FAQ's

What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A Chamber of Commerce is a collective body of businesses that work together to advocate on behalf of the business community on the local, state, and federal levels. A chamber also provides resources, networking, leadership, and marketing opportunities for business.

What does the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber do?
As the community champion and advocate for business, the Chamber leverages the talents and resources of its Chamber staff to improve economic opportunities for all.

When was the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber founded?
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber was founded in 1884.

Is the Chamber a government entity?
No. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is a 501C6 not-for-profit organization.

How is the Chamber funded?
The Chamber obtains its resources through membership investments, non-dues revenue, contracts for service, revenue and project grants.

How many members does the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber have?
Numbers of members fluctuate on a monthly basis. The Current Chamber membership is approximately 1,300.

How many members does the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber have on its Board of Directors?
Generally, the Board consists of 40-42 Directors, consisting of an Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Appointed Directors.

What kinds of businesses and organizations join the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber?
All kinds. Businesses of every size and industry, as well as trade and professional associations and a number of nonprofits and charitable organizations, are members. Nearly 96 percent of Chamber member companies have fewer than 100 employees.

Is my Chamber membership tax deductible?
Your Chamber membership dues can be deducted as a business expense. In most cases, 94% of your annual membership dues are tax deductible as a business expense. Roughly six percent of your annual dues will contribute to our political lobbying efforts.

Whom should I contact if I have a problem with a business?
You can contact the Better Business Bureau to register a complaint or to find out if a complaint has been registered against the company.

Who can become a Chamber member?
The Chamber welcomes any small, medium, or large local, regional, national, or international business.

How much does it cost to become a member?
Investments in the Chamber range from as little as $360 up to more than $20,000 annually, depending upon size of business and level of membership. Investments of more than $1,500 are voluntary and earn special recognition as part of the 21st Century Partners Initiative.

Why should I join the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber?
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is a regional chamber that supports and serves businesses throughout Pierce County. It has a strong record of involvement and leadership from a diverse cadre of the community's business leaders. By informing and connecting members to key community and regional issues and providing unique opportunities for individuals and businesses to prosper and build connections, the Chamber becomes the voice of the business community.

How can I measure the return on my investment?
Participation is a key, and being involved helps make the difference. Being a member of the Chamber creates important connections that enable individuals and companies to do and achieve more. The Chamber commits to an outcomes-based business plan with results measured for member benefits.

How is my investment used?
The Chamber provides leadership opportunities, volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of our community.

How are you different from other business organizations?
By leveraging the support, talent and resources of its members, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is one of the leading organizations helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life for everyone. The Chamber is a consistent, long-term supporter of business success, with trained professional staff and top-flight volunteer leadership. We provide much more than just "networking": we are the leading business advocate for Tacoma-Pierce County on the local, state and federal levels of government. The Chamber offers its members an unmatched level of support and services, including access to a competitive health insurance plan.

How do I join the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber?
It is as simple as filling out the online application at www.tacomachamber.org or call our member services department at 253.627.2175.

None of my key competitors are members, so why should I join?
Today, as businesses and communities are more dependent upon each other for their success, the Chamber provides unique opportunities for individuals and businesses to connect, and create a climate of growth and success for themselves, their companies and the community.

Can non-members attend chamber events?
Yes. However, non-members typically pay a higher registration fee to attend most events.

Can I get a list of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members?
It is the policy of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber not to distribute or make public information about our members to protect their privacy. To find out if a particular company is a member, you must contact the company directly, purchase the Chamber's printed Business Directory or view our online directory. Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members may purchase member mailing labels.