By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY When Dr. Andy Chiem first set foot in the United States 35 years ago, he never dreamed that he would be a doctor. “I did not know a word of English,” Chiem said in a speech April 26 at the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) annual meeting, when […]
Dr. Andy Chiem receives award
The Rainier Valley Community Development Fund honored Dr. Andy Chiem with the 2016 Richard McIver Award at its annual meeting on April 26. Chiem immigrated here as a refugee from Vietnam. He once owned a practice in the International District, on Jackson Street. But parking was very restricted at that location, which caused a […]
BLOG: ID businesses dealing with unexpected challenges — Creative solutions for small businesses
By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly Seattle’s $15 minimum wage is expected to impact many small businesses. However, challenges for the International District (ID) businesses go beyond the wage issue. The ID restaurants once known for great food with low prices are no longer enough to appeal to new customers. On many fronts, the businesses […]
WISE WORDS: What makes a diverse, vibrant neighborhood
“The world will step aside for a community that knows where it is going. South Seattle is home to many great neighborhoods and is the place I’ve called home my entire life. Great and healthy neighborhoods are walkable with thriving small businesses, great schools, transit, and parks. An active neighborhood is good for our health, […]
Wayne Lau appointed to MarketShare Board of Directors
Lau has been recently appointed to the Board of Directors of MarketShare, a non-profit program which empowers immigrants and refugees to become small business owners of their own mobile food operation. Wayne has been a resident in Seattle since 1956 and is a graduate of Rainier Beach High School. He has a 35 year plus […]
Local coalition to analyze MLK business needs
MLK Business Association, Banner Cross, and Rainier Valley Community Development Fund are collaborating on a report on the needs and economic opportunities in the MLK Business Districts.
Development woes — Is gentrification imminent for the Rainier Valley?
By Samantha Test Northwest Asian Weekly Not long after the construction of the light rail began, Nararisaya “Al” Les, the owner of Halal Asian restaurant Olympic
Rainier Valley Community Development Fund turns 10 under the watch of new Executive Director Wayne Lau
After the previous executive director of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) left in 2010, the organization hired Richard McIver to serve as interim director until the end of 2010. The RVCDF then managed to operate without an official executive director until it hired Wayne Lau. Lau has years of banking experience, having worked […]
98118: one of the most diverse zip codes in the country … and it’s right in our own backyard
On any given day, the cacophony of different languages, sight of public art on streets and sidewalks, and wafting smell of cuisines as diverse as the local citizens fill the streets
Comings & Goings
Thao Tran has accepted the position of coordinator for major institutions and schools for the City of Seattle. Formerly, Tran had been working as a temporary employee since April.