Good Neighbors Make Great Communities

Written by Andrea H. Reay, President/CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce

 

While Seattle is known for it’s “Freeze,” our communities in the Soundside are well known for their warm thaw—the friendly and neighborly feel characterized by the five cities that make up our Soundside region.

 

The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce celebrating Good Neighbor Day 2018 with their member, Homestreet Bank.

 

How are our communities different and create more livable and neighborly communities? Here are a few ways we here in the Soundside try to embody that philosophy of being a good neighbor.

 

  • Everyone is Welcome. It’s not just a saying on your doormat—it has to mean so much more. When we create a welcoming culture, we are ensuring that no matter where you are in your professional and personal journey, there is a place for you, and that place is here in the Soundside. Diversity is celebrated here in schools and community festivals where dual-language programs are taught, and the cities encourage and promote cross-cultural celebrations.

 

  • Community Matters. Community is built on engagement and interaction. Sure, some of that can happen online. But, it’s also important to poke your head up over the fence—or out from behind your computer—and spend time together. With community celebrations happening every month strengthening our placemaking, those opportunities are prevalent in the Soundside.

 

  • We are Stronger Together. Our success as a community happens as we help others write their great success stories. By being active and watching out for each other’s interests, we create safer communities.

 

Come and experience the thaw of the Seattle Freeze in the Soundside to explore how being a good neighbor helps build healthy communities and vibrant economies.

 

 

This article was written by Andrea H. Reay, President/CEO of Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, “A voice for business, a leader in the community.”  Seattle Southside Chamber has served the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila since 1988.  For more information about the Chamber, including a full list of member benefits and resources, please visit their website at www.SeattleSouthsideChamber.com

 

Parts of this blog article were originally published on the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce Blog in September of 2018 and has been edited for conciseness and clarity. Source: https://www.seattlesouthsidechamber.com/blog/andrea-s-blog-4830/post/it-is-a-wonderful-thing-to-have-a-good-neighbor-17291