COVID-19 Update for Employers

Businesses across the state are responding to the coronavirus outbreak. See below for COVID-19 resources for Washington state employers, public health resources, information about response funds, and how to help.  

Washington State Official COVID-19 Website:

The state’s Coronavirus Response portal links to official information from a variety of trusted sources. The website provides links to resources for families, businesses, and workers, including how to get help with finances, food, housing, and childcare. You can also visit the site for news, how to help others during this time, government emergency actions, health recommendations, guidance for schools, and more.

Governor Inslee’s Stay Home/Stay Healthy Order:

COVID-19 Resources for Employers:

Public Health Resources:

Ways to Help:

  • #AllinSeattle: This group is quickly deploying resources directly to proven non-profits who can deliver it to those most in need. At launch on March 23, they’ve raised over $27 million to contribute directly to these non-profits. Join by donating to the organization of your choice at allinseattle.org. 
  • Seattle Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund: The COVID-19 Response Fund, hosted by the Seattle Foundation, is focused on providing flexible resources to organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. It is designed to complement the work of public health officials and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible. Currently the fund has raised $11 million and is finalizing criteria for distribution of funds.  They plan to have two-thirds of the funds distributed by the end of March. You can get additional information or donate here.
  • Coronavirus Response Fund for Snohomish County: Hosted by the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, the Coronavirus Response Fund will provide flexible resources to regional organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. The first round of funding awarded $250,000 to nonprofits providing immediate, safety-net services to families, seniors, and individuals. To learn more or donate, see here.
  • COVID-19 Response Fund for Eastern Washington: A coalition of philanthropic, government, and business partners have joined forces create an Eastern Washington COVID-19 Response Fund, hosted by Innovia. In the coming weeks, the fund will begin to provide grants to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the region’s coronavirus outbreak in Eastern Washington. See here to donate or get additional information.
  • BloodWorks Northwest Needs Donors: There is an ongoing need for blood donors to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply during this time. For the safety and care of current and future patients, Bloodworks Northwest is urging the community to step up to donate and spread word of the need. Please consider scheduling an appointment to donate blood and encourage your colleagues, family, and friends to do the same. More information is available here.
  • Donate to Food Banks: In light of the economic impacts of COVID-19, organizations working to solve hunger need support. Northwest Harvest provides meals to food banks across the state, and Food Lifeline distributes food to Western Washington food banks.

Updated 3/25/20.

Around the Table: Seattle Storm, Boeing, Microsoft

Alisha Valavanis (Photo: Seattle Storm)

Seattle Storm CEO and general manager Alisha Valavanis featured in PROFILE Magazine

PROFILE Magazine recently featured Roundtable member Alisha Valavanis, CEO and general manager of the Seattle Storm. In the story, Valavanis discusses her childhood, early career, her dual roles at the Seattle Storm, and her work in leading the team’s management company Force 10. Under Valavanis’s leadership, the Storm’s players and staff collaborated to set goals for future success, and the team won the 2018 WNBA championship.

Students compete in Boeing innovation competition

At Boeing’s first Innovation Challenge for students, engineering majors proposed new solutions for aviation industry challenges, such as enhancing the passenger experience and improving operational safety and efficiency. The winning proposal – from a team of University of Washington, Cornell University, and Georgia Tech students – summarized how artificial intelligence could be used to provide an automated personal assistant for pilots. The competition aims to attract skilled engineers to Boeing’s workforce.

Microsoft introduces social entrepreneurship program

Microsoft is inviting entrepreneurs to apply for its new Global Social Entrepreneurship Program, which will support social startups by providing technology, connections, and grants. Select startups will be eligible for grants related to skills development, sustainability, and accessibility. Entrepreneurs will also receive free access to Microsoft technologies and sales resources. The program is offered to startups based in 140 countries.