Leaders gather to discuss the future of the Eastside at Thursday’s event

Published 12:52 pm Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Community members in formal and informal leadership positions throughout the region will gather at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue on Thursday to explore ways to work together for a thriving Eastside future. Registrants include a diverse set of stakeholders from the business, nonprofit and public sectors who care about and are actively involved in arts and culture, basic needs, education, environment, health and wellness, economy and neighborhoods and community building.

The luncheon is open to the public and will run from noon to 1:30 p.m.; registration opens at 11:15 a.m. Cost is $50 and includes lunch. RSVP at www.LeadershipEastside.com or at the door.

Hosted by Leadership Eastside (LE) as the kick off to its year-long 10th anniversary celebration, participants in the luncheon program include honorary co-chairs Larry Springer (State Rep. 45th District) and Rob McKenna (former Washington state attorney general). The featured panelists are Greg Johnson, president of Wright Runstad, Puget Sound Business Journal Executive of the Year and developer of The Spring District; Kimberly Harris, CEO of Puget Sound Energy; and Lauren Thomas (LE ’13), CEO of Hopelink.  “Our partnership with LE is rooted in our shared belief in the power of philanthropy and civic engagement to strengthen the vibrancy and vitality of Eastside communities,” said Tony Mestres, CEO of event sponsor The Seattle Foundation. “By coming together to discuss their hopes for the future, these community leaders provide insights and guidance that shape The Seattle Foundation’s investments on the Eastside and throughout the region.”

Since donations are not being requested, the luncheon is being billed as a “Future-Raiser.”  After hearing the panelists outline major community trends, the audience of business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit leaders and other community leaders will discuss their plans for the future as well as opportunities to collaborate for greater success. Instead of collecting checks at the end of the event, the table convenors will accept written commitments indicating the practical steps each guest intends to take to help create a thriving future for all people who live, work, and serve in East King County.

“The spirit of collaboration is alive and well here on the Eastside,” said James Whitfield, LE president and luncheon panel moderator. “It’s the reason I am so optimistic about our future.”