Tag Archives: economy

Chamber director marks first year with preparations for new Capitol Hill Alliance

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Sierra Hansen, one year into the job and ready for big changes (Image: CHS)

Sierra Hansen, one year into the job and ready for big changes (Image: CHS)

On the Wednesday after Election Day, Sierra Hansen hit the one year mark as the executive director of the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Instead of celebrating the career milestone, Hansen spent part of the day mourning the outcome of the election. In the months leading up to Donald Trump’s win, Hansen has been working to transform the chamber and will continue to do so in 2017.

“We’ve exceeded pretty much every fundraising goal we’ve set for ourselves, we’ve exceeded membership, we’ve continued these traditions in the neighborhood, we’ve revitalized … we’ve done so many new and refreshing things, but there are still really important challenges in our neighborhood,” Hansen said.

While Hansen lives in the Alki neighborhood, she previously lived on the Hill and spent more than two decades of her life working, partying, enjoying the food and drink scene, and finding herself as a young bisexual.

“This is still my heart,” Hansen said. Continue reading →

Seattle 2013 4th of July fireworks canceled*

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UN-CANCELED: Here’s where to watch from atop Capitol Hill.
8612793516_3d6a63643a_b*Just like before. It’s been a week of deja vu-styled financial issues for the Seattle area with Metro’s dire warnings of possible service cuts released on Monday. Now producer One Reel says the $500,000 4th of July fireworks show over Lake Union is canceled due to the lack of willing corporate sponsors:

One Reel has spent the past nine months trying to raise money for the 4th of July tradition. Despite a major fundraising campaign in March, the group only received $55,000 in donations.  Stone said everyone who made a contribution will get a refund.

For several years, the Family 4th was sponsored by large corporations. That ended after the 2009 show when Chase Bank pulled out. In 2010, the show was almost canceled because of a lack of funding. A last-minute grassroots effort saved the event.

But Stone says the only thing that could save the 2013 show is if a client or corporate sponsor comes forward to pay the entire bill. Stone said he doubts that will happen.

Lining the streets along the western edge of Capitol Hill to watch the fireworks show over the lake is a neighborhood tradition for the ares with a view of the action. You can see our pictures from 4th of July 2012 on Capitol Hill here.

We’ll check in with the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce but last we heard, Cal Anderson’s annual Independence Day picnic — usually fireworks-free and, typically, not actually on July 4th — is happening again this year. Also, if you’re thinking about putting on your own pyrotechnics show in the streets of Capitol Hill, please think again. UPDATE: The Chamber confirms that the annual Cal Anderson picnic is a “go” for 2013 and will again be organized by the Cal Anderson Park Alliance.