by King County Executive Dow Constantine re-affirmed in a talk in SeaTac on Friday (Jan. 8th) his commitment to creating a new spirit of cooperation with other local governments.
Constantine, who took office in late November, declared, “We are going to improve our relationship … between King County and the 39 cities in King County.”
This new relationship with the cities “will be one of partnership,” he said.
Constantine added that the county also has an opportunity to work with businesses to prepare and “provide leadership for the economic recovery that is to come.”
He spoke at a membership meeting of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce at the Cedarbrook Lodge.
“This region is the economic engine of the state,” he continued, noting that 30 percent of Washington’s population, 40 percent of its non-farm workforce and 50 percent of its economic activity is in King County.
These are primary reasons why “King County needs to reform the way it works with business … needs to reform the way it works with the cities.”
Reforms need to include county staff doing “the leg work” to find those regulations that affect individual businesses, so owners and managers can focus on running their businesses.
“We need to find ways to incubate new local businesses,” and then work to keep them here “rather than seeing them move elsewhere,” he said.
“Permitting in King County now is daunting,” Constantine said, and the county needs to establish “one-stop shopping” for business licenses and building permits, and to work with the state to simplify business tax codes.
County government also needs to be more efficient, he said.
“I’m very hopeful about our future as a region,” Constantine continued. “It’s clear that the economy in fits and starts is starting to come around. We need to make sure that living wage jobs are available to everyone.”
He added that “visitor taxes,” which helped build Safeco Field, Qwest Field and other public facilities, “need to go to help bring more visitors to King County.”
| Oct ’09 |
| 17 |
| 6:00 pm |
The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (of which we’re proud members) is holding its 20th Anniversary Gala Party on Saturday, Oct. 17th at the Seattle Airport Marriott.
The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, music by members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, dancing, and a program highlighting the Chamber’s 20 years of service. The Chamber will honor loyal and dedicated members who have been part of the Chamber since its inception.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce 20th Anniversary Gala
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17th beginning at 6pm
WHERE: Seattle Airport Marriott, located at 3201 South 170th Street in SeaTac.
INFO: Reception and Silent Auction begins at 6pm and Dinner and the Program at 7pm, followed by dancing.
The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 20 years of serving the business community on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Seattle Airport Marriott. Since 1989, the mission of the Southwest King County Chamber has been to be a leader in the business communities it serves – Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines. The Chamber provides business advocacy, outreach and networking opportunities.
Cost is $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Gala/festive attire. At this time Baker Commodities is a Platinum Sponsor. The Chamber is seeking auction items and sponsors of various levels for this event.
REGISTRATION: Register online here.
SPONSORSHIP: You can sponsor this great event and get some excellent, targeted publicity – just download this PDF here.
PROCUREMENT: The Chamber is still seeking items to put up for bid – you can donate by completing an for auction procurement form here (PDF).
COST: $75 per person or $600 for a table of 8
RSVP: For more information, contact the Chamber at (206) 575-1633 or email staff@swkcc.org.
| Jul ’09 |
| 30 |
| 10:30 am |
The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (of which we’re a member) is presenting its 2009 Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament at Rainier Golf and Country Club on Thursday, July 30th.
Join business leaders and other key members of the community for a fun-filled day of golf!
The day begins with a barbecue lunch on the veranda at 10:30am and a shotgun start at Noon. Complimentary beer will be provided by Elliott Bay Brewing Company, and the US Navy Blue Angels will likely be overhead practicing for Seafair! After completing the 18-hole course, golfers and guests will convene in the clubhouse for a gourmet hors d’oeuvres spread fit for royalty and a fabulous awards reception with exciting raffle prizes.
Committee Chair and Chamber Chair Elect of the Board Carol Kolson of HomeStreet Bank said, “The Southwest King County Chamber Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament is by far one of the best tournaments in the area. It’s a unique opportunity to play at a private club and we are overwhelmed by the phenomenal response of new and returning sponsors.”
Here are the details:
WHAT: SW King County Chamber of Commerce Annual Get-Away Golf Tournament
WHEN: Thursday, July 30th, beginning at 10:30am
WHERE: Rainier Golf and Country Club, located at 11133 Des Moines Memorial Drive South in Seattle.
COST: Single golfer cost is $150 (includes BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize), foursome cost is $600 (includes BBQ lunch for four, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize) and corporate foursome cost is $660 (includes BBQ lunch for four, 18 holes of golf with golf cart, reception and tee prize – plus recognition in publications and name in program). Cost for reception only is $40. Chamber membership is not a requirement for participation.
This event is made possible through the generosity of these major sponsors:
- Baker Commodities
- HomeStreet Bank
- Paws Abilities, Inc.
INFO: For further information, contact the Chamber at 206.575.1633 or www.swkcc.org.
REGISTER: You can Register online here.
