The Chamber’s Board of Directors meets monthly to review organizational business, financial reports, and strategic initiatives. These meetings provide an opportunity for the board to discuss ongoing programs, evaluate progress toward goals, and make decisions that guide the Chamber’s operations and community impact.
This is a regularly scheduled governance meeting of the Chamber’s leadership team.
Business Workshop: The Power of Storytelling for Your Brand
Join Lucia Blackwell, Manager, ST Content Studio and Gail Kim, Account Director, Content Studio Services, Seattle Times Media Solutions as they unpack the power of storytelling for your brand.
Discover how the power of storytelling can elevate your brand. This workshop introduces the fundamentals of Branded Content and shows why it has become an effective tool for businesses of all sizes. We will highlight key benefits, share case studies from SeattleTimes.com, and illustrate how strong narratives drive engagement and build customer trust. The session concludes with an interactive exercise where attendees share their business goals and work with our team to turn those objectives into compelling Branded Content topics.
Wednesday, Feb. 11th
11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: The Rock - Mercer Island
Lucia Blackwell, Manager, ST Content Studio:
Lucia manages ST Content Studio, the branded content arm of The Seattle Times. She oversees the development of partner campaigns that run on The Seattle Times, produces content for off-site partner channels, and leads strategy for The Ticket, the company’s events-focused subdomain.
Before joining The Seattle Times, Lucia spent 17 years as a copy editor, digital editor, and engagement editor in a Gannett newsroom in Delaware. Over the past decade, she has applied that editorial expertise to creating impactful, audience-driven content solutions for ST Content Studio’s partners.
Gail Kim, Account Director, Content Studio Services, Seattle Times Media Solutions:
Gail focuses on custom content partnership sales for ST Content Studio and Seattle Times Media Solutions, the advertising and marketing solutions arm of The Seattle Times. She collaborates with ST Content Studio on creative ideation and partnership growth opportunities, utilizing the creative and content production resources of the Content Studio with the omni-channel marketing capabilities of Seattle Times Media Solutions.
Before joining The Seattle Times, Gail spent over 15 years in national media sales in New York City, working for lifestyle magazine brands such as Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour and Marie Claire, as well as digital-only brands such as Livestrong.com. She has leveraged her multi-platform experience to develop integrated, out-of-the-box solutions for Seattle Times’ clients.
Registration and payment required before workshop. Registration is non refundable. Please make sure you are able to attend before pruchasing tickets.
Calling all Island businesses. Do not miss this years Mercer Island High School Skill Trade and Internship Fair
Wednesday, February 25th.
10am - 2pm
The purpose of the fair is to introduce MIHS students to local businesses who may be interested in providing students with jobs or with opportunities for internships, job shadowing or mentoring.
If your business offers internships, job shadowing, mentoring, apprenticeships or other training opportunities this is your chance to get in front of incoming job market pool.
Hosted on Mercer Island Featuring Guest Speaker: Loretta Soffe
Join us for a vibrant and inspiring morning at the Champions of Change Women's Brunch, a celebration of ambition, success, and the power of choice. Whether you're focused on advancing your career, exploring new opportunities, or shaping a fulfilling life, this event is designed for you.
Keynote by Loretta Soffe — Renowned retail executive, board director, and strategic advisor, Loretta brings over 25 years of leadership experience across global brands including Gap Inc., Old Navy, and Athleta. She has a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and strategic transformation in the retail industry.
Real Talk, Real Stories — Hear Loretta’s journey through leadership roles, board service, and strategic advising, and how she has helped shape successful brands and empower professionals.
Networking & Brunch — Connect with like-minded women over delicious bites, coffee, and conversation.
Who Should Attend
Women focused on career advancement and leadership
Professionals navigating career transitions or re-entry
Ambitious women seeking inspiration and community
Anyone curious about redefining success on their own terms
Date: Friday, February 27th
Time: 10:30am -12:30pm Location: Mercer Island Community & Events Center
Reserve your spot now — space is limited and the conversation is priceless.
Loretta Soffe is a seasoned retail executive and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience leading global brands. Her career includes senior leadership roles at Gap Inc., Old Navy, and Athleta, where she drove growth, innovation, and transformation. Loretta serves on multiple boards and is passionate about empowering women to achieve their professional and personal goals. Join us to hear her insights on building a successful career and life on your own terms.
At Mercer Island Rowing Club, we know that change starts with people like you. Every act of kindness, every dollar, and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all. We have been approved to start programming in Summer 2026 at Luther Burbank Park and are currently fundraising for the near and long term.
This fundraiser is tied to our Row for MI: Ergathon event on 3/1 hosted by Orangetheory Fitness Mercer Island. People will compete in teams to go the distance around Mercer Island (20km) on a rowing machine to raise $20k for our organization.
Here is how you can help:
Participate: Enjoy an afternoon filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie. You won't just have fun—you’ll be part of an effort to promote rowing in our community. You can either join a team, create a team, or sign up individually to be added to a team. Click on the "register and fundraise" button to get started.
Donate/Fundraise: Don't want to erg, no worries! Every dollar you donate helps get us launch next summer. You can also create your own fundraiser by clicking on the "fundraise only" button.
Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.
Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too. Sign up HERE
Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable. If you have any questions about our organization or this event, please reach out to info@mercerislandrowingclub.org.
We are kicking off our 2026 Coffee & Conversations series wth out newly elected Mayor David Rosenbaum and Deputy Mayor Daniel Becker
Coffee & Conversations
Wednesday, March 4th
11:00am -12:00pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center
The Coffee & Conversations series allows business leaders in the community to engage in an intimate setting with city and regional leaders for discussions that are affecting businesses directly. Such conversations bridge the gap, allowing views, voices, and conversations to take place in the ever-changing economic map of our community.
5 Chamber Speed Networking Breakfast
Friday, March 6th
7:30am-9:00am
Hilton Garden Inn
1800 NW Gilman Blvd
Issaquah, WA
Join chamber members and guests from Issaquah, Newcastle, SnoValley, Sammamish, and Mercer Island for breakfast and fast connections.
$45 member price (for current chamber members)
$65 guest price
Registration closes Friday, Feb 27th
Mercer Island Connect is the chambers networking event series. Finding time in your schedule while trying to work can be hard, so we have options each quarter for you to connect with others when it is best for you.From early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and even industry specific opportunities, there is sure to be something for you! more info...
The Chamber’s Board of Directors meets monthly to review organizational business, financial reports, and strategic initiatives. These meetings provide an opportunity for the board to discuss ongoing programs, evaluate progress toward goals, and make decisions that guide the Chamber’s operations and community impact.
This is a regularly scheduled governance meeting of the Chamber’s leadership team.
Join us as we learn about each attendee's business and what you are looking for in connections, while enjoying delicious food.
Whether you are looking for new customers, referrals, or just to connect with other business owners, we have a seat for you.
Space is limited. Registration is required. Each attendee is expected to purchase their own lunch.
****Because space is limited, we ask that only one representative from each organization attend. Guests are encouraged to attend up to 2 events before we ask you to join the chamber membership.
Mercer Island Connect is the chambers networking event series. Finding time in your schedule while trying to work can be hard, so we have options each quarter for you to connect with others when it is best for you. From early morning coffee hours, afternoon luncheons, and evening events; there is sure to be something for you. more info...
Join us for a day of pampering, wellness, fitness and shopping as we celebrate the importance of self-care!
⨠Women’s Day Out: Sip, Shop & Self-Care â¨
Join us on Saturday, March 14 at The Winemakers Reserve in Woodinville for a day designed to refresh your mind, body, and soul!
ðâï¸ Pamper yourself with spa + wellness services
ð§ Discover resources to support your mental & physical health
ðï¸ Shop unique finds from local businesses
ð Enter exciting giveaways & door prizes
ð Enjoy fun surprises throughout the day
ð§ Indulge in delicious sweet treats
ð¶ Relax or groove to live music
...and we are bringing back fitness & wellness classes for our VIP ticket holders!
Come solo, with your girlfriends, spouse, or a loved one—you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired!
While this event is designed with women in mind, all are welcome to join the celebration.
We are excited to welcome back Jacyln Cox with Jaclyn Hope Designs to chat The New Rules of Search: SEO in an AI-Driven World.
Search has changed fast, and most business owners are swimming in strategies and analytics that don't make much sense anymore. In this workshop, we’ll break down how AI, algorithm updates, and zero-click search results are reshaping SEO, plus what that means for your website, content, and analytics. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what still works, what to stop doing, and how to adapt without chasing every new trend.
Wednesday, March 18th
11:30am-1:00pm
Location: The Rock - Mercer Island more info...
We have teamed up with Sound Transit to showcase the Mercer Island community, nonprofits, businesses, and more at this historic opening. We need YOU!
There are four ways to participate:
As a sponsor. For those who like to be headliners at events we have sponsorship levels for all sizes.
As a vendor. With an anticipated 30,000+ expected to ride opening day, this is your chance to extend your reach far and wide.
As a volunteer. Whether your group is looking for volunteer hours, you and your friends like to get involved behind the scenes, or you just love community service. We have opportunities for you.
As an attendee. Grab the kids, the friends, all your neighbors and come out to celebrate. Enjoy music, vendor booths, food, kid zone, and more! â 
Mercer Island Connect: Network Together After Hours with the Bellevue Chamber
Wednesday, April 1 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Yuan Ru Art Gallery
12737 NE Bel Red Rd #100, Bellevue, WA 98005
Step into an evening of connection, conversation, and community as Mercer Island Chamber partners with the Bellevue Chamber for our first Network Together After Hours event of 2026.
Mingle among inspiring artwork while enjoying light bites, refreshments, and the opportunity to build new personal and professional relationships. Whether you're looking to expand your network, explore collaboration, or simply enjoy good company, this joint chamber gathering offers a warm and welcoming space to do so.
Registration is required, and space is limited.
This event is a members event, and firstâtime guests are encouraged to attend one networking event to experience the value of chamber involvement.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors meets monthly to review organizational business, financial reports, and strategic initiatives. These meetings provide an opportunity for the board to discuss ongoing programs, evaluate progress toward goals, and make decisions that guide the Chamber’s operations and community impact.
This is a regularly scheduled governance meeting of the Chamber’s leadership team.