Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Facts
- HQ
- Seattle
- Sectors
- Economic development, Business advocacy, Chamber of commerce
- Employees
- 2600
Independent report: Seattle’s JumpStart payroll tax penalizes senior hires and concentrates revenue in 10 largely tech firms, risking $50M loss if one large employer shifts 10,000 workers
An independent 127-page City of Seattle-commissioned study finds the city’s tax structure, notably the JumpStart payroll tax, disproportionately penalizes hiring senior high‑pay workers and concentrates revenue risk in a few large tech employers. Researchers warn that reliance on a small number of firms—10 companies account for three-quarters of the payroll tax on large employers—exposes Seattle to significant fiscal vulnerability if large employers relocate or stock‑based compensation fluctuates.
Marc Whitten, ex-Microsoft Xbox exec, named president and CEO of Dolby Laboratories as Kevin Yeaman retires
Marc Whitten, a veteran of Microsoft, Sonos, Amazon, Unity, Cruise and Meta, was named president and CEO of Dolby Laboratories, succeeding longtime leader Kevin Yeaman. Fred Hutch announced leadership changes naming Dr. Lawrence Fong as senior VP and director of Translational Science and Dr. Andrew Hsieh as the inaugural endowed chair, and Microsoft AI saw executive departures including CMO Andréa Mallard.
Tech Veteran Joe Nguyen Named Seattle Metropolitan Chamber CEO to Drive Regional Economic Growth and Address Business-Political Divides
Joe Nguyen, former Washington State director of commerce and tech veteran, has become president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to focus on driving the economic engine of the Puget Sound region. He aims to bridge divides between business and politics and secure economic opportunities for future generations amid evolving challenges like AI.
Joe Nguyen Named President and CEO of Seattle Metropolitan Chamber After Leaving Washington State Commerce Role
Joe Nguyen, former Washington state Department of Commerce director and tech veteran with Microsoft and Expedia experience, has been named president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Nguyen aims to strengthen the regional business climate, promote job creation, and support a thriving economy.
FCC Restricts Chinese Drones, Boosting Seattle-Based Brinc and Washington’s Domestic Drone Industry
New U.S. federal restrictions on foreign-made drones, especially targeting Chinese company DJI, are expected to boost Washington state’s domestic drone manufacturing industry, creating thousands of jobs. Seattle’s existing aerospace talent and companies like Boeing and Amazon Prime Air position it as a key beneficiary of this industry shift.
Julie Van Ullen Joins iSpot as President and CRO; Ashley Fidler Named Chief Product Officer at MoxiWorks
Julie Van Ullen has been appointed president and chief revenue officer at iSpot, a media impact measurement company, while Ashley Fidler became chief product officer at Seattle-based real estate platform MoxiWorks. Both bring significant leadership and industry experience to their roles.
Seattle Startups Yoodli and A-Alpha Bio Appoint New C-Suite Execs, TiE Seattle Names Siddhartha Srinivasa as President
Seattle startups Yoodli, A-Alpha Bio, and MoxiWorks have added senior executives, including Andy Larson as Yoodli's CFO and Troy Lionberger as A-Alpha Bio's chief business officer, while TiE Seattle appointed Siddhartha Srinivasa as president. These moves highlight growth and leadership shifts in the Seattle tech sector, with companies focusing on AI, biotech, and robotics.
Seattle Shield Initiative Proposes Raising B&O Tax Exemption to $2M, Increasing Rates for Large Tech Firms Starting November Vote
Seattle voters will decide in November on the Seattle Shield initiative, which raises the B&O tax exemption from $100,000 to $2 million, relieving small businesses but increasing taxes for larger ones. For tech startups, this means early-stage companies pay less in taxes, while those scaling past $2 million in revenue will face higher rates.
Washington’s Proposed 5% Payroll Tax on Large Employers Draws Tech Industry Backlash Amid $16B Budget Shortfall
Washington state Democrats propose a 5% statewide payroll tax on wages exceeding $176,100 for companies with payrolls over $7 million to address a $16 billion budget gap, drawing criticism from CEOs and tech leaders including Microsoft President Brad Smith who warn it could harm the tech sector and drive businesses away.
Seattle Metro Chamber Debuts Community Business Connector to Support Entrepreneurs with Inclusive Online Resources
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce launched the Community Business Connector website to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses access resources for capital, planning, marketing, and more, with a focus on inclusivity for businesses facing barriers. This tool, powered by Qwally, matches businesses to support immediately and was recognized with the WEDA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion award.
Seattle Officials Question Tech Industry's Role in Addressing Housing and Inequality Amid Meta's Regional Expansion and Layoffs
Tech companies like Meta have significantly boosted Seattle's economy and employment but are also criticized for contributing to income inequality and housing issues. Local officials discussed whether these companies are doing enough to address these regional challenges at a Seattle Metro Chamber event featuring Meta's Pacific Northwest head Paresh Rajwat.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s First Term Tried to Reconcile Tech Firms and Critics but Left Her Politically Isolated
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan tried to bridge tech companies and their critics during her first term by courting firms like Amazon, Expedia, and Apple, but her efforts pleased neither business leaders nor progressive activists, leaving her politically isolated and prompting her decision not to seek a second term.
People
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Ambika Singh Board Member
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Boaz Ashkenazy Board of Trustees
