There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone.
All that we bring into the lives of others comes back into our own – Edwin Markham.

In this amazing and ever evolving age of technology we as humans still need personal connection. From Skype to video-conferencing we have the ability to leap time zones and oceans alike to connect across the world, but all of that is second to face-to-face interaction. The Bellevue Chamber has been that place of connection for over 60 years.

As I was in a car coming back from a meeting in Redmond with a friend who has a venture capital firm, the topic of my Bellevue Chamber of Commerce membership came up and he asked the question “What does that do for you?” It was the first time that this question had been posed to me in this fashion and I appreciated the opportunity to reflect back on my Chamber participation.

From my Bellevue City Council election to prosperous business relationships that came with Chamber connections, I shared with my friend the odyssey of my Chamber membership and how it has impacted my career. At its most fundamental, I had to point out to my friend who lives and breathes technology, that there is spark that can only happen in human creativity when we are face to face and meeting, breaking bread, or just relaxing. Whether it’s at the Economic Forecast Breakfast, the Eastside Annual Dinner, or the many Chamber Business Lunches throughout the year, the Chamber is that place and time to put down the phone, stop the texting, and turn off the email – so that we can share ideas and generate new ones.

As the Voice of Business, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce continues to represent business with the many issues that will continue to impact the business environment. The Chamber will be there to analyze and educate our members as to the impacts of government policy on their ability to do business.

As with all things in life you will get out of your Bellevue Chamber membership what you put into it. I encourage all of you to get involved in the Chamber. From lunch programs to Young Execs, to advocacy committees, if you are at a loss for how to get involved please just ask. There is truly something for everyone. It is my honor to serve as your Chair and I look forward to another fantastic year for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.