Press Release : OneRedmond 2.0 - INVEST. INSPIRE. IGNITE.

Media Contact:

Heidi Archer, Director of Business Development

o: (425) 885-4014 m: (360) 607-3610

heidia@oneredmond.org

***PRESS RELEASE***

Community Leaders Launch Campaign to Improve Economic, Workforce and Community Development in Redmond and the Eastside

Non-profit private-public partnership leading $4.5 million effort

What: Private and public sector community leaders in Redmond and the region will officially launch a $4.5 million campaign to allow OneRedmond, the region’s economic, workforce and community development agency to accelerate its efforts at improving the region’s economy and quality of life. OneRedmond is undertaking the capital campaign to fund a three-pronged economic development initiative centered on three strategies:

Strategy 1: Comprehensive Economic Growth: New Business Recruitment and Existing Business Retention and Expansion: Diversifying the region’s economic base and building the industries of the future.

Strategy 2: Talented and Expanding Workforce: Playing an active Role in ensuring the appropriate quantity and quality of workforce is available to existing and future businesses.

Strategy 3: Vibrant Community Life: Increasing our commitment to strengthening the region’s appeal as an urban destination, focused on attracting and retaining workers and the enjoyment of current residents.

The campaign is seeking private sector investors along with public sector support to fund OneRedmond’s activities through 2021. The campaign will turn its efforts toward the public at a celebration on Wednesday, March 8th.

Who: Campaign Co-Chairs:

• Representatives from the City of Redmond and nearby communities
• Dozens of private sector leaders

When: 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Where: VALA Art Center – Redmond Town Center

7525 166th Ave NE

Redmond, Washington 98052

**If you would like to attend event contact Heidi Archer, heidia@oneredmond.org

Why: “Since OneRedmond’s inception in 2012, we have met with over three hundred companies and helped to recruit, expand or retain thousands of jobs, serving as the catalyst for making Redmond and the region the location of choice for businesses and a vibrant community in which to live, work and play,” Bart Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, OneRedmond. Campaign Co-Chair Jim Stanton added, “Microsoft’s competitiveness in the global economy includes attracting and retaining the very best talent. Redmond is our corporate home, and the majority of our employees live here. Investing in the success of the local economy and community through access to education and job opportunities is a high priority for Microsoft. That’s why we support OneRedmond.”