While Bailey Coy Books owner Michael Wells ponders Capitol Hill’s paperback retailing future with Elliott Bay Book Co. considering a move to the Hill, he has also been recognized as a business leader by the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce. Here is the Chamber’s “Spirit of the Hill” announcement:

Wells at the recent Broadway design charrette

Michael Wells and Chip Ragen Recipients of Annual Spirit of the Hill Award on Capitol Hill

On October 5 Michael Wells of Bailey Coy Books and Chip Ragen of Ragen & Associates were honored with the first Annual Spirit of the Hill Award at a dinner benefitting the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce.  

The award is given to businesses, non-profit organizations, or residents exemplifying a community mindedness and spirit of service toward the economic and civic betterment of Capitol Hill. Wells and Ragen are the first recipients to be recognized.

Held at the Broadway destination restaurant Poppy, over 100 supporters and guests celebrated the accomplishments of the Broadway Economic Vitality Action Agenda, of which Wells and Ragen were Co-chairs in 2006.

Since that time, Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce established a working partnership with Sound Transit to secure mitigation funding to both promote the Capitol Hill neighborhood and offer business technical assistance and consulting services to businesses directly impacted by the demolition and future construction of Sound Transit light rail. Seattle University Albers Schools of Business and Seattle Central Community College’s Information Technology Program have been essential partners in the latter effort.

The Chamber has also organized bi-annual community-sponsored Street Sweeps (next one is Oct 31 on south Capitol Hill near Seattle University), a monthly Thursday night Arts Walk called BLITZ, and membership events at local businesses for networking and information sharing.

Membership in the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce stands at 191 Dues Paying Members.

Ragen at the design charrette

Sponsors of the Spirit of the Hill Dinner included R.D. Merrill Co. and SRM Development, Brix Condos, Half Past Lavish Event Productions, Seattle University, Sound Transit and BECU.

You also might recognize Chip Ragen’s name. His business Ragen & Associates is CHS’s site sponsor. Thanks and congratulations on the award.

Meanwhile, stay tuned for details on the Halloween street sweep the Chamber is organizing for the end of the month.