4/10/2025
Join us for another Mercer Island Connect Networking Luncheon at Allister, for food and connection.
We will learn about each attendees business and what you are looking for in connections.
We will also enjoy delicious food from Mercer Island's newer restaurants.
Thursday, April 10th
11:30am-1:00pm
Mercer Island Connect is the chambers networking event series. Finding time in your schedule while trying to work can be hard, so we have options each quarter for you to connect with others when it is best for you.From early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and even industry specific opportunities, there is sure to be something for you!
Disclaimer:
Space is limited.
Each attendee is expected to purchase their own lunch.
Event opportunities are reserved for members, and first time guests. Guests who are not chamber members are limited to 2 chamber events a year.
Registration is required. More than 2 no notice/no shows may result in being unable to attend future opportunities.
Location: allister
7650 SE 27th St, Suite 100
Mercer Island, WA 98040
The attendee limit has been reached for this event.
4/30/2025
Business Workshop: AI for Small Business: Unlocking Efficiency and Growth
Can AI be your business’s secret weapon? From automating tedious tasks to driving smarter decisions, AI is reshaping the way businesses operate. But how can small businesses harness its power effectively?
Join faculty experts from the University of Washington Bothell School of Business as they share their insights into AI’s transformative role in Marketing, Accounting, Operations Management, and Information Systems. Discover how AI can personalize marketing, streamline workflows, optimize inventory, automate financial reporting, detect fraud, and enhance data security.
Our panelists will unpack practical applications, ethical considerations, and the future of AI—helping small businesses leverage these technologies for a competitive edge and thrive in an AI-driven world.
You don't want to miss this special opportunity to engage with your business questions.
Wednesday, April 30th
6:00-7:30pm
Coldwell Banker Bain
Members $10
Guests $20
About our panelist:
P.V. 'Sundar' Balakrishnan, Professor, Marketing
Professor and Area Coordinator of Marketing, Retail Management, and Business Communications (MarRCom)
UW Bothell School of Business
P.V. (Sundar) Balakrishnan - School of Business
Professor P.V. (Sundar) Balakrishnan obtained his Ph.D. in Marketing from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Balakrishnan has been recognized for fundamental contributions to more than one research domain. His work has impacted both the theory and practice of marketing. The substantive areas of Prof. Balakrishnan’s research are directed toward studying New Product Marketing & Marketing Strategy, Buyer-Seller Negotiations, Relationship Marketing, and Retail Locational Decisions. He is recognized as one of a handful of marketing scholars whose work has had a major impact on other disciplines e.g., artificial intelligence, strategy, organizational behavior, and negotiations.
Murgie Krishnan
Visiting Associate Professor, Accounting
Murugappa Krishnan - School of Business
Murgie Krishnan is a visiting professor in accounting. His Phd is from the University of Pennsylvania, and he has taught at various schools including Purdue, Minnesota, Carnegie-Mellon and Rutgers.
His research interests are in accounting and information economics, asset pricing with private information, industrial organization, and Indian financial markets. His work has been published in accounting, finance and economics journals, and includes work in Econometrica, the RAND Journal, Journal of Financial Markets and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis.
Anurag Tewari
Assistant Professor, Operations Management and Information Systems
Anurag Tewari - School of Business
Anurag Tewari is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at the University of Washington Bothell School of Business. With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Tewari holds a Ph.D. in Complex System Networks from Cranfield University, United Kingdom. His educational journey also includes a double Master’s in Management, an MSc in Supply Chain, and a Master’s in Research from Cranfield University.
Dr. Tewari’s research focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning to model, analyze, and optimize large-scale systems and networks. His expertise lies in understanding the generation, consumption, propagation, management, and governance of information and information flows within these complex systems.
Location: Coldwell Banker Bain Mercer Island
7808 SE 28th St, Suite 128
Mercer Island, WA 98040
5/7/2025
Coffee & Conversations with Representative Zahn.
Wednesday, May 7th
9:00am-10:00am
Join us for our next Coffee and Conversations event with newly elected Representative Janice Zahn.
This is your opportunity to hear from Rep Zahn and the recent legislative session, as well as submit questions to share your voice and concerns as a business on Mercer Island.
Janice represents the 41st District, which includes Mercer Island, Newcastle, Beaux Arts Village, and portions of Bellevue, Issaquah, and Sammamish. She is a member of the Transportation, Capital Budget, Housing, and Local Government Committees, and continues to serve as a Bellevue City Councilmember. Janice is also Chief Engineer at the Port of Seattle and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington Evans School, as well as a Master of Science degree in structural engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, both from the University of Washington. An immigrant from Hong Kong, Janice raised two daughters in Bellevue and has lived there for over 30 years.
The Coffee & Conversations series allows business leaders in the community to engage in an intimate setting with city and regional leaders for discussions that are affecting businesses directly. Such conversations bridge the gap, allowing views, voices, and conversations to take place in the ever-changing economic map of our community.
Wednesday, May 7th
9:00am-10:00am
Mercer Island Community Center
This is a members only event. It is not open to the public. Members must be in good standing.
Registration is required as space is limited.
Location: Mercer Island Community & Event Center
8236 SE 24th St
Mercer Island, WA 98034
5/15/2025
Business Workshop: Cash Flow Confidence, with Erin Pohen, founder of Upkeeping Co
If you’ve ever felt unsure about where your money is going or how much you’ll have left at the end of the month, this workshop is for you. We’ll break down what cash flow really means in simple, everyday language. You’ll learn how to stay on top of what’s coming in and going out so you can make clear, confident decisions for your business. No accounting background needed - just a willingness to learn and take control of your numbers.
Members: $10
Guests/Non-Members: $20
Thursday, May 15th
6:00pm-7:30pm
Coldwell Banker Bain
Location: Coldwell Banker Bain Mercer Island
7808 SE 28th St
Mercer Island, WA 98040
6/12/2025
Business Workshop: Smart Strategies: How Ai and Digital Marketing Can Transform Your Small Business with
Kathiravan (Kathir)
Kathir is a Principal Cloud Architect at Microsoft, where he leads App Modernization, AI, Copilot, and Cloud-Native initiatives for large enterprise customers. With over 22 years of experience in the IT industry, he has worked with multinational firms across the globe, driving digital transformation through cutting-edge technologies.
Kathir holds a Master’s in Software Systems and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He recently completed his MBA in Leadership at the University of Washington, further strengthening his business acumen and leadership skills.
Passionate about innovation, Kathiravan is committed to helping small businesses harness the power of AI and Digital Marketing to enhance growth, streamline operations, and compete in today’s digital-first world. His insights bridge the gap between technology and business strategy, empowering small business owners to leverage AI-driven solutions for sustainable success.
Members $10
Guests $20
Registration is required.
Space is limited.
Location: Coldwell Banker Bain Mercer Island
7808 SE 28th St, Suite 128
Mercer Island, WA 98040