5 Things: March 2, 2021

1. Your Executive Edge
New Executives Program
Application Deadline Extended to Friday, March 5
Virtual Classes March 9 - June 15
The New Executives program is an opportunity for young professionals. The program builds essential business skills, connects participants with senior executives and celebrated entrepreneurs, and creates long-term relationships with a core group of peers across several industries.

2. The Three Bs
Sandeep Krishnamurthy, dean of the School of Business at the University of Washington, Bothell and Bellevue Chamber Board Member, recently published an article on GeekWire recognizing global business leaders that have emerged from the Seattle region.
Jeff Bezos, Bill Boeing, and Bill Gates each had a major part in establishing this region "as an inventive powerhouse, spearheading entirely new spaces." Boeing, Amazon, and Microsoft each launched groundbreaking products and services, and they remain part of the region's economic core.

3. Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Spring Training Report
with Fred Rivera, Mariners Executive Vice President & General Counsel
Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Go behind the scenes of Mariner's spring training with Fred Rivera, Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Find out the players to watch this summer and what you'll need to know to once again "take me out to the ballgame" in what hopes to be the waning months of the pandemic.
Join us virtually every month through August as regional leaders share insights on a variety of critical topics. Each program will provide an opportunity to engage and collaborate with business leaders during the breakout sessions.

4. Celebrate & Inspire Bellevue
Bellevue Chamber's Annual Gala
Thursday, April 1, 2021 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Pre-Event Experiences Begin at 3:30 pm
The past year has been filled with challenges and hardships for many businesses and individuals, but it has also exposed the strength and heart of the Eastside community. At this year’s Virtual Annual Gala, we will be taking a look back at the last year and get ready for the year ahead as we Celebrate and Inspire Bellevue.
Our KeyBank Community Spotlight will highlight nine individuals and organizations that made an outstanding impact on our community through the challenges of Covid-19. Alicia Boler Davis, Amazon’s Vice President of Global Customer Fulfillment, joins us for a conversation about Amazon’s response to the pandemic and their growth plans for Bellevue.
Join us early for a culinary and cocktail experience, stay tuned for information regarding the Annual Gala Auction, and get ready to be competitive in the trivia breakout.

5. Back at the Capitol
Mini Chamber Days
March 15 - 17
Over these three days, you'll have the opportunity to hear from dozens of legislators and other state officials about what is really happening during the unprecedented virtual legislative session.
With billions in new taxes proposed, unemployment premiums set to rise, and demands for affordable housing and transportation piling up by the minute, there's never been a more important time for your voice to be heard.

Weekly Session Report
The Bellevue Chamber's lobbyist in Olympia, Lyset Cadena, provides a weekly report covering priority areas such as Covid recovery, transportation, and housing, as well as bill statuses.