5 Things You Need to Know This Week: New VP of Government Affairs, Another Week in Oly

1. Olympia Update: This Week in the Legislature

The Weekly Update:

Yesterday, Feb. 17, was the deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin to remain viable.

Now, we wait for operating budgets to be released.

Today in Oly:

Our crew of Eastside Chambers are on the Capitol campus today for Chamber Day.

Check out their meeting schedule below.

The Income Tax of It All:

On Monday, Majority Democrats in the Senate advanced the proposed "millionaires’ tax."

Next step? The House for consideration.

2. New VP: Meet Diana!

The search is over: We've found our new VP of Government Affairs! Everyone — drum roll, please — meet Diana Leo.

Diana Leo brings nearly two decades of experience of politics, policy, and public service.

Diana’s passion for politics drew her to Washington, D.C., where she immersed herself in the intricacies of governance and the way policy impacts the free market. This experience not only deepened her understanding of the political landscape, but also fueled her passion for civic participation and mission-driven advocacy.

Prior to joining the Bellevue Chamber, Diana led multi-state advocacy for iCivics, advancing nonpartisan K-12 civic education policies through legislative engagement. Her extensive background in campaign and political strategy includes serving as the Grassroots and Outreach Director for Senator Mike Lee and holding senior leadership appointments in the first Trump Administration. Early in her career she served at the Republican National Committee, where she gained firsthand experience in national political operations, coalition building, and grassroots engagement.

Diana spends her free time traveling, gardening, volunteering for Girls on the Run, reading, or in the great outdoors with her dog, Libby.

Diana's first day with us is March 2, and we can't wait for her to start. Now, be nice!

3. Get Your Booty Back to Work: Microsoft's Turn

Snow is on the horizon, and apparently, so is a back-to-office mandate for our local Microsoftians. 

Announced last fall that employees would be required to work on-site at least three days per week, this mandate is now scheduled for February 23, so gird your loins and prepare for a potentially longer commute. 

4. Insurance 101: A Chamber Member Event

Is insurance confusing to you? (Us too.) Join us and Chamber member, Amy Loh, owner of Amy Loh State Farm, for a FREE one-hour training session and lunch.

Wednesday, March 4, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. @ the Chamber Office

Whether you’re new to insurance or simply want to understand more about insurance. this workshop is for you.

5. BelRed, Look Forward:

We tackled the Wilburton neighborhood last year, and now, it’s time for BelRed. The City of Bellevue doesn’t JUST want to hear from us, though — they want input from those of you living and working here, too. 

Fill out your own priorities for the neighborhood here, and if you’re feeling particularly vocal, can stop by the “BelRed Look Forward Open House” on February 23.

Member News:

• Next Week = WLC: Are you one of the 500-something folks joining us for our Women's Leadership Conference next week? Yay! Take a look at our "Know Before You Go" email here to ensure you're all prepped and good-to-go.
  
  
• A Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting: After 8 years of serving the Bellevue community, training over 200 individuals through its workforce development program, and being named the 2024 Bellevue Destination Award Business of the Year, Bellden Cafe faced its toughest challenge yet … Equipment failures and flooding forced us to close for major repairs. But they didn't just rebuild — they came back stronger, refreshed, and more inspired than ever. Join us Friday, February 20 for a Grand Reopening Celebration.
  
  
• Got Ideas?: The City of Bellevue’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program empowers residents to propose and select modest, city-funded capital projects to enhance their neighborhoods, and they are now taking submissions. Learn more and say your piece here.
  
  
• Lovers of the Symphony: Cue the music, maestro! Bellevue Symphony’s winter concert is on March 1 at the Meydenbauer Center, and you’re invited. Get your tickets here.
  
  
• Bold for the Blue, Over Brekky: The Bellevue Police Foundation's annual breakfast fundraiser is coming up on Tuesday, March 10, and tickets are going fast. Learn more and sign up here.
  
  
• Save the Date: Vision House’s annual Luncheon is taking place on Tuesday, May 5 at the Meydenbauer Center. Get more info and register for the event here.
  
  
• Cirque de Marymoor: Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil ECHO, where poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and cutting-edge technology come together to explore the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share — now through March 22. Use this link to save up to 20% off select seats/dates, and for VIP Packages and group tickets, contact Michael.Ciaccia@cirquedusoleil.com for more details and to save up to 30%.