5 Things: September 1, 2020

1. Student Connectivity Fund
Close to 800 students in the Bellevue School District will begin the school year without access to high speed internet. The Bellevue Chamber, in partnership with Bellevue Schools and Comcast, is helping students get connected.
Your contribution of as little as $10 can provide a month’s worth of internet access at this heavily discounted rate; $100 can help keep a student connected for entire school year.

2. Up, Up, and Away
Has growth in government spending on the West side of the lake outpaced population growth? How do Seattle's fortunes impact the region? What efforts are underway to help diversify the workforce and buoy our regional economy?
Find out in this week's article from Lens reporter, TJ Martinell.

3. Economic Forecast Summit
Save the Date
November 17 | 7:00 - 9:00 am
Peer into the economic year ahead with industry experts and hear from featured speaker Joe Quinlan, the engaging and widely-celebrated economist and Chief Market Analyst for Bank of America.
This year’s program will be hosted virtually and feature breakout sessions for industry-specific conversations. Now is your chance to vote for the industry you're most interested in hearing from.

4. Women's Leadership Conference
Save the Date
First Session September 29 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Women leaders bring valuable and unique perspectives to businesses in all types of industries. Join the Women's Leadership Conference to learn from successful business leaders as they discuss issues women face in business today and how to prepare for a successful future.
MOD Pizza co-founder Ally Svenson will kick off the four-part series September 29 by sharing her insights on leading with authenticity. The next sessions are scheduled for October 20, November 3, and November 11.

5. CARES Funding Allocation
Bellevue City Council met last week to allocate federal CARES Act funding to meet immediate needs in the community.
The Council passed two motions to provide funds to these organizations:
- $127,000 to Hopelink to purchase food for the Bellevue Food Bank
- $160,000 to the Bellevue School District to distribute supplies through their Family Connection Centers
- $10,000 to the Salvation Army to purchase food for its free community meal program
- $3,000 to the Renewal Food Bank for food and hygiene supplies