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Bottom Line

News from Seattle's Office of Economic Development

President Obama, Mayor McGinn Urge Private Sector to Employ Youth This Summer

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The Mayor has joined with the Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council (WDC) to increase the percentage of private sector involvement in hiring youth interns over the summer through the Youth @ Work campaign. Both the City and the WDC have agreed to help employers facilitate the process of increasing the number of these opportunities.

WDC’s Youth @ Work Campaign seeks to:

  • double the number of youth internships regionally;
  • build a scalable talent pipeline of young city residents for local businesses;
  • increase the amount of private sector support for youth internships; and
  • bolster existing communication capacity to measure and track campaign outcomes.

The Mayor’s Office posted on their blog about the Youth @ Work campaign:

A young person’s first job is an important step on their path to adulthood and independence. Unfortunately, many of today’s young people don’t have the same employment opportunities that previous generations did.  Due to the Great Recession, drop in federal support for youth employment programs, and increasing competition for fewer spots, today’s youth unemployment rates are the highest since before World War II. Nationwide, youth unemployment is over 16%. In Washington State, unemployment is 17.3% for ages 20-24 and 34.1% for youth ages 16-19. At the same time, many local industries say their greatest hindrance to growth is lack of a skilled workforce.

This situation is unacceptable. In response, President Obama launched the Summer Jobs Plus program, to work with the private sector to step up and fill the youth employment gap. Locally, we are launching our own program, called Youth @ Work, partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and the private sector. The goal is to increase the number of summer jobs, internships, and job shadow opportunities available for our young people.

Today my office participated in a conference call with President Obama, other mayors, and local government staff from around the country to discuss this situation and our response.  President Obama rightly identified that early experiences shape the trajectory of a person’s life. They can give a sense of opportunity and possibility, and combat the corrosive effect that despair and lack of hope have on individuals and communities. In addition, work experiences help keep kids in school, teach them about the world of work, and help them make better decisions about the careers they want to have and the training they need to get there.  Summer youth employment also give our region’s employers talent for the long term: today’s youth are our region’s future workforce.

Business Breakfast: April 23

The Mayor and partner Bank of America are hosting an informational breakfast on April 23, 2013, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in the Bertha Knight Landes Room in City Hall, where businesses can join this sustained effort to give Seattle youth the work experience they need to become the workforce of tomorrow.

To RSVP please contact Aaron Fishbone at aaron.fishbone@seattle.gov or 206-684-8556 by Thursday, April 18.

How Can I Get My Business Involved in Youth at Work?

Youth at Work needs enhanced business interest and financial support for Summer Jobs 2013.

  • Businesses can offer internship opportunities, job shadows, and worksite tours and overviews of jobs in their sector to youth.
  • Businesses that can’t offer internships and other awareness opportunities for youth can directly donate financial contributions to support youth in the program. Y
  • You can get involved through the Youth @ Work website or by contacting Peter Cavanaugh at the WDC directly at 206-448-0474, ext. 3026 or pcavanaugh@seakingwdc.org

Northeastern University-Seattle and City University (CityU) Open their Doors this Month

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Adding to the educational and cultural landscape of Seattle, two universities will be opening their doors this month and will be hosting opening events to introduce themselves. Both Northeastern University’s Seattle Campus and City University of Seattle (CityU) open soon. It is an exciting time for Seattle in terms of growth, and the addition of two new institutions of learning to downtown give Seattle even more to be excited about.

Northeastern University is a Boston-based school with a strength in cooperative education that is opening a graduate school campus here in Seattle. Northeastern University’s Seattle Campus in South Lake Union has it’s opening on Thursday, January 17 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The open house  event will feature music, drawings for prizes, great networking, food by Tom Douglas, and of course the Northeastern facilities and people from the Northeastern community.

RSVP and learn more about Northeastern University-Seattle’s opening event here.

City University of Seattle (CityU) is launching their flagship campus at 6th Avenue and Wall Street in January as well. CityU will host an opening on Friday, January 25 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. CityU’s open house and dedication ceremony will feature remarks from Mayor McGinn and downtown Seattle Association chairman Jack McCullough among others, and will feature food by Tom Douglas, drawings for prizes, and of course, members of the CityU community.

RSVP and learn more about CityU’s opening event here.

Seattle is excited to see both Northeastern University-Seattle and CityU open their doors this month. Both opening events will be tremendous networking opportunities and good chances to learn more about these new educational institutions here in Seattle.

 

Fred Hutchinson Gears Up For Inaugural Bike Ride For Cancer Research

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Obliteride is a new, community-wide experience which will accelerate the lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. As a local non-profit, Fred Hutchinson depends on philanthropic support from the community more than ever, due to cuts in Federal funding for cancer research in recent years and the growing incidence of cancer. Obliteride is an entire weekend of cycling, celebrations, and concerts. The inaugural fundraising bike ride is scheduled for August 9 – 11. The ride will include multiple routes in Western Washington, which will range in their difficulty level, terrain, and distance. The goal for this first year is to net $2.5 million and engage 2,500 riders and 1,000 volunteers.

 

 

 

 

For the complete press release about the event, see below:

Fred Hutch Gears Up for Inaugural Bike Ride to Accelerate Lifesaving Cancer Research

New event expected to draw thousands and raise millions for local institution

SEATTLE, Jan. 8, 2013 – Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide experience which will accelerate lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Obliteride is an entire weekend of cycling, celebrations and concerts. Registration opens today at Obliteride.org for the inaugural fundraising bike ride scheduled for Aug. 9-11, 2013. The ride will include multiple routes in Western Washington, offering various distances and terrains so all levels of riders can make their marks against cancer.

“Obliteride is so much more than a phenomenal bike ride,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride executive director. “It’s a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. Our goal is to ensure the event is fully underwritten so 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research right here in Seattle.”

Obliteride is not your average bike-a-thon. It is going to be big, because cancer is BIG. The goal for the inaugural year is to net $2.5 million and engage 2,500 riders and 1,000 volunteers. All participants will enjoy a first-class experience including high-quality meals, generous amenities, beautiful routes with rest stops every 10-15 miles, and fun festivities that include local bands, food and microbrew.

“Obliteride is an exciting new ride we are thrilled to support,” said Marty Pluth, general manager of Gregg’s Cycles. “If you’re looking for a great way to take your cycling to a new level in 2013 while raising critical funds for cancer research, Obliteride is a great place to put your time and resources. We hope to see you there!”

Save Lives Faster

Scientists at Fred Hutch tackle everything about cancer. From recent discoveries in immunotherapy that harness the body’s natural ability to fight cancer cells with less toxicity than other treatments, to a game-changing breakthrough in pancreatic cancer therapy that may radically increase survival rates, Hutch research is saving thousands of lives each year. Hutch scientists also recently invented a molecule — known as “tumor paint” — that lights up cancer cells, making it easier for surgeons to distinguish cancer from normal tissue while operating, improving survival rates and quality of life for survivors.

As a nonprofit organization, Fred Hutch relies on funding from the government, individuals, businesses and foundations to fund these discoveries and eradicate cancer. Federal funding for cancer research has flat lined in recent years, yet the incidence of cancer keeps growing. This makes the need for philanthropic support from our community more urgent than ever.

“Obliteride is an opportunity for everyone in the Northwest to come together to fight a disease that touches all of us,” said Stuart Sloan, a major supporter of Obliteride and chairman of the Obliteride board. “We are creating a first-class experience that will galvanize our community around the need to fund lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. Their breakthrough research is literally saving lives and they need our support to do it faster.”

For more information and to register to ride, volunteer or fundraise, visit www.obliteride.org.

About Obliteride

Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide experience to raise money to accelerate lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are creating a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. Obliteride culminates in an empowering fundraising bike ride experience Aug. 9-11, 2013 that is quintessentially Northwest. Thanks to our early anchor sponsors, University Village and The Sloan Foundation, and our inaugural sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised stays in our community and goes directly to breakthrough cancer research. A full list of sponsors is available at http://obliteride.org/sponsors. As a community, together, the more we raise the closer we are to a cure. Ending cancer starts at Fred Hutch.

 

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‘Only In Seattle’ Event Today in Pioneer Square for First Thursday

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Today, a total of 19 businesses in Pioneer Square will be offering unique deals to customers as part of an initiative to support local neighborhoods and their small businesses. The event is occurring in conjunction with First Thursday and offers unique deals for participants, which can be redeemed by printing and presenting your Only in Seattle coupon! You can also download the free Only in Seattle Chinook Book app for iPhone and Android, which extends the coupons for 30 days! The businesses participating include: 1000Museums,Al Boccalino, Arundel Books, Back Alley Bike Repair, Cafe Bengodi, Cafe Paloma, Caffe Umbria, Delicatus, Foxycut Salon, Glasshouse Studio, Grand Central Bakery & Cafe, Intrigue Chocolate Co., Klondike Penny’s Old Time Portrait Studio, Laguna Pottery, Marcela’s Creole Cookery, Pioneer Pet, Smith Tower Observation Deck, Temple Billiards, and The Globe Bookstore. In addition to the Only in Seattle and First Thursday events, Pioneer Square Holidays is hosting a Dogs on Parade dog costume contest starting in Nord Alley at 5:00 p.m. followed by a tree lighting ceremony in Occidental Park at 6:00 p.m. and ending with caroling by the Beaconettes in Nord Alley at 6:45 p.m.

First ever Seattle Center Mobile Feast at Fisher Pavilion, October 29

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Sample outstanding seasonal fare and brews at Seattle Center Mobile Feast:  Urban Hops & Harvest, as over 20 of the area’s top mobile food vendors assemble around Fisher Pavilion, Saturday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The food vendors will offer an array of tempting foods and spices. Diners may choose from Mexican, Indian, Japanese, southern, and fusion. Choose from BBQ, hot dogs, gourmet burgers, sausages, tacos, vegetarian dishes, smoothies, custom desserts, ice cream and much more.

Participating food vendors include (list subject to change):

Al’s Gourmet Sausage
Athena’s Gyros
Barriga Llena Torto Mobil
Big Food
Big House BBQ
Bistro Box
Boyd’s Fuel Truck (from Portland, OR)
BUNS On Wheels
Charlie’s Buns N’ Stuff
Curry Now
Damiana’s Blue Truck Special
Dante’s Inferno Dogs
Fusion on the Run
Kaosamai Noodle Truck
Parfait Organic Artisan Ice Cream
Pretselwagen
Raney Bros. BBQ
Saffron Street Vending
Skillet Street Food
Snout & Co.
Street Treats
Veraci Pizza
Where Ya At Matt

Look for the mobile food trucks and carts around the building’s grassy apron and entry area. Outside and inside Pavilion seating is available, along with a beer garden and eclectic music mixes produced especially for this event.

Admission is FREE. Diners are asked to bring cash for their food and beverage purchases. Net proceeds of the Mobile Feast benefit Seattle Center Foundation, producer of The Next 50, celebrating in 2012 the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.

As Seattle Center prepares for The Next 50 in 2012, it is pursuing new opportunities to provide fun and appealing food experiences for Center visitors. Fall harvest is a great time to highlight the region’s mobile food culture. The Center is producing the Mobile Feast in partnership with its campus food manager, Levy Restaurants.  Other food upgrades on the grounds include renovation of the Center house food court and new KeyArena food concessions.  Residents of the region should expect additional fun and affordable eating opportunities at Seattle Center in the years ahead.

For more information on the first-ever Seattle Center Mobile Feast and other public programs at the Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.

36 hours in Seattle

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36 hours in Seattle   
New York Times
Seemingly overnight, Seattle’s neighborhoods have transformed themselves into vibrant enclaves of restaurants, bars and galleries. Start in Capitol Hill with a homegrown breakfast at Volunteer Park Café, move to the recently developed South Lake Union urban village, and don’t miss out on the Pike-Pine Corridor with a slew of new restaurants and businesses.

Seattle ranks seventh on world’s ‘overall’ cities list   
The Globe and Mail
The Toronto Board of Trade’s Scorecard on Prosperity ranks 24 cities based on economy and labor attractiveness. Seattle ranks seventh on the list, with a highlight of employment growth of 2.3 percent last year, a best among all other cities in the ranking.

How to get the best crowd at your event   
Inc.
Getting the best guests is the first key to hosting an effective event. Companies admit that having the appropriate crowd not only fosters deeper engagement, but also turns attendees into devoted advocates of your brand. Follow these five steps to draw in the ideal crowd.

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As a service to the Seattle business community, the Office of Economic Development curates a daily business news blast, Daily Digest. As a feature on Bottom Line, we’re posting a handful of stories from the Daily Digest every day.  Find the stories informative or helpful? Keep checking Bottom Line or sign up for Daily Digest to receive the full version in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Daily Digest here.

Get the unique gift of art this Christmas for under $100 in South Park

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Tomorrow, December 4, South Park Arts, an organization dedicated to supporting, representing, and promoting art and artists in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood, is presenting the sixth annual Art Under $100 event. Find unique, special gifts made by artists, all for under $100. Supporting local artists and small businesses means building a stronger community for everyone, so get out to the South Park Neighborhood Center (8201 10th Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108, the old fire house building) from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

RSVP and spread the work on Facebook.

Seattle Times coverage on Art Under $100

Check out some of the artists that will be attending:

In addition to the artists that will be setting up shop, visit these local South Park businesses for great gift ideas or for a bite to eat. Cadence Winery, Nota Bene Cellars and O.S. Winery will all be open for tasting and sales on the first two Saturdays in December. Visit all three on December 4th and December 11th from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Other times are available by appointment.

Cadence Winery
www.cadencewinery.com
9320 15th Avenue South, Unit CF
Seattle, WA 98108
206.381.9507

Nota Bene Cellars
www.notabenecellars.com
9320 15th Avenue South, Unit CC
Seattle, WA 98108
206.459.2785

O.S. Winery
www.oswinery.com
1501 S 92nd Place, Suite B
Seattle WA 98108
206.243.3471

TechNW brings best and brightest tech minds to Seattle – Sept. 27th

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The Northwest is a powerhouse of technological innovation – Washington State is at the epicenter producing global tech giants in software, web services, gaming, mobile communications and cutting edge devices.

On September 27th, the Washington Technology Industry Association is hosting the 2010 TechNW Conference – a meeting of the brightest minds and most innovative technology companies in the Northwest.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from sector thought leaders, hot start-ups and national press through a unique blend of keynote presentations, cutting edge demonstrations, interviews and panel discussions. Speakers and presenters at the conference will include:

  • Amin Zoufonoun – Director, Corporate Development at Google
  • Brad Feld – Managing Director, Foundry Group
  • David Roberts – CEO, PopCap Games
  • Jay Emmet – General Manager, Openmarket
  • John Peers – CEO, LightFleet Corporation
  • Matt Hulett – Chief Revenue Officer, RealGames
  • Mike Brown – Manager, Corporate Development at Facebook
  • Mike Peronto – President & CEO, WildTangent
  • Peter Cohen – Director, Amazon Web Services Corporate Development
  • Rob Adams – Senior Director of Corporate Development, Cisco
  • Tricia Duryee – Moconews

Early-bird pricing is available until August 31st. Register online today.

The event will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 27th, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center on the Seattle waterfront.

Don’t forget to come to City Business Casual – tomorrow!

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Talk with Tom and Jorge – and other business-focused city officials – tomorrow, August 26th at City Business Casual!

Tom Rasmussen is a Seattle City Councilmember and has spent twenty-five years working on issues important to the people of Seattle – from transportation and the environment, to affordable housing and human rights. Tom currently chairs the Council’s Transportation Committee and sits on many other regional committees related to transportation.

Jorge Carrasco is the Superintendent of Seattle City Light. Jorge is a national leader on issues of climate change and environmental leadership. Financial stability; the first carbon-neutral utility in the country; infrastructure improvements; acquisition of new, renewable energy resources; and more have resulted during his seven years at City Light.

Seattle Franchise Opportunities Seminar teaches how to be in business for yourself, not by yourself

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On Saturday, August 21st, the Seattle Franchise Opportunities Seminar will offer veterans, minorities, and women a chance to learn about franchising opportunities, financing, and other fundamentals of franchising. The event is hosted by the International Franchise Association and the local resource partners include the Office of Economic Development, Washington Small Business Development Centers, Washington Women’s Business Center, Tabor 100, and the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund. 

Registration is $25 and open to the public.  To register, please call 206-324-4330 ext. 100. The seminar includes a continental breakfast, lunch and session materials.  The event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This program is great for people who are interested in learning about the fundamentals of franchising, obtaining a franchise, legal aspects of franchising, funding and technical assistance, finding a new retail location site, and increasing the diversity within their franchise.

For more information about this seminar, please click here.