With 375 agents across 10 offices serving Western and Central Washington, the combined Re/Max operation will be the fifth-largest in the U.S. by sales volume.

Leaders in Oregon business, education and economic development are betting on nascent blockchain technology to be foundational in the next era of technology and business model development. And they want Oregon to be an epicenter. At the center of the effort is the Oregon Blockchain Venture Studio, a new incubator-like program hosted by digital agency R/GA in conjunction with a series of high-profile corporate partners including Intel Corp., Nike Inc., Oregon Health and Science University, Portland…

Nordstrom Inc. is relaunching an upgraded version of its rewards program this fall as “The Nordy Club.” Nordstrom said its 10 million members make up 50 percent of the company’s sales, and that rewards members spend an average of four times than non-members. The Seattle-based retailer aims to give customers a more personalized experience and more access and services. Nordy Club perks are based on annual spending levels, topping out at the “ambassador” level for customers who spend more than $5,000…

Kleiner Perkins partner Mary Meeker, the venture capitalist known as the “Queen of the Internet” for her sweeping annual predictions about the future of the web, is spinning out her own investment fund and taking three of the firm’s other investors with her. Her departure marks a significant and abrupt shakeup at one of Sand Hill Road’s most storied venture capital firms. Meeker has been with Menlo Park-based Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers since 2010. Kleiner investors Mood Rowghani, Noah Knauf…

Here are five important things that happened in the Puget Sound-area business community this week.

Microsoft Vice President and Treasurer George Zinn said the goal is to automate global trade for business clients and reduce inefficiencies in global business transactions.