Issaquah chamber focuses on innovation over doom, gloom
Published 10:20 am Friday, January 28, 2011
Instead of indulging the doom and gloom of the economy at the start of the year, Issaquah’s Chamber of Commerce decided to celebrate its most innovative businesses.
“It was a great turnout, great stories. We really tried to dive into each of the businesses that was nominated,” said Matthew Bott, the chamber’s CEO.
Applied Precision, Democracy Live, and Restorix Health were named the top innovative businesses, with honorable mention for Shirey Contracting.
Applied Precision is known internationally for its breakthroughs in microscope design. Their work has helped researchers better understand diseases.
The company is quiet locally, Bott said. “We’re just happy to celebrate them.”
Restorix is a wound-care clinic that uses hyperbaric oxygen chambers to help treat wounds.
“Although Restorix Health is a new business, we’re very pleased that others recognize the value, scope and potential of the vision Restorix shares,” said John Fallou, Restorix president.
Democracy Live is working with the Department of Defense to bring electronic ballots to soldiers serving overseas.
“We are very excited to help recognize Democracy Live for their cutting edge work,” Bott said.
In addition to the companies, the chamber also recognized Eastside Baby Corner as the most innovative nonprofit.
Given how hard the economy has been on donations, nonprofits are having to be innovative in how to continue their services, he said.
The chamber partnered with the city of Issaquah for the Innovation in Issaquah event. It hopes to continue it annually.
In addition to awards given by Issaquah’s mayor, Impact Studio Pro created videos promoting the businesses. They were shown at the Jan. 25 chamber meeting and will be posted online.
Applied Precision, the leader in microscopy technology, was named one of the most innovative businesses in Issaquah by the chamber and the city.
From the left: CEO Joe Victor, Mayor Ava Frisinger and chamber CEO Matthew Bott.
Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter
Shirey Contracting and Eastside Baby Corner representatives, left, are honored by the Issaquah chamber CEO, Matthew Bott, and Mayor Ava Frisinger on the right.
Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter
