Welcome to the 2009 Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce

Blitz: Capitol Hill's New Arts Walk Kicks off Thursday July 9th

On Thursday, July 9th, Capitol Hill is launching Blitz - a new monthly art walk showcasing the businesses and creative cultures that thrive on the Hill. Produced by the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), the walk includes a range of arts including visual art and music, performance art and even culinary arts. Blitz will keep the neighborhood hopping from 5:00 - 8:00 pm next week and the event will continue on the second Thursday of each month. 

“The Chamber is excited to be connecting people, arts organizations, and businesses in our culturally dynamic neighborhood,” said Chris Persons, President of the CHCC. “Blitz celebrates what makes Capitol Hill unique.” 

Over 40 Capitol Hill businesses are signed up to participate in Blitz, including Hugo House, Ballard Fetherston Gallery, and Babeland (full list below) and the numbers keep climbing. Shop owners have pulled together a wide variety of artists and performers for the June 11 kickoff. In addition, street performers are gearing up to entertain and help set the tone for the celebration.

PROJECTED GOALS FOR 2009

• ¨ CONTINUE TO GROW MEMBERSHIP: Our goal is to increase membership by 200 new members by year's end. We will also introduce the Cornerstone Program to recognize founding charter members and other supporters who choose to maintain their membership at the $1000 level or above. These members will receive special recognition at an annual event and other benefits to be determined.
• ¨ BECOME A SELF SUSTAINING ORGANIZATION: This coming June City funding for our Chamber's office operations and programming will come to an end. The Chamber looks forward to becoming a self sustaining organization through the financial support and volunteer efforts of our members.
• ¨ CONTINUE MARKETING CAMPAIGN:, CHCC will work with neighborhood stakeholders on the branding team to build a branding and marketing campaign strategy for the neighborhood with KITE agency.
• ¨ BUSINESS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: Funding from our Sound Transit mitigation agreement will be applied towards marketing the neighborhood and will support retail and technical consulting seminars for area businesses provided by Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University. The results of these investments are a Broadway and surrounding business district that "not only survive but thrive" during Sound Transit construction
• ¨ IMPROVED STREETSCAPE AND TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD): CHCC and Capitol Hill Housing have begun discussions with SCCC, Sound Transit and other neighborhood stakeholders about developing a plan that will improve TOD, sidewalks, trees, and other amenities that enhance business districts on Capitol Hill.
• ¨ MARKETING FOR MEMBERS: The Chamber plans to develop more marketing opportunities for Chamber members to help promote their business during economically challenging times. Look forward to discount programs, networking events, marketing workshops and more!
  
  PLEASE JOIN US and support your Chamber: We have the energy, enthusiasm and commitment to make Capitol Hill a thriving, vital community for all comers! To see how you can get involved contact Jack at jack@caphillchamber.org, or call 206-328-6646. We need your ideas, concerns, and financial suppport