🚨 Big news for WA businesses! We just launched World Cup Ready—a resource hub to help your business thrive in 2026 and beyond. Whether you're a small café, retail shop or regional attraction, get playbooks, training, AI tools, and grants to prepare for 750,000+ visitors: bit.ly/WCRBizResour...

Comcast RISE is back! Apply by May 31 for $5,000 grants and extras for your King County small business. Click here to learn more and apply: bit.ly/3EYpZW3

2 in 5 jobs in our state are tied to trade, which puts our economy in a particularly vulnerable position in light of Pres. Trump's uncertain & evolving tariffs. City Inside/Out hosts @wastatecommerce.bsky.social, @seattlechamber.bsky.social & Sam Cho to discuss impacts: youtu.be/OfWkLjj1d54

How Trump’s tariffs create trade turmoil for 2 in 5 jobs in Washington

YouTube video by Seattle Channel

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Hometown start-ups and tech companies detailed the consequences of proposed taxes on their businesses and the economy in an April 22 media availability - watch it here:

Tax Proposals Pose a Significant Threat to WA’s Innovation - Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Press Release

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WA's small & mid-sized businesses know tax proposals from lawmakers in Olympia will impact them, potentially leading to changes in business models, increases in customer prices – and even closures. bit.ly/3E6VJYQ

Closure Notice: Washington’s Struggling Small & Mid-Size Businesses Brace for More Impacts - Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Press Release

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The Chamber + members Boeing & Community Attributes discussed WA's aerospace industry's powerful impact on WA's economy w/legislators: Rep. Steve Berquist Sen. Adrian Cortes Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan Sen. Emily Alvarado Rep. Brianna Thomas Rep. Julio Cortes Rep. Debra Entenman Rep. Chris Stearns

We thank the @sound-transit.bsky.social Board for its commitment to a stakeholder-informed process and thoughtful consideration. Constantine brings deep regional knowledge, a demonstrated commitment to public service, and the leadership experience necessary to navigate the complexities ahead.

Chamber CEO Rachel Smith welcomed back Former Ambassador Roger Nyhus at The George last week.

Looking for a new job opportunity? The Seattle Metro Chamber is hiring: 🔹Events & Programs Specialist 🔹Administrative Manager 🔹Marketing Manager Apply online today ➡️ bit.ly/4h5HRvi

[Member Feature] Meet Larj Media, a certified woman-owned podcast production agency for change-making brands and philanthropic organizations, in our member feature: bit.ly/3PFnauN

Rachel Smith, CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber, said, "we think that 1B which invests in our lowest-income neighbors, which has accountability through the Office of Housing is really the smart way to fund this interesting new proposal." Vote yes on Proposition 1B on February 11! bit.ly/4jNtnTb

"At least 90% of voters said they believe that although state spending has doubled over the past 10 years, housing costs, homelessness and cost of living have all gotten worse."

New business-sponsored poll shows WA voters think raising taxes, state spending is a ‘bad idea’

The poll, by Fulcrum Strategic and EMC Research, surveyed 600 registered voters last month.

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Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the potential risks of tax hikes, saying, "Voters believe we could lose good-paying jobs if we raise taxes to increase spending by billions." komonews.com/news/local/w...

Washington voters blame budget shortfall on uncontrolled spending, oppose tax hikes

A recent poll by the Seattle Metro Chamber revealed that Washington voters attribute the state's projected $12 billion budget shortfall to the Legislature's fa

komonews.com

[NEW DATA] 71% of WA voters are concerned about the state economy and the availability of good-paying jobs. See the poll results here: bit.ly/3WD1oMf

Calling all small businesses: we're hosting you at Elevate NW for expert insights on streamlining operations, improving cash flow, and automating business processes. Whether you're already using digital tools or just starting out, this free event is for you! Register for FREE: bit.ly/4aD7qlV

"The public cares about our economy and how it impacts their own economic situation, and they expect economic health will be considered before discussions about new taxes."

Budget reset: Stop the cycle of overspending • Washington State Standard

COMMENTARY | A tax-first, plan-later approach with the state budget will not deliver the results that Washington communities need.

washingtonstatestandard.com

Today, the Association of Washington Business, Bellevue Chamber, Seattle Metro Chamber & Washington Roundtable released voter research on Washingtonians’ views of taxes & the economy as state lawmakers consider how to address a projected $12B state budget shortfall – see the results: bit.ly/3WD1oMf

Seattle Metro Chamber CEO Rachel Smith will join Bay Area Council's President & CEO Jim Wunderman to discuss key economic trends and opportunities shaping two of the West Coast's most influential regions, tomorrow. Register for the webinar here: bit.ly/3W7EnAM

Chamber CEO Rachel Smith joined the press conference for the Local Organizing Committee for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Seattle on Jan. 27 at the Friend Museum in Pioneer Square.

[Member Feature] @northeasternu.bsky.social in Seattle in South Lake Union is a research institution with a strong focus on experiential learning, career development, and community engagement with global learning opportunities in 128 countries – learn more here: bit.ly/3ZYgmNL

Join the Seattle Metro Chamber to explore dynamic cross-border connections, green innovations, preparations for FIFA 2026, progressive transportation systems, and meaningful First Nations relationships, Mar. 5 - 7. Early bird pricing ends next week—limited spots available: bit.ly/3BmVPdt

Thank you for joining us at Toast of Seattle at Tutta Bella! 🎉 We hope you had a fantastic time connecting with fellow professionals, exchanging ideas, and building valuable relationships. Here’s to the new connections and opportunities ahead. Stay tuned for more ways to grow your network.

Chamber CEO Rachel Smith spent the day in Olympia Jan. 9 with the Governor Bob Ferguson's Transition Team working on the state budget, transportation, and more.