4/29/2026
Business Workshop: Where Visuals Meet Voice: Crafting Cohesive Branding That Truly Connects
Wednesday, April 29th
11:30am -1:00pm
The Rock
We are teaming up with chamber member Jaimie Birtel of Jaimie Birtel Photography to bring you the marketing workshop that connects your brand voice with your brand visuals.
How does your business stand out in a crowded, distracting digital world? What if you could tell a dream story that makes your clients pause, feel seen and say, “I need to work with them!”? Imagine having visuals and messaging that spark real conversations and generate more business. Build trust before a single sales call and attract the type of loyal repeat clients who become your biggest advocates.
Drawing from my background in PR and experience as a portrait and branding photographer, you’ll learn how to craft a brand that isn’t a dream but rather a reality. Learn practical tips to help you grow a brand that’s relatable, inviting, and most importantly… you. Bringing together incredible visuals and your voice, your brand doesn’t just become recognizable, it becomes unforgettable.
Jaimié Birtel has over a decade of experience in PR and communications, helping global brands tell their stories and connect genuinely with their audiences. She’s led brand campaigns, media relations, executive coaching, and worked behind the scenes to build strong visibility for global companies. Now, she combines that expertise with her love for portrait and branding photography to help entrepreneurs share authentic, compelling stories through visuals and words. Jaimié knows what makes a message resonate—so your brand feels real, relatable, and unforgettable. She’s all about empowering clients to show up confidently and consistently everywhere they go.
Drinks and snacks provided. You are more than welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy.
To protect the privacy of participants and the integrity of the presentation, audio and video recording of this workshop is not allowed.
Location: The Rock
7605 SE 27th St
Mercer Island, WA 98040
There are currently 11 spots remaining out of 20
5/6/2026
Coffee & Conversations with Sound Transit Representatives.
Wednesday, May 6th
11:00am -12:00pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center
Join us as we hear from Sound Transit and discuss the new 2 Line operations, readership, and advertisement opportunities for small businesses.
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.
**Members only event.
Location: Mercer Island Community & Event Center
8236 SE 24th St
Mercer Island, WA 98040
5/7/2026
Join us for our next Mercer Island Connect: Networking Luncheon.
Thursday, May 7th
11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: Allister
7650 SE 27th St, Suite 100
Mercer Island, WA
We will 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. You must register. 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.
Location: Allister
7650 SE 27th St, Suite 100
Mercer Island, WA 98040
There are currently 8 spots remaining out of 15
5/21/2026
If you have been enjoying the new Amplify Mercer Island reel series, then you won't want to miss this workshop.
Film Better Content in 60 Minutes — No New Phone, Gear or Creativity Required
Video is king on Instagram, but what if everything you take looks a little… “meh?” Well good news: you do not need a new phone, expensive gear, or track down your high school niece to capture good content. You just need 60 minutes and a no-fail filming technique.
This month’s chamber meeting features a hands-on video skills session with Sheena Kalso of Behind Your Scenes. Sheena teaches business owners, retailers, and service professionals how to film content that actually looks good — using nothing but the phone already in their pocket.
She calls it the BYS Method. It is a repeatable, no-fail formula that removes the guesswork from content creation and replaces it with simple habits you can use every single day.
In 60 minutes you will learn:
How to hold your phone like a pro (this alone changes everything)
Which lens to use and when
A simple filming framework that gives every video a beginning, middle, and end
How to capture great footage in any environment, any lighting, any situation
No experience required. No creative instincts needed. Just bring your phone.
Sheena has helped dozens of non-techy, non-creative business owners become confident content creators. You won’t consistently show up on social media if you don’t feel confident in what you capture. This session fixes that.
Thursday, May 21st
11:30am-1:00pm
The Rock- Mercer Island
7605 SE 27th St
Members: $15
Guests: $20
Light snacks and water provided, but feel free to bring your own lunch to enjoy.
Photo Disclaimer
Please note that promotional photos will be taken during this workshop for use by the venue and event organizers. By attending, you consent to being photographed and acknowledge that these images may be used in marketing and promotional materials. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform a staff member upon arrival.
Registration and payment required before workshop. Registration is non refundable. Please make sure you are able to attend before pruchasing tickets.
6/3/2026
Wednesday, June 3
11:30am-1:00pm
Location sent after registration.
Join us for our first Women in Business Workshop with guest Moni Giles, owner of Evolve with Moni.
Topic: Winning in Friendship: The Relationship Strategy Every Woman in Business Needs
Your network is only as strong as your ability to build & retain strong relationships. In this powerful friendship workshop, Moni introduces her R.A.R.E. framework to help women redefine how they show up in friendships and in business. This experience is designed for women entrepreneurs who are ready to strengthen their trust factor, build authentic connections, and become more reliable, aligned, and impactful in every room they enter.
Because when your mindset around friendship shifts, your confidence, network, and opportunities expand with it. This isn’t just about connection—it’s about becoming the kind of woman people trust, refer, and grow with. Starting with yourself.
Moni is a Community Builder & Connector and the owner of Evolve With Moni LLC, a social and self-development platform designed to help women connect to aligned & meaningful relationships, grow in purpose, and find true fulfillment.
She leads three powerful communities designed for different areas of growth:
- Friendship Community–A transformational space rooted in her signature 4-week “Winning in Friendship” experience, where women learn how to build reliable, authentic, and long-lasting relationships using the R.A.R.E. framework.
- Women on the Rise (Faith-Based Networking Community)–A purpose-driven community that brings women together through events, workshops, and shared experiences to grow in faith, business, and aligned connection.
- True Accountability Program (TAP)–A results-focused space for women ready to take action on their goals with structure, support, and community accountability.
At her core, Moni is passionate about helping women find their people, elevate their mindset, and thrive in communities that feel like home because she believes happier women create a happier world.
Registration required. Open to chamber members and their staff only.
Drinks and snacks provided. You are more than welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy.
To protect the privacy of participants and the integrity of the presentation, audio and video recording of this workshop is not allowed.
6/5/2026
5 Chamber Speed Networking Breakfast
Friday, June 5th
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, May 29th
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!
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
1800 NW Gilman Blvd
Mercer Island, WA 98029
6/10/2026
Mercer Island Connect: Network Together After Hours with the Bellevue Chamber
Wednesday, June 10th
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Island Books
3014 78th AVE SE
Mercer Island, WA
Step into an evening of connection, conversation, and community as Mercer Island Chamber partners with the Bellevue Chamber for Network Together After Hours.
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 first‑time guests are encouraged to attend one networking event to experience the value of chamber involvement.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Location: Island Books
3014 78th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
There are currently 20 spots remaining out of 20
9/16/2026
TBA
Coffee & Conversations
Wednesday, September 16th
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.
Location: Mercer Island Community & Event Center
8236 SE 24th St
Mercer Island, WA 98040