Aug 08, 2023

Puyallup Tribe

The Puyallup Tribe has purchased candy maker AMES International Inc., the Puyallup Tribal Council announced last week.

AMES, based in Fife, has been an important part of the local business community for more than 35 years. It was founded by George Paulose and is perhaps best known for its product line Emily's Chocolates & Nuts, named after one of Paulose's daughters. In recent years, the company expanded into new retail channels and geographic markets with its proven product line. The company also makes and sells gourmet tea and is one of the largest nut roasters on the West Coast.

The Tribe's purchase through its economic development wing, Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, further diversifies the Tribe's revenue streams, and its financial investment into the company will allow AMES to continue expanding. The acquisition brings together the best of AMES International's product innovation, customer relationships, and The purchase of AMES International Inc. is the latest in a series of economic development initiatives the Tribe has launched since 2020, when it opened its new $400 million Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

Aug 04, 2023

DeLille Cellars

The Restaurant at DeLille Cellars announced that it secured the #5 position on USA Today's 10 Best Winery Restaurants in the United States list for 2023. This is the second year in a row DeLille has earned this highly coveted distinction.

USA Today's Top 10 Winery Restaurants award recognizes the finest winery establishments across the nation that seamlessly blend exceptional wine offerings with outstanding culinary experiences. Winners are selected by a panel of esteemed food and wine experts to place in the top 20, with the final 10 voted by the public.

“We are truly humbled and honored to be recognized by USA Today as one of the top winery restaurants in the country,” said Lisa Clarkson, Senior Director of Hospitality and Consumer Sales at DeLille Cellars. “This recognition is a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to delivering an unforgettable food and wine experience, where the art of winemaking converges with the art of culinary craftsmanship.”

In 2021, DeLille Cellars opened a wine-centric dining experience at its winery in Woodinville. The Restaurant at DeLille Cellars offers glass pours, comparative tastings, and a handcrafted menu by Executive Chef Michael C. Toni. In addition to DeLille wines, guests at The Restaurant can experience wines with an alternative style or from regions that have inspired DeLille's winemaking, a host of local beers, and select craft cocktails.

The Crocodile

The Crocodile music and entertainment venue has teamed up with longtime Pioneer Square lunch-spot Tat's Deli to serve a selection of Tat's cheesesteaks and subs at its Here-After lobby lounge.

Here-After is a 100-seat comedy club and movie theater which opened at 2505 First Ave. as part of the new The Crocodile venue in 2021.

The lobby lounge is open from 5:00 p.m. to midnight daily. Customers do not need a show ticket to eat-in or order take-out from the lounge.

The business started serving Tat's sandwiches this week. Tat's opened its flagship East Coast-style deli at 159 Yesler Way in 2004. The spot is known for its cheesesteak and pastrami sandwiches. This is the first time Tat's sandwiches have been available outside lunchtime hours.

Aug 03, 2023

Cyemptive Technologies

Cyemptive Technologies, a provider of preemptive cybersecurity solutions for business and government, announced that it has named industry executive Johannes Riedl as Vice President of Cyber Solutions Europe.

In his new role, Riedl will serve as head of Cyemptive's United Kingdom and German business including setting up operations, bringing in new clients and developing partnerships. While his initial focus will be on the UK and Germany, Riedl will also be overseeing expansion into additional European areas in the future. Riedl will begin with an emphasis on the financial services, manufacturing, and medium to large business sectors.

Headquartered in Snohomish, Cyemptive has been on a mission to make large organizations cyber safe since 2014.

Aug 02, 2023

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (BGCB) announced the appointment of four new board members: Washington State Representative Tana Senn., Dr. Courtney Benjamin of Bungie, Inc., Grace Chu of Clark Nuber PS, and Ajay Singh of Nintendo of America Inc.

“We are thrilled to add these four exceptional people to our growing board. They are joining a dedicated team of individuals who care deeply about the youth of Bellevue,” said Tim Motts, CEO of BGCB. “We are excited to tap into the knowledge and skills of Tana, Courtney, Grace, and Ajay.”

Tana Senn serves as State Representative for the 41st Legislative District. Tana chairs the Human Services, Youth and Early Learning Committee in the Washington State House of Representatives, championing early learning, children's mental health, a strong safety net and support for working families. Tana has a bachelor's degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis and her master's degree in public policy and administration from Columbia University.

“I'm excited to serve on the board of this amazing organization that provides such needed services--from childcare and mental health to teen programming and sports--for youth across Bellevue,” says State Rep. Senn. “Our families and community would not be nearly as strong without them!”

Dr. Courtney Benjamin is currently the head of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at Bungie. Before joining Bungie, she worked with Amazon Web Services and has also held positions at T-Mobile and Microsoft. Dr. Benjamin earned her Ph.D. in cultural studies with an emphasis in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from Washington State University.

Grace Chu is an ACS Manager at Clark Nuber PS. As an accounting professional she has 11 years in the public accounting, with experience in client, project and team management. Prior to that Grace worked in the commercial banking industry. She holds a bachelor's degree from University of Washington. Grace has two children that attend our Cherry Crest location, so we are happy to have her as a Club parent as well.

Ajay Singh currently serves as Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and General Counsel at Nintendo of America Inc. where he has held various leadership positions for more than 10 years. Prior to that Ajay was in private practice, and also spent time working as a hardware design engineer. Ajay holds a law degree from Duke University.

Current board members for 2023 are: Chair, Jane Boulware; Treasurer, Richard Bray; BGCA Liaison, Robbie Bach; Past Board Chair, Matt Rossmeissl; Patrick Arpin, Tia Avril, Leo Backer, Dr. Courtney Benjamin, Kellen Carter, Grace Chu, Brian Cohrt, Eileen Days, Jeff Durrell, Stephanie Ferguson, Brian Franklin, Regina Gutierrez, Robert Harvie, Tyler Hay, Chris Kang, Perrin Kaplan, Michael Kneip, BJ Kuula, Jennifer Liu, Justin Luger, Monica Marmolejo, Marissa Mattson, Pete Parsons, David Petterson, Tana Senn, DeShawn Shead, Ajay Singh, Tony Williams.

Jul 28, 2023

Outstanding Legislator Awards

Ryu

Mullet

The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) presented two Outstanding Legislator Awards this year, to Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), and Representative Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline). According to the WASWD, Both Mullet and Ryu were responsible for significant efforts to ensure the success of special purpose water and sewer districts in the state of Washington. Mullet is a small business owner, previous Issaquah City Council member, and has been a senator for over a decade. He is currently vice-chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and has been involved in negotiating the capital budget, including several efforts with specific benefits to special purpose utility districts. Mullet's negotiations for funding the state's Public Works Assistance Account this year brought back funding for infrastructure after years of funds being diverted, giving local districts and other government agencies access to affordable, low-interest infrastructure financing for 2023 and 2024. From her initial involvement as a Shoreline City Council member and mayor, to her election to the House in 2010, Ryu has focused on community development and consumer protection — core tenets shared by special purpose utility districts. Her efforts this past session included sponsoring and shepherding legislation to provide equal treatment for all local governments undertaking public works procurement processes. The WASWD exists to advance the work of over 175 special purpose districts that provide water and sewer utility services throughout Washington state through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Wine Industry Foundation

Camden

Jeremy Camden, senior vice president, senior relationship manager, and regional lead at Bank of America was appointed to the board of directors for the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. The foundation was founded in 2001 to focus on wine industry needs and challenges. Camden has a business administration degree from Washington State University majoring in finance. Over the past 15 years, he has held positions at Bank of America, J.P. Morgan and Union Bank, where he worked with commercial industries including agriculture, non-profits, public and private universities, and technology.

5th Avenue Theatre

Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre appointed Katie Maltais as managing director, succeeding Bernadine (Bernie) Griffin, who retired after 21 years at the organization. A search committee of staff, board members, and community leaders was formed in late 2022 to partner with Tom O'Connor Consulting Group to find the next executive leader. Maltais will lead the business operations for the theatre, collaborating closely with Bill Berry, The 5th's producing artistic director. Maltais has served as managing director of Stages in Houston since 2021. Prior to that, she served as managing director at Curious Theatre Company in Denver. Maltais also served on the executive team of the Lone Tree Arts Center. She worked for the international consulting firm TRG Arts, where she oversaw the client services team. She earned her bachelor's degree in arts administration and theatre from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri.