washington business
Connect
Recognizing a business whose products and / or services have positively impacted the way in which Washington employers and communities are connected to each other and the world . winner of the connect award
Seattle Symphony , Seattle Founded : 1903 Number of employees : 246
Embodying the Award ( Connect ): Believing that music is a universal force for inspiration and wellbeing , the Seattle Symphony works with 60 local nonprofits to help Seattle ’ s homeless population . The symphony gives away thousands of free concert tickets , supports shelter programs and brings music into prisons . Through its Simple Gifts events and comprehensive Community Connections program , the Seattle Symphony is bringing hope and dignity to some of Seattle ’ s neediest residents .
About the company : With a dedicated subscriber base of more than 25,000 patrons , the Seattle Symphony presents more than 200 performances a year to more than 315,000 people . It has received numerous awards , most recently a 2015 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition , “ Become Ocean .” As stated in its mission statement , the Symphony “ Unleashes the power of music , brings people together , and lifts the human spirit .”
Notable contributions to the community and the state : The Seattle Symphony ’ s extensive education and community engagement programs reach more than 65,000 children and adults each year . The Symphony is deeply committed to new music , commissioning many works by living composers each season . In 2014 the Symphony launched its in-house recording label , Seattle Symphony Media .
What the judges said : “ Simple Gifts engages homeless people to connect with their creativity ... They are rethinking how music / art empowers , giving away 6,000 tickets for this purpose .”
Quote : “ We hear from our partners that what we do makes an enormous difference to their clients . We believe , as they do , that engaging in creative work makes the ‘ invisible ’ visible , it builds confidence , influences self-perceptions and connects people to their own creativity .” — Simon Woods , president and CEO , Seattle Symphony
Website : www . seattlesymphony . org
other finalists for the connect award
Expedia , Inc ., Bellevue
Whether through its mobile app , booking site or simply by making travel easier , Expedia is in the business of connecting people . This Washington-grown company now has 160 offices around the world , and supports its employees with paid time to give back to their communities . Expedia also encourages its employees to travel by giving them an annual travel allowance .
Mill Creek Pub , Battle Ground
The Mill Creek Pub ’ s decor , including a working water wheel and flume inspired by the nearby Cedar Creek Gristmill , connects visitors with the area ’ s history . Owner Russell Brent aims to also connect community members with one another . Whether people are gathering to discuss city business or support one another through fundraisers , the Mill Creek Pub is a place where people can hash out their differences , not wallow in them .
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