Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust Launch Greenway Corporate Champions

Collaboration Encourages Bellevue Companies to Preserve and Enhance the Greenway

Joe Fain, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce President and Jon Hoekstra, Executive Director of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust signing the Greenway Corporate Champions partnership (Photo: Business Wire)

BELLEVUE, Wash.--()--Today, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust announced Greenway Corporate Champions, a partnership encouraging Bellevue companies and their employees to experience the Greenway by caring for the green spaces in their communities. This partnership announcement follows on the heels of the federal government naming the Mountains to Sound Greenway a National Heritage Area, one of only 55 locations in the United States to earn the honor.

“Businesses on the Eastside take their stewardship roles seriously,” said Joe Fain, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce president. “Our members are looking for ways to give back while sending a message to employees and customers that livability and our natural environment matters to them. There’s no better way to show that they support these efforts than through this groundbreaking partnership with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.”

Several key studies point to employees and consumers supporting companies that engage with the environment and environmental issues. For instance:

  • 57% of those who work for large U.S. corporations want their employers to actively take on environmental and social issues.
  • 70% of people (and 83% of Millennials) would be more loyal to a company/brand that helps them contribute to social and environmental issues.

“Greenway Corporate Champions continues a long tradition of businesses coming together to support the green spaces that are right in our backyard,” said Jon Hoekstra, executive director of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. “Deeper engagement and use of the Greenway benefits companies, their employees and our communities. This partnership channels the energy of our outdoor-loving community toward a sustainable future.”

Several prominent Bellevue-based companies have already signed on as Greenway Corporate Champions, including Quadrant Homes, AAA Washington, and Puget Sound Energy.

“We know our customers and communities value the environment, and PSE has been working for decades to protect it,” said Andy Wappler, vice president of customer operations and communications for PSE. “We are honored to be recognized as a Greenway Corporate Champion as we continue our 28-year partnership with the Greenway and our ongoing shared commitment to working together to preserve our natural environment for future generations.”

“Quadrant is proud to be one of the inaugural Greenway Corporate Champions,” said Ken Krivanec, president of Quadrant Homes. “Our associates have volunteered on the Greenway for years, and this is a natural partnership for us. With 50 years as a Northwest homebuilder, we care deeply about the spaces where our customers and our associates live, work and play.”

As Greenway Corporate Champions, companies and their employees have opportunities to participate in volunteer stewardship events at local parks and receive invitations to special events like Explore the Greenway. Companies can join at one of four levels – Watershed ($1,000), Highlands ($3,000), Treeline ($5,000) and Summit ($10,000). With higher levels of support, companies have access to strategic advice on sustainability issues. Funds at all levels support the Greenway Trust’s work to enhance outdoor recreation, mobilize volunteers, engage youth and restore natural habitats.

Together the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the Greenway Trust will support the continued economic vibrancy of the region by ensuring preservation of our natural surroundings and enhanced access to cherished green spaces.

About Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

The Mountains to Sound Greenway is the 1.5-million-acre landscape connecting Puget Sound and central Washington. The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust leads and inspires action to conserve and enhance the Greenway, ensuring a long-term balance between people and nature. Founded in 1991, the Greenway Trust works to promote public land acquisitions, connect a continuous regional trail system, preserve rural lifestyles, teach people of all ages about forests and wildlife and mobilize thousands of volunteers to care for the landscape.

About the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce

The Bellevue Chamber accelerates tomorrow today, representing thousands of jobs in our community. Businesses range in size from sole proprietors to large corporations. The Chamber's mission is to foster a healthy business environment by providing strategic leadership, advocacy, tools, and resources for business success.

Contacts

Anna Demers, (858) 334-3256

Release Summary

The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust announce Greenway Corporate Champions.

Contacts

Anna Demers, (858) 334-3256