Kailan Manandic / staff photo                                (From left) Jane Broom, Microsoft Philanthropies senior director, former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, who now serves as CEO of Challenge Seattle, and Charlie Davis, partner and managing director at the Boston Consulting Group, speak on Microsoft’s $500 million commitment to affordable housing at a panel discussion during a Bellevue Downtown Association breakfast.

Business

Microsoft reveals project criteria for $500 million affordable housing funds

The company will soon accept applications for projects related to affordable housing on the Eastside.

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

Business

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.

Kailan Manandic / Staff photo                                The Boutique Lounge offers a shopping space and cushioned chairs for locals to gather and hang out.

Business

The Boutique Lounge open to South End shoppers

The shop opened on May 6 after years of planning.

The data visualized here was compiled from Apartment List’s monthly rent reports. See an interactive chart below. Kailan Manandic / data illustration

Business

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 Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Christian Science Reading Room on April 30. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Business

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.

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.

Business

Amazon confirms move to Bellevue

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

Eastside market heats up as major tech news hits

Business

Eastside market heats up as major tech news hits

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

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

Business

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.

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

Business

Local business owner helps throw parties across the country

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

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.

Business

People with disabilities find purpose through new employment opportunities

Paige Bisbee of Bellevue finds employment at Davis Wright Tremaine

Nintex acquires EnableSoft in company acquisition

Business

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

Business

Inventory is up; buyers, sellers prep for spring

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

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services seeks community support

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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.