A vital Chamber, a vital City | CHAMBER CHAT

"The Renton Chamber is here to be the vital link, leveraging the talents and resources of our members to build a stronger community and improve economic opportunities."

By Vicky Baxter,
Renton Chamber of Commerce CEO

In my first column, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Vicky Baxter, the new CEO of the Renton Chamber of Commerce.

The most-asked question of me is, “Why did you move here?” Three years ago while attending our daughter’s wedding, my husband and I knew we had discovered gold walking around Renton.

Folks were friendly. The sky was majestic blue, Lake Washington was beckoning and Mount Rainier left us breathless. And the quaint downtown was full of antique stores and good eats.

Foodies from as far as Orange County, Calif., told me about Melrose Grill, Wild Fin, Marianna Ristorante, Ivar’s Seafood and so many more.

As a new Rentonian, I swell up with pride as I watch events like the Community Foundation’s celebration of philanthropy, honoring volunteers who give their time, talent and treasure in service to others.

And a sincere thanks to the Renton Reporter for allowing me the space to promote chamber members and Renton. Hometown papers are the best. They not only inform but they transform us by giving us a feeling of belonging that we matter to one another and a shared commitment to the future of our city.

A longtime resident who has become a mentor and friend (Bill), champions Renton unashamedly. We had lunch the other day at the Tea Palace Asian Restaurant on Sunset, dining on their delicious dim sum and discussing the expansion of Renton Honda with a new showroom that can house 600 Honda Fit models. Wow, that’s big!

In fact, we are seeing a lot of expansion and revitalization in Renton, bringing new jobs and new residents. GEICO Insurance just expanded their Renton campus and are hiring. SECO Development is beginning the next phase of building their 350-room hotel and convention center, with the installation of a 15-story crane.

Watch for more growth and expansion at The Landing. I even heard whispers of expansion over at King and Bunnies! Plus, the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center is highlighting their inner beauty. Go take a look.

If you want some bragging rights as a proud resident of Renton, here’s a few: The new Subway Restaurant on Grady Way is a drive through, one of the first in the country. The Boeing 737 Plant is powered 100 percent with renewable energy. Jimi Hendrix’s final resting place is at Greenwood Memorial Park. The NFC champion Seahawks, who begin their 40th season this summer, call Renton home. And long before most hospitals thought about wellness, Valley Medical Center had an indoor pool and fitness center attracting thousands.

I am also surprised how often I get lost in Renton. Thank goodness the new maps of the City of Renton are in and free to everyone. Come by the chamber on South Fourth Street and pick one up!

The Renton Chamber is here to be the vital link, leveraging the talents and resources of our members to build a stronger community and improve economic opportunities. As a Visitor Center our mission is to aggressively market Renton’s assets, maximizing economic impact while providing excellent visitor service.

Upcoming events include the 2015 Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards on April 16. For more info, visit www.gorenton.com.

 

Vicky Baxter can be reached at Vbaxter@GoRenton.com.