Any business or non-profit that is a member in good standing of the Southwest King County Chamber is eligible.

You can self-nominate or nominate other Chamber members, and the deadline to enter is Dec. 20th.

For more information, contact the Chamber office at (206) 575-1633.

Here’s more info from a flier (download PDF here);

WHY APPLY?
To recognize the efforts, commitments and achievements of businesses and organizations that help make the Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines communities a viable place to work and reside.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any business or non-profit that is a member in good standing of the Southwest King County Chamber is eligible. You can self-nominate or nominate other Chamber members.

DEADLINE FOR RETURNING APPLICATION:
December 20, 2011. You can drop off the form or mail to the Chamber office, 14220 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 134, Tukwila, WA 98168, fax to (206) 575-2007 or email to staff@swkcc.org.

WHAT ARE THE AWARD CATEGORIES?

• LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
  A business with more than ten employees and has achieved excellence through innovative business practices, products, and/or employee programs and community commitment.
• SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
  A business with 10 or less employees that demonstrates the same qualities listed above.
• AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
  Award presented to the outstanding Ambassador of the Year. Must have served on the Ambassador Committee for at least one year.
• OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE
  An individual or organization that has enhanced the community through an outstanding demonstration of community service and volunteerism.
• BUSINESS ADVOCATE
  An individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocacy on behalf of business rights.
• OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
  An individual or organization that has demonstrated leadership through turning an idea into a reality. The accomplishment benefits the community at large.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport Southcenter (16500 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila). Chamber members are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Guests are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Free parking.

You can register by contacting Brenna Arnesen at the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce: (206) 575-1633 or email barnesen@swkcc.org. Or register online, click here.

Attendees will be able to mix and mingle with other young professionals in a festive, jovial holiday atmosphere, while raising money to give to Toys for Tots. Several of the Toys for Tots Marines will be present at the event, accepting donations. South Side Young Professionals (SSYP) events are great opportunities for young professionals to make business contacts and begin to develop lifelong friendships and work relationships. Admission will include complimentary spirits and hors d’oeuvres, dessert and candy bar, holiday drink specials, and door and raffle prizes. Each guest to bring one unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will receive two free raffle tickets.

The South Side Young Professionals group, or SSYP, was founded in 2011 as an open networking group of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce. The group is targeted to young business professionals, from age 21 to early forties. SSYP seeks to promote the region through social networking events held in the Southwest King County area and support local non-profits. There is no fee to join SSYP; however, members of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce have discounted admission rates to SSYP events. The mission of the South Side Young Professionals is to connect and build relationships with other young professionals in an unstructured, festive atmosphere, while creating a positive influence in Southwest King County.

Here are more details:

WHAT: Fun networking with other young professionals at an upscale entertainment venue with tasty food and drinks

WHY: The mission of the South Side Young Professionals is to connect and build relationships with other young professionals in an unstructured, festive atmosphere, while creating a positive influence in Southwest King County.

PERKS:

• Delectably delicious hors d’oeuvres and 2 drinks per person
• A mystifying magician will wow and amaze guests!
• Chances to win great raffle and door prize giveaways
• Photo Booth to create fun memories
• Opportunity to give generously to our Toys for Tots campaign

For other questions or to promote your company with a donation of a door prize for one of our exclusive events, please feel free to contact Brenna Arnesen or Kate Hudson.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (we’re members) will present the ‘South Side Young Professionals’ (SSYP) VIP Launch Party at Tukwila’s ACME Bowling from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12th. ?

“Attendees will be able to mix and mingle with other young professionals at ACME Bowl’s stylish, upscale entertainment venue,” reads a press release. “This will be a great opportunity for young professionals to make business contacts and begin to develop lifelong friendships and work relationships. Admission will include delicious hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets per guest, billiards games, and the chance to win raffle and door prizes. There will be opportunity for attendees to give generously to the group’s Toys for Tots campaign.?”

The South Side Young Professionals, or SSYP, were founded in 2011 as an open networking group under the auspices of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce. The group is open to young business professionals, ages 21-40. SSYP seeks to promote the region through social networking events held in the Southwest King County area and support local non-profits. There is no fee to join SSYP; however, members of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce have discounted admission rates to SSYP events. The mission of the South Side Young Professionals is to connect and build relationships with other young professionals in an unstructured, festive atmosphere, while creating a positive influence in Southwest King County.

The event will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, ACME Bowling Billiards and Events, 100 Andover Park W, Tukwila. Free parking. Chamber members are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Guests are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Register by contacting Brenna Arnesen at the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce: (206) 575-1633 or email barnesen@swkcc.org.

To register online, click here.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (we’re members) and the City of Tukwila are co-sponsoring a seminar entitled “Ecommerce for Southcenter Businesses,” on Thursday, August 4th.

“Some electronic marketing strategies can only be performed on an individual business basis,” reads a press release. “Others can be accomplished collaboratively.”

In this seminar, Southcenter businesses will receive an overview of:

• Free e-marketing opportunities available to businesses in Tukwila’s Southcenter district
• Local examples of collaborative membership based electronic marketing
• Electronic coupon and offer-based marketing such as Groupon, Living Social, Deal Find and Google Offers
• Electronic event reservation marketing
• Social media marketing

Elizabeth Paulson of Cascade e-Commerce Solutions will lead the seminar. It will be targeted to business owners, managers, and marketing and sales professionals who want to bring in more sales and expand their outreach. Participants will learn how to build a community among their customers and fans, attract new customers, move ahead of their competition, and further expand their reach.

This is the second event of the Southcenter Marketing Partnership. Find more information on the Southcenter Marketing Partnership at: www.tukwilawa.gov/SouthcenterMarketingPartnership.html.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Ecommerce for Southcenter Businesses” Seminar.

WHEN: Thursday, August 4, 2011, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Courtyard by Marriott/Southcenter, located at 400 Andover Park West, Tukwila.

COST: $15 per person for Chamber members and $20 per person for guests.

REGISTER: Register by calling the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce: (206) 575-1633, or register online here.

INFO: Coffee and pastries will be provided. Sponsored by the City of Tukwila and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce.

Tonight (Wed., July 6th) is the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce’s (we’re members) Young Professionals Networking meeting at Elliott Bay Brewhouse in Burien.

“Don’t be shy, come join us and share your thoughts on what you would hope to get out of a Young Professionals Networking group,” says the chamber’s website.

Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. at Elliott Bay Brewhouse, which is located at 255 SW 152nd Street in Burien.

Please RSVP here.

REMINDER: Burien’s 90th Annual Independence Day Parade will start at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 4th (we’re Media Sponsors), and the weather peeps are calling for “mostly sunny, with a high near 74″ so it should be a perfect day for truly local patriotism!

The parade, presented by the City of Burien and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 3 p.m. at the intersection of Ambaum Blvd. SW and SW 149th Street, then will head south on Ambaum, east on SW 153rd, north on 4th Ave. SW, then west on SW 152nd.

It runs for approximately two hours, putting it at a convenient time before all the barbecuing and fireworks begin.

To download a Map to plan your view, click here for a PDF file, or scroll down for a graphic.

To whet your parade appetite, here are a few things this year’s spectators have to look forward to:

• Grand Marshal Georgette Valle!
• Burien City Councilmembers!
• Belly Dancers!
• Antique Autos!
• Robots! (and their keepers)
• Ronald McDonald on a Segway!
• The Keystone Kops!
• The HOGS!
• BMX Bikes!
• Santa!
• Clowns!
• A Chinese Dragon!
• Drill teams, marching bands, floats, elected officials, community groups and more!
• More special entries will be announced by the Chamber, and of course, there may be some surprises on the actual day!

Burien City Councilmember Rose Clark notes:

“Since my childhood I have loved Fourth of July parades. Flags waving, bands playing and people just having fun together. It doesn’t get better than that. We’ve been doing that in Burien for over 90 years. It is fun to work on, fun to oversee and fun to present right here in Burien. I hope to see people standing shoulder to shoulder just enjoying the day.”

Downtown Burien boasts an eclectic and charming mix of business, retail and restaurants, as well as a strong sense of community pride. The relatively new Burien Town Square and City Hall form an impressive backdrop for the downtown “skyline.” People have FUN in B-Town! Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this longstanding Burien tradition. Make it your own tradition in 2011!

The Burien Independence Day Parade is sponsored by:

• The Boeing Company
• Burien Toyota
• Car Pros Burien Nissan
• Fred Meyer
• Highline Medical Center
• Puget Sound Energy
• Seahurst Dental Design/Jim Coleman, DDS

Partners for this event are:

• City of Burien
• Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce
• Burien/White Center Rotary Club

Media partners are The B-Town Blog and Highline Times.

Here’s a map of the parade route (click here to download your own PDF version):

Click image to see larger version.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• SLIDESHOW: Sights And Sounds From Burien’s Independence Day Parade
• Our First-Hand Account Of Being In The 4th Of July Parade
• PHOTOS: Scenes From Burien’s 4th Of July Parade

The City of Burien and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce will be presenting the 90th annual Burien Independence Day Parade (we’re Sponsors) on Monday, July 4th, with some legendary area residents serving as Grand Marshals.

Our friends at the Chamber want our Readers to know also that there’s still room for community groups, marching bands, drill teams, public officials, cars, special entries, etc. to join the parade – all are welcome to participate.

And get this…it’s FREE!

• For an application, click here (PDF file)
• Click here (PDF file) for a “Hold Harmless Agreement” release that must also be completed

The Burien Independence Day Parade has gained a reputation as one of the most enjoyable and spirited community parades in the region. Community pride will shine with marching bands, energetic dance teams, elaborate floats and vintage autos! Downtown Burien boasts a charming mix of business, retail and restaurants, coupled with the impressive new Town Square and City Hall. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this longstanding Burien tradition.

This year, the Grand Marshal of the Burien Independence Day Parade will be Georgette Valle, former Washington State Representative and Burien City Councilmember. Georgette became a State Representative in 1964 and served until 1966. State issues she championed include, among others, the clean air act, no smoking in public places, equal rights education bill and recycle bins. Returning from service to the State she became a Burien City Council member in 1998.??Georgette and her Norwegian husband, Dr. Odd Valle, made their first stateside home in Burien in an apartment named Burien Gardens, now known as The Heights. With Odd as a dentist and Georgette as the office manager they became the third dental practice in the Highline area.

The Valles began to contribute locally at once. They are widely recognized as the founders of the Burien/SeaTac Lions Club and are faithful members to this day.

Now in retirement, Georgette and Odd divide their time between Burien and a home in Arizona. Wherever she goes, Georgette gets involved locally and really makes a difference.

The parade begins at 3 pm on Monday, July 4, 2011, at Ambaum Blvd. SW and SW 149th St. The route will head south on Ambaum, east on SW 153rd, north on 4th Ave. SW, then west on SW 152nd. The Burien Independence Day Parade is sponsored by:

• Boeing Company
• Burien Toyota
• Burien/White Center Rotary Club
• Car Pros Burien Nissan
• Seahurst Dental Design/Jim Coleman, DDS

Partners for this event are the City of Burien and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce.

Media Partner is, of course…The B-Town Blog.

For questions about the parade, contact the Chamber at (206) 575-1633 or email staff@swkcc.org.

The Mayors of Burien, SeaTac, and Tukwila will address members of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (we’re members) at the May Membership Luncheon at the Puget Sound Skills Center in Burien, on Friday, May 13th.

The Mayors present will be Joan McGilton of Burien, Terry Anderson of SeaTac, and Jim Haggerton of Tukwila. The Mayors will address specific issues within each of their cities, focusing on economic development: current and future successes, challenges and opportunities. There will be time for audience members to ask questions.

Here are the details:

WHAT: SW King County Chamber of Commerce’s Mayors Panel.

WHEN: Friday, May 13, 2011, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

WHERE: Puget Sound Skills Center, 18010 8th Ave. South, Burien.

COST: Lunch is $20 pre-paid by noon on May 12th or $35 at the door.

INFO: Sponsored by Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN).

Register by contacting the Chamber at (206) 575-1633, email staff@swkcc.org, or register online here.

by Janet Grella

We’ve known it for quite some time – Nancy Hinthorne is retiring as President/CEO of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (we’re members) on Friday, April 15th.

Well, finally that end date is upon us.

And so is the retirement party to honor Nancy – it will be held at Rainier Golf and Country Club this Thursday, April 14th starting at 5pm. To RSVP, click here.

We sat down with Nancy to give her an “exit interview,” but she chose not to say what she’s done in her 12 years at the chamber, but to speak about the accomplishments of the communities the Chamber serves:

• “Both SeaTac and Burien have new city halls;
• Sea-Tac Airport has been renovated, and has a third runway;
• Light Rail and Sound Transit now serve the communities;
• Brought the Des Moines business community into SWKCC
• Burien has a new Town Square and Library and;
• Tukwila has seen the expansion of Westfield Southcenter.”

Plus there’s a few things you don’t see in our communities because of the opposition by the Chamber. They actively campaigned against locating a sex offender facility in the area, opposed the Southwest Airline relocation to Boeing Field and opposed the Link Light Rail on International Blvd.

Nancy was not without accomplishments of her own during her tenure at the Chamber. A few that she pointed out to us were

• “Working with Tukwila and created the highly successfully Seattle Southside Visitors Center;
• Joined the South Sound Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coalition;
• SWKCC became accredited by the US Chamber of Commerce.”

She has also personally participated in visionary organizations, where she was a Founding Director of both the Highline Schools Foundation and Discover Burien.

Of her 40+ year career,  25 have been spent in non-profit, community-based organizations that include the SWKCC,  East King County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bellevue Downtown Association where she left after 11 years, and was by then the Executive Vice President.

So what’s the ‘back story?” Why is Nancy leaving all this? Let’s say L-O-V-E.  A few years ago, when Nancy’s husband proposed to her, he asked if she would retire from her post at the Chamber so they could travel and to change her name to Hinthorne (from Damon)…and she did! Nancy’s family grew from two grown children and one grandchild to four grown children and five  grandkids, plus spouses, of course.

Her husband Dick will retire the end of the year. As for the travel she and her husband plan, the first is a trip to Hawaii for a family friend’s wedding. Then they’re off to Washington D.C. And the really big, just to die for trip is a sailing cruise around the Greek Islands.

On her retirement from SWKCC Nancy said “I’m going to miss the people and being in the thick of things”.  I’m looking forward to being a housewife, which is an opportunity I never thought I’d have.”

Well Nancy won’t be “quite” retiring on April 15th. She has taken the position of  Interim Executive Director of Discover Burien.

Nancy has promised the Board at least a year of her “retirement” time to serve DB. “I’m here as long as they need me,” she said. “Whatever it takes to devote the equivalent of 40 hours per month to the DB cause!” Nancy will spend much of her time to developing and managing new and streamlined operations and procedures for DB.

Of course Nancy will work on growing the membership, will be active in the business community and just hang with the Burien community that she has served so long and well as both our Chamber President/CEO and DB Board member.

So many in our Chamber and communities wish you well Nancy! Happy trails, wherever they may lead you.

After a five-month national search, the Board of Directors of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (we’re members) announced this week that they have chosen Lynn Wallace to be their new President/CEO.

Her first day will be Monday, April 4th, so she and outgoing President Nancy Hinthorne (currently serving as interim Executive Director of Discover Burien) will have a two-week transition period before “taking the reins” officially April 16th.

“Lynn has served as a Chamber Executive for 14 years in Oregon and Washington,” the chamber said in a letter sent out to its members. “She was the Executive Director of the Eastern Pierce County Chamber of Commerce from 1994 to 2004, and spent the last six years in the local hotel industry. Lynn is very familiar with Southwest King County and knows many of the Seattle area Chamber Executives. She has a proven track record of organizational leadership and a passion for the work of the chamber.”

We welcome Lynn to the chamber, and look forward to working with her to help all local businesses!