By Deb Sogge

The Sammamish Chamber of Commerce looks forward to steady economic growth in Sammamish for 2015. Just as the chamber has experienced growth and stability through the hard work of recent presidents, such as Alan Finkelstein, owner of the Sammamish McDonald’s, and a strong board of directors, Sammamish citizens are loyal to local business and will continue their support in 2015.

Sammamish businesses give back to schools, community organizations and efforts in a big way and our citizens are grateful to them. It is our hope to spread the word that many reputable Sammamish businesses and community organizations are listed in our directory at www.sammamishchamber.org. Sammamish Chamber members are interviewed and we proudly recommend them.

The Sammamish Chamber will continue to assist in attracting restaurants and other needed merchants to the Plateau. We look forward to bringing the same fun events such as the Sammamish Farmers Market, Sammamish Nights, the Classic Car Show, merchant sponsored treating on 10/31, Celebrating Women Conference and Holiday Shopping Rewards in Sammamish. New programs are being explored with you in mind for 2015.

Did you know that we consider it our responsibility to support all business, not just those paying for membership? Membership with the Sammamish Chamber is optional at an annual cost of $250, which does include benefits such as being listed in our online and physical directories, support, promotional opportunities and connections to the right people. Many businesses support the Sammamish Chamber in order to give back to community and support business in Sammamish. The annual membership dues pay for programs that benefit both residents and businesses.

The Sammamish Chamber has welcome bags, which include a map/directory and gifts from local businesses. We receive gift bag requests from neighborhood associations and hope to hear from more of our neighborhoods in 2015 to welcome more new neighbors.

According to the business licensing list for Sammamish, we have several thousand entrepreneurs and business representatives who operate from a home office. These are specialties and services we would like to learn more about. We are hoping to reach them in 2015 so that we can become more aware of the categories of business we have in Sammamish. We also would like to know of their needs. For instance, do they need meeting, conference and training rooms in Sammamish?

We will begin 2015 with a new president, Bob Toomey, an experienced securities analyst and financial advisor who understands the importance of supporting local business and that economic vitality starts at home. The Sammamish Chamber of Commerce looks forward to plans for Metropolitan Market and a new retail center that will enhance the community and give residents another reason to stay and shop on the Plateau. It is the goal of the Sammamish Chamber to promote greater synergy between the current and new retail centers in order to enhance growth opportunities in the retail base of Sammamish.

Thank you Sammamish residents for all of your support of business and our events in 2014. We look forward to serving you in 2015.

Deb Sogge is executive director of the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce