Jun 29, 2017

University of Washington Bothell

A political refugee from Uganda who graduated from the University of Washington Bothell and the UW School of Law won the 2017 UW Bothell Distinguished Alumni Award. Stephen Ssemaala won for his professional achievements and community service. Ssemaala was a politician in Uganda and started an AIDS education organization but later sought asylum in the U.S., where he attended Everett Community College, UW Bothell and UW School of Law. Ssemaala is an adjunct instructor at South Puget Sound Community College, teaching American politics.

Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa

Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa in Blaine has named Kanami Fujita director of sales. Fujita has worked in the hospitality industry for over 17 years, most recently at Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center, and before that at Hilton Seattle, Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara and Grand Hyatt San Francisco.

Jun 28, 2017

Downtown Seattle Association

The Downtown Seattle Association is starting DSA Young Professionals Group next month and registration is open to 40 people. It will help young professionals get more involved in DSA's work of creating a healthy downtown, with quarterly events that combine programs with networking, appetizers and drinks. Contact Kaarin Borel at (206) 613-3245, or kaarinb@downtownseattle.org. The first meeting is July 18 from 5-7 p.m. at E. Smith Mercantile, 208 First Ave. S.

Eddyline Kayaks

Burlington-based business Eddyline Kayaks has been acquired by a new management team. Founder Tom Derrer and his wife, Lisa, are retiring. Mount Vernon resident Scott Holley has joined the company as president, and will work with the existing management team of Todd Keane, Tom Remsing and Janet Sutton. Eddyline makes kayaks, paddles and accessories. Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County's staff said they helped introduce the Derrers to Holley.

U.S. District Court of Idaho

Idaho Supreme Court Clerk Stephen Kenyon has been named the new clerk of courts for the U.S. District Court of Idaho. The Boise resident has served as clerk of the Idaho Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals since 2005.

Jun 27, 2017

Downtown Seattle Association

The Downtown Seattle Association gave Amazon its 2017 City Maker award for helping people in need through FareStart and Mary's Place, and for its contributions to making downtown Seattle vibrant. DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes said, “There are many entities worthy of this recognition in downtown, but it's hard to imagine anyone more deserving this year.” FareStart has started an apprenticeship program at five eateries in an Amazon building, and Mary's Place will open a 47,000-square-foot transitional shelter in an Amazon building.

City of Tacoma

Tacoma City Manager Elizabeth Pauli said the city has named Budget Director Tadd Wille its new assistant city manager. The Neighborhood and Community Services Department will continue to be led by Linda Stewart. Those jobs were formerly one position. Wille will continue to be responsible for Tacoma's biennial operating and capital budget as his new job is refined.

Perkins Coie

Seattle-based law firm Perkins Coie hired Jason M. Quintana as a partner in its Mergers & Acquisitions practice in Chicago. He joins from Boeing, where he was senior counsel for M&A.