Microsoft 2015 Partner of the Year Awards Revealed

Winners and Finalists of Microsoft 2015 Partner of the Year Awards Announced

Redmond-based Microsoft recently announced the winners and finalists of the Microsoft 2015 Partner of the Year Awards. The annual awards celebrate top Microsoft partners that are demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. Award winners and finalists, chosen out of nominations from around the world, will be recognized at the 2015 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference taking place July 12–16, 2015, in Orlando, Fla.

Chris Barrow President and CEO of EagleView Technology Named anEntrepreneur Of The Year 2015 for the Pacific Northwest

Chris Barrow Wins Entrepreneur of the Year for EagleView Technology

Bothell-based EagleView Technology Corporation, which provides the technology for aerial imagery, data analytics and GIS solutions, recently announced that EY has named EagleView President and CEO Chris Barrow as an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 in the Pacific Northwest Region.  The award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  Chris Barrow and other award winners were selected by a panel of independent judges.  The award was presented at a special gala event at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel on June 5th.

Mark Mader of Bellevue's Smartsheet Among Award Recipients for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Pacific Northwest

Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 PNW Awarded to Mark Mader, President and CEO of Bellevue-based Smartsheet, 6 Others

Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 PNW bestowed on Bellevue-based Online Project Management SAAS company Smartsheet CEO Mark Mader.  Congratulations Mark!  Great job on bringing the award to Bellevue!

EY (formerly known as Ernst & Young) have announced the winners of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Award in the Pacific Northwest. These leading entrepreneurs were selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous winners of the award, leading CEOs, private capital investors and other regional business leaders.

The winners were revealed at a special gala on June 5, 2015 at Sheraton Seattle Hotel. “EY has honored outstanding entrepreneurs for the past 29 years,” said Greg Beams EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director for the Pacific Northwest. “These winners are accomplished leaders who have contributed a tremendous amount to their communities.”

The other EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Pacific Northwest Region winners are: Scott Allan, President and CEO, Hydro Flask, Bend, Oregon Chris Barrow, President and CEO, EagleView Technologies, Bothell, Washington Mark Britton, Founder and CEO, Avvo, Seattle, Washington Ryan Carson, Co-Founder and CEO, Treehouse, Portland, Oregon, Darryl Rawlings, CEO, Trupanion, Seattle, Washington Dave Sanders, M.D., Co-Founder and CEO, Zoom+, Hillsboro, Oregon.

Now in its 29th year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities in 60 countries throughout the world.

Smartsheet's Mader and other regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2015.

The US Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco, June 2016. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year Award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence at the national level.

The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. Sponsors Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Awards are nationally sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America. In the Pacific Northwest, sponsors also include Merrill Datasite, Union Bank and Scherzer International.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015:  Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 is one of the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

7th Annual Taste of Main on August 22nd to Benefit The Detlef Schrempf Foundation

7th Annual Taste of Main to Benefit The Detlef Schrempf Foundation

The 7th Annual Taste of Main, a one-day event on Bellevue’s celebrated historic Main Street, is slated for Saturday, August 22nd, from 12:00-5:00. This annual fundraising event has a strong reputation of bringing together the Eastside community and Old Bellevue, benefiting the Detlef Schrempf Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.

The 7th Annual Taste of Main event offers patrons a fixed price Passport, allowing them to “tasting their way down Main Street” featuring specially selected Northwest wineries, distilleries, gourmet food, snacks and desserts from the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. Also featured are free giveaways, live entertainment, wine sales, and a silent auction, featuring Main Street Retailers products and services.

The 7th Annual Taste of Main is open to the public, and children are free (with special kid-friendly bites!).  The Taste of Main has been a favorite event of locals since it's first year and has started to attract a lot of wine lovers and foodies from all over the Puget Sound area.  This is an event you won't want to miss!

100% of the proceeds benefit the Detlef Schrempf Foundation. The Foundation is a support organization founded by former UW Huskies and Seattle Super Sonics star, Detlef Schrempf that has raised over $15-million for Northwest children’s charities. This event’s proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, through the Detlef Schrempf Foundation.

Learn more about the event and purchase your passport at 7th Annual Taste of Main. Learn more about the benefitting charities at www.detlef.com and www.bgcbellevue.org .

The Passport includes food offerings from some of Main Street’s finest restaurants, including:

520 Bar & Grill
99 Park
Bake’s Place Bellevue
Bis on Main
Cantinetta
Fran’s Chocolates
Gilberts on Main
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
Hedge & Vine
La Cocina Del Puerco
Local Burger
Mercato Stellina
Monsoon East
Pagliacci Pizza
Vavako Fine Chocolates
Whole Foods

PicsArt Mobile Creative Image Community Raises $15M Led By Insight Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital

PicsArt Mobile Creative Image Community Scores $15 Million in New Funding

PicsArt mobile creative image community today announced $15M in new funding from Insight Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital. The new round follows a previous investment of $10M from Sequoia earlier this year. The new funding will enable the company to expand globally and develop new tools for users.

PicsArt mobile creative image community is for amateur and professional photographers, designers, artists and anyone who wants to use PicsArt’s extensive image creation and editing tools to beautify their world. PicsArt’s further enabled community collaboration with its latest feature update. Now #freetoedit images from PicsArt mobile creative image community can be shared on Facebook, inviting a new community to use PicsArt’s desktop-grade tools to edit their images.

Users can also share their creative process with others through automatically generated timelapse videos. Hit a button when you start working on an image and when you are done, share a video showcasing your technique so other users can learn from you. These are just the latest tools empowering PicsArt’s community of more than 65 million monthly active users that co-creates more than 250 million images per month.

“We want to continuously provide artists with the means to connect and collaborate,” said PicsArt CEO and founder, Hovhannes Avoyan. “With this round of funding, we can continue to do so with app updates that boost collaboration settings, such as video generation, increased sharing and the latest photo-enhancing tricks.”

“PicsArt’s rapid growth is a true testament to its unique creative platform,” said Jeff Horing, managing director at Insight Venture Partners. “We are pleased to partner with the PicsArt team as they continue to set themselves apart by solidifying a community of collaboration.”

Anyone with a smartphone can download the PicsArt Mobile Creative Image Community app from the App Store, Google Play, Amazon or Windows. To learn more, go to www.PicsArt.com.

About PicsArt
PicsArt Mobile Creative Image Community is the largest mobile community of creatives and creative images. The company’s U.S. office is based in San Francisco, California with a focus on enabling anyone to be creative, share, socialize, discover, learn and be inspired. The app has been installed over 230 million times and continues to expand and improve, so anyone can unleash their creativity and discover their inner artist.

About Insight Venture Partners
Insight Venture Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1995. They also invested heavily in Bellevue-based SmartSheet. They have raised more than $10 billion and invested in more than 200+ growth-stage software, internet, and data-services companies. Our Investment Team meets with thousands of companies each year, selecting a handful to invest in, supporting them with market insights and exposure to potential acquisitions and acquirers. Our Insight Onsite team provides hands-on resources and collaborative expertise to help companies scale.

About Sequoia Capital
The Sequoia team helps a small number of daring founders build legendary companies. We spur them to push the boundaries of what’s possible. In partnering with Sequoia, companies benefit from our unmatched community and the lessons we’ve learned over 40 years working with Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, John Morgridge, Jerry Yang, Elon Musk, Larry Page, Jan Koum, Brian Chesky, Drew Houston, Adi Tatarko and Jack Dorsey, among many others. In aggregate, Sequoia-backed companies account for more than 20% of NASDAQ’s total value. We’re proud that their success also fuels great causes: since 2000 alone we have returned more than $10 billion to non-profits like the Ford Foundation, Mayo Clinic and MIT.

Two Spaces Still Available for YouTube Marketing for Business Workshop on Tuesday

YouTube Marketing for Business Workshop Almost Full

There has been a lot of interest in Stacia Loo's free YouTube Marketing for Business workshop tomorrow night.  But the good news is that there are still a couple of seats left.  If you are interested in attending YouTube Marketing for Business you should RSVP asap.

If you are looking for better, less expensive marketing for your business, you cannot afford to miss the YouTube Marketing for Business workshop.  Don't let this opportunity slip to learn from an expert online marketer slip away.

 

Microsoft to Offer Windows 10 as Free Upgrade Starting July

Windows 10 to Be Offered As Free Upgrade

A media release from Microsoft this morning says that Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade to existing Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users starting July 29th.  The question is - who is going to be willing to be among the first to try it?  It is well noted that early adopters of previous Windows versions have often faced serious problems and frustrations with new versions of the operating system.

Here is the official media release from Microsoft:

Microsoft Corp. has announced that Windows 10 will be available July 29 in 190 countries. Windows 10 will help people be more productive and have more fun, with a personal and natural experience that works across all their devices. Familiar, yet better than ever, Windows 10 will deliver ongoing feature innovations and security updates. Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade to people using Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, enabling hundreds of millions of people around the world to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

“Windows 10 is a new generation of Windows designed to empower you to do great things,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Microsoft. “Windows 10 starts to deliver on our vision of more personal computing, defined by trust in how we protect and respect your personal information, mobility of the experience across your devices, and natural interactions with your Windows devices, including speech, touch, ink and holograms.”

Familiar and better than ever

Windows 10 brings back the Start menu people know and love while enabling them to easily find their files, pinned applications and favorites. Windows 10 starts fast, resumes fast and helps enable batteries to last longer. More secure than ever, Windows 10 includes Windows Hello, Microsoft Passport and Windows Defender for anti-malware protection, and a commitment to deliver free, ongoing security updates for the supported lifetime of the device. Optimized for both keyboard and touch, the Windows 10 upgrade is designed to be compatible with Windows devices and applications.

A more personal and natural experience

Windows 10 adapts to people for a more personal experience. Cortana, the world’s first truly personal digital assistant, helps people get things done across all their devices. Cortana learns individual preferences to provide relevant recommendations, fast access to information and important reminders via talking or typing. Windows Hello greets people by name and lets them log in to their PC without a password — providing instant, more secure access to their Windows 10 devices through biometric authentication. Windows 10 also lets people interact with their device via the traditional mouse and keyboard or through more natural ways such as voice, pen or gesture.

Be more productive

Windows 10 will help people get more done with less effort than ever before. Microsoft Edge, the all-new browser designed to get things done online in new ways, offers built-in inking, sharing and reading view. With Cortana integrated, Microsoft Edge offers quick results and content based on individual interests and preferences. Fast, streamlined and personal, Microsoft Edge empowers people to focus on just the content that matters to them and actively engage with the Web.

In addition to the Office 2016 full-featured desktop suite, new Universal Windows applications for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook will offer a consistent, touch-first experience across a range of devices. Designed from the ground up to run on Windows 10 and perfect for staying productive on the go, people can easily create and edit Word documents and deliver PowerPoint presentations while annotating on the fly. With new touch-first controls in Excel, people can create or update spreadsheets without a keyboard or mouse.

Work and play the way you want across devices

Windows 10 offers a familiar and consistent experience across devices. Continuum enables devices to transform, enabling elegant transitions of a tablet into a PC, and back — and for a Windows phone to become like a PC.⁵ Xbox on Windows 10 brings the expansive Xbox Live gaming network to both Windows 10 PCs and tablets. People can communicate with their friends on Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One while playing any PC game and share content using Game DVR. People can also stream games directly from their Xbox One console to a Windows 10 tablet or PC in their homes. Games developed for DirectX 12 in Windows 10 will see improvements in speed, efficiency and graphics capability.⁶

Upgrade availability

On July 29, people can get Windows 10 for PCs and tablets by taking advantage of the free upgrade offer, or on new Windows 10 devices. New Windows 8.1 devices will also easily upgrade to Windows 10, and many retail stores will help upgrade new devices. Starting today, people can reserve their free upgrade if they choose. More information is available here and at Windows.com.

Related:

Winners and Finalists of Microsoft 2015 Partner of the Year Awards Announced

Symphony of Gardens Tour to Benefit Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra

Symphony of Gardens to Feature Five Eastside Gardens and Benefit Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra

Orchestra's Symphony of Gardens fundraiser features five exciting private gardens in Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Kirkland and Mercer Island

The Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra is planning its 2nd Annual Symphony of Gardens Tour. This event, which benefits the East Side's premier orchestra, will be Sunday, June 28th, from 11am to 4pm. The tour will offer garden enthusiasts a rare glimpse of gorgeous private gardens in Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Kirkland and Mercer Island. LWSO musicians will play chamber music in the gardens from 1 to 2pm, weather permitting.

The Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra's Symphony of Gardens Tour is Sunday, June 28th, from 11am-4pm. Tickets are $25. Tickets are available at Grape Choice, Bellevue Nursery, Sky Nursery and Wells Medina Nursery or through Brown Paper Tickets, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1586858. For information about the LWSO, see http://lwso.org. 

  

Bellevue Hotel Management Company Pineapple Hospitality Buys San Diego Hotel Z

Bellevue Hotel Management Company Buys 2nd CA Hotel Property.

Bellevue hotel management company Pineapple Hospitality Company, has announced their entrance into the San Diego hotel market.

Pineapple Hospitality Company has purchased a hotel property on 6^th Avenue, in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.  The property is currently in the midst of conversion. The hotel will open under the name Hotel Z.  The hotel is now taking reservations for stays beginning August 1.  San Diego is absolutely beautiful all year round. August and September usually have the warmest weather and most comfortable water temperature at the beaches.

Hotel Z is Pineapple Hospitality's second property in California. The Bellevue Hotel Management Company's first property in CA is The Hotel California in San Francisco, they own and operate four hotels in Seattle and one in Portland, OR. "We chose San Diego because it complements our core values in that we offer properties in high-demand locations," said President Michelle Foreman Barnet. "All six of our properties are in strong markets, and this addition gives our Pineapple guests good coverage of the West Coast from the Pacific Northwest to Southern California.  We are delighted to offer our Pineapple hospitality in San Diego, and we know our guests will be excited by the amazing location.”

Hotel Z will open after a total redesign of the original property.  Upon opening, guests will enjoy the same amazing Pineapple Hospitality service and amenities as offered in other hotels.  This includes complimentary wireless internet and free bike check-outs, dog-friendly accommodations and a daily cupcake and coffee reception.

"We are so excited to have entered this market," stated Barnet. "The location between Island and Market on 6^th Avenue is superb." The four-story, 96-room property is located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, is three blocks from Petco Park and four blocks from the San Diego Convention Center.

For more information about Hotel Z or to make reservations, visit www.HotelZSanDiego.com. They can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

About Pineapple Hospitality
Each Pineapple Hotel is owned and operated by Pineapple Hospitality Company, a Bellevue hotel management company. For centuries the pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality all over the world; Pineapple Hospitality Company strives to continue that tradition in each of its hotel locations. Pieces of the Pineapple include Hotel FIVE in downtown Seattle, The Maxwell Hotel in Queen Anne, Watertown Hotel and University Inn, both in the University District, Hotel Rose in downtown Portland, OR.; and The Hotel California in San Francisco, CA. For more information about Pineapple Hospitality Company, including reservations at any of its properties, visit www.StayPineapple.com or call 866-866-7977. Pineapple Hospitality can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Publisher's Note:  We would love to review all of these properties - and hope that Pineapple will soon be able to add a Bellevue Hotel to their portfolio.  I don't think there is currently a Bellevue Hotel that is not super successful and sold out much of the year.

Steve Bowles Hired by Oki Golf as New GM of The Plateau Club

Oki Golf Re-Hires Steve Bowles

Steve Bowles, local golf professional and former Director of Golf Operations at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge, is transitioning back to Oki Golf as the new General Manager of the Plateau Club in Sammamish, Wash. Bowles previously managed golf operations for Oki Golf at both Washington National and The Golf Club at Newcastle.

More recently, Bowles worked with Virginia Mason, managing corporate partnerships and golf operations for the annual Boeing Classic. Bowles brings golf expertise, managerial skills, and a passion for the hospitality and golf industries with him to the Plateau Club.

About Oki Golf

Oki Golf is a collection of 11 premier Puget Sound golf courses providing championship golf course layouts and outstanding course conditions to players of all skill levels. With several Northwest golf courses located near Seattle, Everett and Olympia, Oki Golf’s challenging course designs and unrivaled guest service provide an exceptional golf experience at unparalleled value to casual golfers, tournaments and group golf outings. Oki Golf’s portfolio of courses includes The Golf Club at Newcastle, Washington National Golf Club, The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge, Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, Harbour Pointe Golf Club, The Golf Club at Echo Falls, The Golf Club at Hawk’s Prairie, The Plateau Club and Indian Summer Golf & Country Club. For more information about Oki Golf, visit www.OkiGolf.com.

You can 'Like' Oki Golf on Facebook too!

Infographic: How to Organize Your Office

An infographic brought to you by www.kellystorage.co.uk

Tried and Tested Security Measures for Commercial Businesses

Every business has its own security needs and these can vary from high-tech computer software protection to standard burglar alarms. You will want to keep your premises safe from burglary, vandalism and fire damage as well as keeping your staff secure.

Securing your premises

In order to protect your business and to satisfy the demands of your insurers, every company throughout the UK should have some form of security in place. Security Direct among other companies offers a wide range of security doors and shutters to protect your building. It’s important to safeguard the interior of your property as well as the exterior.

Risk assessment

The website Start Up Donut has published figures that show that crimes against businesses have increased by 20%, costing companies £21 billion per year. Carry out a risk assessment of your business premises; perform this exercise with a friend, as two pairs of eyes are usually better than one. You could also ask your local crime prevention officer to help you carry out this task. Look out for parts of your property that are easy to access. If you have a perimeter fence, then you should make sure that it’s secure.

Standard security measures

If you have the finances, install some CCTV. Make sure that the tapes are kept up to date and that the cameras are positioned in vulnerable areas. Exits and stock rooms should be monitored at all times. If you can place unobtrusive cameras in your stock room you can have peace of mind that you can monitor the whole business. Sadly all the vetting procedures in the world can’t protect you from theft from your own staff, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Advertise your security 

Make sure that your alarms are labelled and you have a notice on the exterior and the interior of your business announcing that your property is protected by alarm. The professional thief may still chance their luck, but an opportunist thief should be deterred. If your alarm system is linked to the local police station, then tell the world. This simple procedure may stop your windows being broken or an attack by a ram raider.

Light your premises

A building that’s shrouded in gloom is always inviting to criminals. The Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure generally advises on terrorism and other extreme forms of violation, but its advice on lighting is just as applicable as a burglar deterrent as any other shape of criminal. You could install sensor lights that are connected to an alarm. The criminal won’t necessarily be aware that they have tripped the sensor switch as these lights are often infra red. If you don’t want the thief to get this far, then a strong light outside your shop or business premises will act as an effective deterrent.

Security codes and keys

Don’t leave spare keys on public display, you’re only asking for trouble. If you use codes to access company computers, storerooms or safes, only share these with one or two people. One way of deterring crime is to control of sensitive information.

Top 5 YouTube Tips for Bellevue Small Businesses

If you haven't explored video as a powerful marketing tool you might be missing out on a powerful marketing tool. YouTube is FREE and easy to use with a massive market audience which gives small businesses the kind of leverage big businesses have with TV and Commercials. However, like any strategy or tool, in order for it to see positive results it needs to be put into action.



I have put together 5 tips to help Bellevue Small Businesses get the most out of YouTube.

1. Create and Brand Your Channel
Just get started and sign up for a YouTube Channel. Once you start your channel make sure you customize your channel so that it has your company's logo, looks similar to your website and look of your brand. You can have your designer to create a YouTube Banner with your logo and images that will share what your channel is all about. It is well worth the time and will only take a few seconds to set up.

2. Develop a list of topics
My tip on finding out what topics to create videos around is to search Amazon's Books around your topic or industry. Find a popular book such as 101 Questions for ________(fill in the blank with your industry). Click on a book and search the contents of the book and you will see titles that will be great topics you could do videos about for your audience.

3. Search Google Keyword Planner
Search Google's keyword planner to find out more relevant topics and keywords to focus your videos around. Doing this research ahead of time will help you get your videos ranked on the first page of Google.

4. You Don't Need Expensive Equipment
These days everyone has a smart phone or an iPhone that has a very high quality video camera. People love videos that are real and raw. Try to to shake too much or have someone hold your phone while you film your video. Make sure that the lighting is in front of you or else the video will look dark. You can also make sure that you don't do videos behind a window. I have more tips on this but for now just don't go out and buy fancy equipment if you are on a budget. You can easily do it with a simple iPhone or very low end flip type camera.

5. Call to Action
At the end of your videos make sure to let your viewers know what to do next after watching your video. That might be telling them to visit you on your website, like this video, interact with you by commenting or asking a question the comment box below. People need to know how they can contribute to you or what they should do next with the valuable content you just shared with them.

If you would like to know more about how to start a YouTube Channel for your Bellevue Business I would love to invite you to my next workshop.

Join me June 2nd, 2015 at 6pm - 8pm

at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue in the Pacific Place Board Room.

Limited Seating is available! Please RSVP at www.YouTubewithStacia.Eventbrite.com.

Can't make this event and want to learn more about me go to: www.StaciaLoo.com/aloha to Get on my VIP List for more tips and tricks and my FREE 5 Day Online Marketing Training. 

What Mid-Sized Enterprises Can Learn From These Four Examples of Excellent Customer Service

By Benoît Gruber, VP Corporate Communication, Sage Enterprise Market Europe & Sage ERP X3

Think about a time when you received amazing customer service. Now think about how rare it was that you experienced that level of customer service. In this day of social media and the omnipresent “review” of businesses and services, one would think companies would do their best to provide top-notch customer service at every turn. Yet it’s surprising how few companies really take the time and effort to provide outstanding customer service that will increase customer loyalty.

Businesses would be wise to prioritize customer satisfaction and retention because driving new business is expensive. In fact, it is six-to-seven times more expensive to win a new customer than it is to keep an existing one, according to the White House Office of Consumer Affairs. In addition, according to Bain & Company, 80 percent of CEOs believe they are providing excellent customer service when only 18 percent of their customers agree. Clearly there is a disconnect between what management thinks is happening and what the customer is really experiencing.

The bottom line: businesses with a reputation for treating their customers with great levels of service are noticed, and usually rewarded. When we hear of extraordinary customer service experiences, we tend to remember and gravitate towards companies that provide them. Here are four examples of well-known businesses capitalizing on opportunities to provide next-level service to their customers. Let’s take a look at what they did and how mid-sized enterprises can apply these lessons to improve their own customer service experiences.

1. In 2009, The High Wycombe John Lewis store stayed open during a blizzard so that stranded customers had a place to stay while the storm passed. Beds, sofas, duvets, coffee and tea were provided to over 100 customers.
   
   
   
   • Lesson: Go above and beyond. One of the quickest ways for a mid-sized enterprise to win loyalty is to give customers what they need, when they need it, and embrace any and every opportunity to bend over backwards for customers in a time of need. Thinking outside the box and going the extra mile for your customers will not only boost your reputation, it’ll help you stand apart from your competition.
   
   
   
   


2. After a franchised Starbucks refused to honor the 10 percent discount given to Gold Starbucks reward members, the customer reached out to Starbucks to air his grievance. Instead of just responding to the unhappy customer, Starbucks responded and sent the customer a $50 store credit, going way above and beyond what the customer expected and reported on social media.
   
   
   
   • Lesson: Admit mistakes. A quick response to remedy any customer service mistake helps show your customers that their satisfaction is your top priority. Mid-sized enterprises can achieve this by establishing policies and protocols that empower employees to resolve customer conflicts as quickly and efficiently as possible by apologizing, compensating the customer, or both.
   
   
   
   


3. As a way to promote highway safety, the South Carolina Highway Patrol partnered with the U.S. restaurant Chick-fil-A and rewarded drivers wearing seatbelts with Chick-fil-A coupons.
   
   
   
   • Lesson: Provide your customers with added value. Even if your business does not typically provide ongoing customer service, you can look to partner with outside organizations to build a positive reputation among your industry and those you serve. Mid-market enterprises can bundle solutions or partner with other businesses to build visibility and trust, and improve their brand’s reputation. Offer an upgrade or a business care discount day to offer customers something of value. Everybody wins when the customer feels like they are rewarded for working with you!
   
   
   
   


4. The merchandise retail store Bed Bath & Beyond sends out frequent discount coupons. Not only will stores honor them even after they expire, they will also gladly take multiple coupons and apply them to a single transaction.
   
   
   
   • Lesson: Make it as easy as possible for customers to give you their business. Similar businesses also offer coupons and discounts, but Bed Bath & Beyond really makes an effort to accommodate customers. Take the same approach and make sure it is easy to purchase upgrades or additional items and that there aren’t any roadblocks when it comes to doing business with you.
   
   
   
   

Forward thinking and company-wide understanding of the standards of customer service will help build a positive reputation, customer loyalty and ultimately higher profitability. Customer service isn’t an option. All customers expect it, whether your company is big or small. And excellent customer service does not need to be something complex or need to follow an intricate program. It can be simple, pragmatic, and quick. Lengthy loyalty programs are not mandatory, but instead have empathy, respect, common sense, and quick reflexes.

By providing your customers with a great, memorable experience you not only make them happy, but you establish a legacy of excellence that positions your business for future growth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Benoît Gruber joined Sage in 2008 and is, since October 2013, VP of Corporate Communications and Brand for Sage Enterprise-Market Europe and Sage ERP X3. He leads, defines and implements the strategy of corporate and digital communication in cohesion with the overall business strategy. He acts as a spokesperson and an expert in solution with opinion leaders, analysts, press and customers. He was previously VP Product & Alliances for Sage Mid-Market Europe solutions. In this capacity, he was responsible for global product strategy of Sage ERP X3 solution. He is in charge of Product Management & Marketing for Sage ERP X3 globally and ensuring the Operating Company teams are aligned behind the product strategy. He also serves as the solution expert when dealing with thought leaders, analysts, and press.

Prior to working at Sage, Benoît worked at SAP (from 2000-2008), where he held a variety of marketing and product management positions before becoming Sr. Industry Principle (Product & Business Development). He was a member of the EMEA Manufacturing Industries Business Group. Prior to working at SAP, Benoît worked in different management consulting, technology service companies dedicated for ERP, business intelligence, and new technologies. He also had his own company in the media and publishing sectors.

Free Download for BBJ Subscribers: "Understanding the Myths of Market Trends and Patterns"

For a limited time, BellevueBusinessJournal.com subscribers can now download the free ebook from Forex Trends called Understanding the Myths of Market Trends and Patterns.

Click on the link to download your copy of this extremely valuable information on how to actually make money in Forex trading.

For those of you unfamiliar with Forex, or uncertain what Forex is, here is the entry for Forex at Wikipedia:

Foreign exchange market

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Forex" redirects here. For the football club, see FC Forex Brașov. For the U.S. FBI sting operation, see Dominic Brooklier § Bompensiero murder.

Foreign exchange
Exchange rates
Currency band Exchange rate Exchange-rate regime Exchange-rate flexibility Dollarization Fixed exchange rate Floating exchange rate Linked exchange rate Managed float regime
Markets
Foreign exchange market Futures exchange Retail foreign exchange
Assets
Currency Currency future Currency forward Non-deliverable forward Foreign exchange swap Currency swap Foreign-exchange option
Historical agreements
Bretton Woods Conference Smithsonian Agreement Plaza Accord Louvre Accord
See also
Bureau de change Hard currency Currency pair
v t e

The foreign exchange market (forex, FX, or currency market) is a global decentralized market for the trading of currencies. In terms of volume of trading, it is by far the largest market in the world.^[1] The main participants in this market are the larger international banks. Financial centres around the world function as anchors of trading between a wide range of multiple types of buyers and sellers around the clock, with the exception of weekends. The foreign exchange market determines the relative values of different currencies.^[2]

The foreign exchange market works through financial institutions, and it operates on several levels. Behind the scenes banks turn to a smaller number of financial firms known as “dealers,” who are actively involved in large quantities of foreign exchange trading. Most foreign exchange dealers are banks, so this behind-the-scenes market is sometimes called the “interbank market”, although a few insurance companies and other kinds of financial firms are involved. Trades between foreign exchange dealers can be very large, involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Because of the sovereignty issue when involving two currencies, forex has little (if any) supervisory entity regulating its actions.

The foreign exchange market assists international trade and investments by enabling currency conversion. For example, it permits a business in the United States to import goods from the European Union member states, especially Eurozone members, and pay Euros, even though its income is in United States dollars. It also supports direct speculation and evaluation relative to the value of currencies, and the carry trade, speculation based on the interest rate differential between two currencies.^[3]

In a typical foreign exchange transaction, a party purchases some quantity of one currency by paying with some quantity of another currency. The modern foreign exchange market began forming during the 1970s after three decades of government restrictions on foreign exchange transactions (the Bretton Woods system of monetary management established the rules for commercial and financial relations among the world's major industrial states after World War II), when countries gradually switched to floating exchange rates from the previous exchange rate regime, which remained fixed as per the Bretton Woods system.

The foreign exchange market is unique because of the following characteristics:

• its huge trading volume representing the largest asset class in the world leading to high liquidity;


• its geographical dispersion;


• its continuous operation: 24 hours a day except weekends, i.e., trading from 22:00 GMT on Sunday (Sydney) until 22:00 GMT Friday (New York);


• the variety of factors that affect exchange rates;


• the low margins of relative profit compared with other markets of fixed income; and


• the use of leverage to enhance profit and loss margins and with respect to account size.

As such, it has been referred to as the market closest to the ideal of perfect competition, notwithstanding currency intervention by central banks.

PCCP and Align Real Estate Form JV to Purchase Pacific Towers Office Building in Downtown Bellevue

PCCP, LLC recently announced that it has formed a joint venture with Align Real Estate to acquire the six-story, 110,372-square-foot Class A Pacific Tower office property within the central business district of Bellevue, WA. The property is 95 percent occupied and includes ground-floor retail and a three-level parking garage consisting of 315 stalls. The acquired property consists of the bottom six floors of a 23-story tower, the top 17 stories are residential condominiums.

“This is our first joint venture with Align, a firm specializing in value-added office development throughout the Pacific Northwest and California,” said Erik Flynn, managing director with PCCP. “Bellevue Pacific offers us an opportunity to increase the asset’s revenue through value-add improvements including a lobby renovation and aesthetic upgrades to the tenant floors that are designed to enhance the building’s prominence in the marketplace and ultimately attract long-term tenants.”

Built in 1995, the property is located at NE 2nd Avenue, between 106th and 107th Avenues. It includes 24 Hour Fitness, Opus Bank, TIAA-CREF as well as other tenants. Over the past several years the property has been amidst a rapidly transforming neighborhood with new hotel, mixed-use, residential, and retail developments occurring on each side of the property.

Bellevue, the business center of the Eastside of Seattle, continues to see the highest growth in rental rates in its submarket with premium buildings experiencing average rental rate growth of 12.7 percent in 2014. Rental rate growth projections through 2015 are expected to reach approximately 8 percent with continued growth over the next four years.

Eastdil Secured represented both the buyer, as well as the seller, LaSalle Investment Management.

Palace Entertainment Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement With DreamEast

Palace Entertainment, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China based DreamEast Entertainment Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Skyocean International Holdings (00593.HK). Under the agreement, Palace Entertainment will supply consulting services and strategic suggestions, covering market analysis, project planning and intellectual property rights, for the amusement park and resort projects of DreamEast theme park. The cooperation will be of great importance for the market research and implementation of the DreamEast theme park project, and for facilitating the realization of the DreamEast objective to “introduce Chinese culture to the world.” Additionally, it embodies the efforts of DreamEast to integrate the best talent resources to cultivate the best theme park in the world. “China has become an extremely important area of business opportunities and we look forward to sharing our best practices and strategic advice to create new theme parks abroad,” commented Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Palace Entertainment.

Palace Entertainment, one of the largest park operators in the U.S. that entertains millions of guests annually, owns and operates 22 amusement parks, water parks, animal parks and family entertainment centers across the United States. Established in 1998, Palace Entertainment was acquired by the Parques Reunidos Group in 2007, the second largest theme park operator in Europe. Parques Reunidos Group is the 5^th of the top 10 groups running theme parks in the world. It has a total of 56 parks in 12 countries in Europe and America, including parks in Spain, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, France, Italy, Britain and Argentina. It also provides valuable services in various stages of leisure park construction, ranging from consultation for preparations, business management and park operation.

DreamEast, a cultural and entertainment brand of Skyocean International Holdings (00593.HK,) was established by Skyocean to comprehensively enter the cultural industry as a result of research and practice over 12 years. Centering on intellectual properties of Chinese culture, it is devoted to integrate global talents, technologies and advanced management concepts, and construct DreamEast Culture Town, a complete cultural industry chain platform running through the creation, exhibition and experience of cultural entertainment. It is to overturn the existing pattern of the industry with the Internet thought and develop into a world first-class cultural entertainment brand.

WSU Creamery Announces New Manager

John Haugen will manage the Washington State University Creamery effective Aug. 1. He has been assistant manager since 1999.

He will replace Russ Salvadalena, manager since July 2000, who plans to retire in January after assisting with personnel transition and special projects.

Information about the assistant manager vacancy can be found at https://www.wsujobs.com/postings/18564. Those interested may apply at http://www.wsujobs.com; search for position number 121370.

Haugen will oversee Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe retail store, cheese and ice cream production and the direct marketing department - where two-thirds of the cheese revenue is generated through phone, Internet and mail orders.

During Salvadalena’s tenure, revenues more than doubled, the warehouse and telephone call center were expanded in 2006 and the retail store was expanded in 2013. Cheese production capacity increased and dozens of students received training and experience to make them valued prospective employees in the food industry.

The creamery is preparing to break ground this summer on a $4 million facility for whey processing training and research and to improve milk delivery from the university-owned dairy farm.

Why Planning Is Key To Successful Product Design

When it comes to designing and delivering new products for the market it’s not just enough to have a good, robust idea that fills a gap in the market. Good ideas alone should underpin every successful product design but it’s unlikely that they will carry the project through on their own.

The key to realizing a concept is having a thorough plan so you can prepare for every eventuality and overcome all of the hurdles in your way. Put simply, you need to be prepared to be able to identify and answer all the ‘who, what, where, when, why and how’ questions about your design. Being able to do that rests with the planning process. Here’s our guide to some of the areas to look at to ensure you make a success of your overall design…

Market: All successful products should serve a purpose or solve a problem. How do you identify a purpose or a problem? By knowing your market inside and out. Every business should know its field, its competitors and its customers thoroughly and should use that information to work out where the opportunities are for new products and services. It’s then important to marry up bright ideas with those opportunities for a successful relationship.

Style: You can’t design a successful product unless you work out what it needs to look like. Planning this out is vital. The color and shape of your product sends a powerful message and, even once you’ve settled on that, you need to assess how you achieve the look. Does your product need specialist treatment? Large items of machinery or transport don’t just need a tin of paint, you might well need the expert equipment from Airblast AFC Abrasive Recovery Systems to allow you to prepare and paint. Equally, plastic, wooden and metal products all need handling in different ways. The planning process should work out the style that is right for your product as well as the materials to be used and how to achieve your style with them.

Packaging: Depending on what your product is, the way you package it could play a big part in its success and this needs to be properly planned. Do you want to stand out from the crowd? How can you use imagery, logos and wording to make a statement? Look at your competitors and the characteristics of your brand and map out how you want your packaging to look based on that. You may well want to try out different designs with a focus group to ensure you are attracting your ideal customer.

Testing: Every plan should include time to test a prototype of your product. You need to consider possible problems with your design and ensure these are looked at during the testing process, with solutions to be found at this stage. Tweaking your design to enhance that initial idea should all be part of the plan.

Targets: How can you judge the success of a product? You need to be clear on what it is you want to achieve, set a target during the planning stage and work out how you will record and monitor its success. Only by using targets and data can you keep on top of a project – and step in at the earliest possible opportunity if things go awry. Project management is another important part of overseeing a successful product design – but it’s impossible to handle this function properly if you’ve not planned everything out and worked out what it is you want to achieve.

Planning may not sound exciting but it provides the crucial blueprint for any successful product design. Looking at the market, your style and packaging, testing the design and setting targets are all part of the process and without them your efforts could quickly become unfocussed.

Les Schwab Tire Center Moves Bellevue Location - Community event raises funds for schools; Free movie tickets, food and savings

This week, Les Schwab Tire Centers commemorates the relocation of its new Bellevue-Overlake store. The public is invited to the two-day event starting Friday, May 29.

The celebration features giveaways, food, savings and fun while supporting area high schools:

• OneRedmond, the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store Saturday at 1 p.m.


• Throughout the festivities, guests can spin a prize wheel to win movie tickets, T-shirts, coupons, key chains, lanyards or free services, while supplies last.


• Stop by for a complimentary lunch as Les Schwab employees will grill hot dogs and hamburgers on Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. and Interlake High School Students will be grilling on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.


• Radio show KQMV MOViN 92.5FM with Brooke and Jubal will broadcast from Les Schwab on Friday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.Test your luck in the MOViN 92.5 Cash Tube to see how much money you can grab!


• On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., KMPS 94.1FM will broadcast live from Les Schwab.


• While folks enjoy the festivities, they can take advantage of Les Schwab’s Free Pre-Trip Safety Check, which includes checking tire pressure and tread depth, visual alignment, brakes, shocks and battery.

“We’ll be providing a fun atmosphere and giveaways that families can enjoy together,” said Jeff Robidou, Les Schwab’s Bellevue-Overlake store manager. “We hope residents will come out to meet us and also support students as they raise money for their activities.”

The new Les Schwab Tire Center is located at 2355 Bel-Red Road, at the corner of Northeast 24th Street and Bel-Red Road, across the street from Trader Joe’s and Walgreens. It replaces the former Les Schwab store next to Fred Meyer on 148th Avenue Northeast. As part of the two-day event, customers will receive additional savings on Les Schwab tires.

“This two-day event gives our Les Schwab team an opportunity to meet our neighbors, and we’re looking forward to telling them about the Les Schwab story, which includes selling only the highest quality products backed up by our world-class service and warranties. You won’t find a better value,” said Robidou. “The new store will offer the complete Les Schwab experience. Employees greet customers as they drive onto the parking lot, showrooms offer a wide selection of tires to meet customer safety and driving requirements, and free warranties are provided for tires, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts.”