Michelle Flandreau is New Vice President Of Marketing at Guidant Financial

Bellevue's Guidant Financial Names Michelle Flandreau VP Marketing

Bellevue-based small business financing specialist Guidant Financial has hired Michelle Flandreau as vice president of marketing. Based in Guidant's Bellevue headquarters,  Michelle Flandreau's hiring is in Guidant's 12th year in business.  Guidant Financial's state goal is to put $350 million to work for small business in 2015.  Reaching this goal will help empower entrepreneurs to help realize their dreams of business ownership. Michelle Flandreau will drive marketing and communications for Guidant and lead the strategic direction of the company.  She will also oversee earned and social media, email marketing and advertising and hopefully be working to renew a former partnership with Bellevue Business Journal.

For more than 15 years, Michelle Flandreau has developed and managed integrated, results-driven marketing campaigns. She joins the Guidant Financial team with a passion for customer service, entrepreneurship, and building a vibrant company culture.

Prior to Guidant, Michelle worked for top retail and consumer technology companies including Tommy Bahama, Expedia, and Nordstrom. Most recently, Michelle helped double sales and grow the marketing team at LiquidPlanner, a Seattle software startup.

"Michelle is an experienced strategist who excels in integrated marketing programs and brand management," said David Nilssen, CEO and co-founder of Guidant Financial. "She's joining us at an exciting time of company growth and will have a profound impact leading the strategic marketing direction of our brand."

Flandreau is a graduate of Western Washington University.

About Guidant Financial
Guidant Financial works with entrepreneurs to identify, evaluate and deploy intelligent business financing strategies. Their services include, but are not limited to, rollovers as business startups (ROBS), SBA loans, unsecured credit and portfolio loans. Since 2003, Guidant has helped deploy more than $3 billion of capital into 10,000 small businesses and franchises.  Guidant Financial was a long time advertiser with Bellevue Business Journal when we still printed a newspaper - and before print was officially declared dead.

Mark Mader of Bellevue's Smartsheet Among Award Recipients for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Pacific Northwest

Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 PNW Awarded to Mark Mader, President and CEO of Bellevue-based Smartsheet, 6 Others

Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 PNW bestowed on Bellevue-based Online Project Management SAAS company Smartsheet CEO Mark Mader.  Congratulations Mark!  Great job on bringing the award to Bellevue!

EY (formerly known as Ernst & Young) have announced the winners of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Award in the Pacific Northwest. These leading entrepreneurs were selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous winners of the award, leading CEOs, private capital investors and other regional business leaders.

The winners were revealed at a special gala on June 5, 2015 at Sheraton Seattle Hotel. “EY has honored outstanding entrepreneurs for the past 29 years,” said Greg Beams EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director for the Pacific Northwest. “These winners are accomplished leaders who have contributed a tremendous amount to their communities.”

The other EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Pacific Northwest Region winners are: Scott Allan, President and CEO, Hydro Flask, Bend, Oregon Chris Barrow, President and CEO, EagleView Technologies, Bothell, Washington Mark Britton, Founder and CEO, Avvo, Seattle, Washington Ryan Carson, Co-Founder and CEO, Treehouse, Portland, Oregon, Darryl Rawlings, CEO, Trupanion, Seattle, Washington Dave Sanders, M.D., Co-Founder and CEO, Zoom+, Hillsboro, Oregon.

Now in its 29th year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities in 60 countries throughout the world.

Smartsheet's Mader and other regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2015.

The US Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco, June 2016. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year Award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence at the national level.

The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. Sponsors Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Awards are nationally sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America. In the Pacific Northwest, sponsors also include Merrill Datasite, Union Bank and Scherzer International.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015:  Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 is one of the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

Eastside Employers Invited to Commute Advantage WorkSmart Telework Workshop in Bellevue

Eastside Employers to Learn How to Profit from Workplace Strategy

Eastside Employers Will Find Predictable, flexible and efficient commute options keys to employee retention and productivity

Teleworking allows employees to do more while commuting less with Eastside employers seeing a return to their bottom line. Eastside Employers could save 25 to 90 percent in overhead, in situations where employees do not require permanent workspace at the office, according to WorkSmart, a King County Metro program specializing in workplace strategy. Eastside employers can hear more from WorkSmart at a free Telework Lunch-and-Learn 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, in Downtown Bellevue.

The first 25 people to register and attend receive a $10 coffee card. The event is free but a registration is required. RSVP by emailing commuteadvantage@cywb.org.

Commute Advantage Telework Lunch-and-Learn

Date: Wednesday, June 17^th, 2015

Location: The Summit (PSE Building), 10885 NE 4^th St, Bellevue

Paid parking available

(Access off of 108^th Ave NE or 110^th Ave NE – Parking cost: $11)

 

Doors open 11:30 a.m. Program noon to 1 p.m.

Complimentary lunch will be served

 

According to WorkSmart Telework and Flexible Work Hours can help businesses:

• Improve productivity by up to 20 percent


• Reduce absenteeism by two to four days per worker per year


• Improve employee recruitment and retention


• Eliminate tardiness


• Save on overhead costs


• Ensure business continuity during construction or other disruptions

Eastside Employers will learn:

• How an effective telework or flexible work-hours program benefits your business’ Bottom line and improves work/life balance.


• What other local business leaders have done to implement successful programs.


• About WorkSmart’s free consulting services for developing or expanding teleworking and flexible work hours

About Commute Advantage

Commute Advantage is a Choose Your Way Bellevue program made possible by a partnership between the City of Bellevue, King County Metro and the Bellevue Downtown Association. Choose Your Way Bellevue is Bellevue's one-stop shop for learning about your travel options. Bellevue's transportation system offers a range of travel options that provide people who live and work in the City with viable alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle. Strategies to balance the options for how people travel into, out of, and through the City are considered under the heading "transportation demand management" or TDM.

About WorkSmart

The WorkSmart program offers workplace strategies to help your company increase employee productivity, improve business continuity and contribute to environmental sustainability. These cutting-edge strategies include telework, coworking, compressed work week, and alternate scheduling. WorkSmart services are free to employers, thanks to the Washington State Department of Transportation, King County Metro, the City of Seattle, and the Federal Transit Administration.

7th Annual Taste of Main on August 22nd to Benefit The Detlef Schrempf Foundation

7th Annual Taste of Main to Benefit The Detlef Schrempf Foundation

The 7th Annual Taste of Main, a one-day event on Bellevue’s celebrated historic Main Street, is slated for Saturday, August 22nd, from 12:00-5:00. This annual fundraising event has a strong reputation of bringing together the Eastside community and Old Bellevue, benefiting the Detlef Schrempf Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.

The 7th Annual Taste of Main event offers patrons a fixed price Passport, allowing them to “tasting their way down Main Street” featuring specially selected Northwest wineries, distilleries, gourmet food, snacks and desserts from the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. Also featured are free giveaways, live entertainment, wine sales, and a silent auction, featuring Main Street Retailers products and services.

The 7th Annual Taste of Main is open to the public, and children are free (with special kid-friendly bites!).  The Taste of Main has been a favorite event of locals since it's first year and has started to attract a lot of wine lovers and foodies from all over the Puget Sound area.  This is an event you won't want to miss!

100% of the proceeds benefit the Detlef Schrempf Foundation. The Foundation is a support organization founded by former UW Huskies and Seattle Super Sonics star, Detlef Schrempf that has raised over $15-million for Northwest children’s charities. This event’s proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, through the Detlef Schrempf Foundation.

Learn more about the event and purchase your passport at 7th Annual Taste of Main. Learn more about the benefitting charities at www.detlef.com and www.bgcbellevue.org .

The Passport includes food offerings from some of Main Street’s finest restaurants, including:

520 Bar & Grill
99 Park
Bake’s Place Bellevue
Bis on Main
Cantinetta
Fran’s Chocolates
Gilberts on Main
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
Hedge & Vine
La Cocina Del Puerco
Local Burger
Mercato Stellina
Monsoon East
Pagliacci Pizza
Vavako Fine Chocolates
Whole Foods

Club Pilates Opens First Studio in Bellevue

Club Pilates Franchise Enters Puget Sound Market with Studio in Downtown Bellevue

Club Pilates, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing Pilates franchise, has brought its inclusive and positive studio atmosphere to the Bellevue Plaza Shopping Center at 143 106^th Ave. in Bellevue.

The Club Pilates studio in Downtown Bellevue is the first to open in the Seattle area, and hosts a variety of 50-minute classes that range from beginner to intense Cardio Sculpt workouts. The 1,200 square foot studio is equipped with reformers for all classes, exo-chairs and springboards, as well as mats, balls, dumbbells, magic circles, and ballet barres.

“Pilates is good for all and can be done by everybody. From Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston and Lady Gaga to top athletes like Lebron James and Peyton Manning, baby boomers to new moms, more and more people are turning to Pilates to meet their health and fitness goals,” said studio owner Nikki Adams. “My intent in opening this studio is to create a space where people of all fitness levels who are serious about their health and well-being can work in small groups or individually with expert and personalized instruction.”

Adams has been practicing Pilates since 2001 and actually won the studio through a Club Pilates franchise giveaway.

Club Pilates Bellevue currently offers 36 classes per week, seven days a week, that start as early as 8 a.m. and as late as 7:30 p.m., so there's almost always a class for even the busiest of schedules. Class times and reservations are all accessible online, and the studio has discounted monthly memberships and class packages starting as low as $10 per class. The studio also has introductory specials perfect for those new to Pilates.

In addition to group classes, the studio offers private instruction by appointment.

"The whole premise of Club Pilates is to make Pilates accessible to every body type, regardless of age, fitness and activity level, or gender,” Adams said. "It's meant to be affordable and accessible."

Adams has committed to opening three studios total in the Seattle area, and is looking to open the second studio in Kent by the end of the year. A third location is planned for the Capitol Hill area in 2016. Company plans call for having as many as five studios in the area over the next few years.

Since its inception in 2007, the Irvine, California-based franchise has rapidly expanded throughout California, as well as many other states including Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin. A studio recently opened in Australia as well.

About Club Pilates

Founded in 2007 and franchising since 2012, Club Pilates is the nation’s largest and fastest-growing Pilates franchise, offering several signature class formats in order to fit the needs of many clients – from young to more senior, and from beginner to advanced. The first studio to create a 500 hour Teacher Training Program designed to thoroughly and safely teach group Pilates apparatus classes that flow, Club Pilates currently has 36 locations, more than 100 territories sold, approximately 40,000 members, 100+ instructors and 75,000 monthly workouts throughout the United States and Australia. For more information, please visit www.clubpilatesstudio.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue Win Prestigious Award for Excellence in Marketing and Communications

Recently, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue received two of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s prestigious Marketing and Communications (MAC) Awards during the organization’s 109^th Annual National Conference in Chicago, IL. Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue was selected among hundreds of local Clubs across the country for implementing the best marketing strategy for Social Media and Special Events. The two campaigns were initially designed by Club partner Lionfish, an international, award-winning branding and marketing firm focused on igniting opportunity for the world’s game changers. In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Mark M. O’Brien, left, was on hand to present Kathy Haggart, CEO/President and Ryan Scott, COO/Vice President, with the esteemed awards.

Two Spaces Still Available for YouTube Marketing for Business Workshop on Tuesday

YouTube Marketing for Business Workshop Almost Full

There has been a lot of interest in Stacia Loo's free YouTube Marketing for Business workshop tomorrow night.  But the good news is that there are still a couple of seats left.  If you are interested in attending YouTube Marketing for Business you should RSVP asap.

If you are looking for better, less expensive marketing for your business, you cannot afford to miss the YouTube Marketing for Business workshop.  Don't let this opportunity slip to learn from an expert online marketer slip away.

 

Symphony of Gardens Tour to Benefit Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra

Symphony of Gardens to Feature Five Eastside Gardens and Benefit Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra

Orchestra's Symphony of Gardens fundraiser features five exciting private gardens in Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Kirkland and Mercer Island

The Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra is planning its 2nd Annual Symphony of Gardens Tour. This event, which benefits the East Side's premier orchestra, will be Sunday, June 28th, from 11am to 4pm. The tour will offer garden enthusiasts a rare glimpse of gorgeous private gardens in Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Kirkland and Mercer Island. LWSO musicians will play chamber music in the gardens from 1 to 2pm, weather permitting.

The Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra's Symphony of Gardens Tour is Sunday, June 28th, from 11am-4pm. Tickets are $25. Tickets are available at Grape Choice, Bellevue Nursery, Sky Nursery and Wells Medina Nursery or through Brown Paper Tickets, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1586858. For information about the LWSO, see http://lwso.org. 

  

Wild Ginger Happy Hour: Bellevue Happy Hours

Wild Ginger Happy Hour Rates Near The Top

Wild Ginger Happy Hour has been rated as one of the best happy hours in Bellevue.

Daily: 3 – 6 p.m., Mon-Thurs 9 -10 p.m., Fri & Sat 10 – 11 p.m.

Bellevue Happy Hours: 13 Coins

13 Coins in Bellevue Happy Hour

900 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 100
(adjacent to the Hyatt Regency)
Phone: (425) 455-1313

Happy Hours:

MON-SAT: 4PM TO 6PM AND 10PM TO LAST CALL SUNDAYS: 4PM TO LAST CALL Excluding Holidays

WELL DRINKS 4.00
1.00 OFF DRAFT AND BOTTLED BEERS
SELECT WINES 5.50 (ask your server for today’s selection)
CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL 6.99
DEVILED EGGS 3.99 A delicious classic with a hint of Dijon.
CRISPY CALAMARI 6.99 Served with lemon aioli.
BBQ PORK 6.99 Served with traditional accompaniments.
BAKED BRIE 5.99 Domestic Brie baked in puff pastry. Served with marionberry preserves, Carr’s table crackers and sourdough slices.
FRIED ZUCCHINI 3.99 Hand breaded zucchini served with chipotle ranch dipping sauce.

BBJ would love to write reviews on 13 Coin's Happy Hours, as well as dining in Bellevue during the wee hours.  Hope they contact us soon.

PCCP and Align Real Estate Form JV to Purchase Pacific Towers Office Building in Downtown Bellevue

PCCP, LLC recently announced that it has formed a joint venture with Align Real Estate to acquire the six-story, 110,372-square-foot Class A Pacific Tower office property within the central business district of Bellevue, WA. The property is 95 percent occupied and includes ground-floor retail and a three-level parking garage consisting of 315 stalls. The acquired property consists of the bottom six floors of a 23-story tower, the top 17 stories are residential condominiums.

“This is our first joint venture with Align, a firm specializing in value-added office development throughout the Pacific Northwest and California,” said Erik Flynn, managing director with PCCP. “Bellevue Pacific offers us an opportunity to increase the asset’s revenue through value-add improvements including a lobby renovation and aesthetic upgrades to the tenant floors that are designed to enhance the building’s prominence in the marketplace and ultimately attract long-term tenants.”

Built in 1995, the property is located at NE 2nd Avenue, between 106th and 107th Avenues. It includes 24 Hour Fitness, Opus Bank, TIAA-CREF as well as other tenants. Over the past several years the property has been amidst a rapidly transforming neighborhood with new hotel, mixed-use, residential, and retail developments occurring on each side of the property.

Bellevue, the business center of the Eastside of Seattle, continues to see the highest growth in rental rates in its submarket with premium buildings experiencing average rental rate growth of 12.7 percent in 2014. Rental rate growth projections through 2015 are expected to reach approximately 8 percent with continued growth over the next four years.

Eastdil Secured represented both the buyer, as well as the seller, LaSalle Investment Management.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Gets Ready for Summer Turning Up the Flavor with Trendsetting New Menu Choices

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, a national casual dining restaurant known for its distinctive selection of micro-brewed and specialty beers, recently announced the launch of its new summer menu, featuring lighter options as the weather heats up. Now through June 14, participating Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery locations nationwide will offer a vast selection of low-calorie dishes including brand new build-your-own salads allowing guests to customize their creations.

“Many consumers look to embrace a more health-conscious lifestyle during the summer, and we know that eating out can be difficult for those trying to follow a nutritious diet,” said Stan Frankenthaler, chief officer of food, beverage and strategic supply for CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. "We're thrilled to share our newest seasonal offerings with our guests, and are proud to raise the bar for healthy eating by experimenting with flavors that will satisfy any dietary preference."

Guests who stop by their local Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery to kick off their summertime fun can experience these light and flavor-packed new menu items, including:

• Tomatillo Shrimp on Sweet Potato Cakes – Garlic sautéed shrimp smothered in a zesty tomatillo sauce over crispy-griddled sweet potato cakes with sautéed garlic spinach, served with black bean and corn salsa with Santa Fe spices.


• Ale Portobello & Smoked Chicken Saute – Ale-soaked Portobello mushrooms grilled, sliced then sautéed with smoked chicken, topped with chile de arbol and a signature beer mushroom sauce. Served over white cheddar mashed potatoes with grilled broccoli and garnished with green onions and Santa Fe seasoning.


• Smoked Chicken Poblano – Roasted poblano pepper stuffed with smoked chicken, cheese and orzo pasta, topped with Parmesan & Romano cheeses and baked to perfection. Served in a pool of spicy smoked tomato sauce with seasonal vegetables and garnished with Santa Fe spices.

Rock Bottom also has expanded its salad menu, which now features build-your-own salads, where guests select from a choice of greens, three veggies and toppings, cheese, a crunch and dressing. Additional deliciously fresh new salad options include:

• Mexican Honey Chicken Salad – Spring mix, roasted Santa Fe chicken, grilled pineapple and red peppers, cucumber, candied Mexican mango, toasted almonds and cotija cheese, tossed in roasted jalapeño ranch dressing and finished with a honey mango drizzle and crispy tortilla chips.


• Smoked Tomato & Kale Caesar Salad – Romaine and Tuscan kale tossed in Latin asiago Caesar dressing and topped with black beans, roasted corn, cold-smoked tomatoes, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses and crispy tortilla chips.


• Grilled Steak & Portobello Salad – Mixed greens tossed in spicy chimichurri dressing with grilled sirloin steak and Portobello mushrooms, topped with tri-colored tomatoes, pico de gallo, cotija cheese and crispy potato shreds.

Guests looking to pair these healthy menu items with a cool, refreshing beverage can select the all-new Skinny Berry Soda, made with fresh muddled strawberries and mint topped with Cruzan strawberry rum and soda.

For additional details about Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, please visit www.rockbottom.com.

Les Schwab Tire Center Moves Bellevue Location - Community event raises funds for schools; Free movie tickets, food and savings

This week, Les Schwab Tire Centers commemorates the relocation of its new Bellevue-Overlake store. The public is invited to the two-day event starting Friday, May 29.

The celebration features giveaways, food, savings and fun while supporting area high schools:

• OneRedmond, the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store Saturday at 1 p.m.


• Throughout the festivities, guests can spin a prize wheel to win movie tickets, T-shirts, coupons, key chains, lanyards or free services, while supplies last.


• Stop by for a complimentary lunch as Les Schwab employees will grill hot dogs and hamburgers on Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. and Interlake High School Students will be grilling on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.


• Radio show KQMV MOViN 92.5FM with Brooke and Jubal will broadcast from Les Schwab on Friday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.Test your luck in the MOViN 92.5 Cash Tube to see how much money you can grab!


• On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., KMPS 94.1FM will broadcast live from Les Schwab.


• While folks enjoy the festivities, they can take advantage of Les Schwab’s Free Pre-Trip Safety Check, which includes checking tire pressure and tread depth, visual alignment, brakes, shocks and battery.

“We’ll be providing a fun atmosphere and giveaways that families can enjoy together,” said Jeff Robidou, Les Schwab’s Bellevue-Overlake store manager. “We hope residents will come out to meet us and also support students as they raise money for their activities.”

The new Les Schwab Tire Center is located at 2355 Bel-Red Road, at the corner of Northeast 24th Street and Bel-Red Road, across the street from Trader Joe’s and Walgreens. It replaces the former Les Schwab store next to Fred Meyer on 148th Avenue Northeast. As part of the two-day event, customers will receive additional savings on Les Schwab tires.

“This two-day event gives our Les Schwab team an opportunity to meet our neighbors, and we’re looking forward to telling them about the Les Schwab story, which includes selling only the highest quality products backed up by our world-class service and warranties. You won’t find a better value,” said Robidou. “The new store will offer the complete Les Schwab experience. Employees greet customers as they drive onto the parking lot, showrooms offer a wide selection of tires to meet customer safety and driving requirements, and free warranties are provided for tires, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts.”

IPA Week is scheduled at the Tap House Grill with 40 rotating IPA’s & a percentage of sales going to charity!

From August 13th through the 23rd, Tap House Grill in Bellevue and Seattle, will be celebrating IPA Week with the introduction of forty new IPA’s, **India Pale Ale’s, from around the world.

Over the past six years, IPA Week has grown into the biggest event of the year for Tap House Grill, serving over 10,000 pints or 100 kegs of Indian Pale Ale during the ten-day promotion.    Many of Tap House Grill’s brewing partners will offer hand crafted special releases or limited releases solely for Tap House Grill’s IPA Week.  In addition, Tap House will feature some “one time only” beers that will be tapped on certain days of the promotion.  These IPA’s are “limited releases” which will only be featured for this event.  Due to the frequent tapping of the limited releases, Tap House Grill will keep guests updated with daily announcements and IPA special updates on Twitter and Facebook; Twitter.com/taphousegrill andFacebook.com/Tap House Grill.

For the seventh year, a percentage of Tap House Grill’s IPA Week sales will be donated to Farestart in Seattle.

**(Abbreviated IPA, India Pale Ale is a type of ale that is light amber to copper in color, medium to medium-high alcohol by volume, with a hoppy, bitter and sometimes malty flavor.  IPA is a style of beer that is usually included in the broader category of pale ale. It was first brewed in England in the 18th century.)

Additional Information about Tap House Grill:

Over 20,000 Tap House Grill guests are members of the Tap House Grill Beer Club.  Beer Club Members are given a credit card style membership card that tracks everything they order when dining at Tap House Grill.   The member accumulates points and is rewarded along the way.  By joining the Beer Club, each member receives 20% off their guest check the first seven days of each month and their membership card is loaded with Tap House Grill reward dollars as they reach certain plateaus.   “We awarded over 30,000 dollars to our beer club members in 2014 and this year, in 2015, we have awarded close to 20,000 dollars so far,” added Paul.

Over the next several weeks Tap House Grill will be promoting Summer Beers, lighter beers ideal for enjoyment during the warm weather season.  The “summer” event will kick off in early June and run through August.

Tap House Grill will hold its’ 13^th Annual Oktoberfest Pint Night Celebration September 14^th through 17^th.  For Oktoberfest, Tap House Grill will bring the flavors of Munich to Seattle, accompanied with traditional and authentic German style food items.

*Farestart is a culinary job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Over the past 20 years, FareStart has provided opportunities for over 3,500 people to transform their lives, while also serving over 4 million meals to disadvantaged men, women, and children.

Tap House Grill is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and late night dining and has two locations; 

1506 Sixth Avenue Seattle Washington 98101

Phone - 206-816-3314
&

550 106th Avenue NE Bellevue, WA 98004

Phone – 425-467-1730

New Driving Range Open at Bellevue Golf Course

Last month the Bellevue Golf Course opened a new, two tiered driving range.  Check out the official video from The City of Bellevue.

Time Features City of Bellevue's Smart Traffic Lights in Article

In an article at Time.com, Time Magazine has featured the City of Bellevue's Smart Traffic Lights as being a super successful investment in traffic infrastructure.  Please see How Smart Traffic Lights Could Transform Your Commute for the full article.

Maybe Seattle could use Bellevue as an example to follow to help alleviate some of their extremely horrible traffic?

Thank you to Social Media Marketing Coach Stacia Loo for spotting this news of importance to all who live, work and/or play in beautiful Bellevue.

Pagliacci's Now Serving Slices at Crossroads Location

After 16 years since they opened their Crossroads/Overlake location, Pagliacci's has started offering slices at that location, like they do at many of their locations.  I'm sure I'll be there more often, as the Princess loves Pag's.  Here is their official media release:

We have great news for our Eastside customers: Our Crossroads location, located at 15238 Bel-Red Road in Bellevue, is now serving pizza by the slice in addition to delivering everyone’s favorite pies! With a daily selection of pizzas available on the new slice bar, it is the perfect spot for getting lunch on the go or enjoying a late-night meal.

Crossroads Location Fast Facts

• Crossroads became our third Eastside location on May 5, 1999.


• Area businesses love this location for its daytime catering service.


• The Crossroads location is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to
  11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

For more information, visit us at www.pagliacci.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

VITEK Mortgage Group Expands into Washington

VITEK Mortgage Group has announced their expansion into Washington. Their new team and office are located in Bellevue, WA at 10900 NE 8th Street Suite #110.  This new VITEK location will be the first of many to come in Washington, as they anticipate opening more offices in the near future.

The seasoned professionals of the new VITEK Bellevue team are aligned with our core principals of value, integrity, teamwork, excellence and knowledge.  Beyond their dedication to helping homebuyers achieve their dream of home ownership, they will be focused on truly serving the community.

VITEK President, Harry Duncan, says, “Our roots run deep in our love for Washington.  We spent a lot of time with family in the Seattle area while growing up.  Our mother was born, raised and graduated as a Huskey”.

We are excited for this time of growth and look forward to serving the Washington community.

About VITEK Mortgage Group

VITEK Mortgage Group has been in business for 27 years and is dedicated to opening doors to better lives.  They are licensed to originate loans throughout all of California and Washington and specialize in government, conventional, Jumbo, and down payment assistance home loans.  As a mortgage banker VITEK processes, underwrites and funds home loans in-house.  VITEK Mortgage Group is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. NMLS # 37408 · Washington: Consumer Loan Company License # CL-37408. · California: Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.

EY announces Finalists for Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 in the Pacific Northwest

EY today announced the finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 in the Pacific Northwest.

It's great to see a couple of Bellevue-based companies on the list:  Limeaid and Smartsheet.  It would be nice to see one of them win it all. after Bellevue-based businesses were snubbed out of the competition last year.

The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  These business leaders were selected by a panel of independent judges.  Award winners will be announced at a special gala on June 5, 2015 at Sheraton Seattle Hotel.  To find out more about the Pacific Northwest program please visit www.ey.com/us/eoy/pnw.  #EOYPNW.

The finalists are:

Avalara, Inc. | Scott McFarlane, Co-Founder & CEO | Bainbridge Island, WA

Avvo | Mark Britton, Founder & CEO | Seattle, WA

barre3 | Sadie Lincoln, Founder & Owner | Portland, OR

Blink UX | Karen Clark Cole, CEO | Seattle, WA

Context Relevant | Stephen Purpura, Founder & CEO | Seattle, WA

Dave's Killer Bread | John Tucker, CEO | Milwaukie, OR

DiscoverOrg | Henry Schuck, CEO | Vancouver, WA

EagleView Technologies | Chris Barrow, President & CEO | Bothell, WA

ExtraHop Networks | Jesse Rothstein, Co-Founder & CEO; Raja Mukerji, Co-Founder & President | Seattle, WA

Hydro Flask | Scott Allan, President & CEO | Bend, OR

Life Flight Network | Michael Griffiths, CEO | Aurora, OR

Limeade | Henry Albrecht, CEO | Bellevue, WA

Picmonkey.com | Jonathan Sposato, CEO | Seattle, WA

PitchBook | John Gabbert, Founder & CEO | Seattle, WA

SET Creative | Sabina Teshler, Owner & CEO | Portland, OR

SmartRG | Jeff McInnis, President & CEO | Vancouver, WA

Smartsheet | Mark Mader, President & CEO | Bellevue, WA

Treehouse | Ryan Carson, Co-Founder & CEO | Portland, OR

Trupanion | Darryl Rawlings, CEO | Seattle, WA

TUNE | Lucas Brown, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer; Lee Brown, Co-Founder & Chief Architect | Seattle, WA

ZoomCare | Dave Sanders, M.D., CEO | Hillsboro, OR

Now in its 29th year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities in 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year national program.  Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2015. The US Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco, June 2016. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year Award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence at the national level. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are sponsored nationally by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America.  In the Pacific Northwest, sponsors also include Merrill Datasite, Union Bank and Scherzer International.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

About EY’s Strategic Growth Markets practice
EY’s Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) practice guides leading high-growth companies. Our multidisciplinary teams of elite professionals provide perspective and advice to help our clients accelerate market leadership. SGM delivers assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services to thousands of companies spanning all industries. EY is the undisputed leader in taking companies public, advising key government agencies on the issues impacting high-growth companies and convening the experts who shape the business climate. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/us/strategicgrowthmarkets, or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, an EY member firm serving clients in the US.

Mikayla Morgan Promoted to Marketing Integration Manager at LoanStar Home Lending

Mikayla Morgan was recently promoted to Marketing Integration Manager and Coordinator for the Marketing Department at LoanStar Home Lending.

“Mikayla has been with our core team since before LoanStar was founded and has a very intimate knowledge of how our marketing systems work best for our originators.  And now as a licensed originator herself, she brings even more experience to the team and will be a tremendous asset to new loan officers and branches that join LoanStar in the future,” said Kenn Bartley, SVP Marketing and Business Development. Mikayla has been with the company since November 12, 2013 and has held positions as Marketing Coordinator and Regional Marketing Manager.  She will continue to serve as a marketing concierge for LoanStar’s Bellevue, Vancouver, and the Walla Walla branches, supporting those loan officers with all of their marketing needs from on-boarding and beyond.

We are excited about this new position at LoanStar, the Marketing Integration Manager, will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating all marketing onboarding activities for new employees.  Kenn Bartley added, “LoanStar recognized the need for a robust onboarding process since we founded the company, and elevating Mikayla Morgan to the new position of Marketing Integration Manager is another sign of our commitment to make the transition to LoanStar seamless and smooth.”