Around Kirkland
What's happening
JAN
FEB
MAR
2013
A publication of the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce
You’re the star in upcoming
Chamber production
Upcoming
Member Events
Business Network Luncheons
11:45am-1pm
(No admission, cost of meal only)
April 4: Lucky 7 Saloon
May 9: Top Shelf Broiler
June 6: Le Grand Bistro
Membership Luncheons
11:30am-1:15pm
($30 members, $35 guestsincludes meal and parking validation)
April 9: Woodmark
(Summer Events Preview)
May 14: Woodmark
(Speaker: Bill Schultheis, Soundmark Wealth)
June 12: Woodmark
(Speaker: Kurt Triplett, Kirkland City Manager)
Business After Hours
5:30pm-7:30pm
($12 members, $15 guestsincludes appetizers and beverages)
April 18: Yuppie Pawn
May 23: Chelsea Apartments
June 20: Courtyard by Marriot
Auction Pre-Event: “Starbuck”
April 19: Kirkland Chamber Office/
Kirkland Parkplace Cinemas
Auction: “Lights, Camera, Auction”
May 10: Inglewood Golf Club
The annual Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce is going to be a night of
stars, glitz and pizazz (and all that jazz). On Friday, May 10, from 6-10 pm, the
Inglewood Golf Club will be transformed into a Hollywood setting with performances,
dancing, and exciting auction items amidst great food and drinks.
The beneficiary will be Studio East, which creates opportunities for young people
to discover and explore the performing arts. Studio East alumni members and current
students will come forward at various times throughout the night to sing, dance and
perform. The atmosphere will be that of a Hollywood movie premiere with red carpet
treatment for attendees.
Starbuck sets the stage
On Friday, April 19, a special screening of a
hilarious film will take place at Kirkland Parkplace
Cinemas. Starbuck is a crazy story with bizarre
twists and turns that
has been given 5
stars by movie critics
around the globe.
Before going into this
exclusive viewing, a special preview party will take
place at the new Kirkland Chamber offices a few
doors down from the theater with food provided
by Lucia, wine by The Grape Choice, and cocktails
by Sue and Sants Contreras. For $25 per person,
attendees will be wined and dined from 5:30 to
7:30pm before viewing Starbuck (rated R). We also
will provide a preview of what will take place at the
Chamber auction and all the fun that is in store
that night. You can purchase tickets now to this
special event at the theatre box office, the Chamber of Commerce, or The Grape Choice.
In an attempt to break the mold of a typical auction,
courses of incredible food accompanied by wine will be
spread out throughout the evening. There will be terrific
live auction items such as one night stays at our premier
local hotels like the Heathman and the Woodmark, an
“air combat” simulated adventure, a cooking demonstration and dinner with the award-winning chef at Trellis
Restaurant, and a Tulalip Casino package.
Although not required, attendees will be encouraged
to dress as famous movie stars. Harrison Ford, Fred
Astaire or Clark Gable should be an easy one to pull off for
the guys. Sandra Dee or Liza Minnelli could work for the
ladies. With film and performing arts as the theme, the
environment will be decorated to be festive and dramatic.
At one point in the evening, we will have a raise-thepaddle to provide Studio East with some funding to continue
doing the great work that they do. The Greater Kirkland
Chamber of Commerce believes that a business community
is stronger when our non-profits are healthy and thriving.
Watch for your invitation in the mail and reserve
your spot ASAP. Cost is $100 per person or $150 per
couple. Thanks to our presenting sponsor EvergreenHealth, supporting sponsors Sterling Bank and Waste
Management, and sponsors Kirkland Parkplace and The
Heathman Hotel for helping to fund this special night.
Déjà vu for new business and communications manager
Chamber offices return to Parkplace
The Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce has
re-located back to Kirkland Parkplace to a space on
the first floor that is quite familiar to the new Business and Communications Manager.
Samantha St. John joined the Chamber a few
weeks ago in taking over the duties of Judi Meek,
who retired recently. Besides the business end of
things, Samantha will also be providing marketing
and communications expertise. She will not be modeling children’s clothes, though you’ll forgive her if the
the thought crosses her mind as she arrives at work.
It turns out the new Chamber offices are the very
site of a children’s clothing store many years ago for
which Samantha did advertisement modeling.
The store, The Munchkin Shop, was one of several clients for whom Samantha modeled. She also
sang radio jingles. In fact, money made from those
jobs helped pay for her UW Bothell education.
Samantha’s singing skills came naturally as her
Continued on page 8
2
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
2013 BOARD OFFICERS
Doug Davis
Hallmark Realty
President
Jeff Cole
Kirkland Parkplace
Vice President
David DeBois
Banner Bank
Vice President
Vince Isaacson
Lake Street Diamond Company
Vice President
Kevin Hansen
Livengood, Fitzgerald & Alskog, PLLC
Treasurer
Kristen Gonzales
Sterling Bank
Vice President Events
Kathy Feek
Conover Feek
Vice President Community Outreach
DIRECTORS
Brett Johnson
Lee Johnson Chevrolet-Mazda-Kia, Inc.
John Murphy
Woodmark Hotel
Michelle Sailor
Kudos Kirkland
Val Gurin
UBS Financial Services Inc.
Tom Thompson
Argosy Cruises
Bonnie McLeod
McLeod Insurance, Inc.
Bob Malte
EvergreenHealth
Scott Becker
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Troy Longwith
Heathman Hotel
“A” Liengboonletchai
Simplicity Décor
EX OFFICIO
Mark Shinstrom
Shinstrom & Norman, Inc.
Peter Kirk Club
Teresa Gillespie
Lake Washington School District
Kurt Triplett
Kirkland City Manager
Walt Krueger
Kiwanis – Kirkland Service Clubs
STAFF
Bruce Wynn
Executive Director
[email protected]
Incubate this idea!
A goal of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce is to
make stronger connections with the IT community. When I
first came on board I was told that up to 40% of people that
had business licenses in Kirkland are home-based. That’s
a lot of people working as consultants, web developers,
independent contractors and entrepreneurs.
I’m not sure why that number is so high. Is it because
their company is small and they see no need to have an office? Is it because the cost of paying rent for an office space
is too high? Is it because they like to work in their pajamas?
Research shows that many people prefer working at
home because they like to work without restraints and the
idea of going to an office every day is not conducive to the
creative process.
This is why incubators and accelerators
have become popular
in Seattle, and why the
Chamber is exploring building one in
Kirkland. I toured the
SURF incubator when
I was researching the feasibility of doing last year’s StartUp
Weekend. SURF was created by Seaton Gras in downtown
Seattle. Gras took over the entire floor of a skyscraper in
downtown and created a venue for creative and brilliant
inventors to come together and share ideas and work with
people like themselves. Upon walking into SURF, you pass a
wall with a long list of startup products that came out of the
SURF incubator – apps for smart phones,
online resources, products and programs
in a variety of businesses.
I met with Seaton Gras in Kirkland
to learn more about him and to see if he
would like to expand SURF to the east
side. He is very interested in creating another SURF, and
Kirkland is where he wants to do it. Seaton is a man with a
life history of creating a variety of products he produced and
launched. He is evangelical in his passion for being around
creative people like himself, and he interviews everyone before
he accepts them as a member of SURF.
For $400 a month, individuals are provided a phone, high
speed internet access, desks, conference rooms, kitchen facilities and classes. Seaton says this is not the main attraction.
It is the opportunity to meet others like themselves. A space
where they can collaborate and form teams, and bounce ideas
off each other. As I walked around SURF, I saw individuals
mapping out an idea in front of others, sharing data, illustrating ideas on flip charts, and basically having a good time
talking concepts with others.
We took Seaton around a variety of locations in Kirkland.
Some were turnkey and could be opened quickly – others
would need some major improvements. We ended the day
excited about what could be. The Kirkland Chamber is determined to do what it takes to bring this opportunity to life. It
fulfills our mission to provide opportunities for great ideas to
come to life and support small businesses that can grow into
major industries.
Support Chamber efforts by
donating to the May auction
You can help support the Chamber’s efforts to build a better Kirkland
through your donation of a product or service for the Chamber’s silent or live
auction in May. Proceeds from the auction help to fund the Chamber’s operational expenses. Even better, plan to attend the auction and encourage others to
do so. It will be held at the Inglewood Golf & Country Club this year. See page 1.
Get the latest news by liking
our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/kirklandchamber
Newsletter moves
to a quarterly
publication
schedule
The Chamber newsletter will
now be published quarterly rather
than monthly. The newsletter is one
of several communication methods
employed by Chamber staff. You will
continue to see emails on a weekly
basis, regular Facebook postings, and
other new means to keep you informed
of the latest developments.
The web site has also been
revamped recently.
Samantha St. John
Business & Communications Mgr
[email protected]
Peggy Castleberry
Bookkeeper
Nancy Demond
Events Coordinator
Around Kirkland, containing information for and about the Kirkland business community, is published quarterly by the Greater Kirkland
Chamber of Commerce and mailed to Chamber members and civic leaders. To submit an article or provide a suggestion for Around
Kirkland, contact the Chamber office at (425) 822-7066, send a fax to (425) 827-4878, or mail to Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce,
328 Parkplace Center, Kirkland, WA 98033. The newsletter staff reserves the right to reject or edit any information to be published in Around
Kirkland. Deadline to submit information to be published is the 10th day of the month preceding the next quarter. Design by Zing HQ.
3
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
Monitor online review sites and
respond to negative comments
Many small business owners dread receiving negative feedback on an online review site like Yelp
because they feel helpless to do anything about it. The sites have taken on increasing importance in the
minds of consumers who are seeking guidance from others on whether or not to patronize a business.
Studies have shown that 62 percent of consumers read online reviews and that of those, 70 percent trust
recommendations from people that they have never met and do not know. It is better to monitor and
respond to negative online reviews than to pretend that they don’t exist and to risk having others ruin your reputation.
It is best to follow a systematic approach such as:
1. Create Google Alerts using your business and product names so that you receive real-time updates when websites,
including review sites, mention you.
2. Regularly search for your business name or product for reviews to see what is being said about you.
3. Address the potentially most harmful reviews right away.
4. Establish a business account on the following review sites:
a. Yelp.
b. Angie’s List.
c.
Insider Pages.
d. Viewpoints.
e.
CNet Reviews.
You should familiarize yourself the don’ts of online reviews. They include:
• Don’t write reviews yourself. These can be spotted a mile away and violate the policies of the review sites. A friend of
mine who started a bakery in Hood River, OR received a glowing review on Yelp – from her husband and co-owner! The
review was pulled within days of being posted.
• Don’t solicit reviews from customers. Most sites forbid you from requesting reviews from anyone – customers, employees, neighbors, etc.
• Don’t ever pay anyone to write a review. That’s like having a paid friend. Leave that to the relationship you have with
your psychiatrist.
Steps you can take to improve your online reviews include:
• Make customer service one of your top priorities. Most negative reviews have to do with poor customer service.
• Respond promptly to negative reviews. Most review sites allow you to publicly respond to negative comments. Apologize, explain the facts and offer to resolve the issue. Many business owners are able to turn a 1 or 2 star diss on Yelp
into a 5 star turnaround experience.
• Respond to positive reviews. Let customers who write glowing reviews know that you appreciate their business. It will let
them and others know that you are paying attention.
By employing these techniques, you will be able to create a positive cyber reputation that will help your business to thrive.
Thanks to our 2013 sponsors.
Contact the Chamber office
to be a sponsor.
DIAMOND
($10,000 and above)
GOLD
($5000 and above)
SILVER
($2500 and above)
Duncan Milloy, Ph.D., is Kirkland’s Business Retention Consultant. He can be reached at 425.829.7234 or dbmilloy@
gmail.com.
Madison House Retirement
CRYSTAL
($500 and above)
Merrill Gardens
Chamber members got the inside scoop in their January visit to the Kirkland Reporter office for the Chamber After Hours
networking function. Above right, reporter Rachael Dawson, editor Carrie Rodriguez, and reporter Matt Phelps visit with a guest.
Watch for upcoming networking opportunities and make time for you or members of your staff to attend.
Shinstrom & Norman
4
Tireless volunteer about town Michelle Sailor received the William C. Woods
Above and Beyond Award from none other than Bill himself along with Chamber
Board member, and no stranger to volunteerism herself, Kathy Feek.
Kathryn McNeill and Tom Thompson found their land legs long enough to collect
the Charles O. Morgan Business Excellence Award here with Chamber Board Skipper
Doug Davis.
Kristen Gonzales accepts the A. Duane Lund Chamber Member of the Year Award for her
sterling service to the organization as Events Vice President. She appears here with Sterling
Savings VP Retail Territory Manager Jason Francis (past Chamber treasurer) and John Evans
along with Hallmark Realty’s Doug Davis, Chamber Board President.
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
Rebecca Willow and Mary Harris, Parkplace Books, bookend Bill Woods after
receiving the Anne. J. Owen Community Service Award.
Matt Stone of Juanita High School accepts the Lee Johnson Student of the Year
Award with mom at his side and Rita Smith (far left), Ginny Johnson, and Brett
Johnson. Go Rebs!
Photos from December Membership Luncheon
courtesy of Bob Gassen, Humanature Photography
5
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
Sun and people re-appearing – how about you?
By Susan Lemaire, Chair
Windermere Real Estate
With the recent time change, and a scattering of sunny days, we are all hopeful that Spring is just around
the corner. Downtown Kirkland is seeing more people come out and enjoy shopping, new restaurants and
walks along the water and around Marina Park. Everyone seems to be selling more, the real estate market is
heating up with rising prices and multiple offers and Kirkland is buzzing with the hope and expectation of Summer!
The Chamber Ambassadors have also been busy, meeting and greeting new members at the recent Business After Hours at SHAG at Forbes Creek, monthly membership luncheons at the Woodmark Hotel, networking luncheons
at the Courtyard Marriott, as well as delivering membership plaques to all of the Chamber’s new members. Being
an Ambassador has been a wonderful experience for me, and affords me the opportunity to help the Chamber
serve its members, and at the same time make contacts to help build my business.
If you would like to learn more about becoming an Ambassador and become more involved in the community and the
Kirkland Chamber, you are welcome to join us at any one of our events. Just give me a call, and I’ll tell you the location of
our next networking or Ambassador meeting, or you can check out the events calendar on the Kirkland Chamber website.
For more information, please call or email me: 425-922-9223 / [email protected].
Healthcare, other benefits available to you
Chamber membership provides you access to a variety
of benefits and services with unique features and special
member pricing through AAOA. From business services to
healthcare benefits to rental cars
and travel, when you take advantage of just a few of these benefits,
it will pay for you to be a member.
The health care suite of benefits is one of our most
popular benefit areas. Employee Benefits is a major line item
in every company’s budget and as the full implementation of
health care reform draws closer, there are many uncertainties for business owners and what reform will mean for them.
Make sure you have a strategy to continue to provide quality
benefits for your employees.
Take the time to talk with a knowledgeable consultant
from AAOA Healthcare so you can develop a strategy and the
plan options to keep your company moving forward.
Make sure you have your AAOA PIN number so you can
access all of the benefits online at www.aaoamerica.org 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
• HR Support Services, including assessments and scalable HR solutions.
• Payroll services through PayNorthwest – robust payroll
services challenging any national service
• Savings on office supplies and products with the
Staples Advantage program
• Discounts on printing secure check stock, with patented checks from FTI
• Rental car discounts from Avis, Budget and Hertz
• Discounts on hotel rentals with Wyndham Worldwide;
including Ramada, Hawthorn Suites, Days Inn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Microtel Inn & Suites, Knights Inn,
Travelodge and more.
• Savings on hundreds of vacation rentals worldwide
from Endless Vacation Rentals
With AAOA benefits, membership doesn’t cost; it pays!
Call AAOA at 425-968-0545 or visit us online at www.
aaoamerica.org.
Ambassadors
Committee Chair:
Susan Lemaire
Windermere – Yarrow Bay
Rob Ahrendt
Edwards Jones
Kelly Anderson
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Scott Becker
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Craig
Gaudry
Craig Gaudry & Associates Windermere Real Estate
Rod Graham
Rod Graham Handyman &
Painting Services
Diana Kohn
Flair
Lynn Hajnal
Balanced Bodyworks
Kathy Nakayama
Nakayama Acupuncture &
Oriental Medicine
Mark Ricker
Nautilus Learning
Helga Simmons
Helga Simmons Interior Design LLC
Ruthie Smith
Opus Bank
Susan Stearns
Totally Sound Fitness, Inc.
Pam Wilcut
Pamela K. Wilcut, P.S.
Exclusive Member Benefits Include:
• Employee Benefit plan options designed to address
Health Care Reform
Peter Kirk Club Members
Past Presidents
Harry Cummings
Robert P. Tjossem
Richard Ekins
William C. Woods
Charlie Wittenberg
T. J. Woosley
Donovan Tracy
Linda Holman
Teddy Overleese
Craig Ortloff
Jim Lauinger
Gary Cohn
Jeff Clark
Ben Lindekugel
Patti Smith
Michael Nelson
Jim Hutchinson
Brenda Nunes
Chuck McWilliams
Michelle Goerdel
Val Gurin
Patron Members
Carillon Properties
Conover Feek
EvergreenHealth
Edward Jones
Frontier Communications
Google
Heathman Hotel
Modular Electric, Inc.
Puget Sound Energy
Waste Management
Woodmark Hotel
Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride confirmed she is stepping away from the City
Council following the November election. She gave her last State of the City speech
at the January membership luncheon and supplied updates on the projects around
town while also saluting city staff, the council, and citizens. More recently, she
appeared at the announcement in March that Google plans to expand its campus in
the Houghton neighborhood with plans to hire upwards of 1000 new employees.
6
Renewing Members
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
1-5 Years
11 Years
20 Years
6-9 Years
Associated Earth Sciences, Inc.
Geotechnical Engineering,
Environmental and Geologic Assessments,
and Hydrogeology
911 5th Avenue, Suite 100
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-7701
Conover Feek
Generational Estate Planning
for Families and Businesses
155 108th Avenue NE, Suite 725
Bellevue, WA 98009
425 828-1400
Gold’s Gym - Kirkland
Total fitness; huge weight floor, aerobics,
yoga, personal training
11133 120th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-0777
Clifton LarsonAllen LLP
Certified Public Accountants &
Business Consultants
3000 Northup Way, Suite 200
Bellevue, WA 98004
425 250-6100
Cobalt Mortgage
Mortgages
11255 Kirkland Way, Suite 100
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 605-3100
Ford/Hyundai of Kirkland
Ford of Kirkland Quality Customer Service
11800 124th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 821-6611
Banner Bank
Your Full Service Community Bank
202 Kirkland Ave.
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 576-1514
Law Offices of Walter R. Krueger
Estate Planning, Probate and Trusts
PO Box 3143/520 Kirkland Way #400
Kirkland, WA 98083
425 828-7800
Kirkland Library
Library
308 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-2459
Professional Travel Service, Inc.
Travel Agencies & Tours
439 Kirkland Way
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-5656
Quality Towing
Towing
12704 NE 124th Street, #25
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 820-4999
Resort at Forbes Creek
Apartment Community
11110 Forbes Creek Drive
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 828-3909
Ristorante Paradiso
Restaurants & Cafes
120-A Park Lane
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 889-8601
Studio East
Children’s Theater and
Home of Story Book Theater
11730 118th Avenue NE, #100
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 820-1800
Acropolis Pizza & Pasta Co.
Gregorek and Associates, PLLC
Kirkland Cinemas LLC
Transpo Group, Inc.
Master Builders Association of King
and Snohomish Counties
Redmond Rare Coins LLC
AAOA - Affiliated Services LLC
Simplicity Decor
Yeager, Walt
Cascade Water Alliance
Merit Homes, Inc.
Kirkland Post Office
Kirkland Views
Fortune Bank
Juanita Physical Therapy
Kornfeld Law Robert B. Kornfeld, Inc. P.S..
Lucia
Susan Lemaire/
Windermere-Yarrow Bay
The 101 Apartments
Miller Advisors
Pagliacci Pizza Juanita
Eastside Tennis Center dba
Tennis Outreach Programs
Klevens Capital Management
Opus Bank
OSS Integrators
Academic Link
Overlake Hospital Medical Center
Aegis of Kirkland
Google
Ryan M. Fox DDS PLLC
Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant
Beth Billington/
Coldwell Banker Bain
Eastside Automotive & Tire
Henry Bischofberger Violins, LLC
Structural Designs, PLLC
Willows Run Golf Club
10 Years
Lake Washington Education
Association
Teacher’s Union for the Lake Washington
School District
10604 NE 38th Place, Ste 212
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-3388
Life Care Center of Kirkland
Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility
10101 NE 120th Street
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 823-2323
Peoples Bank
Banking
2275 Carillon Point, Bldg. 2000
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 889-4060
12 Years
Craig Gaudry & Associates Windermere Real Estate
Real Estate Services Certified Residential Specialist
826 6th Street South, Suite 200
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 576-5555
13 Years
Architectural Werks, Inc.
Architects, Space Planners, &
Land Use Planners
12020 113th Avenue NE, Suite 210
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 823-2244
GTS Interior Supply
Drywall and Acoustical Products
10819 120th Ave NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 889-5126
Rod Graham Handyman
& Painting Services
Painting & Handyman Services
PO Box 892
Kirkland, WA 98083
206 992-3621
P Smith Insurance Services
Employee Benefits, Medical, Life,
Disability, Retirement Planning
525 Kirkland Way
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 803-0211
14 Years
Juanita Collision Center L.L.C.
Collision Repair
13511 100th AVE NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 821-1110
15 Years
First Western Properties, Inc.
Leasing & Sale of Commercial Real Estate
520 Kirkland Way Ste 100
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-5522
16 Years
MJR Development
Real Estate Development
6725 116th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-4466
Anthony’s Homeport
Restaurant
135 Lake St South
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-0225
17 Years
Boden, Patrick H. Inc.
Commercial Office & Retail Remodeling
12531 131st Ct NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 820-6645
18 Years
Lake Washington School District
Education
16250 NE 74th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
425 936-1200
Metropolitan King County Council
Public Officials/Agencies
King County Courthouse, 516 - 3rd
Avenue, RM 1200
Seattle, WA 98104
206 296-1006
Hopelink
Promote self-sufficiency for
members of our community
10675 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
425 869-6000
19 Years
Kirkland Heritage Society
Kirkland’s Historical Organization Open Mon. 9-Noon and Wed. 2-5pm
203 Market Street, Lower Level
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-3446
Shop Local
22 Years
Microsoft
Computer Software
1 Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
425 882-8080
TechCity Bowl & Fun Center
Bowling Center
13033 NE 70th Place
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-0785
23 Years
Wells Fargo Advisors
Financial Services
2205 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-8050
25 Years
Central Park Tennis Club
Tennis, Fitness, Swimming, Snack Bars,
Massage
5820 125th Lane NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-2206
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
26 Years
37 Years
The Grape Choice
Wine Merchant & Wine Bar
9 Lakeshore Plaza
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-7551
Ryan Dunham Real Estate
135 7th Ave. W #103
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-0140
United Business Machines
Kyocera multifunctional copiers, printers,
fax and color machines
11050 118th Place NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-0611
28 Years
Residence XII
Alcohol & Chemical Dependency
Treatment for Women
12029 113th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 823-8844
Lake Washington Institute
of Technology
Education
11605 132nd Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 739-8287
29 Years
Frontier Communications
Northwest, Inc.
Telecommunications
12055 Slater Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 261-5892
31 Years
The Gardens at Juanita Bay
Retirement Community/
Home/Assisted Living
11853 97th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 823-0410
33 Years
Kirkland Boys & Girls Clubs
10805 124th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-0132
Totem Agencies, Inc.
Insurance Services
10526 NE 68th Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-8774
Karen D. Sakuma, DDS, PS
Dentists
Sequoia Bldg., 5525 Lakeview Drive
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-0426
35 Years
Modular Electric Inc.
Contractors, Electrical
P.O. Box 484
Kirkland, WA 98083
425 822-2012
36 Years
Madison House Retirement &
Assisted Living
Retirement communities/homes Assisted Living Communities
12215 NE 128th Street
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 821-8210
7
Renewing Members
38 Years
Kiwanis Club of Kirkland, Inc.
328 19th Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 828-0231
Northwest University
5520 108th Ave. NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-8266
Washington Federal
Banks & Banking Associations
116 Kirkland Ave.
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-6076
39 Years
Puget Sound Energy
P.O. Box 97034 Mail Stop Est - 11W
Bellevue, WA 98009
425 462-3820
Windermere Real Estate/Kirkland
Real Estate Services
737 Market Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 823-4600
50 Years
Mac Towing
PO Box 584
Kirkland, WA 98083
425 822-2800
53 Years
Harry Cummings
8021 NE 114th Street
Kirkland, WA 98034
425 823-5414
75 Years
Lee Johnson Chevrolet-Mazda-Kia
11845 NE 85th Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-0521
New Members
425 Magazine
Eastside magazine focused on local living
227 Bellevue Way NE #600
Bellevue, WA 98004
Beth Gale
425 646-1380
Asher Goods
A Men’s Shop
13 Central Way, Suite B
Kirkland, WA 98033
Matthew Lawrence
425 576-0683
Balanced Body Massage
Therapeutic Massage to rest, restore
and replenish the body
607 Market Street, Suite A
Kirkland, WA 98033
Tonia Sherman
425 830-5233
Bassline Fitness
Health Cub
126 Central Way
Kirkland, WA 98033
Dave Fox
425 739-4444
Cathy Villemure, CPA, PLLC
Accounting
733 7th Avenue, Ste 114
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 250-1555
Chelsea at Juanita Village
Apartments
11718 97th Lane NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
Anita Moffett
425 825-8500
Crave Health
Nutritional Counseling
2260 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033
Ashley A Besecker, RD, CD
425 828-0100
Doctors Express Urgent Care
Health care servies, clinic urgent care open 8am-8pm
13718 100th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
Eddie Fernandes
206 639-0607
Fisherman’s Finest, Inc.
Fishing Company
570 Kirkland Way
Kirkland, WA 98033
Kristian Uri
206 283-1137
Fly Fitness
Health Club
2225 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033
Traci Bartee
425 522-4408
Keller Williams Kirkland/Eastside
11109 Slater Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
Brenda Nunes
425 285-3200
KneeFootAnkleCenter
12303 NE130th Lane, Ste 220
Kirkland, WA 98034
Michelle Kent
425 899-6060
Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Attorney
600 University Street, Suite 3200
Seattle, WA 98101
Jennifer Pirozzi
206 381-4911
Northshore Utility District
P.O. Box 82489
Kenmore, WA 98028
Bruce Gardiner
425 398-4400
Northwest Benefit Solutions, Inc.
Provides individuals, families, and companies
with a wide range of insurance products
611 4th Ave, Suite 120
Kirkland, WA 98033
Breanna Edwards
425-284-4459
Pro/Vision Coaching, Inc.
Coaching, Training
12503-Bel-Red Road, Suite 201
Bellevue, WA 98005
Douglas Christy
425 516-7478
Radius Inc.
Technology Consulting
105 Central Way, Suite 202
Kirkland, WA 98033
Lisa Liefke
877 814-7459
Salon Saida
Beauty Services
223 Kirkland Avenue, Suite 101
Kirkland, WA 98033
Saida Hanson
425 522-4918
Savrika Tea
A modern Tea Room serving over
180 varieties of premium loose-leaf tea,
accessories and snacks
115 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
Rupa Gadre
425 298-6570
Seattle Thread Company
Apparel
9 Lake Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
Konstantin Gorshkov
253 202-0440
SustainableWorks
Energy Efficiency Consulting
4000 Airport Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108
Neil Beaver
206 575-2252
The Salas Company
Contractor
11629 NE 94th PL
Kirkland, WA 98033
Terri Salas
425 202-7871
Thomas IT Consulting
Helping businesses with
IT needs and projects
3621 Stone Way N, Suite A
Seattle, WA 98103
Mike Thomas
206 455-4055
Top Shelf Broiler
Steakhouse - live bands,
late night music and bar
89 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
Kleon Tona
239-8431
YMCA Kirkland Teen Union Building
348 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
Natasha Gupta
425 822-3088
8
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
Samantha
Continued from page 1
The weather is getting warmer so take advantage of the outdoor seating at the
newly-relocated Chamber offices in Kirkland Parkplace. The offices are on the first
floor on the north side just off Central Way.
Friends of Youth Open House
Friends of Youth is happy to announce the opening of their new Youth Service Center in Kingsgate. To celebrate the addition of this new facility, they will
hold an open house on Friday, March 29, 2013 from 2-5 p.m., with an official
welcome at 2 p.m. by Mayor Joan McBride. The community is invited to participate in this exciting occasion. 11316 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland, WA 98034.
Parking is available at the LDS church across 132nd NE from the new facility.
For more details call 425-869-6490, or e-mail [email protected].
At the January membership luncheon,Chamber Board President Doug Davis
shares sentiments from a greeting card recognizing the 21 years of service given the
Chamber by Operations & Member Services Manager Judi Meek.
Longtime Chamber office
manager Judi Meek retires
Judi Meek, who kept the Chamber office running smoothly through at least
eight regular and interim executive directors, a countless number of Board members, and hundreds of events, has retired to spend more time with her husband,
Ken, and the grandchildren. She helped train new Business & Communications
Manager Samantha St. John to take over in recent weeks and still might make an
appearance or two if called upon. The Chamber recognized her with parting gifts
at the January membership luncheon. We wish her all the best and look forward
to seeing her about town.
The Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce has re-located back to Kirkland
Parkplace to a space on the first floor that is quite familiar to the new Business
and Communications Manager.
Samantha St. John joined the Chamber a few weeks ago in taking over the
duties of Judi Meek, who retired recently. Besides the business
end of things, Samantha will also be providing marketing and
communications expertise. She will not be modeling children’s
clothes, though you’ll forgive her if the the thought crosses her
mind as she arrives at work.
It turns out the new Chamber offices are the very site of a
children’s clothing store many years ago for which Samantha
did advertisement modeling.
The store, The Munchkin Shop, was one of several clients for whom Samantha modeled. She also sang radio jingles. In fact, money made from those jobs
helped pay for her UW Bothell education.
Samantha’s singing skills came naturally as her mother and father performed in bands. But the singing she’s doing these days will be the praises of
Chamber members.
“When you start a business, you live it and breathe it,” she says. “I want to
be there for people looking for a connection to the community.”
Besides performing, her parents also operate a home-based business in the
Finn Hill neighborhood of Kirkland. So Samantha is very familiar with the joys
and frustrations of operating a business. She wants to hear the stories of Kirkland
businesses and help craft ways to share
those stories through Chamber print, web,
and email communications, including social
media applications like Facebook and Twitter.
After graduating from UW Bothell, Samantha worked in marketing with companies
specializing in business development and
lead generation. She’s bringing those skills
to her role in helping to promote Chamber
members. She’s passionate about small
business and looks forward to meeting you at
Chamber events. Contact her with questions
or suggestions regarding member services.
Call the office at 425-822-7066 or email her
at [email protected].
And stop by the office when you’re in
the downtown neighborhood. You know. It’s
where The Munchkin Shop used to be. Okay,
if your memory doesn’t go back that far, it’s
in the row of shops on the first floor that includes Parkplace Books, The Tuxedo
Club, Kirkland Arts Center Art Store, and Einstein Bros Bagels.
The new Chamber offices are more spacious than the Kirkland Avenue location and include a conference room where the Board of Directors and various
committees can meet. The site continues to serve as a Visitor Center, offering
pamphlets for people seeking more information about Kirkland.
There will be an open house on April 19th prior to the screening of the movie
Starbuck at Parkplace Cinemas just a few doors down. The movie, with private
screening on that night, is serving as a fundraiser for the Chamber in conjunction
with this year’s gala auction held in May and featuring the Hollywood theme
“Lights, Camera, Auction.” See the front page article for more details.
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
9
Leapin’ Leprechauns! Great turnout for 2013 Shamrock Run
With a wee bit o’
luck, the weather was
wonderful for the second
annual Shamrock Run in
downtown Kirkland on
March 16. Approximately
2000 runners and
even a few four-legged
companions took part in
the 5K event sponsored by
Lake Washington Physical
Therapy. The event helps
raise funds for the Kirkland
Downtown Association and
benefits several businesses
who have a booth at the
finish line or are in the
Marina Park area and
open to Saturday morning
runners.
10
Jan-Feb-Mar 2013
Membership
Luncheon
Sponsors
April
Massage Envy is the pioneer and
national leader of affordable massage
and spa services. After over a million
facials, 50 million massages and nearly
a decade as the industry leader, Massage Envy holds true to our mission: To
provide a pathway to wellness through
professional, convenient and affordable
massage therapy and spa services.
May
Merrill Gardens retirement communities offer care levels to meet the needs
of our residents including, independent
and assisted living care options as well
as memory and respite care. At Merrill
Gardens, our residents are our number
one priority. That’s why we go above and
beyond in all we do – to keep you or your
loved ones living the best life possible.
June
Madison House is an independentlyowned, award-winning Retirement and
Assisted Living community. We take
satisfaction in providing high-quality
services and facilities in a beautiful
setting that is conveniently located
across from the Evergreen Medical
Center and Clinics. We believe that you
have earned the best that life can offer.
Our high standards and attention to
resident needs make Madison House an
exceptional retirement community.
For contact information on these sponsors, visit the Member Directory listing at
www.kirklandchamber.org.
Viva Volunteers!
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2013
The Chamber, the city, Kirkland
Senior Council, and others are sponsoring an event on April 6th that will help
inform you about volunteer opportunities.
There will be workshops, cooking demonstrations, speakers and
celebrity emcees, and several non-profit
representatives describing how you can
assist them.
If you haven’t volunteered, this is
a great chance to find out some of the
rewards that come from giving even a
little bit of your time.
The poster image at the right gives
you details. Mayor Joan McBride will
kick off the event at 10 am and John
Curley of KIRO Radio and Christie
Johnson of KING TV will emcee. A
schedule and list of presentations,
demonstrations, and exhibitors can
be seen at www.kirklandwa.gov/
seniorcouncil. Light refreshments will
be provided and door prizes awarded.
For more information, contact Dave
Wagar, Event Chair, at 425-822-3737.
PETER KIRK COMMUNIT
352 KIRKLAND
Y CE
AV E NNTER
UE
10 am - 2 pm
VIVA VOLUNTEERS FAIR!
Learn about awesome volunteer opportunities:
Health · Education · Public Safety
Housing · Arts · And more
Complimentary
Snacks & Drinks
Door Prizes
Hot Topic Speakers
and Celebrity Emcees
Cooking Demos
· Free Admission ·
For more information: 425-822-3737
‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’ - Dr. Seuss
Contreras, Studio East sashay with CACHET
Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride and
the Cultural Arts Commission awarded
the CACHET Award last month to
Kirkland resident Sue Contreras and
Kirkland business Studio East. Contreras was recognized for her efforts in
fundraising for the restoration of the
Capt. Anderson Ferry Clock and for
her volunteer support of Summerfest.
Studio East was honored for its work
with youth in the performing arts.
Contreras has served on the
Beautify Kirkland!
Each year, we welcome in Spring with two programs to make Kirkland the
most beautiful city on the east side – Clean Sweeps and Flowerpots.
Clean Sweeps is an effort to take on a winter’s worth of garbage, moss,
weeds, gum and some disgusting things. Each year, our streets and sidewalks
are cleaned by Kirkland finest – our volunteers. On Saturday, April 20, from
9am-noon, we will sweep, dig, scrape, spray and clean our sidewalks and streets
so that glisten and sparkle (as much as cement can). This not a public works
project – it is a volunteer project. This means it can’t be done without your help.
The comradery and pride in being a part of this team effort is priceless. Please
call (425) 822-7066 to be one of Kirkland’s finest.
Flower pots are another addition to Kirkland’s downtown streets which are
truly stunning in full bloom. Unfortunately, once Kirkland was filled with 100
flowerpots. Last year we were down to 40. The reason – they are only made possible by individuals and business sponsoring individual pots. With your help we
can get those numbers back up so that downtown Kirkland is ablaze with color
and lush foliage. Each pot costs $250 to sponsor. We will put a sign with your
name or your business in the pot and move it to where ever you want it to be. To
sponsor a pot call the Kirkland Downtown Association at (425) 822-7066.
Kirkland Performance Center Board
of Directors, is a member of Kudos
Kirkland, and was a key volunteer for
the Summerfest 2012 event. Her latest
achievement was being the driving
force behind the restoration of the
1935 historic Anderson Ferry Clock
that was recently re-installed at Lake
Street and Kirkland Avenue.
Studio East, which celebrated its
20th anniversary in 2012, is one of the
region’s largest theater training centers
in east King County.
Volunteers needed
for Chamber auction
Just as a big Hollywood movie needs
all sorts of behind the scenes people to
be successful, so too does the Chamber
auction. Help make “Lights, Camera,
Auction” at Inglewood Golf & Country
Club a blockbuster by volunteering to
be a spotter or runner during the live
auction and checking out bidders after
the auction. Call the Chamber office at
425-822-7066 if you can spare the time.
Join now and make 2013 a great year!
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Company Name_______________________________________________________
(Exactly as you want to be listed -alphabetically- in the Membership Directory and on our Web site.)
Mailing Address_______________________________________________________
City______________________________ State_______ Zip Code________________
Address to be Published (if different from mailing)___________________________________
City______________________________ State_______ Zip Code________________
Contact________________________ Mr/Ms (circle) Position_____________________
Alt. Contact_____________________ Mr/Ms (circle) Position_____________________
Phone# (
)_______________Fax# (
)______________ 800#_______________
Web site_______________________ e-mail________________________________
Category (select from list) #__________ , ____________________________________
We’re the voice of business in
Kirkland. Join with hundreds of
other businesses in helping to
make Kirkland a better place to live,
work, and play!
Make Chamber membership a part
of your 2013 marketing
and philanthropic plans.
Learn more at
www.kirklandchamber.org
or call the office at
(425) 822-7066.
Business Description____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
(1 line - 8 words or less -OR- add $25 for over 8, up to 25 words TOTAL.)
Number of Employees: Full time____________________ Part time______________
(Inclusive of owners/managers) (2 PT=1 FT)
Is your Business Home-based? Yes____ No____
Number of years your company has been in business:______
Reason(s) for joining the Chamber:__________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Signature_____________________________________Date_________________
$______
Annual Dues Processing Fee Total Amount Due $ 30.00*
$______
*One time fee covering administrative costs.
Payment by: cash____ check____ VISA_____ MC_____ AMEX_____
Credit Card info
Signature_____________________________________Date_________________
Credit Card#__________________________________exp.__________________
Chamber Use Only: Zone Code_________
You can mail this application
with payment to Kirkland
Chamber of Commerce,
328 Parkplace Center,
Kirkland, WA 98033
Other benefits include:
•A listing on the Chamber website with
a link to your own website or e-mail
addresses
•Mention in the monthly newsletter and
a plaque that shows customers you
help support the community.
•Introduction at the Chamber
membership luncheon and other events
•Terrific networking opportunities
each month at different times and
locations (And unlike at other business
groups, you are not fined for missing a
function.)
•A chance to participate in the Chamber
health insurance plan.
Recruit Code_______
Membership in the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce may be TAX DEDUCTIBLE as an ordinary and necessary
business expense. Dues paid to the Chamber are not a charitable tax deduction for federal income tax purposes. The
Chamber is not a charity, but serves as an advocacy organization for area businesses.
2013 annual dues by # of employees
Associate* call 16-20 $546
1-3 $302 21-30 $668 4-6 $355 31-40 $806 7-10 $387 41-50 $962 11-15 $467 51-60 $1075 * Individual, non-business, or non-profit organization
61-70 71-80 81-90 91-100 100+
$1237
$1379
$1565
$1721
negotiable
328 Parkplace Center
Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone: 425.822.7066
Fax: 425.827.4878
[email protected]
www.kirklandchamber.org
2013 Gala & Auction
May 10th, 2013
Inglewood Golf and Country Club
PROCUREMENT FORM FOR AUCTION ITEMS - Due April 20th Donor Name (for program)
Phone Number
Business Name (if Different)
E-Mail
Mailing Address
City
State
Zip
Business Web Site (to be listed in Program Catalog)
Contact Name for Arrangements (if necessary)
Phone Number
E-Mail
Brief Description of Donation
Detailed Item Description
Fair Market Value
Restrictions (if any)
$
OR: In lieu of donating an item, you may make a monetary donation which will be
recognized on the donation board that will be displayed prominently at the auction.
TYPE OF ITEM
 Tangible
 Donated item will be delivered to KCC
 Please pick up my donation
 Enclosed is my monetary donation
Donations may be packaged with other items.
May we package your items if necessary?
 YES  NO
Donation Authorized By
Name of Procurement Rep
(Minimum $20)
Monetary Donation
$
(Minimum $50)
 Intangible
 Donor to provide gift certificate to KCC
 KCC has my permission to create a gift certificate
 Donor to provide display (business cards, flyers, etc.)
 No display will be provided
All items donated will be used in either the silent or live auction as
determined by the auction committee. Should an item not sell, the
Chamber presumes the right to use as a door prize at other events unless
restricted via a note made in the Restrictions comment box above.
Date
Please mail or fax this form to:
Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce
328 Parkplace Center
Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone (425) 822-7066 Fax (425) 827-4878
The Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 organization. Our Tax ID # is 91-0661858.