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News from Seattle's Office of Economic Development

OED’s Daily Digest Three for the Week of March 22

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The Office of Economic Development’s Daily Digest is a daily resource for businesspeople. Here are three of our top stories from the week of March 18-22:

 

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES EMPLOYMENT IN THE U.S. 

 

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 Click through to see the full infographic.

 

HOW TO PERSUADE SMART PEOPLE TO BUY INTO YOUR IDEAS

BUSINESS INSIDER

Being able to build a following in your organization is important when you are innovating or dealing with change management. More often than not, it is beneficial to fully convince someone to change their attitudes toward your work or your idea.  There are actions you can take to start the change such as emphasizing logic or presenting a two-sided argument. This list of strategies will help you persuade others to buy into your great ideas.

SEATTLE EXECS MAKE LIST OF HIGHEST EMPLOYEE-RATED CEOS

PSBJ

Some of the world’s largest tech companies also have some of the highest employee-rated CEOs, and several Seattle-area chief executives have seen their approval ratings jump, according to reviews posted on the salary and executive review site Glassdoor.Nordstrom CEO Blake Norsdstrom ranked number 28 on the nation-wide list, and Starbucks’ Howard Schultz ranked number 19. The highest-ranked Seattle CEO on Glassdoor’s list was Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who ranked number 16 on the list with a 93% approval rating.

 

 

NOT SIGNED UP FOR DAILY DIGEST?

Are you and your friends signed up for OED’s Daily Digest? Compiled from over 100 news sources, the OED Daily Digest is the best way to keep up with the latest in business, technology, workforce,    industry, real estate, maritime, energy and economic development news in Seattle.

OED’S Daily Digest Three for the Week of December 10

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SEATTLE MET’S TOP 25 RESTAURANTS THAT CAPTURE THE SOUL OF SEATTLE

SEATTLE MET

Seattle is a city whose story can be told through its restaurants. From their banquettes to their timber ceilings, their fresh-daily oysters to their inspired microseasonal innovations, these 25 restaurants etch a portrait of Pacific Northwest values, passions, and quirky idiosyncrasies. Without them, Seattle just wouldn’t be Seattle. ForSeattle Met‘s annual guide to the top dining in Seattle, they list both innovators and classics with a strong culinary vision and a deep reverence for seasons, local ingredients, and a sense of place – in short, the very best places to eat right now.

 

THE TOP 10 SKILLS THAT WILL GET YOU HIRED IN 2013 

FORBES

The most in-demand jobs for the new year might be rooted in the booming computer industry, but it’s not only technical and programming skills that prospective hires should be showcasing. Rich Milgram, CEO of the career network Beyond, said the most sought-after skill-sets for recruiters have to do with how you think systems through and work within the context of a team. In a nutshell, it’s less about learning technology and more about having a mindset to apply learned skills and being both thorough and detail-oriented.

 

THE TOP 10 SMARTEST CITIES IN NORTH AMERICA

FAST COEXIST

Some cities are adding high-tech infrastructure. Some are implementing revolutionary sustainability plans. Others are fostering innovative business and science developments. But which city combines these qualities and others to be the smartest city? According to Fast Coexist, Seattle ranks number three in North America under a system called the Smart Cities Wheel, which contains six key components of smart cities and three key drivers for each component. Seattle scored in the top three in four of the six components of the Smart Cities Wheel, taking third place overall. Seattle achieved the top billing in “smart governance,” grabbing a number one position in the “e-governance” ranking. In addition, the city has always done well on “green rankings” and had the highest “economic performance” rank.

OED’S Daily Digest Three for the Week of November 26

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RESTAURATEUR AND TWO MERCHANTS WANT TO REVITALIZE PIONEER SQUARE

 

PSBJ

Chef Matt Dillon and two other merchants from Melrose Market on Seattle’s Capitol Hill are opening four businesses in the heart of Pioneer Square, and some say other entrepreneurs are not far behind. Despite any concerns regarding safety in the neighborhood, the vacancy rate has dropped below 20 percent as tech companies have moved in (as compared to 27 percent in 2010). A variety of other factors are contributing to the revival in Pioneer Square and led Chef Matt Dillon to believe his investment is not risky.

FISCAL CLIFF FOR DUMMIES: BUSH TAX CUTS, SEQUESTER AND MORE EXPLAINED 

THE DAILY BEAST

Matthew Zeitlin breaks down the fiscal cliff, the sequester, the Budget Control Act, the debt ceiling, and contributing factors for those seeking more baseline knowledge on these issues. The fiscal cliff is described in two parts: the expiration of the Bush tax cuts and the sequester, which are both explained in more depth. The Budget Control Act, passed in August 2011, is described as a series of spending cuts, which includes the portion of cuts dubbed the “sequester”. The Budget Control Act accomplished three things: raised the debt ceiling by $2.1 trillion, allowed the government to increase debts through this year, and instituted two rounds of significant spending cuts. These two rounds of cuts are detailed, as are their effects on government programs and their budgets. Zeitlin discusses what may happen January 1, as these issues come into play.

2012’S LIST OF 101 BEST FOOD TRUCKS IN AMERICA INCLUDES 7 SEATTLE TRUCKS

THE DAILY MEAL

The food truck craze is growing quickly. A year ago, the peak of the trend was assumed to have been reached. In fact, numbers have increased since that time. No, food trucks are here to stay, many serving terrific grub – enough to merit determining America’s best. How does the popularity of food trucks break down by the numbers? According to Smart Money, trucks accounted for 37 percent of the $1.4 billion in street vending revenue nationwide last year – a 15 percent increase over the past five years. In light of this, some of the most successful food trucks have been selected and examined to uncover their secrets to success. Among these are seven local trucks: Where Ya At Matt? (#17), Maximus/Minimus (#21), El Camion (#46),Marination Mobile (#69), Rancho Bravo Tacos (#71), Tacos el Asadero (#82), and Happy Grillmore (#100).

 

NOT SIGNED UP FOR DAILY DIGEST?

Are you and your friends signed up for OED’s Daily Digest? Compiled from over 100 news sources, the OED Daily Digest is the best way to keep up with the latest in business, technology, workforce,    industry, real estate, maritime, energy and economic development news in Seattle.

OED’S Daily Digest Three for the Week of November 12

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TOP 5 ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES FOR ENTREPRENEURS


Economists love theory. However, sometimes economists love theory so much that they forget about the possible applications. As an entrepreneur, it is best to utilize the fruits of economic theory in a practical manner. The five economic notions to keep in mind for an entrpreneur are: specialization helps; people respond to incentives; not all incentives are tangible; people face opportunity costs; and rational risks are okay to be taken.

MAGNUSON PARK’S 11-YEAR, $13 MILLION MAKEOVER

SEATTLE MAGAZINE

November’s dark, gray days are no excuse for staying indoors – especially now that Seattle’s second-largest park has undergone a major, $13 million overhaul. Long known mostly as a boat launch site and a swimming beach, Warren G. Magnuson Park is now a year-round recreational destination. Concrete has been converted into wetlands, and soggy marshes into playfields, while new indoor facilities attract a wide range of visitors. The overhaul began in 2001, when Seattle Parks and landscape designers from the Berger Partnership began hatching plans for how to reorganize certain elements in the park to accommodate visitors and wildlife. Eleven years later, Magnuson Park boasts great new playing fields, both outdoors and indoors, while the beloved collection of public art remains unchanged.

A FASHION HOARDER OPENS UP HIS CLOSET TO CAPITOL HILL

CAPITOL HILL BLOG

For years, when guests asked Paul Mendes to visit the basement of his Capitol Hill home, he hesitated, fearing their reaction. “I was afraid they would think I’m a hoarder,” said Mendes, only half jokingly. What lurked below was an eclectic and stylish collection of women’s fashion, from a 1950s khaki-colored car coat made of wool mohair, to a recent Diane Von Furstenberg bubble skirt dress, to a maroon Lilli Ann swing coat from the 40s. Now, you can buy some of Mendes’ prized possessions. He and his friend Cat McCadden have opened Style Syndicate in what used to be the Capitol Hill Market at 12th and Howell. The boutique features McCadden’s own jewelry line and some clothes and accessories by local designers, but the bulk of the merchandise, about 100 pieces, comes from Mendes’ personal inventory.

NOT SIGNED UP FOR DAILY DIGEST?

Are you and your friends signed up for OED’s Daily Digest? Compiled from over 100 news sources, the OED Daily Digest is the best way to keep up with the latest in business, technology, workforce,    industry, real estate, maritime, energy and economic development news in Seattle.

OED’s Daily Digest Top 3 Stories of Today

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HOW TO HIRE EXTRAORDINARY EMPLOYEES: 7 RULES
INC
There is simply no management task more important than hiring the right people. You don’t just want people who can do the job–you want people who will excel, and whose contributions will help you and your company reach the highest levels of success. Listed within this article are essential tips on how to spot, define, and retain the employees that will have a positive impact on your business.

WASHINGTON FIGHTS TO KEEP TOURISM ALIVE
KING 5
Without the help of a state tourism bureau, businesses and destinations in Washington are on their own to find new ways to attract tourists. A social media campaign is aimed at bringing people from Vancouver, B.C. and Portland to Washington. It’s organized by the Washington Tourism Alliance, a new non-profit trade group funded by volunteers, Port of Seattle, Boeing and others. Tourism is a $15 billion a year industry in Washington that generates $1 billion in tax revenues.

COMING: SEATTLE’S DENSEST RESIDENTIAL BLOCK
CROSSCUT
Seattle’s most densely populated neighborhood (that would be Belltown) is about to get even denser with a 298-unit, 27-story residential apartment tower at Third and Cedar Streets. The quarter-block parcel is occupied by a handsome one-story building that housed the Washington Lung Association. It will be separated from an existing 26-story condominum building by a narrow alley, creating the city’s densest single block.

NOT SIGNED UP FOR DAILY DIGEST?

Are you and your friends signed up for OED’s Daily Digest? Compiled from over 100 news sources, the OED Daily Digest is the best way to keep up with the latest in business, technology, workforce,    industry, real estate, maritime, energy and economic development news in Seattle.

OED’s Daily Digest Top 3 Stories of Today

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A BOON FOR URBAN PARENTS
CROSSCUT
Many cities, faced with increasing populations and a growing demand for urban living, are moving toward making their downtowns welcoming residential neighborhoods for families with children. Seattle is no different. In the last year, a new and exciting effort among government and private sector leaders has emerged to respond to downtown Seattle’s changing demographics.

INDEPENDENT GAS STATIONS SEE HOW LOW THEY CAN GO
SEATTLE TIMES
Washington has some of the highest gas prices in the nation. But one independent carwash and gas-station owner, has a way of playing the market and keeping prices down. At least for the moment. If you are looking for gas deals in the Puget Sound area, your first stop might not be General Brushless Car Wash.  But that is where, a gallon of gas is going for just $3.76 – well below the state average of $4.08 and 38 cents cheaper than the average price of gas in the Seattle metro area, according to AAA data.

ASK.COM BUTTERS UP SEATTLE WITH FREE PEDICAB RIDES
GEEKWIRE
Advertising usually doesn’t offer the consumer anything of real tangible value – other than a few funny one-liners to toss around. But a new Ask.com campaign running in Seattle dubbed “You Asked, We Answered” is looking to make life a little bit easier around here. The online question-and-answer site polled Seattle residents during a two-week period last month about what they would most like to see happen in the city this summer, from easing the morning commute to reducing stadium traffic to refilling the wading pools at city parks. Now, the company is in the midst of delivering on the promises.

NOT SIGNED UP FOR DAILY DIGEST?

Are you and your friends signed up for OED’s Daily Digest? Compiled from over 100 news sources, the OED Daily Digest is the best way to keep up with the latest in business, technology, workforce,    industry, real estate, maritime, energy and economic development news in Seattle.

The Secret Lives of Seattle’s Neighborhood Shoppers

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THE SECRET LIVES OF SEATTLE’S NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPERS
CROSSCUT

Seattle’s Dept. of Transportation, the Office of Economic Development, and various neighborhood business associations teamed up to try to get data on questions that are usually matters of speculation, but which are of vital interest to shopkeepers, business boosters, and transportation planners alike. The results, released in February, may assist all of them in their efforts. They also give the rest of us some interesting comparisons between how people live, play, and get around in urban districts as farflung and different as Ballard and Othello Junction.

IT’S A SELLERS MARKET
MARKETPLACE

You’d think it would be a buyers’ market these days for homes. After all, prices are down more than 30 percent on average and they continue to slide. But in many places around the country, home sellers are now in the drivers’ seat and the market seems to be roaring back.

WHERE ARE THE GREEN JOBS?
THE ATLANTIC

Green jobs are often said to be a key growth area of the future: however, according to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, just 3.1 million people (2.4 percent of all American workers) were employed in “green goods and services” jobs in 2010. The report defines green jobs across five categories: production of energy from renewable sources; energy efficiency; pollution reduction and removal, natural resources conservation; and environmental compliance, education, training, and public awareness.

Ten dumb things said during a job interview

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TEN DUMB THINGS SAID DURING A JOB INTERVIEW
FINS FINANCE
We’ve all experienced it. That sinking feeling that occurs when the job interview that was going so well suddenly goes off track. Maybe it’s the expression on the hiring manager’s face, or the awkward pause that ensues, but there is little doubt when it happens. Oversharing has now become an occupational hazard of the job hunt. Here are 10 examples of when too much information was, well, really too much information.

IS IT USELESS TO WORK MORE THAN 40 HOURS PER WEEK?
INC.
For many in the entrepreneurship game, long hours are a badge of honor. Starting a business is tough, so all those late nights show how determined, hard working and serious about making your business work you are, right? Wrong. According to a handful of studies, consistently clocking over 40 hours a week just makes you unproductive (and very, very tired).

SIX HABITS OF TRUE STRATEGIC THINKERS
INC.
In the beginning, there was just you and your partners. You all did everything. Now you have others to do all that and it’s time for you to “be strategic.” This is a tough job, make no mistake. “We need strategic leaders!” is a pretty constant refrain at every company, large and small. One reason the job is so tough: no one really understands what it entails. It’s hard to be a strategic leader if you don’t know what strategic leaders are supposed to do. Here are six things that adaptive strategic leaders – the kind who thrive in today’s uncertain environment – do well.