Seattlechamber.com has a new look. Launched last week, the new site features easier navigation and an improved layout, giving more visibility to the Chamber’s numerous programs, to our sponsors and to our members.
Seattlechamber.com is your up-to-date source for Chamber events and for the latest on business advocacy issues. Through the online member directory, it’s also the place to make connections with your fellow members. New additions to the directory are coming all the time as the Chamber membership continues to expand.
See below for Chamber positions on key ballot measures and Alki Foundation recommendations
I-912: Vote No
The Chamber strongly opposes I-912. The initiative does nothing to solve our transportation problems, cuts funding for over 274 projects throughout the entire state and cripples freight mobility. And proponents of I-912 offer no thoughtful solution. Click here for the Chamber’s resolution to oppose I-912
Seattle Monorail Project Proposition 1: Vote No
The Chamber urges Seattle voters to vote “No” on Proposition 1, the SMP board’s ballot proposal for a shorter monorail alignment. The Chamber is also calling for the termination of the Seattle Monorail Project as soon as possible. Factors in this decision include the absence of a credible financing plan, overly optimistic ridership forecasts, substantial degradations to design and quality to cut costs and the compounding of potential risks through the use of a single revenue source, the MVET. Click here for the Chamber’s resolution on the monorail
I-901: Vote Yes
The Chamber supports I-901, the measure to prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment throughout the state of Washington. Prior to taking this position, the Chamber contacted members that allow smoking in their facilities and all were supportive. In fact, many members had already gone smoke-free on a voluntary basis. Click here for the Chamber’s resolution to support I-901
I-330: Vote Yes; Vote No on I-336
The Chamber supports I-330 and opposes its competing initiative, I-336. I-330 would help control health care costs while also ensuring just compensation for people who have been harmed. On the other hand, I-336 would increase the burden on health care providers and make our state less attractive for practicing medicine. Click here for the Chamber’s resolution to oppose I-336
Alki Foundation Recommendations
The Alki Foundation, an affiliate of the Chamber, released its recommendations for the 2005 Seattle/King County Elections in August, prior to the primaries. The recommendations are based on three criteria: knowledge of the economy and how local government can help or harm it; knowledge of the issues confronting our region; ability to get elected and serve effectively in office.
Click here for the 2005 Alki Foundation Recommendations
Visit Australia next May with the Chamber and the Trade Development Alliance
International Study Mission to Melbourne and the State of Victoria, Australia, May 4-13, 2006
Australia’s City of Melbourne and State of Victoria have assisted the Trade Alliance and Chamber in organizing an outstanding program for the 2006 International Study Mission. In the packed seven-day trip, participants will:
Examine one of the most extensive tram systems in the world
Understand the significant role of state government in their regional plan
See how arts are used to stimulate creativity throughout the community, including business
Learn their environmental strategies for water and alternative energy
Find out how they are utilizing a private toll road system
Explore how strong university and business ties come together in the Bio 21 research facility and incubator
Speakers include Margaret Jackson, chair, Qantas Airlines and Laura Mumaw, director, Melbourne Zoo (formerly with Seattle Aquarium).
Gear up for the study mission on November 7 at a special event featuring Dr. Mark Hodge, CEO, Australian Aerospace & Defense Innovations. Click here for more information.
A different view on health care reform at November 9 Author Speaker Series
There are many divergent perspectives on the American health care system. Contrary to many others, former Surgeon General Julius B. Richmond and Harvard medical economist Rashi Fein, authors of The Health Care Mess: How We Got Into It and What It Will Take to Get Out, believe the federal government should play a leading role. At a special Author Speaker Series on November 9, Fein and Richmond will share their perspectives and offer their prescriptions for a universal health care system.
You'll find this session thought-provoking no matter what your views are on health care reform.
Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2005 Time: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Place: One Union Square Boardroom, 600 University Street
**Please note this is a different location for Author Speakers Series Cost: $10 Register online or contact Kristina Young, 206.389.7271
Is your workplace flexible enough for employee retention and crisis management?
Enter to win the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence and get recognized for your best practices
Did you know that businesses that provide flexible workplaces are more likely to experience bottom-line benefits because they have loyal and productive employees?
In case of a crisis such as pandemic flu that inhibits normal work schedules, have you considered methods to keep your business running?
The Chamber is proud to be a participant in the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. Members are invited to apply for this prestigious award that honors small, medium and large organizations in the public and private sector that successfully use workplace flexibility to meet both business and employee goals. Apply online at www.whenworkworks.org from November 1, 2005 through December 28, 2005. For more information about the award program, click here.
If you’d like to learn how to design and implement strategies for workplace flexibility, please mark your calendar for a free forum with business leaders, workplace and health experts on Monday, November 21st. Visit seattlechamber.com or contact Kristina Young, 206.389.7271 for event details.
Promote your business in the 2006 Membership Directory
Question: What is a cost-effective and efficient way to get your products and services in front of senior executives and small business decision makers?
Answer: Place an ad in the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce’s 2006 Membership Directory
This is the directory that stays on the desk of corporate executives, purchasing managers and Seattle-area business owners all year long because Chamber members simply prefer doing business with each other. Make your plans to advertise now—whether as part of your marketing/advertising budget or as a community relations initiative—because the opportunity for such high-exposure only comes once a year.
Premium space is selling quickly! Secure yours today by contacting Michael Romoser or Billie Brooks at 425.488.3211 or info@vernonpublications.com
Chamber members got a firsthand lesson from networking guru Darcy Rezac at the October 27 Author Speaker Series. Darcy is the author of WORK THE POND!; he also serves as managing director of the Vancouver Board of Trade, our sister Chamber in British Columbia.
Work the Pond Tip #3: The Strength of Weak Links
Most networking gurus tell you that it is your close circle of friends who are the most important connections you have. But as counterintuitive as it seems, research shows that your weak links are equally, if not more, significant. That’s why it’s so important to treat all your contacts like gold. Remember, one person’s frog may be another’s prince.
Check out the events calendar to find your next opportunity to try out this tip.
Thanks to our generous sponsors of the second annual Sonics Tip-Off Luncheon: Fox Sports Network, Puget Sound Business Journal, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Kibble & Prentice, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau and Seattle Sports Commission. Their enthusiastic support provided a wonderful start to what is sure to be another winning Sonics Season!
Students from the Boys & Girls Club were special guests at the event. Thanks to The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, KeyBank and Regence BlueShield for hosting them.
Thanks to Teams & Leaders for providing an excellent breakfast to a sold-out crowd at the October 27 Author Speaker Series featuring networking guru Darcy Rezac.
Thanks to the Rainier Club for welcoming members into their elegant and historic building with a delicious breakfast, fantastic networking and a personal tour of the club at the October 21 Toast of Seattle.
And the winner is…
Chamber staff challenged the Chamber board to see which group could accumulate the most miles in the “Governor’s Community Health Bowl.” Thanks to everyone that participated. With your help, we surpassed Governor Gregoire’s goal of accumulating statewide ONE MILLION MILES over a 5-week period, beginning September 24 and ending October 30.
The fierce competition between Chamber board and staff ended with a victory for the board. They beat staff by just three points. Congratulations board members!
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Australia’s City of Melbourne and State of Victoria have assisted the Trade Alliance and Chamber in organizing an outstanding program for the 2006 International Study Mission. In the packed seven-day trip, participants will:
Gear up for the study mission on November 7 at a special event featuring Dr. Mark Hodge, CEO, Australian Aerospace & Defense Innovations. 
There are many divergent perspectives on the American health care system. Contrary to many others, former Surgeon General Julius B. Richmond and Harvard medical economist Rashi Fein, authors of The Health Care Mess: How We Got Into It and What It Will Take to Get Out, believe the federal government should play a leading role. At a special Author Speaker Series on November 9, Fein and Richmond will share their perspectives and offer their prescriptions for a universal health care system.
If you’d like to learn how to design and implement strategies for workplace flexibility, please mark your calendar for a free forum with business leaders, workplace and health experts on Monday, November 21st. Visit 
Chamber members got a firsthand lesson from networking guru Darcy Rezac at the October 27 Author Speaker Series. Darcy is the author of WORK THE POND!; he also serves as managing director of the Vancouver Board of Trade, our sister Chamber in British Columbia.
