Around the Table: Premera Blue Cross, Armijo Group, Microsoft, Comcast, Alaska Airlines & More

  • Jeff Roe (Premera Blue Cross) penned an op-ed in The Spokesman-Review about the importance of Congress protecting Americans’ access to healthcare by extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
  • Frank Armijo (Armijo Group) calls for a nationwide “reading renaissance” in a recent op-ed, noting that adults reading for pleasure has dropped sharply and teens now average just six minutes a day.
  • Microsoft announced Microsoft Elevate, a $4 billion commitment over five years to equip teachers, students and schools with AI tools that prepare people to thrive in the AI economy.
  • Comcast awarded 500 new grant packages to entrepreneurs in five U.S. regions, including Seattle, through Comcast RISE, an initiative that fuels the growth of small businesses and strengthens local communities.
  • Congratulations to Ben Minicucci and the entire Alaska Airlines team — Ben was recently named CEO of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal, recognizing his leadership and the company’s continued growth and innovation.
  • Congratulations to Seattle Children’s on being named one of the nation’s top 10 children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and the best in the Pacific Northwest!
  • Huge congratulations and appreciation to John Stanton, Kevin Martinez, and the entire Seattle Mariners organization for the amazing ride that was the 2026 season!