Business

The first Digital First Chase bank branch opens on Mercer Island with “smart” ATMs meant to fill the traditional role of a teller while the former tellers work as financial advisers for clients. Kailan Manandic / Staff Photo

Mercer Island sees first wave of Eastside bank enhancements

Chase bank opened its first Digital First branches on the Eastside in Bellevue and Mercer Island.

The first Digital First Chase bank branch opens on Mercer Island with “smart” ATMs meant to fill the traditional role of a teller while the former tellers work as financial advisers for clients. Kailan Manandic / Staff Photo
Kailan Manandic / Staff photo The Boutique Lounge offers a shopping space and cushioned chairs for locals to gather and hang out.

The Boutique Lounge open to South End shoppers

The shop opened on May 6 after years of planning.

Kailan Manandic / Staff photo The Boutique Lounge offers a shopping space and cushioned chairs for locals to gather and hang out.
The data visualized here was compiled from Apartment List’s monthly rent reports. See an interactive chart below. Kailan Manandic / data illustration

Eastside rental market could balance out with the region

Eastside rent medians increased by 2.8 in the past year, a decrease in growth from previous years.

The data visualized here was compiled from Apartment List’s monthly rent reports. See an interactive chart below. Kailan Manandic / data illustration
The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Christian Science Reading Room on April 30. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

The City of Mercer Island welcome the Christian Science Reading Room to the business community

An open house and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on April 30.

  • May 14, 2019
The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Christian Science Reading Room on April 30. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo
Kailan Manandic / staff photo Amazon recently announced it will move its Seattle-based worldwide operations team to Bellevue by 2023. The company plans to occupy an office tower, pictured here, currently occupied by Expedia, starting in 2020.

Amazon confirms move to Bellevue

The company’s worldwide operations team will make the move by 2023.

Kailan Manandic / staff photo Amazon recently announced it will move its Seattle-based worldwide operations team to Bellevue by 2023. The company plans to occupy an office tower, pictured here, currently occupied by Expedia, starting in 2020.

Eastside market heats up as major tech news hits

A real estate snapshot from John L. Scott Mercer Island.

  • Apr 16, 2019
The Factoria QFC (pictured here) was part of the phase out pilot last November that included five other locations in the area. Currently, the stores only have paper bags and offer reusable bags for purchase at the checkout aisles. Kailan Manandic / staff photo

QFC to stop offering plastic bags in all stores on April 1

The commitment comes early as its parent company, Kroger, pledged to end plastic bag use by 2025.

The Factoria QFC (pictured here) was part of the phase out pilot last November that included five other locations in the area. Currently, the stores only have paper bags and offer reusable bags for purchase at the checkout aisles. Kailan Manandic / staff photo
More + Merrier offers four different collections that include customizable, modular kits. Each kit offers different options, including hanging decor, tableware, tabletop decor and napkins. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Ben-Zeev

Local business owner helps throw parties across the country

Stephanie Ben-Zeev recently launched More + Merrier, an e-commerce shop for custom party decor.

More + Merrier offers four different collections that include customizable, modular kits. Each kit offers different options, including hanging decor, tableware, tabletop decor and napkins. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Ben-Zeev
Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo Paige Bisbee, of Bellevue is a paid employee at Davis Wright Tremaine in Bellevue. As part of the law firm’s inclusive program, Bisbee distributes snacks and office supplies to her co-workers.

People with disabilities find purpose through new employment opportunities

Paige Bisbee of Bellevue finds employment at Davis Wright Tremaine

Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo Paige Bisbee, of Bellevue is a paid employee at Davis Wright Tremaine in Bellevue. As part of the law firm’s inclusive program, Bisbee distributes snacks and office supplies to her co-workers.
Tech news

Nintex acquires EnableSoft in company acquisition

Bellevue-based company is a world leader in workflow automation industry.

Inventory is up; buyers, sellers prep for spring

A real estate snapshot from John L. Scott Real Estate.

  • Mar 20, 2019

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services seeks community support

MIYFS will host its annual breakfast this Wednesday and hopes for generosity after Prop. 1 failure.

Business buzz

Stocks stay strong for Smartsheet, Microsoft, T-Mobile

Fortune 500 functionality, Hololens technology, 5G network contribute to growth

A comparison of how many life science companies are on the Eastside and in other Washington cities. Illustration by Kailan Manandic

Life science hits its stride on the Eastside

Life science has strong roots in Washington, contributing economically and scientifically.

A comparison of how many life science companies are on the Eastside and in other Washington cities. Illustration by Kailan Manandic
Kaelyn Adams (Front), owner of Barre Rev, leads a barre class at her new location. Multiple members from the previous studio, The Dailey Method, joined Barre Rev to help support Adams and her goal to be a community hub. Photo courtesy of Kaelyn Adams

Local fitness instructor opens first Barre studio on the Island

Kaelyn Adams opened her own Barre studio after years of fitness instruction and massage therapy.

Kaelyn Adams (Front), owner of Barre Rev, leads a barre class at her new location. Multiple members from the previous studio, The Dailey Method, joined Barre Rev to help support Adams and her goal to be a community hub. Photo courtesy of Kaelyn Adams
Tech industry

Praerit Garg joins Smartsheet as CTO

Bellevue-based company employs 760 people

Despite interest rate approach, real estate ticking onward

A real estate snap shot from John L. Scott Real Estate.

  • Feb 20, 2019
Interview

OfferUp founder Nick Huzar makes customer safety a core pillar

Bellevue-based CEO wanted a simpler solution to his own problems

Photo by Tiffany Von Arnim/Flickr
Housing crisis

Puget Sound companies join to create middle-income housing

Several are the same companies that opposed Seattle’s head tax last year.

Photo by Tiffany Von Arnim/Flickr

Aljoya wins Mercer Island business of the year award

Au Courant, Caruccio’s, FASPS, King Insurance and S.R. Schill & Associates were also nominated.