We are excited to share some recent news and information from our members to kick off 2020!
Alaska Airlines partners with NHL Seattle
Excitement continues to build for the NHL’s entry into the Seattle market. Alaska Airlines announced a new partnership with NHL Seattle, serving as the official airline and founding partner of the hockey team. As part of the partnership, Seattle Center’s atrium will be named “The Alaska Airlines Atrium.” The space, located at the main entrance on the south side of the arena, will offer a unique and memorable Alaska-immersive experience for everyone attending events at the facility – from sports to music and more. NHL Seattle’s inaugural season begins in 2021. You can read more about the Alaska Airlines/NHL Seattle partnership here.
Windermere agents and staff raise $3 million to support low-income and homeless families
In 2019 Windermere agents, offices, and staff raised nearly $3 million for the Windermere Foundation, surpassing $40 million total raised since 1989. These dollars stay local, supporting low-income and homeless families in the communities where Windermere does business. Learn more about the work of the Windermere Foundation here.
Starbucks expands commitment in underserved communities across the U.S.
Five years following the launch of its Community Store Program initiative, Starbucks has announced it will increase its commitment to open 100 Community Stores dedicated to providing economic opportunity in underserved rural and urban communities across the country, an 85 store increase from its 2015 commitment. These stores will focus on hiring locally, creating dedicated space for communities to come together for events and working with diverse contractors for store construction and remodels. The company aspires to complete this goal by 2025. Learn more here.
Microsoft increases commitment to affordable housing
Microsoft announced a $250 million increase to its affordable housing initiative in the form of a line of credit to the Washington State Finance Commission, bringing Microsoft’s total commitment to $750 million. The company also announced $55 million in investments and grants towards its original $500 million commitment. This brings Microsoft’s total to $380 million allocated over the past year to support the preservation or creation of over 6,500 affordable housing units in the greater Seattle area. Learn more here.
PSBJ: Kaiser Permanente unveils details of $1 billion investment in Puget Sound region
During a recent Puget Sound Business Journal Outlook event, Kaiser Permanente’s Washington president, Susan Mullaney, announced details of three projects that are part of the health system’s $1 billion investment in the Puget Sound region. Kaiser Permanente will develop “specialty hub” facilities that feature specialists, a surgery center, on-site lab testing, state-of-the-art technology, pharmacy, and urgent, primary and behavioral health care services. “Washington state is at the forefront of really wanting to transform health and health care,” Mullaney told the Business Journal. “These specialty hubs fit right into that.” Read the full Puget Sound Business story here.