Bellevue has grown, in just a few generations, from a small farming town into an important urban center and economic hub, with the foundations for this success being laid in the two decades following World War II.

The opening of the Mercer Island floating bridge, in 1940, promoted the settlement of the lands to the east of Lake Washington during the population and housing boom of the 1950s and 1960s, and Bellevue became the primary commercial center for these vibrant new communities.

Bellevue: Post World War II Years HARDCOVER – Buy the Book

Families flocked to the shiny subdivisions, with new schools, shopping centers, churches, and parks springing up right behind. But it was strong political, business, and civic leadership that kept Bellevue from being just another sprawling suburb.

As business began to push outward from Seattle, Bellevue was able to grow gracefully and preserve its sense of place. It remains a wonderful community for families from around the globe and a place that some longtime residents are reluctant to leave – but many do because they can no longer afford to live there.

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“The new assisted living plan is custom designed to meet the needs of all current and future Emerald Heights residents,” says Grant Linacre, Executive Director of Emerald Heights. “With the additional living and shared spaces, we’ll be able to serve more residents and expand our community offerings that are meant to be enjoyed by the entire Emerald Heights community.”

The design of the assisted living units is led by Dean Kelly of the architecture firm Rice Fergus Miller, who recently managed the Emerald Heights new 42 Independent Living Courtyard Apartment building, as well as the community’s earlier expansion projects, which were completed in 2014.  GLY Construction has been named as the builder and construction is expected to be completed in late 2024.

“The assisting living expansion will be a perfect blend of functionality and the modern aesthetic coinciding with the rest of Emerald Heights,” said Kelly. “By taking cues from the existing architecture, the expansion will seamlessly fit into the Emerald Heights community.” 

About Emerald Heights

Emerald Heights, sponsored by Emerald Communities, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) senior housing and services organization that provides its residents programs to cultivate culture, vitality and independence. The community is a Type A Life Care Community that accommodates residents’ changing needs throughout the aging process. Situated on 38 acres in the Education Hill area of Redmond, Wash., just 17 miles northeast of Seattle, Emerald Heights is an amenity-rich and resort-style senior living community, with an on-site healthcare center providing assisted living, memory support and Medicare-certified skilled nursing care. The community provides residences, amenities and services to people ages 55 and older.

The post New Construction Begins on Emerald Heights Assisted Living Expansion Project appeared first on Bellevue Business Journal.

T-Mobile obviously cannot be trusted with private banking details and refuse to provide refund to original source of payment.

Bellevue-based T-Mobile cannot be trusted – their technology is terrible, service is non-existent and their promises continue to be lies.

#BoycottTMobile

The post T-Mobile Continues Attempted Robbery Against Former Customers appeared first on Bellevue Business Journal.

The Downtown Issaquah Association recently announced the lineup of its 5th Annual Confluence Music Festival. This five-hour music and art festival, Sunday August 27, (2pm to 7pm) will feature local and internationally renowned musicians, bringing together a diverse audience at Confluence Park in beautiful downtown Issaquah. 

Hundreds of locals and visitors will bring their picnic blankets and low-back chairs to celebrate the festival of the summer. Live Music, Food Trucks, Beer & Wine Garden for those 21+, Artisans, and a Plein Air Community Art Program round out the legendary musical talent. Parking and more details: Issaquah Confluence Music Festival

• 2 – 3pm Sheri Roberts Grimes & Da Boyz
• 3:30 – 5pm Kenny James Miller Band
• 5:30 – 7pm Billy Stoops & The Dirt Angels

On Sunday August 20th, as a warmup weekend for the Confluence Music Festival, the Brady Byther Memorial Concert will feature 12 bands from 10 – 6:30 pm. at the same location. 

Hosted by Kaleidoscope Rock Academy, the Memorial Concert is a local talent showcase named after guitarist Brady Byther who played for teen bands Gravity’s Curve and error 404 for eight years. He was a pillar at Kaleidoscope and local music events from 2014 to 2022. Brady passed away far too soon at the age of 21 in January of 2023.

Confluence Music Festival Date:   August 27, 2023

Time: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location:  Confluence Park https://www.issaquahwa.gov/confluence

ABOUT DIA
The mission of the Downtown Issaquah Association is to cultivate a thriving Olde town that builds community and celebrates our charm.

ABOUT ISSAQUAH
Named Best Burb by Sunset Magazine, one of the Best Towns for Families by Family Circle, and one of the Best Towns by Outside Magazine, Issaquah is a draw for outdoor and culture enthusiasts from around the world. With more than 40,000 diverse residents, it is situated conveniently off I-90, just 16 miles east of Seattle.

Issaquah’s Downtown is dubbed Historically Hip, with its state designation as a Creative Arts District, drawing artisans to its funky vibe. Situated among the Issaquah Alps, It’s an outdoor paradise, drawing locals and tourists to beautiful hiking trails, paragliding, pristine lakes and nature attractions in state and community parks.

The post Confluence Music Festival Brings Famed Music Lineup to Issaquah appeared first on Bellevue Business Journal.

I admit that I was interest in finding a new home internet service and while I was at T-Mobile store I signed up for the trial. It was supposed to be no risk try for a month and if I didn’t like it, I would get my money back. I tried it for only one week before I realized it wasn’t even close to the service I already had.

I took in the modem and returned it – asking for my money back. The store refused to do what they said they would, so I turned to T-Mobile help on Twitter. They quickly arranged for a credit to my account. Instead of getting a refund check, I continued to receive monthly credit statements – until the last state where they put some “one-time charges” in the amount of my credit.

Bellevue-based T-Mobile is trying to steal from me – don’t let them steal from you too.

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BELLEVUE, Wash  – As inflation rises, so does the cost of maintaining a vehicle. AAA Washington has released findings from AAA’s Your Driving Costs, an annual study of the average cost to own and operate a vehicle. According to AAA, the average cost to own and operate a new vehicle in 2022 is $10,728, or $894 per month. Not surprisingly, fuel prices are the most significant factor pushing this year’s average annual price tag. This year’s Your Driving Costs analysis reveals that electric vehicles have the second lowest annual ownership costs behind small sedans. 

The new online Your Driving Costs calculator allows users to calculate comprehensive cost analyses of a specific vehicle to determine ownership costs that best align with their budget. Data is available for new and used vehicles (five model years back), and consumers may customize the results based on location and other personal driving tendencies.  

For drivers in the state of Washington, small sedans like the Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, and Honda Civic are the most affordable options with five-year total driving costs of around $43,000. This vehicle category has some of the lowest MSRPs, annual depreciation, and maintenance costs of the models in the study.  

For comparison, electric vehicles in Washington have the second lowest cost of ownership for the same five-year period. Factors like no oil changes, air filter replacements, and inspection of mechanical components keep maintenance and repair costs low. EVs do have some of the highest rates of depreciation, averaging $4,975.60 a year the popular Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mache-E, and Nissan Leaf.  

Consumers can also use the AAA Car Guide to learn about the latest automotive technology and research vehicles that best suit their needs. AAA urges car buyers to consider all the expenses associated with ownership to negotiate the best deal for their budget and recommends consumers follow these steps before purchasing:  

• Start early! Due to limited inventory, consumers may have fewer choices regarding a specific vehicle model. They may have to wait for delivery or even pre-order the vehicle of their choice. 
• Obtain pre-approval from their financial institution (e.g., Bank, Credit Union, AAA, etc.) before discussing finance rates with the car dealer. By getting pre-approval, they will have a threshold of the best lending rate they’ll pay. Buyers can use their pre-approval to negotiate if the dealer offers a higher rate.  
• Create a budget and factor in the different elements of ownership before purchase – not just monthly payments. Other factors to consider when making the budget include insurance, gas, routine maintenance, etc. 

• Typically, three negotiations occur when purchasing a vehicle – the cost of the car, the finance rate, and the trade-in value. Keep each transaction/negotiation separate from the other.  

In the most recent analysis, AAA evaluated nine categories of vehicles – consisting of 45 models – to determine a new vehicle’s average annual operating and ownership costs. AAA selects top-selling, mid-priced models and compares them across six categories: fuel, maintenance/repair/tire costs, insurance, license/registration/taxes, depreciation, and finance charges. The study assumes a five-year ownership period, with the vehicle being driven 15,000 miles/annually (or a total of 75,000 miles). 

Methodology: 

For this year’s study, fuel costs were projected based on a weighted average of the first five months of 2022. During that time, fuel prices averaged 17.99 cents per mile or $3.999 per gallon. Gas prices have seen a dramatic climb since early March, and, as a result, the cost of vehicle ownership has increased accordingly since the Your Driving Costs evaluation was completed.  

Because of the high variability of fuel costs, consumers are considering alternative ways to budget for the cost of vehicle ownership. One way they do this is by exploring electric vehicles as an option for their next car purchase. In fact, a recent AAA consumer survey found the main factor behind Americans’ desire to buy an electric vehicle is to save on fuel costs. 

Calculate annual driving costs through the new AAA Your Driving Cost calculator. 

About AAA Washington 

AAA Washington was established in 1904 by 10 prominent Seattleites determined to champion the betterment of motoring conditions and laws; the preservation of Washington state’s natural beauty; and the promotion of Washington as an unrivaled tourist destination. More than a century later, the club continues to pursue these on behalf of its 1.2 million members. 

AAA Washington provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps, and personalized trip planning, to members. AAA was recently named one of the most trusted travel and automotive brands in the U.S. Additional information is available through the company’s stores in Washington and northern Idaho, at www.AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.

The post New AAA Online Calculator Helps Car Buyers Budget for Their Next Vehicle appeared first on Bellevue Business Journal.

Bellevue High School Classes of 1981 and 1982 40th Reunion !!!

Join these TWO AMAZING classes as we celebrate over 40 years of friendships.

When: October 1st, 2022

Time: 5:30-9:00 pm (Gates of School will open at 5:30 pm)

Where: St. Thomas School- 8300 NE 12th Street, Medina, WA 98039

Cost: $85.00 per Classmate. Significant Others can attend as well for $85.00

This covers the cost of food, beverages and all incidentals.

Please see payment options below: This will be your payment and Reservation.

@Tracey-RichartzLind venmo

$TraceyLind cash app

Tracey Lind 4257616807 Zelle

Want to pay by check? You can do that too!

Tracey Lind

Evolve180 weight loss

13500 Bell Red Rd. suite 8B

Bellevue, WA. 98005

More questions or need help with covering the cost?

Email Tracey.lind@comcast.net

IF you wish to donate more to the party we welcome that!

Send this out to anyone and everyone from our classes! Please PAY by September 1st. After that the cost will go up to $100.00.

The post Bellevue High School Class of 1981 and Class of 1982 41st and 40th Reuions October 1, 2022 appeared first on Bellevue Business Journal.

The parcel comprises 179,215 square feet of land, approximately 4.11 acres, improved with surface and underground utility access. The property is zoned BR-R (“Bel-Red Residential”), allowing new ownership the option to execute a development plan for residential multifamily. 

“The Seattle area’s strong population growth and favorable renter demographics provide the ideal conditions for multifamily development,” said Shannon. “We look forward to seeing the new ownership’s development unfold.” 

Located in the BelRed Corridor and only a few blocks from the Spring District Master Planned Development, the site offers excellent proximity to near-future retail and transportation amenities. The site is only minutes from Bellevue CBD – one of the premier urban office, retail and residential markets in the Western United States. The location provides immediate access to Highway 520 and is situated between two future light rail stations.

“With a location only minutes from downtown Bellevue real estate and just one block from future light rail transit, this site offers a prime townhouse development opportunity,” said O’Keefe. “As the nearby Spring District and light rail stations complete construction, the highly amenitized and transit-oriented site will be prime for townhouse development.”   

As a “bonus” this site is also within walking distance of Mercurys Coffee on Northrup Way and Green Theory Marijuana shop on 124th Ave NE.

The Puget Sound region possesses a critical mass of well-capitalized and innovative companies that are global leaders in industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, global health, research, retail, software, technology and wireless services. Leading companies and organizations that draw upon the area’s highly educated and productive workforce include companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, The Boeing Company, Expedia, F5 Networks, Nordstrom, Costco Wholesale, Concur Technologies, REI, Starbucks, Nintendo USA, Esterline Technologies, T-Mobile USA and PACCAR. The region is one of the most dynamic real estate investment markets in the country, benefiting from a combination of topographical constraints on supply, and employment growth that consistently ranks above the national average. Favorable renter demographics, positive job numbers, strong population projections and a low unemployment rate also position the region as a strategic market for investment gains.

About Newmark 

Newmark Group, Inc. works in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark’s comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform’s global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. Newmark generated revenues of nearly $3.2 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2022. Newmark’s company-owned offices, together with its business partners, operate from approximately 170 offices with over 6,500 professionals around the world. 

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This year the Bellevue High Class of 1981 is determined to have it’s 41st Class Reunion – and will be joined by the Bellevue High Class of 1982, having a “Joint Reunion” on September 17, 2022. There is one little challenge ….. no venue has been secured for this totally, awesomely fun event for the third Saturday in September.

Do YOU know of a place that would be PERFECT, close to perfect, or just even ok to have this event? We’re really trying not to have to hold it at the Trestles, Nun’s Woods or Chism Beach … but we might if we have to … Bellevue PD is invited regardless.

If you know of a great venue to have an informal gathering of 100-300 people on the night of Saturday September 17, 2022, please comment below, contact Michelle Richmond, Tracey Lind or Alisa Rose – or post you suggestion on the event Facebook page.

It really doesn’t have to be super cool – or fancy, we just really want to be able to get people together again!

Thank you for all your great tips and suggestions!

The post Bellevue High Classes of 1981 and 1982 to Hold “Joint Reunion” and Need a Host Location appeared first on Bellevue Business Journal.

A recent bill passed by the Washington Legislature now mandates that employers who operate in the state should include the salary range and benefits on their job postings.

The bill’s goal was to encourage businesses to conduct research on what salaries and benefits they must actually be offering, leading to increased applications and eventually, employee retention. And while it has made progress in that regard, fair wages and benefits are still not enough to retain workers. Turnover rates remain high in the country, with many reports and surveys boiling it down to one reason: bad leadership.

From micromanagement to the lack of sympathy, there are many traits that are causing leadership gaps in the company, leading many employees to quit. So, if you’re noticing a growing disconnect between your leaders and employees, below are a few ways to bridge the leadership gap:

Establish a coaching culture

A coaching culture refers to a culture where senior team members dedicate themselves to supporting the personal and career development of junior employees. As the head of the team, leaders must be strong coaches in order to better help the employees under their responsibility. One way your business can promote its environment is to establish a company-wide coaching program.

Employers can make coaching seminars for leaders to attend, for example. Coaching development experts should be invited to talk or even host these seminars. It should include lessons on coaching skills like empathy, which enables leaders to understand different approaches. Additionally, you should encourage senior leaders in the company to regularly interact with other team leaders even in informal situations. This is so experienced leaders can provide guidance and advice to newer ones.

Encourage open communication

Despite being in leadership positions, leaders must know that they are not always correct. They must always be willing to listen to their employees and their perspective in order to become better.

To encourage this type of behavior, employers must establish an open-door policy within the organization. To make it official, they should add it to the company handbook so employees can review it at any time. Aside from this, employers should regularly inform workers to express their thoughts and ideas with one another — especially to the leaders of their team. They should also remind leaders to practice listening skills. This allows them to better take into consideration the ideas of employees and thus, incorporate these to solve problems and make better decisions.

Align personal and company goals

One reason behind the leadership gap is the misalignment of company and personal goals. The disconnect between these variables can hinder leaders from understanding their employees and leading them effectively.

Goals alignment starts from the top so employers must set specific company goals to share with leaders. They must make managers, department heads, and the like understand the company’s goals. When this is achieved, they will be able to effectively communicate these to their team members. Employers must also provide programs for employees to reach their goals, such as skill development and training. Those who are given the support to succeed are in a better position to achieve their goals that align their work with that of the company.

Build leader-employee trust

Trust is essential in the foundation of a leader-employee relationship. Leaders must trust that their employees do their job. Similarly, employees must trust that their leader has their best interest in mind.

One way to build trust is through regular meetings. Employers must put into policy one-on-one sessions between leaders and each of their team members. It creates the perfect avenue for both parties to review progress and give and receive feedback. This increases the employees’ trust and confidence in their leader since regular meetings prevent them from questioning their work or themselves. On the other hand, leaders are able to trust their members over time as they get to see and hear their thoughts and progress through these sessions.

Effective leadership will not only help retain employees but also lead a company to its success. Hopefully, these actions can help you bridge the leadership gap in your organization.

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