesday, June 4
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Washington Athletic Club, 1325 6th Ave., Seattle 98101
$20 pre-paid Register online or contact Larry Pike, 206.389.7215.
Ask the business advisor: Recession proof your business
The Chamber's eNewsletter is pleased to feature another "Ask the business advisor" column by Michael Franz, a certified business advisor with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Do you have a question for the business advisor? Email it to us.
Ask the business advisor
Question: The economy is softening. What can I do to recession-proof my business?
Answer: We learned much about this during the deep recessions and inflationary spirals of the
past. It is best to take action early, and there are a number of things you can do.
Start with a complete review of the cost as well as the sales or revenue producing side of your business. Review financial statements and look for opportunities to improve financial performance and
margins. Review the cost structure. It is possible to arrange loyalty discounts, find cheaper
alternatives, suspend certain kinds of expenditures, and implement decreased or more efficient
usage of vendors and service providers. Review the pricing structure and ensure that it is as
high as appropriate for the marketing strategy and target customers.
Second, connect with your
customers. Analyze their needs and buying patterns. Weed out unprofitable customers.
Determine whether their buying patterns will change. Ensure that leakage or loss of customers
will be minimal. Adjust accordingly.
Third, analyze inventory policies and lean it out.
Fourth,
review the marketing plan in place. Develop strategies to land more target customers. Do more
of what is working with adjustments to marketing tactics and dollars.
Several other areas to address include: maintain credit ratings as high as possible, outsource
when it results in a net gain of time and money, source and implement technology that will drive
performance and enhance growth.
Finally, don't overlook your advisors and business network. Bring your insurance agent, CPA, business banker, and other
business advisors into the process. And, engage other business owners in this conversation at
the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
You will survive and come out of the soft economy with a much stronger business!
Chamber co-presents CityClub economic forum, April 30
Bring your questions for CityClub's panel discussion on the current state of the national economy and what needs to happen to ensure positive growth in the future.
Featuring:
Judy Runstad, former chairman of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank; Of counsel, Foster Pepper PLLC
Kevin Phillips, political commentator and author of the new book Bad Money
Moderator: Christine Chen, host of KCTS About the Money
CityClub: "The Current Economy: How Much Can the Market Bear?"
Wednesday, April 30
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Ave., Seattle 98101
$35 CityClub Members; $40 co-presenters (includes Chamber members)
Register: www.seattlecityclub.org or call 206.682.7395.
Chamber co-presents health care conference, May 13
Keynote speaker to address presidential candidates' health care plans
The Chamber is pleased to co-present the Washington Policy Center's 6th Annual Health Care Conference on Tuesday, May 13.
Keynote: Grace-Marie Turner of the Galen Institute
Ms. Turner is a member of the National Advisory Council of Healthcare Research and Quality and recently served as a member of the President's Medicaid Commission, charged with making recommendations to modernize and improve Medicaid.
Panel discussions include:
Legislative Session Overview: 2008 review and 2009 preview
Discussion of Health Insurance Partnership proposal/Connector type programs in other states
Information technology and health care
Innovations in health care
Washington Policy Center Health Care Conference
Tuesday, May 13
7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m*. (*Free post-conference panel from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. sponsored by AstraZeneca on Health Care Information Technology. Followed by a conference reception.)
DoubleTree Hotel, SeaTac
$65 full conference; $35 luncheon only; $500 for a table with eight seats Register online or contact Anna Carroll, 206.937.9691.
