Based on conversations around the water cooler, it seems that there’s a bit of mystery about the newly formed organization known as OneRedmond.  Let’s just cut to the chase:  OneRedmond is not the Redmond Chamber of Commerce 2.0.  It’s so much more than that.  OneRedmond is the private-public partnership created to accelerate economic and community development in Redmond.  It combines the former chamber, with the former Redmond Economic Development Alliance and the former nonprofit, Realize Redmond. Add to that the City of Redmond, and you’ve got a baseline for understanding what we’re all about.

OneRedmond’s goal is to harness the energy of our city’s business, community and political leaders to enhance our quality of life by creating 16,000 new jobs and pumping an additional $1.4 billion a year into the local economy over the next five years.

Mission success rewards everyone:  small businesses, large businesses, their employees and Redmond’s residents.  OneRedmond recognizes that the city’s economic vitality rides on the shoulders of its small businesses.  For that reason, we are dedicated to developing strategies for small business growth, including a mentoring program and workforce training.  And, we’ve preserved two of the chamber’s most popular functions — the monthly luncheon and networking events.  At the same time, OneRedmond is positioned to attract new businesses by implementing a strategic plan directed at identifying and recruiting international companies with plans to relocate or expand, and ensure that their next move is into our area.  Finally, we are collaborating with the city and other stakeholders to expand open spaces, and bring more arts, entertainment and other activities that make Redmond such a great place to live.

We’re off to a strong start.  OneRedmond has gained the support of many of the area’s great companies, both small and large, whose employees are serving on the board of directors and working to advance the vision through the dedicated efforts of many active committee members.  These committees include: Community Development, Small Business Development, Government Affairs, Communications, Investor Relations and others all focused on one goal: the economic vitality of Redmond.

OneRedmond is committed to growth and prosperity for all who call Redmond home. Mystery solved.

Eric Scroggins is OneRedmond’s board president.