The Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce will partner with Virginia Mason Medical Center for the chamber’s recently-launched “Innovation in Issaquah” program, helping to showcase the “Great Innovators in Greater Issaquah today.”

An economic development, community promotion and business recognition initiative, the Innovation in Issaquah campaign, working closely with the city of Issaquah’s Economic Development Office, seeks to highlight and recognize the leading private-sector innovators in the Issaquah community.

“Fostering innovation is critically important to us at Virginia Mason and is one of the key pillars in our strategic plan,” said Michael Ondracek, vice president of clinic operations and board member of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. “This campaign to recognize and reward innovation in Issaquah – a community we are proud to serve – was a natural fit for Virginia Mason. We’re pleased to be part of showing the nation the incredible innovation happening here in our community.”

“We are thrilled to have Virginia Mason Medical Center as our Title Sponsor for this new program” said Matthew Bott, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. “Virginia Mason’s focus on innovation throughout its Puget Sound operations stands as perfect example of how important private-sector innovation is to our economic recovery. We are proud to have Virginia Mason as part of our community and excited to have the organization as the leading sponsor for this new program.”

The program is scheduled to run for over three months, where local businesses can nominate themselves or another Issaquah business that has developed innovative strategies, products, services or systems. The chamber will promote each nominee through various print, website and social media outlets.

At its January program, which also serves as the chamber’s kickoff to its 2011 program year, up to three winners will be selected, recognized and awarded as leading “Issaquah Innovators.”

“Despite the economy, our local businesses are working hard to support economic recovery and job growth through innovative products, strategies or services” said Bott. “We know that these are the ingredients for business success and economic vitality and that now is the time to recognize and encourage the business pioneers and risk-takers among us.”

Businesses can download the two-page nomination form at www.issaquahchamber.com

“There are so many uncovered stories of industry-leading innovation among businesses in our community, and we look forward to helping share these stories and recognize these businesses over the next few months,” said Bott.

Virginia Mason Medical Center, founded in 1920, is a nonprofit comprehensive regional health care system that combines a primary and specialty care group practice of more than 440 physicians with a 336-bed acute-care hospital. Virginia Mason operates a network of clinics throughout the Puget Sound area, including in Issaquah.

The Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce is business resource and advocacy organization for over 450 businesses within the greater Issaquah market. For more information, visit www.issaquahchamber.org.