Commentary
The 2019 Economic Forecast
Rapid expansion slows, but global, U.S. and regional economies will continue to be strong in 2019
This article appears in print in the January 2019 issue. Click here for a free subscription. The global economy has been performing pretty well recently with Gross World Product running in the 3 to 3.5 percent range for the past seven years. I believe the world economy will continue growing, but we are starting to…
Supporting the Arts Can Play a Key Role in the Seattle Area’s Economic Health
Arts and culture create jobs and drive spending.
This article appears in print in the January 2019 issue. Click here for a free subscription. We are at a pivotal moment in King County. The region is experiencing rapid growth, attracting new companies and a diversifying and expanding population. In the midst of this growth, we are grappling with pressing challenges stemming from homelessness,…
Scamazon HQ2: Amazon Process Nothing Short of Extortion
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos didn't need tax breaks from anyone.
This article appears in print in the January 2019 issue. Click here for a free subscription. In reading the coverage of the Great HQ2 Scam, I was fascinated to learn that Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos apparently became obsessed with all the swag North Americas cities were willing to shower upon Amazon in their…
Paul Allen Was the Very Model of a Modern Billionaire
The late entrepreneur had multiple business ventures in numerous sectors.
This article appears in print in the January 2019 issue. Click here for a free subscription. Paul Allens life made up in breadth and depth of activity what it lacked in longevity. With multiple business ventures in multiple sectors, other ventures in science, medicine and philanthropy, professional sports team ownership, and museums to share his…
Why Do Companies Use Stadiums and Arenas as Billboards?
Seattle will soon find out.
This article appears in print in the December 2018 issue. Click here for a free subscription. KeyArena will be getting a remodel, a new tenant and a new name. Safeco Fields lead tenant isnt going anywhere (we know, we know, lament the fans) but the building itself was recently renamed T-Mobile Park. (To the relief…
How to Be a Leader without Being Obvious About It
Leslie Helm, Seattle Business magazines former editor, leads quietly and generously.
This article appears in print in the December 2018 issue. Click here for a free subscription. When I shifted over from Seattle magazine to Seattle Business magazine in 2011, I got really, really lucky. I lucked into a terrific boss. More to the point: I came upon the kind of colleague we all hope for…
Using That Instead of Who Dehumanizes the Workplace
"Words matter. Precise words matter precisely because humans have the ability and the responsibility to raise the bar on how well, how accurately they communicate."
This article appears in print in the November 2018 issue. Click here for a free subscription. Take that! And please stop its widespread abuse. Only you can prevent the further impersonalization of the workplace by overusing the relative pronoun that. How, exactly, did that come to replace who in everyday usage? Im not sure. But…
The Promise and Peril of the Industrial Internet of Things
"The industrial internet of things will increase the vulnerability and potential for havoc."
This article appears in print in the November 2018 issue. Click here for a free subscription. Oh, howdy! Who am I and what am I doing rummaging around your data collection systems, your machine controls and your computer files? Why, Im the internet of things (IoT). You invited me in, remember? Say, some of the…
A Final Note from Our Outgoing Executive Editor
"I remain a strong believer in Seattle and am thankful I had the privilege of covering its many fascinating leaders and businesses during the past decade a time of extraordinary growth and change."
This article appears in print in the December 2018 issue. Click here for a free subscription. When I joined Seattle Business magazine in February 2009, the economy was ailing, American stocks had lost half their value, and housing prices were in freefall. That year, unemployment more than doubled from the year before. The economy was…
Seattle’s Sense of Community Makes It Special
"We are fortunate to live among so many warm and talented people. There isnt a more dynamic, caring business community anywhere."
This article appears in print in the November 2018 issue. Click here for a free subscription. Journalists are supposed to be objective, skeptical, questioning. So, its with some embarrassment that I confess a tendency to being somewhat uncritical when it comes to Seattle. Ever since I moved here three decades ago long before becoming editor…
How to Create a Healthier Workforce
A new study shows that in 2015, the prescription opioid crisis caused almost one million people to be absent from their jobs.
Most companies do not truly understand their employees health challenges. Theyll collect basic health information such as height, weight, blood pressure, and smoking status, but this data rarely provides actionable insights to better support their employees. Such data is particularly useless when trying to identify those with prescription opioid addiction and abuse. A new study…
You Want Great Seafood? Then Vote Yes on Initiative 1631
Ethan Stowell, owner of 16 Seattle area restaurants, urges Washington voters to approve the initiative.
A key piece of keeping 16 restaurants successfully running is ensuring abundant supplies of quality local ingredients. Among those, seafood is paramount. I love fresh, raw, light food, and seafood fits that bill with its clean, healthy versatility. The culture of Seattle is steeped in a history of productive fish and shellfish resources. But of…
Does Anyone Really Understand Blockchain?
Does it even matter?
This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue. Click here for a free subscription. For those of you hoping to get into the emerging technologies of artificial intelligence, the internet of things or big data, or at least relieve eager investors of money they were planning to throw at them, we have some…