Tag Archives: chamber of commerce

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 →

Spirit of the Hill nominees announced ahead of Wednesday ceremony

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The 2016 State of the Hill event goes down Wednesday night at Grim’s. It’s a chance to celebrate the businesses that help define Capitol Hill as well as one special attendee that best represents “community service, excellence, and passion for this neighborhood.” The Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce recently polled its members on who best exemplifies those traits for the 2016 Spirit of the Hill award. And the nominees are… a developer, an attorney and developer, a restaurateur, a community volunteer, an architect, and a community group:

  • Liz Dunn, developer at Dunn + Hobbs, for leadership and commitment to preserving the Pike/Pine corridor
  • Jerry Everard, attorney at Groff Murphy, for years of philanthropy and commitment to the Capitol Hill neighborhood
  • Rich Fox, owner at Rhein Haus and Poquitos, for years of advocacy surrounding small business in Capitol Hill
  • Don Jensen for his work with Capitol Hill Community Lunch
  • Jeff Pelletier, principal architect at Board & Velum, for stewardship on 15th Avenue
  • Volunteer Park Trust — for community engagement and beautification of Capitol Hill.

This year, CHCC director Sierra Hansen will deliver her first State of the Hill address after taking over for Michael Wells last year. You can purchase the $40 tickets for the event here. Members and non-members are welcome to attend.

Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce tabs PR heavy hitter as next director

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Hansen (Image via Linkedin)

Hansen (Image via Linkedin)

A West Seattle public relations star with years of big organization experience will be the next to lead the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce. On Wednesday, the group’s board announced Sierra Hansen as the organization’s next executive director, marking an end to the board’s two month search.

Talking about her days as a young lesbian living on the Hill in the 1990s, Hansen said she was excited for the opportunity to be part of the neighborhood that embraced her as she first arrived in Seattle. “It was the one place I could be who I was. It will be nice to give back to the community,” Hansen tells CHS.

The job pays $70,000 to $85,000, requires a bachelor’s, and a “familiarity working within culturally diverse surroundings.”

“Capitol Hill is a diverse, growing community with a vast group of stakeholders,” said chamber board co-chair Jill Cronauer of Hunters Capital in a statement on the hire. “Sierra’s background and experience will be a tremendous asset to the Chamber and our membership to ensure our organization helps shape the community’s future by responding to our neighborhood’s challenges and opportunities. We are excited by the leadership and experience Sierra will bring to this role.”

“I am thrilled to join the CHCC in this role and look forward to working closely with the Board and membership to grow our neighborhood’s business district,” Hansen said in the statement. “I’ve lived, shopped, dined, danced, worked, explored, attended school and walked in Capitol Hill for more than 20 years. I even legally married my wife Barb in Cal Anderson Park on Pride Sunday 2013. It was the first place I felt embraced and accepted and I look forward to give back to the community.”

With a deep resume that includes 17 years of corporate and government marketing and communications work, Hansen will lead the 215-member neighborhood business association through a major shift in culture and purpose as the board seeks to expand its footprint in the neighborhood. Continue reading →

Community advocate recognized for work on Broadway light rail development

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Hillenbrand (Image courtesy Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce)

Hillenbrand (Image courtesy Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce)

The Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce has selected resident and community advocate Catherine Hillenbrand as recipient of its 2014 Spirit Award. The award recognizes “a Capitol Hill community member who has done outstanding work to benefit the Capitol Hill neighborhood.”

Hillenbrand led the process to organize community priorities in the development of property surrounding the future Capitol Hill Station. Last week, CHS reported the bidding process had opened to become part of the development opportunity on this central stretch of Broadway.

In 2013, the organization honored Kay Rood for her work in shaping Cal Anderson Park.

The 2014 award will presented at the group’s annual Spirit of the Hill dinner slated for February 20th at Fred Wildlife Refuge. The chamber’s announcement of the 2014 selection is below. Continue reading →