Seattle Meeting Plan Guide Fall/Winter 2008-2009 - (Page 117) 9 2. BOEING SEATTLE SUCCESS STORIES 1. MICROSOFT CORPORATION Microsoft, and founder Bill Gates, are nearly synonymous with Seattle’s reputation as the world’s hotbed of technological innovation. With unique vision, Gates and partner Paul Allen began developing software for personal computers in the mid-70s. The resulting technologies would change the face of personal computing and make Gates one of the richest men in the world. CAPTIONS: Nordstrom flagship store; the original Starbucks; Microsoft headquarters. Courtesy of Nordstrom, ©Denise Chambers/Weaver, Courtesy of the Microsoft Archives and Skyview Aerial Surrveys The Boeing legacy is a large one, much of which is owed to William Boeing, who moved to Seattle in 1908 and became interested in improving aircraft. The paths of several aviation companies merged with Boeing Airplane Co., including Douglas Aircraft Co., McDonnell Aircraft Corp., North American Aviation and Hughes Aircraft to form the foundation of the Boeing we know today — the world leader in aerospace, commercial jetliner and military aircraft manufacturing. 6. NORDSTROM Returning from the Klondike Gold Rush with a modest sum, John W. Nordstrom opened a shoe store in Seattle in 1901. His philosophy, to build a devoted customer base through exceptional service, is credited to the store’s ultimate success: the well-respected department store chain it has become today. 3. COSTCO WHOLESALE 7. NINTENDO After the first Costco warehouse opened in Seattle in 1983, success was quick to follow. It became the first company ever to grow from zero to $3 billion in sales in less than six years. Now, with locations throughout the world, these discount membership-only warehouses carry brand-name merchandise at substantially lower prices than are typically found at conventional wholesale or retail sources. This Japanese business began as a playing card manufacturer in the early 1900s. Eventually, the company brought the gaming world into the electronic age — and with huge success. Today, Nintendo’s Western Hemisphere headquarters are located in Redmond, Washington, and the company has become a household name, with more than 40 percent of American households owning a Nintendo game system. The original Starbucks coffeehouse was founded in 1971 at Pike Place Market — where it still stands today. After Howard Schultz joined the team in 1982 and brought influences of Italy’s coffee culture back to Seattle, business boomed, rising to levels of success never before seen in the gourmet coffee industry. 4. STARBUCKS In 1995, the Internet boom was growing at a breakneck pace, and leading the charge was Jeff Bezos, the founder of the online bookseller turned giant retailer, Amazon.com. The website continues to be a leader in e-commerce innovation with quarterly North America sales hovering around $1.6 billion. 8. AMAZON.COM In 1938, after experiencing frustration in trying to find affordable mountaineering and outdoor gear for their own adventures, Lloyd Anderson, his wife, Mary, and 21 fellow climbers decided to open an outdoor gear co-op. Today, R.E.I. continues to be the go-to source for outdoor and recreation gear, and the company returns the majority of their profits to more than 2.4 million active members through annual dividends. 5. R.E.I. 9. EDDIE BAUER Washington native and outdoor enthusiast Eddie Bauer opened his first sport shop in Seattle in 1920. In 1936, he designed the first quilted goose down jacket in North America, sealing his fate as one of the most respected and popular outerwear dealers in the country. SERVICES & SUPPLIERS 117
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