BRAVO! What I don't understand, is why every business in the US (with the obvious exception of health insurance companies) isn't basically demanding public-paid health >insurance< for every legal resident (not to be confused with government-run hospitals -aka- "socialized medicine"). Every kind of business but 1 kind (health insurance co's) would stand to benefit. This speaks to the Star Trek principle that the good of the many outweighs the good of the few. US companies should not be in the business of providing for matters of public good to their employees. This should be something that we the people provide for ourselves. Of course companies will still purchase 'cadillac plan' upgrades for certain high-value employees as an incentive. But everyone else should be scared to death of losing or leaving a job simply because of health benefits. Those businesses who stand to gain the most are the small businesses who could finally attract the 'best and brightest' to work for them; no longer would the B&B stay with larger companies just for the benefit plans. This would level the playing field for businesses of all sizes.

Hi there - I just wanted to make a comment on the name of this event. I received the email about this, read "upper Eastside" and thought "how did I end up on the NYC mailing list?". Now I see you mean Bothell and surrounds. May I offer the term 'Northend' or 'North Eastside'? As an area native, I can't say I've ever heard anyone call Bothell (for ex) the Upper Eastside or Renton (for ex) the Lower Eastside. Just my $0.02.

I'm going to try to attend again the coming weeks. The last few weeks I've had a hurried project to get my rental house rehabbed and marketable again. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, finally.

I think this sounds like a GREAT workshop for small biz people. I've already slogged through most of these issues in my business. If you ever offer a "201" sequel to this class, I'd be up for it. Or if you could offer something related to health professionals, that'd be cool too. :-)

I enjoyed today's meeting and look forward to the next. Thank YOU for having these on a Monday!