5 Things You Need to Know This Week: Small Biz Saturday, Holiday Happenings
1. Next Weekend: Small Business Saturday
Since next week is Thanksgiving, we wanted to share Small Business Saturday info this week! Taking place on November 29, Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by Small Business Association since 2011.
Find small businesses participating in Small Business Saturday here, and access free marketing materials — including sample posters and social media resources — here.
2. Economic Forecast Summit, Recapped
This year’s Economic Forecast Summit — despite having the same keynote speaker for over a decade — took a bit of a different path, as we started the event on the hyperlocal level, working our way up to the state, national, and global economic landscapes. The overarching themes, though?
Keep building for shared prosperity. Stay pragmatic about tradeoffs. Invest where it moves the needle on affordability, mobility, and talent. (Oh … and optimism pays.)
Check out our recap blog of the event on the Chamber website!
3. This Week in Government Affairs
On the advocacy front, our PLUSH (Permitting, Land Use, Sustainability, & Housing) Committee met on Tuesday for its last update of the year, and at last night's Bellevue City Council meeting, the gang discussed the City's Mobility Implementation Plan.
Introduced herself to PLUSH; reviewed priorities as a new councilmember.
PLUSH presentation from COB ahead of the Council’s December 2 meeting.
Reviewed Transportation Commission’s recs; looked for direction on MIP.
4. Bellevue Farmers Market: Holiday Edition
Last market of the year, y'all! The Bellevue Farmers Market is back for its Holiday Market, and they will be joined by over 45 produce, food, and goods vendors. Check out the full list of participating sellers here, and get directions to the market here.
5. No Turkey? No Problem.
Procrastinating Turkey Day plans? Visit Bellevue's got you covered with this guide on where to eat, where to get your pies, and places to relax over Thanksgiving weekend.
Whether you make reservations for Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi's "Carts & Carousels brunch" or zip to Fogo de Chão to bulk up on the meats, our local restauranteurs have an offering for ya.
Member News
New Year, New Session: Before the Washington State Legislature convenes for the 2026 short session, we want to get the scoop from our electeds! Join us and our fellow Eastside Chambers of Commerce for our Legislative Kick-Off breakfast on Tuesday, January 6. Register here.
Fashion Privé: Tomorrow night, The Thirst Trap Bar in Kirkland will transform into a space where art, fashion, and music come together in perfect harmony. An event put on by BelleVue Fashion, there will be music, entertainment, drinks & bites, and of course, a whole lot of fashion.
Nutcracker Season: Our new members, the Emerald Ballet Academy, are putting on their rendition of The Nutcracker! Ring in the holidays with a joyous and festive show featuring dazzling costumes, sets, and choreography, with performances on December 13, 14, 20, & 21. Get your tickets here.
Let the Shopping Commence: Believe it or not, the holiday season is pretty much here. Don't fret, though — we are putting together a Chamber member Gift Guide! Using this link, submit your own business's gift ideas to be included in the listing.