Foreign trade representatives based in the region gathered in Bellevue Wednesday for a reception, the first time such an event has been held in King County.

Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee offered an official welcome to the Global Partnership event, noting the amenities that make Bellevue an attractive place for global companies to do business.

"As many of you know, Bellevue is now one of the most internationally diverse cities in the country. One in three of our residents are foreign born," said Lee, who was joined at the event by Councilmember John Chelminiak. "Let's celebrate our friendships and successes," Lee added. "Let's look ahead to what else we may wish to build and achieve." 

Other speakers at the event included: Jim Hebert, CEO of Hebert Research; Sam Kaplan, president of the Trade Development Alliance; and John Gokcen, Honorary Consul General of Turkey. Food for the reception was provided by Your Local Market.

The event, similar to annual receptions in other counties, was hosted by the City of Bellevue and sponsored by the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle.

The Alliance is a collaboration between Bellevue, Seattle, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Port of Everett, Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma. The organization works to promote trade interests of the region in domestic and international markets.

Return to News Release Index