WINTER 2014 perspective

The Mayor’s in the House A Conversation with Mayor Ed Murray

ALSO INSIDE: Miki’s Place – A Heartwarming Scholarship Story, page 3 John Wong Happily Talks Pubs, page 6 PacMed Treats the Whole You, page 10 Making a Difference Today and Tomorrow The Perspective A quarterly publication from ’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Chamber BY LOUISE CHERNIN GSBA Scholarship Stories of Commerce in your PRESIDENT & CEO GSBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Business GSBA SCHOLARSHIPS HELP SO MANY STUDENTS each and life, ever. I was teased terribly in school, picked on as a kid, Executive Officers WHAT NEW OPPORTUNITIES will you continue to offer you an Martha Davis, Chair, City Lights Sign Company have in 2014? What surprises are in store opportunity to meet and every year. We wanted to share a very special story — Miki Cabell’s misunderstood as an adult and generally pushed to the fringe [email protected] story. Here is what she had to say in her own words about all of my days, and GSBA — you — had chosen me! Kevin Gaspari, Vice Chair, Windermere and what challenges are around the corner? socialize with like-minded [email protected] If you knew what was coming next, you professionals. And, this overcoming adversity and the value of GSBA and the Scholarship Elaine DuCharme, Secretary, Elaine DuCharme Attorney she received. GSBA: How did the scholarship help you to excel and succeed? You at Law, [email protected] might be better prepared. While your year’s business luncheons had already come such a long way, overcoming many challenges. Lillian McDonell, Treasurer, Watson & McDonell, PLLC membership in GSBA does not offer answers will continue to feature Miki: Having others believe in my abilities changed me forever. [email protected] to all these questions, it can position your cutting edge information Mark Rosén, Scholarship Fund Chair, The Collage Knowing there were people in the LGBTQ community willing to [email protected] business for a prosperous 2014. on marketing, public policy invest in my future has altered my life’s journey. I come from a Mona Smith, Public Affairs Chair, Mona Smith PLLC and economic forecasting. [email protected] What new laws or regulations Miki’s Place Directors How Poverty, Addiction and Abuse Turned into Hope, Education and a Lifetime of Possibilities Roen Ako, [email protected] are being enacted for which you Allan Aquila, Allan Aquila & Associates, LLC A Peak into Your need to prepare? GSBA’s Public CURATED BY JESSICA WOOTTEN, GSBA SCHOLARSHIP MANAGER [email protected] Kim Bogucki, Seattle Police Dept.; [email protected] Policy Task Force stays current Carrie Carson, Point B, [email protected] on legislative issues and GSBA: Miki, tell us about your GSBA Scholarship experience. culture of poverty and much of what I know centers on survival. Stephanie Dallas, Morgan Stanley Crystal Ball Miki Cabell: I’ve been a recipient for many years, ever since I was I was never able to imagine my self as an academic or a Native [email protected] ensures there is a small business Ryan Digges, WhitePages.com; Past GSBA Scholar What does your business need to grow? perspective represented before in the Associate’s program at Gray Harbor College. Before college, woman building a voice of authority, telling stories of hope others [email protected] What business skills would be most helpful government bodies. I was cleaning toilets and I knew something had to change for me might want to hear. Lori Friedt, TAAS, [email protected] and for my children — I knew in the heart of my soul that I wanted Calvin Goings, Director, US Small Business Administration to ensure you are able to effectively run How can you expand your business In my senior year of undergrad study, I had to undergo six months [email protected] your business? How can you connect with reach? Marketing through GSBA is so much more for my kids. I had a sixth grade education and a of chemotherapy. I was very sick, but I was a GSBA Scholar! Jenny Harding, New Chapter Weddings GED at that point. I sat for my college placement tests. I didn’t [email protected] business colleagues who will introduce effective and affordable with an ROI you can My community believed in me and I was determined never to let David Hernandez, New York Life you to your next big lead? Who are the count on. Our publications, including the test very well on the first day and on the way out, broken and dis- them down. I stayed in school throughout the whole ordeal, thanks [email protected] print and online GSBA Guide & Directory, couraged, I met Jeb Thornton. He became my cheer coach, mentor Frank Huguenin, 2008 GSBA Scholarship Recipient business leaders in your sector that you to a couple of indomitable teachers and the belief of my funders. [email protected] can turn to for advice and information? The Perspective, our newsmagazine and extraordinaire and lifetime friend. He encouraged me to stay, put I graduated on time and began grad school the next fall. Jeff Kinney, [email protected] In partnership with US Bank, GSBA is our weekly eNews promote your business to the pencil in my hand and to write my first scholarship application. Robin Larmer, RLL Consulting & Advocacy; thousands of prospective customers. In the GSBA: What about your current and future plans? [email protected] launching a Business Literacy Program. GSBA: Wow! Perseverance and Jeb’s mentorship really paid off. Dena Levine, DML Insurance Services, Inc Led by industry experts, at no cost to small hospitality field? Then your business needs Miki: I’ll graduate this year with my Master’s degree and it’s my [email protected] Miki: It was life-changing seeing myself through the eyes of others businesses, the Literacy Program will to be found on TravelGaySeattle.com or at intention to go on to earn my PhD in Indigenous Studies through Rene Neidhart, Renaissance Hotel and it gave me courage and hope. My first GSBA interview was a big [email protected] cover topics such as how to put together the Seattle LGBT Visitors Center. Awaniarangi, a Maori university in New Zealand. Alan Parker deal. The trip to Seattle, meeting other bright, vibrant scholars and Drew Ness, 1st Security Bank, [email protected] a business plan or better understand your Perhaps the best business advice I can (director of many films including The Lord of the Rings Jay Petterson, H+P Political Compliance, LLC then I was selected! Me! No one had chosen me for anything in my [email protected] P&L statement. GSBA will continue to give you for 2014 is to use us. GSBA is here trilogy) has worked tirelessly to provide a bridge for native students Monique Szyszka-Ramos, US Bank expand the highly effective OUTLeads for you. We are your business chamber graduating from our program and to obtain a doctoral degree in the [email protected] Kurt Sarchet, Precision Garage Door Service referral groups held on Capitol Hill, and the only chamber in our region that field. I will apply for a GSBA scholarship again this year and with [email protected] Wallingford, West Seattle, the Eastside promotes equality in business, the only the faith and support of my community, I may be Dr. Miki Cabell Paul Villa, The Lobby Bar, [email protected] and in Lynnwood. Plans are under way chamber that invests in the education of some day. It’s amazing for me to think of that girl, on her knees Staff cleaning toilets — there’s absolutely nothing wrong with hard work Randy Bowren, Office & Event Coordinator for a new GSBA Business Affinity Group LGBT youth and we are ready to give you [email protected] for those in related industries to share the tools, information, connections and — six years ago is now a Native woman contemplating which PhD Rachael Brister, Deputy Director, [email protected] information. Of course, GSBA’s Prime Time visibility that open up new possibilities for program to pursue. I would have never been successful in this Amy Burdick, Business Development Manager [email protected] Mixers, located throughout the region; will a prosperous New Year. journey without the support of GSBA and I am grateful every day. Louise Chernin, President & CEO, [email protected] I have been blessed with powerful mentors and supporters. This is Rachel Chernin, Operations Manager [email protected] a gift of the scholarship process. Matt Landers, Policy Development & Communications BY MARTHA DAVIS Manager, [email protected] board chair’s GSBA: Thank you, Miki for sharing your journey with us. Anything Holly Teige, Membership Services Coordinator else you’d like to say? [email protected] Column Scott Walden, Events & Community Outreach YOU HAVE GOALS FOR 2014 and your This year, we will Miki: I want the LGBTQ community and GSBA to know the impact [email protected] GSBA membership is an important way for continue to provide great you have made in my life and that of my family. Thank you from Jessica Wootten, Development Associate & Scholarship Manager, [email protected] you to achieve your goals. Whether you want value to our member- the bottom of my heart and the top of my spirit. Contractors to promote your business, get support for ship. There are many new Gail Benzler, Editor-in-Chief, [email protected] your policy concerns as an LGBT person or things to look forward to Matt Ketcham, Ketcham Design, Designer & Publisher as a business owner, give back to our future in 2014. GSBA will roll [email protected] Miki’s Stats: leaders via the GSBA Scholarship Fund or out a new website that GSBA’s The Perspective is published quarterly by and for the members of the Greater Seattle Business Association, stay connected with the community, GSBA will enhance member Attended Gray Harbor College and Evergreen State College 400 E. Pine, Suite 322, Seattle, WA 98122, printed by is the organization for you. interaction and opportunities to Girlie Press and mailed from Seattle, 98122. Currently in the Masters of Public Administration — Tribal Governance Opinions expressed in Perspective do not necessarily Last year was a year of many promote your business and to stay connected. represent the views of the association, its members, or its program at Evergreen Board of Directors. Deadline for submission of all ads and accomplishments: marriage equality in We’re also exploring advisory boards for articles for each issue is the 1st of the previous month. Washington state, awarding record scholar- tourism and small business. Established in 1981, GSBA is a business chamber serving Entering PhD Program the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied business ship dollars to our GSBA scholars, including The Public Policy Task Force is and professional community. As expressed in our Mission Statement, GSBA is committed to “To combine business for the first time, graduate scholarships, looking at important LGBT and business is- Five-year GSBA Scholar development, leadership and social action to expand experiencing the largest and most successful sues as well as getting involved on task forces economic opportunities for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and those who support equality for TASTE yet, electing one of our association’s with government officials looking at these all.” Membership is open to any business or individual who members, Ed Murray, as Mayor of Seattle issues. Some important issues include the To learn more about the subscribes to the purposes of the association. For more information, contact GSBA at (206) 363-9188, or visit our and starting a corporate advisory board minimum wage, background checks for gun GSBA Scholarship Fund, Website at thegsba.org. In these and many other ways, GSBA set ownership, public safety, health care for the contact Jessica Wootten at the stage for all we will accomplish going transgender community and transportation. [email protected]. forward. Continued on page 6 2 3 COVER STORY

EATTLE SWORE IN ITS FIRST GAY MAYOR and one of GSBA’s long standing members, Ed Murray, on January 1. The city is abuzz with excitement for new leadership and promise. We’ve raised our glasses in celebration of electing a gay mayor. It’s now time to roll up our sleeves and get to work to realize that promise. A lot of work lies ahead, as Seattle faces growth and transpor- tation challenges, hires a new police chief, takes on public safety issues, addresses affordability and a living wage while economically invigorating business, and creates real safety nets for vulnerable sLGBT youth and seniors. I sat down with Mayor Murray within the first few days of his administration to discuss these and other issues. What we found is that Mayor Murray is up to the test and has hit the ground running. BY MONA SMITH, PUBLIC POLICY EDITOR Mayor: I have no plans to change the focus of Seattle’s Office of Civil Rights or the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. My goal is to provide these offices with the support and staff they need to do their jobs. The Mayor’s in the House MS: Two of the most vulnerable LGBT populations are youth and A Conversation with Mayor Ed Murray senior citizens. Homelessness and suicide rates for LGBT youth Mona Smith: One might say that legislating and governing are are unacceptably high. LGBT baby boomers are fast approaching different forms of art. After 18 years of being a legislator, first in senior citizenship and also face a lack of affordable housing and the State House and then in the State Senate, you are now entering do the smallest of independent businesses fit into increasing the services. Many of our seniors that require nursing home care go your first term as Mayor of Seattle. How has your time as a minimum wage and what support will City Hall provide to small back into the closet because they are not treated with dignity and legislator prepared you for governing a world class U.S. city? business? For example, will the city provide tax credits for small respect. Unlike other major U.S. cities, Seattle has not invested in a Mayor Ed Murray: Most of my career was spent in a deeply di- businesses with gross income under a certain amount and/or will LGBT community center. Often our LGBT youth and seniors do not vided legislature. We were deeply divided in number, split between Seattle invest funds to bring more commerce dollars into the city have the voice necessary to create systemic change that will result Democrats and Republicans. But our disagreements were also deep and particularly directed toward small business? in appropriate services and shelter. How will your administration and concerned bedrock notions like justice, compassion, and the Mayor: These are among the questions being investigated by address the needs of LGBT youth and seniors? proper role of government. I am fortunate that my City Council my Income Inequality Advisory Committee. I am personally Mayor: Although we need to do a better job addressing the needs colleagues are not so divided, and that there are only nine of them. committed to seeing that every Seattle worker makes a livable of youth and senior citizens generally, we must prevent those who Legislating and governing are different forms of art, but both wage. But increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour will have are LGBT from falling through the cracks. Seattle needs an LGBT are forms of public service. To succeed at either, you have to consequences and we have to get the details right. Obviously, one community center, and has for a long time. We also need to make be committed to public service, social justice, inclusivity and very significant issue is the impact on small business, which is why sure that the City’s outreach efforts and critical services target their perspective is represented on the committee. collaboration. These values are absolutely essential to being able populations that are especially at risk, and this includes LGBT CLOCKWISE FROM FROM UPPER LEFT: TAKEN AT MARY’S PLACE; youth and seniors. Of course, the Department of Human Services, to represent the will of the people and advocate on their behalf. I MS: We know you are committed to a comprehensive integrated FOLLOWING HIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS; BEING INTERVIEWED BY KING5’S the Office of Housing, the Office of Civil Rights and other City LINDA BRILL OUTSIDE OF AFTERNOON MASS; WITH MICHAEL AT HIS was able to work effectively in the legislature because I approached transportation system for Seattle and the region. Seattle has been agencies will be part of the solution. INAUGURAL CELEBRATION. those on the other side of the issues with respect, actually listened in favor of reducing the number of motor vehicles on its roads and to them, and gave them the space and the opportunity to be increasing other modes of transportation including public transit. MS: Seattle has a 20-year growth plan and although we are that our new chief has to be able to lead the Seattle Police persuaded. As mayor, I still approach things this way. With King County Metro facing another 17 percent reduction in about seven years into it, we have already reached approximately Department through the process of reform, to inspire change MS: What are your top priorities in your first 180 days in office? services that will result in fewer bus routes and longer waits, how 85 percent of the plan’s capacity. What is your vision to meet within the culture of the department, and also to help it become can Seattle efficiently and effectively move people throughout Mayor: Obviously, hiring a new police chief is at the very top of the needs for urban growth and preservation of the unique a model of active community policing. While this cannot be made and to and from the city? What time period should we consider my list of priorities. It is the most important hire a Mayor can neighborhoods of Seattle? During your first term will you revitalize in haste, I hope to announce a new chief in early April. acceptable to transport people who live within a five-mile radius make, and we have to get it right. I have faith in the Seattle Police the growth plan for Seattle? to the downtown corridor? MS: GSBA is elated that you are now mayor. As you surely know, Department and the fine officers who put themselves at risk for Mayor: Within the first few months, my administration will GSBA has become increasingly involved with city policy issues and our sake. But the SPD has to embrace and fully implement much Mayor: We need a transportation package from the state legis- convene a neighborhood summit. The point of the summit is to legislation and has become a sought after voice on issues affecting needed reform, and our officers deserve strong, clear leadership. lature that fully funds King County Metro. The proposed cuts to engage the public on questions such as these. We need an open transit service would disproportionally impact people who are public debate about density and growth management, and we need small business and civil rights. GSBA has been a key stakeholder We are currently working on ways to make Seattle affordable already underserved throughout the region. Seattle will not be able to make sure that it’s not just the loudest residents who get heard. in the yellow pages legislation, paid sick leave and criminal for residents across the income spectrum. Central to this aim is to provide efficient and effective transportation to and from the city, background check legislation. We have also been appointed to the the work of the Income Inequality Advisory Committee. These or even within the city, without significantly expanding our light- MS: During your campaign, you said that hiring the next Seattle past police chief hiring committee and gender pay equity task force. representatives from labor, business and non-profits are hashing rail network. We need it in order to connect Seattle with the region, police chief is one of your most important priorities. You also called How will your office partner with GSBA on issues affecting the out a set of recommendations for livable wage legislation, and and to connect our neighborhoods with each other. West Seattle out as unacceptable the seemingly increase in violent crime that LGBT and small business communities? have an April deadline. and Ballard, in particular, need high-capacity, rapid transit options adversely affects both residents and businesses in Seattle. Now Mayor: I am proud to have the support of GSBA and I respect the My administration is working hard on the development of an now. I am not sure how long it should take to get to downtown from that you have been elected Mayor, what are you doing to make our work the organization has done for small business communities, for integrated transportation plan, strengthening our maritime and 5 miles away. I am sure it should not take 45 minutes to get from downtown and neighborhoods safer, what qualities and experience Seattle and for social justice and equality. My office looks forward industrial sectors, convening a neighborhood summit, and moving West Seattle or Ballard to downtown, even on bad days. do you seek from a new police chief and what is your process and to working closely with GSBA on a range of issues and benefitting forward on universal Pre-K. There is also the gritty, crucial work timeline for hiring a new chief? from its participation and advice. of making sure that city government runs smoothly, efficiently, MS: Thank you again for being the architect for marriage Mayor: Hiring a new police chief will be my most important and is responsive to the people we are here to serve. equality in Washington. Even though the LGBT community has decision as Mayor of Seattle. But this is a decision that also MS: Since the election, what has been most surprising about gained many rights over the past few years, our community as well belongs to the people of Seattle. That is why I am working with becoming Mayor of Seattle? MS: The livable wage/$15 minimum wage debate is alive and well as other minority and immigrant communities still face disparate the Community Advisory Commission to engage the public in a Mayor: I was not surprised, but have been consistently impressed in Seattle and one could even say that a city-wide increase in the treatment and discrimination. How will you reshape and what can conversation about the qualities they would like to see in a new by the expertise, dedication, and generosity of City of Seattle minimum wage is inevitable. From your perspective as mayor, how we expect the focus to be of the Seattle Office of Civil Rights? chief of police, and initiating a dual-track search process. It is clear employees. 4 5 Board Chair’s Column, continued from page 2 served with rustic Italian bread by Daniele. I had to have the drink Of course, we will continue all of the programs you rely upon special for $5 — a glass of Prosecco, the Italian version of cham- to help you make connections, grow your business and feel pagne. Make no mistake, there are other drink specials including welcome. Pub & Grub wine, beer and cocktails. Another bartender, Earl, arrived. Earl, as Be sure to keep your connections alive and let GSBA help Round 1 it turns out, had been a chef at another Italian restaurant and this you to stay connected. Get online or call the office and renew reconfirmed my assessment that Panevino serves authentic Italian your membership today. It’s truly one of the best things you BY JOHN WONG, GSBA’S cuisine. He recommended the Pappardelle al ragu di Cinghiale, a RESIDENT PUB CRAWLER can do for yourself and for your business. Crawl pasta dish with slowly braised wild boar. We had to dash to our next spot or I would have ordered that dish on the spot and stayed WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN eating and for the live music that plays every Friday and Saturday night. drinking? Eating and drinking at happy hour of course! Saint John’s Bar & Eatery — on E. Pike Street in the former Affordable prices and a nifty way to check out the food Rosebud space— has an extensive happy hour menu of snacks, without paying for a full dinner. This is the first of what soups, salads, burgers and plates. There’s one dish you must order will be many rounds of pub and grub crawls. if you walk in there — the out-of-this-world-tasty pork belly sliders. Grub I’m great with, pub not so much, so I enlisted the aid When they source the meat and the bun on the menu, you know of Perspective Editor-in-Chief Gail Benzler to test the libations on a they’re serious about the food. Saint John’s goes out of its way to bitterly cold December night. For round one, we checked out Panevino, support local Saint John’s Bar & Eatery and Via Tribunali, all three in our favorite artisans and farmers and their menu features conscientiously gayborhood, Capitol Hill. sourced foods with natural and sustainable ingredients. Not Panevino, on Broadway, has the same look and feel as an upscale what you’d expect from an establishment opened by members of weatery in Rome or Florence. You can smell the sweet aroma of garlic three different rock bands (, and The being cooked in the kitchen, the bartender’s conversing with a co- Young Evils). There was little evidence of their music in the place, worker in Italian and the happy hour plate of salami we ordered was but what really rocked was the food. Gail did her part by sipping

down a Hot Czechocolate, a hot cocoa drink that was infused with Becherovka, an herbal bitters liqueur that tastes like cinnamon, a perfect warm-me-up on a cold winter night. Via Tribunali was the last stop on our pub and grub crawl. Their happy hours are daily before 6 p.m. and after 10 p.m. We got in just before six and the dining area was already packed with people. We sat at the bar, which was next to their signature Neapolitan wood-fired oven. We tried a Margherita pizza for $6, complete with traditional tomato sauce, cheese and fresh basil toppings. The pizza was quickly baked and served to us piping hot and it was quite tasty for such a simple dish. You don’t have to go all the way to Italy for traditional Neapolitan pizza anymore. Via Tribunali serves it up in Seattle (four locations) and if you’re traveling, check them out in Portland and New York. There are a number of drink specials on the happy hour menu, but we opted for a digestive of Limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur from southern Italy. Made from sweet Sorrento lemons, it doesn’t make you pucker up like regular lemons would, but was just the smooth, sweet end I needed to an evening of pubs and grub.

John’s Pub Crawl List: Find delicious and authentic Italian food at Panevino (panevino.com). For pork belly sliders and more, check out St. John’s Bar & Eatery (StJohnsSeattle.com). Looking for Tickets: 206.388.1400 | SeattleWomensChorus.org authentic Neapolitan pizza? Look no further than Via Tribunali (viatribunali.net). 6 7 GB: What is your role in the real estate buying process? JN: Appraising is not a science — it’s an opinion of value. Data can’t be plugged into a computer to come up with a property Joyce Nelson value. As we know, there are property valuation systems that claim you can. Due to my experience and education, lenders trust my opinion of value. They trust the unbiased value based BY GAIL BENZLER, on my research. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Takes The lender is my client in the home purchasing process. One of the variables in the success of the transaction, is whether the Supporting Our home has an appraised value equal to or above the purchase Charge price. Value does not equal price. I don’t take my role in this process lightly. I have and do come in Real Estate Appraising for the New Year below the sales price. Remember, the lender is my client. Community Not the buyer.

Small businesses are a critical part of REAL ESTATE. IS NOW A GB: How has GSBA membership helped your business? economic vitality in the region. The GOOD TIME to buy a home or What’s the value of GSBA membership? Your partner in health. commercial property? What JN: I have been a GSBA member for seven years. I own my At Regence BlueShield of Washington, we Port of Seattle’s Office of Social does an appraiser do? Joyce own business and work alone, so I really enjoy the networking believe in healthy communities and the people Responsibility ensures port activities Nelson knows her stuff. She aspect of GSBA. It is great to receive business referrals from who put their passion into achieving equality gives us the scoop on real estate fellow members and it is equally grand to know people on for all. are conducted within a framework of appraising and shares a story or whom I can depend. GSBA professionals always take good two along the way. care of my friends and family. I am happy to share information regence.com equity, inclusion and equal access to Gail Benzler: How did you get Continued on Page 11 economic opportunity. into the appraising business? I bet you have some interesting stories to tell. Joyce Nelson: I moved to this area in 1982 and didn’t know the difference between Ballard & community Regence BlueShield serves select counties in the state of Washington and Broadmoor, so I became a real estate agent. It was not the and is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association profession for me. To be successful you have to keep up on ARTSFEBRUARY © 2013 Regence BlueShield mortgage banking, construction trends plus be a family GSBA Business & Humanitarian Awards Dinner psychologist. Oh — and be a great negotiator. I looked around February 25 to see what the men were doing, mistakenly thinking that was thegsba.org 07222-Regence WA-GSBA.indd 1 10/9/13 11:47 AM where the money was and I saw real estate appraisers. MARCH I would arrive at the house for the appraisal appointment and homeowners were surprised that a woman was at their door. First Thursday Art Walk with Artist Shay Thoelke No, They thought I was the secretary making appointments for the Proceeds benefit GSBA Scholarship Fund you do Oh, you guys. “real” appraiser. It was a battle with underwriters, who were also March 6 You do the I have Marci predominantly men and who were not willing to share in the good thegsba.org the taxes taxes at Flanery CPA ol’ boys club. Instead of getting me to quit, it made me dig deeper Women’s Funding Alliance to become a better appraiser. Art of Dining do my taxes In the beginning of my career I was told by my instructor that March 8 I should specialize in commercial appraising because I would get wfalliance.org sick of split-level style homes. I have found that the joy I get from NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Chocolate for Choice my work has nothing to do with the property but the people I have March 13 met. It is always an adventure. The hoarders, and there are more prochoicewashington.org now than when I began, the woman with 17 cats (and yes she let me take one home with me) or the man with 14 dogs. I have seen YouthCare 29th Annual Luncheon homes that resemble museums and homes that were so filthy I March 13 would turn on the light switch with my elbow. youthcare.org GB: Is the housing market in the Seattle area getting hotter? TAF Technology Access Foundation Annual What do buyers — and sellers — need to know? Are there any tips Varsity Luncheon Office of Social Responsibility for buying/selling for the new year? March 20 Flanery CPA Specializes in Tax Preparation JN: Expect another healthy year with increasing prices and techaccess.org [email protected] and Tax Consulting for Same-Sex Couples tough competition between investors and first-time homebuyers, Legal Voice Cocktails for a Cause www.portseattle.org particularly in median-priced homes. There will also continue to March 27 be competition between cash buyers and those obtaining loans. legalvoice.org The healthy job market and the pent up demand that lagged behind normal rates during the recession as well as “move up” APRIL buyers who now have equity in their homes, will drive the market. Three Dollar Bill Cinema South Pacific–7th Annual [email protected] (360) 298-5755 If inventory doesn’t normalize, we may see higher than expected Dinner & Auction price increases. April 4 threedollarbillcinema.org 8 9 OOD HEALTHCARE HAS BEEN LOST in the formula work. Often, more facets of a person’s life are at play than are first that I call, “Make an appointment, see the doctor, apparent. For example, chest pains can be brought on by anxiety, get a prescription.” I think there is so much more than and insomnia may arise from stress. The mind can also affect the that. When seeing a medical provider, many people are diagnosis or treatment phases. A patient who has bipolar disease GSBA Focuses intimidated. I want to empower patients with ideas of what they may experience or interpret an asthma attack differently. Or a should expect from their provider. person with a fragile emotional state may struggle to handle a GFirst off, I encourage you to research a provider. Look at diagnosis. their health credentials. The organization, its systems and values It’s important for providers to dig deeper and ask questions represent the provider. Is it a professional environment? Does it such as, what’s your family history with anxiety? Have you had any Forward for the seem to be patient-centered? Does the organization advertise itself major changes in the last six months? Do you feel overwhelmed? BY MONA SMITH, as a medical home — a care-delivery system that treats the whole I might adjust a medication, inquire about a patient’s support PUBLIC POLICY EDITOR person and emphasizes easy access, prevention and the patient- system at home and add a counseling session. I often include provider relationship? directions to meditate, go to church or to spend 15 quiet minutes New Year THE NEW YEAR IS UPON US, and GSBA is focusing GSBA’s Public Policy Council and Task Force will work for forward as it addresses new issues and ongoing equality you on these and other emerging issues as well as hold our annual and business priorities. City of Seattle politics continue to Candidate’s Reception and Candidate’s Forum in 2014. impact small business. The complex $15 minimum wage debate Finding a Medical Provider Tin Seattle is not about whether the city will raise the minimum wage, but rather how we get there and develop a plan for a genuine livable wage while keeping small businesses healthy, We realize that many groups are forming to study the Seattle sustainable and competitive. Other local issues on our radar include prevention of LGBT youth homelessness, services for minimum wage issue. To make sure our members’ voices Who Treats the Whole LGBT seniors, creating an integrated transportation system and improving public safety. are heard, GSBA is forming a task force comprised only of BY BRENDA STAVISH, ARNP outdoors, focused on your breathing. GSBA anticipates following at least three potential new businesses with less than 50 employees to better understand There are things you can’t control and things you can. You can bills in the state legislature that would (a) prohibit licensed control which foods you put into your body and how much water You mental health professionals from practicing reparative therapy in and offer up solutions on how a $15 minimum wage will Good — now you’re headed in the right direction. Consider the you drink each day. And you can take care of your emotional health. Washington; (b) allow courts to issue restoration of opportunity one-on-one interaction you have with your doctor. It’s your body You also can find a provider who is a good match for you. certificates to certain rehabilitated ex-offenders, which is a next impact the independent and small business communities. — you need to trust your physician. Find a provider who listens to step toward reducing recidivism through increasing employment and respects you. During visits, you shouldn’t feel rushed and you Brenda Stavish, ARNP, sees patients at the opportunities and demonstrating to employers that an offender should be comfortable with their directions or care plan chosen Pacific Medical Center Puyallup clinic. has turned his or her life around; and (c) repeal portions of the for you. She received a master’s degree in nursing and state’s civil rights law by exempting businesses from selling Trust, of course, is a two-way concept. Your provider is not was certified as an ARNP in Family Practice products or services to persons based on a strong moral belief. there to judge you, so be as honest as possible. Show up for ap- by Seattle Pacific University. She provides all GSBA will continue to support bills endorsed in 2013 that are pointments on time. Come prepared with your top one or two aspects of family medicine, women’s healthcare reintroduced, including the Dream Act that extends state concerns — this will keep the visit focused and allow for a thor- and preventive medicine. To learn more or to financial aid to dreamers and Reproductive Parity Act that ough evaluation. schedule an appointment with Brenda, please preserves a woman’s right to choose. GSBA continues to support Our combined knowledge In my own practice, I believe in looking at the whole realm visit www.PacMed.org or call 253-435-3400. I-594, the initiative for gun responsibility, that will be on the of the Seattle market of a person’s being: their physical state, their mind or emotional general election ballot if the legislature fails to enact it. state and their spiritual state—their core, gut instinct or heart Federally, GSBA seeks the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to be makes the difference trans inclusive, to have congress pass an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and complete the full repeal of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Real Estate Appraising for the New Year, continued from page 9 Where is regarding real estate and can also call on other GSBA members for their expertise. GSBA has educational opportunities through our featured guests at Women on Top and the business luncheons. There are seminars and events regarding elections and local your web concerns effecting our area. For me membership really gets back to the people. Along the way we become friends and family. This year will be my fourth year on the GSBA Scholarship Commit- tee. It is such a joy to review our applicants. All are very deserving traffic? and my goal would be to give money to each student. That is not possible at this time but we do give support in many ways to these students who take their time and effort to come to us. Attend the Scholarship Dinner in May and you will be a believer in the process and GSBA. There is something for everyone. social.search.design www.updikegaspari.com GB: And I have to ask one last question. Which do you prefer? Windermere Real Estate/Northwest, Inc. professional real estate services Chocolate or wine? JN: Chocolate. It’s not just for breakfast anymore. 425.368.5630 www.studio9.io Joyce Nelson is a state certified real estate appraiser. Find her at 425-814-2226 or [email protected]. 10 11 Prsrt. Std. U.S. Postage PAID Seattle, WA Permit No. 4

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