Business & Trade

The Business and Trade Group addresses the needs and operational environment affecting the economic base of the community.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is the sole private organization that consistently takes a pro-trade position in public policy debates. International trade and trade from Alaska are focuses of the Business and Trade Group - designing and implementing programs that make more of the opportunities available in these arenas. In addition, the Chamber fulfills a traditional role in protocol functions with international delegates as well as the vital administration of Certificates of Origin.

Through its Alaska Committee, the Chamber advances its advocacy programs, addressing development options like ANWR and the natural gas pipeline in Alaska. Each year, a delegation of Tacomans travel to Alaska, visiting Alaskan cities and forging stronger economic links between business communities.

Local businesses receive direct attention through the focus of the Port-Industrial Committee and the Manufacturers Council. Complimenting the efforts of those groups, the Environmental Special Interest and Utilities Special Interest groups work towards a better operational environment for industries.

The Chamber is a Founding Sponsor of the TacomaAngel Network for the purpose of supporting entrepreneurial growth in our community. If you are an SEC-qualified investor or an entrepreneur with an offer attractive to Angel investors, please visit its website.

Fueled by strong, established companies and local startups, technology is a developing industry in the metro area, representing the central focus of Chamber affiliate, the Tacoma Technology Consortium. The work of the consortium led former Washington Governor Gary Locke to declare the first Technology Day in Washington state at the 2000 eBusiness Day events in Tacoma. The Chamber continues to support the development and success of this industry with programs like the Tacoma Angels Network (TAN), eBusiness recognitions and co-sponsorship of the SST (South Sound Technology) Conferences. The Chamber operates a blog site (Tacoma Tech Connect) with late-breaking technology news.

The research department of the Business and Trade Group provides assistance with demographic and economic information. The department supplies Chamber members with ChamberDataNow demographic services to assist in their understanding of markets.