On July 13, the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce hosted Celebrate SLU at the Amazon Meeting Center, marking the event’s triumphant return to an in-person format. This year’s Celebrate SLU was a vibrant hub of community spirit, reuniting local residents and leaders and honoring organizations that have made a positive impact in the neighborhood.
The big winners of the evening were a testament to the diverse industries and backgrounds that make up South Lake Union. Fred Hutch Cancer Center won Large Nonprofit of the Year, while Center for Wooden Boats was honored as the Small Nonprofit of the Year. Flatstick Pub took home the Small Business of the Year award, and Ba Bar was crowned Restaurant of the Year. The Good Neighbor of the Year accolade went to Bristol Meyers Squibb, with the Astra Hotel being warmly welcomed as the New Business of the Year winner.
Jon Kiehnau, the newly appointed Executive Director of the SLU Chamber, added a personal touch to the proceedings and underscored the importance of community engagement. He encouraged the community to continue their support, especially since the Chamber, like many local organizations, has taken a significant financial hit since 2020.
