Business Advocacy

With more than 1,300 members, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is the area's oldest and most influential policy/business advocacy organization. The Chamber's established reputation as a hard-hitting, powerful, and connection-building organization makes it an ideal advocate for the business community. The Chamber aggressively shapes issues, lobbies at every level of government and works with appointed officials and regulatory agencies on behalf of the local business community. It provides a united voice for a strong economy that provides opportunity and supports quality of life by promoting economic strategies and public policy initiatives that will help build a positive environment and a stronger, more effective business community.

The Chamber's advocacy role extends to state and national levels as well. The Chamber annually sponsors one of the longest-running community leaders' trips to Washington, D.C . and the Pentagon to show support for our large military population. In addition, it retains contract assistance in governmental affairs on local, state and national levels.

Interpreting and relaying information to the media is another part of the Chamber's advocacy role. By thinking regionally when addressing population growth issues, the Chamber is able to transcend the normal boundaries of the cities and the county. This includes introducing such top national speakers as Neal Pierce (nationally-syndicated columnist), Dr. Richard Florida (author) and Rich Karlgaard (publisher of Forbes), to help the community become aware of the latest trends and strategies of top metropolitan areas.

The Chamber's accomplishments are many. Tacoma-Pierce County was recently named one of "America's Most Livable Communities" in the regional category. In addition, Tacoma has become a showcase for using the arts and historic preservation to support downtown economic growth. University of Washington Tacoma opened its doors to students in 1990; the branch campus has been well-supported and is a sought-after model. Finally, Tacoma has emerged from extensive base re-alignment and closure rounds not only intact, but also with larger complements of the military based in the area.

For over a century, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has been the leading organization representing the interests of businesses in Tacoma-Pierce County. Today, the Chamber provides leadership opportunities, volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of the region. As businesses and communities are more dependent on each other for success, the Chamber's role has evolved. Today's Chamber also helps build stronger communities. The Chamber keeps its membership focused and involved in top business, civic and social priorities by providing unique connection-based opportunities for individuals and businesses to make a difference.

Do you want to be a part of the Chamber's business advocacy efforts? Contact mweinman@comcast.net, or call the Chamber for more information.