The first Chamber After Hours of 2024 was hosted by Cogir at The Narrows Senior Living! Guests braved the cold, rainy weather and entered the warm foyer where the night unfolded.
Attendees had plenty to enjoy with endless passed appetizers, a stocked beverage cart, tours of the facility, and having their pictures taken to remember the festivities. Around the middle of the night, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board Chair Jon Rossman gathered everyone’s attention to pull the winner of the giveaway and give the host a chance to share more about their facility. To conclude the night, guests were given a complimentary portable charger from Cogir, and some sweet farewells from the Staff and Residents. Cogir at The Narrows is nestled in the pocket of Hills on the cusp of the North and West ends of Tacoma overlooking the namesake, Tacoma Narrows Bridge (The Narrows). Cogir offers Independent and Assisted Living, along with Memory Care. Voted Best of Senior Living in 2023, it is sure an amazing place for our elders to reside. If you missed this Chamber After Hours and want to attend our next one, you can register here. Spaceworks’ partnership with the Washington State History Museum kicked off last month with a ribbon cutting at their museum shop (1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402)! Participants from the Spaceworks Incubator and Artscapes programs have been invited to sell their art and products in the WSHM shop. This will give the creative entrepreneurs real-life experience working with a museum and navigating consignment opportunities/contracts, while creating an additional revenue stream for them. Check it out the next time you are visiting the museum or are downtown! List of Spaceworks’ vendors you will find at the museum:
Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in December 2023:
2023 was an exciting year for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and our local business community! This past year we were thrilled to host sold out signature events where we strengthened relationships with friendly faces — many familiar and many new! The conferences we took part in gave local leaders chances to learn, grow, and be inspired with ambitious ideas for the South Sound. We were honored to play a role in leadership development programs for business owners and entrepreneurs on the rise in our region. Advocacy to protect business interests and ensure a thriving local economy was a top priority for us on a local, state, and national level. Throughout the year, we enjoyed many different opportunities to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of our vibrant business community. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year to make an impact for business in the South Sound. We can't wait to have you alongside us for everything 2024 has in store! Read our recap of the Chamber's Top 10 accomplishments, events, programs, and moments from 2023 below!
The Chamber welcomed five new staff members in 2023, all of whom possess great qualities and help the Chamber grow. One of those individuals is Mary Sedano, the Chamber's new Marketing & Communications Coordinator.
A new company was welcomed at 1201 Pacific here in Tacoma last week. WSP USA celebrated the grand opening for their new office space.
Located on the fifth floor, they have amazing views of the Port, and the Dome. Delicious appetizers, drinks, and even a hot cocoa bar was available for the 30 + attendees! Mayor Woodards along with Deputy Mayor Walker were able to join in to share the special day for the engineers, scientists, biologists, project managers, technical and business advisors and more that make up WSP USA’s amazing team. See the gallery below for photos from the night. On December 6, the Chamber held the Annual Public Officials Holiday Reception, an event where the public and local politicians can meet and network in a more casual environment. The event was held at the Tacoma Art Museum, and was attended by 375+ elected officials, Chamber members, along with non-Chamber members. Several food stations were provided from Carr’s Restaurant and Catering, offering appetizers from crabcakes to crackers and a wide selection of cheeses. Music was played by Violinist Holly Eckert, and Accordion-Master Toby Hanson. Halfway through the night, attendees shared a toast to the amazing work that our elected officials do; Andrea Reay, President/CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County, and Jon Rossman Owner of Chuckals Office Products, and Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Directors, did the honors. Overlooking a lit-up Downtown Tacoma, the Dome in the distance, and being under the twinkling fairy lights in the foyer of the museum, the night literally was glowing. View event photos taken by Sage + Soul Photography: bit.ly/2023-POHR-Gallery.
In case you missed it, be sure to attend the Horizons Economic Forecast on January 31st. Learn more and register here. A round table luncheon was held on November 30th at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber celebrating the THRIVE Tacoma Business Fund recipients. THRIVE Tacoma embodies a collective commitment to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the local business community. Twenty Tacoma-based small businesses were selected as recipients of the 2023 THRIVE Tacoma Business Fund grants through the lottery system, each being awarded $5,000, made possible by the generous financial support and partnership with Comcast. The recipients are:
Uncle Al’s Texas BBQ, a graduate of the Pierce-County Business Accelerator, served up a delectable Texas BBQ lunch for the delighted recipients.
Jamison Harris, Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast and Andrea Reay, President and CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber spoke at the event. Both speakers underscored the significance of investing in our small business community, emphasizing that such investments are pivotal for creating the most equitable, inclusive, and thriving business environment in Washington State. Zshoni Nalls, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast was also present to support the recipients. For more Information on Comcast’s Digital Equity work in the community: Comcast RISE – Elevating small businesses. On November 16th the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber hosted a graduation luncheon for the 45th Business Leadership Academy. The Business Leadership Academy of Tacoma-Pierce County, sponsored by the Chamber and Pacific Lutheran University, is a regional community leadership program founded in 1978. The Business Leadership Academy of Tacoma-Pierce County is an opportunity for current and emerging leaders to engage with the business community while developing leadership skills and interacting with exemplary leaders. Over the past 9 weeks the Business Leadership Academy participants:
Last Thursday, Chamber After Hours was held at The Benaroya Company's South Hill Business + Technology Center in Puyallup.
This beautiful campus surrounded by Evergreens was a crowd pleaser and guests enjoyed taking tours of the Class A office spaces, seeing the office for the Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, and exploring the art in the lobby. The newly renovated lobby was the center of the buzz, where the attendees had the chance to mix and mingle over some delicious appetizers and an exclusive wine collection generously provided by Mr. Benaroya himself. The highlight of the night was hearing from Puyallup's Mayor, Mayor Dean Johnson, Jon Rossman, Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board, and Owner of Chuckals Office Products, and from the amazing Marketing Director, Lisa Goodman, with The Benaroya Company. They shared more on the "best things about being in Puyallup and Pierce County." Lisa did the honors of pulling a random business card and presenting an incredible prize to a lucky attendee. This prize was a Two Night Stay at The Lodge at Suncadia! At the end of the night, we were graciously thanked for attending by the Benaroya Team and their wonderful Security Staff. Overall, it was a great way to spend a chilly afternoon in the beautiful lobby of the South Hill Business + Technology Center. While there are no more Chamber After Hours in 2023, you will have the chance to network in the New Year at our Chamber After Hours on January 18th, 2024 hosted by Cogir at the Narrows. Register today! Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in September 2023:
Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in October 2023:
Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in November 2023:
The PCBA Showcase, held on November 8, 2023 at the Washington State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, was a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurial success and innovation. The event marked the culmination of two years of dedication and hard work, as over 70 businesses proudly showcased their achievements after graduating from the program. The showcase provided a platform for these entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services, network with industry professionals, and connect with potential customers. The diversity of businesses on display was awe-inspiring, ranging from eco-friendly recycled products to cutting-edge cleaning solutions, and from innovative networking platforms to dynamic business marketing companies. One of the standout features of the event was the eclectic array of culinary delights. Attendees were treated, with offerings from some of the region's most exciting food entrepreneurs. The Art of Crunch delighted taste buds with an assortment of baked goods, while Trini Plate transported attendees to the Caribbean with its flavorful offerings. Girl Loves Cake showcased an irresistible selection of cookies and cakes, and Bomb Charcuterie tantalized palates with samples of their expertly crafted charcuterie boards. Apaez Shellfish LLC presented the freshest oysters, while Taquiza Chuy provided a taste of homemade chips and salsa. Boba Babe satisfied sweet cravings with a variety of boba tea selections, and Cerellos’s Pizza impressed with its diverse pizza offerings. Panaderia La Placita rounded out the culinary experience with a delightful assortment of baked goods. The vibrant atmosphere of the showcase attracted over 300 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, and community members eager to support and engage with the local business community. The event offered a unique opportunity for networking, as participants had the chance to forge valuable connections, sample diverse products, and gain insight into the innovative ventures emerging from the south sound region. As we look back on another year of the Pierce County Business Accelerator program, we are left behind a palpable sense of achievement and community spirit. The showcase not only celebrated the businesses that had successfully completed the accelerator program but also served as a testament to the region's entrepreneurial resilience and creativity. The event reinforced the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for local businesses, highlighting the potential for growth, collaboration, and prosperity within the vibrant business community of Pierce County.
The Pierce County Business Accelerator is a program of Pierce County funded through an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For more information visit pcba.biz. At the Chamber's Annual Meeting on November 1, the winners of the 2023 Spotlight on Business Awards were announced.
These awards celebrate exceptional businesses and organizations that achieve incredible things in local commerce, in their industries, and in the community. Nominations for these awards were submitted by businesses and community members. Congratulations to the 2023 award recipients! Business Excellence Award: The Doty Group, P.S. Small Business Excellence Award: Bottimore & Associates, PLLC Non-Profit Excellence Award: Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County Representation in Business Award: Acts Pharmacy & Healthcare Services LLC Business Supporter of the Military Award: 27 West On October 19, the 45th Annual Business Leadership Academy embarked on a half day bus tour of the Port of Tacoma focusing on the main economic impact drivers of the South Sound. We focused on the Port footprint and highlighted the history of the Port and major economic impact industries- maritime, military and manufacturing.
We started the morning with a presentation from Kristen Ang, commissioner, Port of Tacoma with a Port Overview. Our next stop was Tacoma Rail where Superintendent Dale King let attendees get up close to working Tacoma Rail. Leslie Barstow, Community Relations, Port of Tacoma took the group on an hour-long tour of Port of Tacoma Road. The tour provided the group with an overview of port operations, equipment and waterways. The Port highlighted efforts to restore critical salmon habitat and ensure that the future of operations in Tacoma will continue to set the standard for economic impact and sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Lastly, the group toured Foss Waterway Seaport Museum with Executive Director Brent Mason. We learned about the historic role the building played in Tacoma’s port-maritime activities, serving as a grain terminal. We were able to learn how Tacoma’s “rails to sales” story evolved over the years, and the influence of the labor movement on Tacoma’s working waterfront. The museum is also home to a marine science program that serves Tacoma Public Schools and a wooden boat shop which offers a range of community programming. It is important to be able to see first-hand how our Port and industrial areas along with a robust manufacturing sector connect with Joint Base Lewis McCord to form the backbone of our economy in Tacoma and Pierce County. Special Thanks to Tour Guide, Ryan Spence, of the Chamber’s Manufacturing Industrial Council. Special thank you to our speakers and tour guides: Kristen Ang, Port of Tacoma Commissioner - Tacoma Rail Superintendent Dale King - Leslie Barstow, Community Relations, Port of Tacoma - Brent Mason, Executive Director of the Foss Waterway Seaport - Ryan Spence, TPCC Manufacturing Industrial Council Education is a powerful tool for growth and development, and when it's tailored to the unique needs of entrepreneurs, it can be transformative. The Pierce-County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program is designed to equip budding entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to take their business ventures to new heights. As the recent PCBA cohort reached its graduation milestone, we are thrilled to celebrate with them and welcome them as Chamber members. In the PCBA program, participants undergo a 6-week class designed to provide them with new skills and mentorship to guide in their entrepreneurial journey, enabling them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. It's not just about the skills learned during the program; it's also about the optimism and connections it provides. Graduates find value in the relationships formed during the program, and we are excited to provide more networking opportunities as they work to continue to grow and thrive. The graduation commenced with a warm welcome from the Instructors, Pierce County representatives, and the Chamber. After the official welcome, the program was turned over to the entrepreneurs, who had prepared a pitch for their business, showcasing the culmination of their hard work and the skills they had acquired during the PCBA program. These pitches were a testament to the growth and development that had taken place over the six-week cohort.
The success of the recent PCBA cohort is a testament to the program's effectiveness in nurturing and empowering entrepreneurs. With high levels of engagement, skill development, and a focus on mentorship and professional services, the PCBA program is creating a thriving community of entrepreneurs ready to take on the challenges and opportunities in the business world. As these graduates embark on the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys, we take a moment to celebrate them and all their achievements. Join us for the PCBA Showcase, on November 8th, 2023 at the Washington State Fair Grounds Expo Hall from 5 – 7 pm. Discover potential collaborators, savor outstanding catering services, engage with enthusiastic business leaders, and explore the hidden gems of Pierce County’s innovative products and services you never knew you needed. Event is free and family friendly. Don’t miss out – secure your spot by registering now! On October 17th the Chamber helped celebrate a milestone with a ribbon cutting for Always in Bloom! Also celebrating a grand opening with a ribbon cutting was Sir Grout Tacoma. Congratulations to both businesses on your milestones and we wish you continued success!
October 10-12, 2023
The Chamber was grateful to welcome twenty-four audacious and courageous leaders with us on our Aspire Austin Intercity Leadership Conference as we experienced how that community tackled rapid urban growth, technology and innovation, workforce development and supporting the creative economy and housing and homelessness. We started our conference with a tour of Cruise, an autonomous vehicle company driven to improve life in the communities they serve by safely connecting people with places, things and experiences. These self-driving cars, currently only available in a handful of markets, are setting the pace to truly transform our transportation system. Imagine a city with no need for parking, with fully accessible vehicles, all running on an electric grid. The future is nearer than you may think with the technology advancing rapidly. We continued that first day with set of panel discussions where we paired industry and subject matter experts from Austin with Tacoma to discuss education and workforce development, urban planning and development, and technology and innovation. We also toured the Paramount Theatre and learned more about the impact of the creative economy in Austin, which is so well known for both Austin City Limits and South by Southwest. The final day of the conference awarded us with an opportunity to see and experience what we discussed the previous day during our panels. Part of the focus of Aspire is not only discussing solutions with other communities, but it’s bringing together our own leaders to build trust, grow relationships with each other and truly see the change for themselves. The only way change happens is when people can experience it for themselves. Aspire attendees toured Austin Community College’s Highline Campus and Communities First! Village. Full conference report and information about Aspire 2024 coming soon! Spanning Pierce County, Cohort 14 of the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) includes a diverse range of 28 unique businesses. From the flavors of charcuterie to the aromas of freshly brewed coffee, from wellness and fitness to cutting-edge networking solutions, printing services, and janitorial services, this cohort represents the rich tapestry of entrepreneurship.
Pierce County Business Accelerator is more than just a business support program; it's a catalyst for economic growth and inclusivity. With a focus on BIPOC, veteran, and women-owned businesses, PCBA is committed to bridging the gap and creating opportunities. Cohort 14, now going into their last week, is excited to use the tools to grow their businesses. Cohort 14's journey through the PCBA is an intensive 6-week, 12-session program. During this time, participants gain access to invaluable tools and resources that are essential for success in today's competitive business landscape. From refining business plans to mastering marketing strategies, each session equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. PCBA doesn't stop at education; it's a springboard for growth. By nurturing diverse businesses, the accelerator sparks new ideas, drives economic growth, and creates wealth-building opportunities in Pierce County. One of the standout features of the PCBA program is the grant opportunities it provides to graduates upon completion. This financial support is a game-changer for these budding entrepreneurs, allowing them to invest in their businesses, expand their operations, and realize their dreams. Cohort 14's journey through the PCBA is not just an individual achievement; it's a communal success story. The businesses within this cohort are poised to make a lasting impact on Pierce County, creating jobs, driving economic development, and enriching the local community. Pierce County Business Accelerator Cohort 14 is more than just a class; it's a testament to the power of diversity, innovation, and community support. As we wrap up their remarkable journey, we look forward to witnessing the positive transformations these businesses will bring to the region. The PCBA's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship ensures that the future is bright for Cohort 14 and for Pierce County as a whole. Businesses participating in this cohort: Trini Plate Jammin On The One, LLC Bomb Charcuterie Homies Coffee House Fresh Lee NexTech The Garden 777ISH Cookie Desserts Clover Daydreams: A Safe and Inclusive Bookspace Dream Beauty Bar LLC Sugar Faced Sweets DBA Girl Loves Cake Desserts Nakem at the Table, LLC RE Wellness Consulting, LLC MACHOS GYM LLC Glocal Solutions LLC Kristal Klear LLC Promo Up Now Mattice Beauty Supply Nomad Photo Happy Asian Fast Food Lunar Landing Games Inyenga Bella Salon Eco Repurpose Boutique, LLC 5 Star Restoration LLC. Teine Teu Teu Fresh Squeeze Juice Bar Premier Janitorial Service LLC We are honored to announce the list of nominees for the 2023 Spotlight On Business Awards. Each year, these awards celebrate exceptional businesses and organizations that achieve incredible things in local commerce, in their industries, and in the community.
We are thrilled to see the sheer number of amazing businesses nominated this year! We can't wait to celebrate all the nominees (and announce the winners!) at our upcoming Annual Meeting on November 1st. The categories for awards this year are: Business Excellence, Small Business Excellence, Non-Profit Excellence, Representation in Business, and Business Supporter of the Military. Nominations for these awards were submitted by businesses and community members. The 2023 Spotlight On Business Awards Nominees In-Gear Portland Ave. Hair and Beauty Supply The Space Tacoma Bottimore and Associates Rejuvenation Junction Massage and Spa Accident and Injury Chiropractic Dorky's Craft Theory Financial Insights Wealth Management McInnis Engineering Acts Pharmacy Bliss Law Fitness Quest for Women Homewatch CareGivers of Tacoma Indulge Massage Therapy STEP America's Credit Union Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assalut Center for Pierce County 27 West Sprague Pest Solutions The Doty Group Commencement Bank Our September Chamber After Hours was hosted at TOTE Maritime Alaska's offices in Downtown Tacoma. This event came with a spectacular view of the Port of Tacoma and Thea Foss Waterway. In addition to the amazing view, this event offered delicious catering, giveaway prizes, and plentiful opportunities for networking.
Chamber After Hours is your monthly chance to meet fellow Chamber members, share your business, and develop relationships! Thank you to TOTE Maritime Alaska for hosting us for such a memorable event. View photos from the evening below! Last Thursday, September 14th, our Chamber joined The Art of Crunch to help celebrate its 12-year business anniversary with a ribbon cutting! This marks twelve years in business for The Art of Crunch and two years of having a storefront. This event included delicious samples and deals from The Art of Crunch, a vendor market, and a food truck! Thank you to The Art of Crunch for inviting us to be part of this exciting business milestone, we wish you many more years of success!
View photos from the event below! On Wednesday evening, September 13th, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber hosted a candidates forum featuring candidates running for positions on Tacoma City Council and Port of Tacoma Commission.
The event was held at the Tacoma Art Museum and had around sixty guests in attendance including community leaders, elected officials, and local business owners. The evening began with networking between candidates and guests before the official panels took place. Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President/CEO Andrea Reay moderated the forum. The first candidate panel featured candidates running for office for Tacoma City Council. This included Chris Van Vechten and Jamika Scott running for District 3, Olgy Diaz and Kristen Wynne running for at-large Position 7, and Todd Briske and Kristina Walker running for at-large Position 8. Attendees in the audience were able to submit their questions to be asked of all candidates, which included questions on the topics of housing, business license fee increases, public safety and policing, the Tacoma Tideflats, and more. Following questions from the audience, the candidates participated in a rapid-fire section of questions during which they were given paddles to hold up to indicate agreeing or disagreeing with statements shared by the moderator. One question asked "Is the City of Tacoma moving in the right direction?" After several moments of consideration, five of the six City Council candidates responded "Yes" with their paddles. The second candidate panel featured candidates running for Port of Tacoma Commission. This included Deanna Keller running for Position 3, as well as Kristin Ang and Dave Bryant running for Position 5. Port candidates answered questions from the audience on the Tideflats Subarea Plan, jobs and workforce development, the economy, workforce housing, and more. These candidates also participated in a rapid-fire question session addressing agree or disagree statements. The event was one of candidates and community members coming together to share ideas and visions for the future of Pierce County. It was clear that everyone in the room was passionate about seeing our region thrive. Thank you to the Tacoma Art Museum for serving as a space for this forum, our sponsors Puget Sound Energy and GTM Transformations LLC, our engaged and respectful audience, and all the candidates who participated. You can learn more about the upcoming elections in Tacoma and Pierce County by viewing our 2023 Vote For Business Guides which feature information on the candidates and exclusive video statements. Elections take place in Pierce County on November 7, 2023. View photos from our Candidates Forum below! Last Thursday, September 7th, we helped welcome PSR Mechanical to Tacoma with a Chamber ribbon cutting! Guests who attended this event were able to view PSR Mechanical's new location in the Port of Tacoma, network with business leaders, and celebrate.
Thank you to PSR Mechanical for having our Chamber join you for this exciting business milestone and to everyone who attended this event. Last Friday, September 8th, our Chamber Ambassadors took their annual trip to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! The Chamber hosts this excursion every year as a way to thank our Ambassadors for all that they do for our community. This year, our group of Ambassadors got an up-close look at the new polar bear cubs at the zoo! Thank you to our Ambassadors for volunteering so much of your time to our Chamber and thank you to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for leading us on such an informative and fun tour!
Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in August 2023!
A Advanced Septic & Construction Services Baker Manufacturing Inc Blue Star Families Cruise LLC Darling Ingredients Dorkys Arcade ElectraSpa School of Esthetics Fibrenew Central Tacoma GenCare Lifestyle at Point Ruston Glint Car Wash Gold Standard Landscaping Hammond Knoll OnQ Financial LLC Rotator LLC Suncadia Resort The Sacred Garden LLC U-Haul YSS Dive |
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