<![CDATA[TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY CHAMBER - The Chamber Blog]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:15:12 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Member Feature: Hudson Security LLC]]>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:46:50 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/member-feature-hudson-security-llc
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Anthony "Big Tony" Duban-Hudson
OWNER | HUDSON SECURITY LLC
Building a Business Rooted in Community
Originally from southern Illinois, Tony Duban-Hudson spent 10 years in Orlando, Florida, before making Washington State home. After several years in Lakewood, he settled in Tacoma's South End, a community he's passionate about serving and strengthening.

​For more than 13 years, Tony has owned and operated Hudson Security LLC, providing security services throughout Washington. While his long-term goal is to focus even more on serving Tacoma, his company is trusted across the state. Today, Hudson Security employs 11 highly trained, carefully vetted professionals who are equipped to handle everything from patrol services to surveillance system installation with precision and professionalism.
​Protecting What Matters Most
For Tony, security is more than a business; it's a calling. He believes in making neighborhoods, businesses, and communities safer while treating every client with respect, dignity, and honesty. Whether his team is responding to patrol needs, installing security cameras, or solving complex security challenges, their goal is simple: deliver peace of mind through exceptional service.
"Making a difference every day isn't just our mission - it's what we do."
​Creating Opportunity Through Service
Giving back is equally important to Tony. Hudson Security partners with the Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center to create employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. By providing training, mentorship, and meaningful careers in the security industry, Tony is committed to helping others build a future, just as someone once helped him.
Why Tacoma is Home
When asked why the South Sound is the best place to do business, Tony's answer is immediate, Tacoma! He believes in investing in the community that has invested in him. Through Hudson Security, he is committed to making local neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations safer while building lasting relationships based on trust, reliability, and service.
Contact Hudson Security LLC
🌐 253security.com | ✉️ bgz863@aol.com | ☎️​ (253) 394-8001 | 📍14501 Woodlawn St SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
]]><![CDATA[Celebrating the Graduates of the Spring 2026 Business Plan Cohort]]>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:45:01 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/celebrating-the-graduates-of-the-spring-2026-business-plan-cohort
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Congratulations to the Spring 2026 cohort!
On June 23, Spaceworks Tacoma proudly celebrated the graduation of its Spring 2026 Business Plan Cohort.
Over twelve weeks, participating entrepreneurs developed comprehensive business plans, refined their visions, strengthened their operations, and built lasting relationships with fellow business owners and the broader entrepreneurial community.

This year’s graduation was held at Lumora Art Lab. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Lumora Art Lab team for generously hosting the event and providing a beautiful and welcoming space in which to celebrate the cohort’s achievements. The evening brought together families, alumni, community partners, and local leaders to celebrate a dynamic group of entrepreneurs contributing to Tacoma’s creative economy.
Congratulations to the Following Graduated Businesses:
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  • Crafty AF | Community art studio and makerspace
  • Underground Sound | Publication highlighting South Sound creatives
  • Sun Machine Glass | Glass art and design studio
  • Bare Necessities | Handcrafted soap company
  • K&D Music | Music education and instrument services company
  • LuLu’s Bakery Shop | Local bakery
  • Chonky Cat Condos | Creators of handcrafted driftwood cat furniture
  • Assembly School of Craft | Emerging maker school and gallery
  • Sober AF | Tacoma’s nonalcoholic bottle shop and community hub
  • Voice Tacoma Creative Media | Content and media production company

A special thank-you goes to the community partners, alumni, family members, mentors, stakeholders, elected officials, and supporters who attended the graduation and continue to champion Spaceworks entrepreneurs. Your encouragement, expertise, connections, and belief in these businesses help create an ecosystem in which Tacoma’s entrepreneurs can thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more creative, and more resilient local economy.
About the Business Plan Cohort
Spaceworks Incubator for creative entrepreneurs is a training ground to test new ideas, products, and services with a safety net of technical assistance and mentorship. We’ve helped hundreds of Tacoma businesses go from dream to reality
Stay tuned: The Fall 2026 Incubator application opens up in August!​​
LEARN MORE
]]><![CDATA[Welcome New Chamber Members | July 2026]]>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:45:22 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/welcome-new-chamber-members-july-2026
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Welcome to the members who joined our business community in July 2026:
]]><![CDATA[South Sound Employers Need Talent. The Chamber Is Acting Now.]]>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:24:39 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/south-sound-employers-need-talent-the-chamber-is-acting-now
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The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition, a national initiative focused on preparing today's students for tomorrow's careers.
Why it Matters

Employers across the South Sound continue to identify workforce shortages as one of their greatest challenges. Manufacturers, healthcare providers, technology firms, construction companies, retailers, and professional service businesses all need skilled employees to remain competitive and grow. Building a talent pipeline starts long before graduation.

​A key component of the coalition is supporting the College Board's new AP Business with Personal Finance course, which equips high school students with practical business knowledge and financial literacy that translates directly into workplace success. Students learn entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, management, leadership, budgeting, investing, credit management, taxes, and personal financial planning. Skills that prepare them not only for college, but for careers and life.

For employers, these are more than academic subjects, they are essential workplace competencies. Businesses consistently report that young employees benefit from stronger communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and financial decision-making skills. AP Business with Personal Finance helps students develop those abilities before they enter the workforce, making them better prepared for internships, apprenticeships, technical training, military service, or immediate employment.
​Impact Within the South Sound

The Chamber is encouraging the South Sound school districts, higher education institutions, workforce organizations, and employers to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and real-world careers. Through internships, job shadowing opportunities, classroom speakers, mentorships, and work-based learning experiences, students will gain firsthand exposure to the industries and career pathways that are driving the South Sound economy.

The Tacoma Public Schools, led by Superintendent Dr. Josh Garcia, are demonstrating what workforce leadership looks like. The district has made career-connected learning a priority, recognizing that preparing students for the future means equipping them with both academic knowledge and practical workplace skills. Their willingness to partner with employers and embrace innovative coursework such as AP Business with Personal Finance positions Tacoma as a model for workforce development across Washington. The Chamber applauds Dr. Garcia and Tacoma Public Schools for their vision and leadership in helping build the next generation of entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and business leaders.

This initiative also complements many of the Chamber's existing workforce efforts, including the Business Leadership Academy, Manufacturing Incubator, Spaceworks Tacoma, and our broader small business and economic development programs. Together, these initiatives create stronger connections between education and industry while helping employers develop the workforce they need for the future.

Preparing tomorrow's workforce is more than an education initiative; it's an economic development strategy. When students graduate with business knowledge, financial literacy, and meaningful workplace experiences, employers gain a stronger talent pipeline, our regional economy becomes more competitive, and young people are better positioned to succeed.
Get Involved

The Chamber invites members to help shape the next generation of South Sound talent by:
  • Hosting interns or job-shadow experiences.
  • Serving as classroom speakers or mentors.
  • Providing career exploration opportunities.
  • Partnering with local schools and educators.
  • Supporting workforce development initiatives across Pierce County.​​
Investing in students today is one of the smartest investments we can make in the future of our economy. Together, we can build a stronger workforce, stronger businesses, and a stronger South Sound.
Questions & Comments

Please contact Tom Pierson, President & CEO: tomp@tacomachamber.org.
]]><![CDATA[BLA Alumni Spotlight: Diana Royalty]]>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:57:42 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/bla-alumni-spotlight-diana-royalty
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​The Business Leadership Academy is built on the belief that strong leaders create stronger communities, and alumna Diana Royalty is putting that philosophy into practice every day.
Leading with People at the Center
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As the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for People Centric Consulting Group, Diana helps organizations bridge the gap between people and performance. Drawing on her background in education and her MBA, she develops the systems, frameworks, and operating practices that empower leaders to build healthy teams, improve communication, and create workplaces where both employees and organizations can thrive.
Turning Purpose into Practice
​
At the heart of Diana’s work is a simple but powerful belief: people’s needs and organizational success are deeply connected. By helping businesses align purpose, autonomy, community, and professional development with strategy and execution, she equips leaders with practical tools that drive lasting results.

Whether she’s guiding executive teams, designing organizational systems, or sharing her insights through her writing, Diana continues to demonstrate the kind of thoughtful, community-minded leadership that defines the Business Leadership Academy.
The Legacy of Leadership
​
Diana’s journey reflects the very mission of the Business Leadership Academy: to provide individuals with a foundation for a lifelong commitment to leadership by raising awareness of the key issues affecting our organizations and community, and by ​leading where it matters. If you're ready to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your network, and become part of a legacy of leaders shaping the future of the South Sound, we invite you to join the next Business Leadership Academy cohort.
Congratulations, Diana, on your remarkable accomplishments and the publication of your new book, Becoming People Centric: Designing Organizations Where People and Performance Rise Together. We are proud to celebrate you as a Business Leadership Academy alumna and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make for years to come.​
Join the 2026 BLA Cohort!

​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.

Don't miss your chance to join this year's group of exemplary leaders. Applications are due Friday, August 14, 2026​.
]]><![CDATA[Welcome New Chamber Members | June 2026]]>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:57:41 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/welcome-new-chamber-members-june-2026
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​Welcome to the members who joined our business community in June 2026:
JOIN THE CHAMBER
]]><![CDATA[Tacoma Businesses Warn City Council on Minimum Wage Proposal]]>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:13:23 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/tacoma-businesses-warn-city-council-on-minimum-wage-proposal
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​Tacoma employers say a new local wage mandate would raise costs, reduce flexibility, and make it harder for businesses, nonprofits, childcare providers, and health care organizations to keep serving the community.
 
The Tacoma City Council is considering changes to the City’s minimum wage ordinance. The new Tacoma Minimum Wage Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report highlights broad concerns from employers and community organizations responsible for implementing any new requirements.
 
What They Are Saying

Business owners currently absorb rising health care costs, insurance premiums, utilities, inflation, taxes, and new state regulations. Many warn another major labor cost could force them to raise prices, reduce hours, delay hiring, cut benefits, eliminate entry-level roles, or close locations.

Employers small and large warn a minimum wage increase will not stop with minimum wage workers. Higher entry-level wages create wage compression, raising the cost of experienced employees, supervisors, managers, nonprofits, health care providers, and childcare organizations.
 
Between the Lines

The majority of Tacoma workers earn well above the state minimum wage because the labor market requires it. Restaurant owners noted that tipped employees often earn well above minimum wage. Retail, health care, and other employers said they already pay more to recruit and retain workers.

Nonprofits warned that higher labor costs could mean fewer community programs, workforce training opportunities, and social services. Childcare providers said tuition would likely rise for working families unless subsidies increase. Health care leaders cautioned the fixed Medicaid reimbursement rates leave little room to absorb higher payroll costs.
 
The Bottom Line
 
Employers are proud to invest in Tacoma but worry decisions are being made without fully accounting for the economic realities they face. Their concern: more empty storefronts, fewer local employers, and lost investment if Tacoma becomes significantly more expensive than nearby communities.
 
As Council discussions begin, policymakers need to hear directly from the businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations who would carry out any new local wage mandate.
 
Members Should:
  • Attend upcoming Tacoma City Council meetings.
  • Share how rising operating costs are affecting your business or organization.
  • Explain how additional labor mandates would impact hiring, wages, pricing, employee benefits, or future investment.
  • Urge the Council to pursue policies that improve affordability without undermining Tacoma's economic competitiveness.
 
Tacoma needs policies that support affordability, thriving employers, quality jobs, and sustainable community services. Now is the time to engage. Your experience can help shape the future of Tacoma’s economy.
 
Upcoming City of Tacoma Economic Development Committee:
  • Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 AM - $20 Minimum Wage Proposal Discussion
  • These meetings are open to the public and take public comment on items on the agenda. Information on upcoming meetings can be found on Legistar.
]]><![CDATA[Five Reasons to Apply for the 2026 Business Leadership Academy]]>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:24:03 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/five-reasons-to-apply-for-the-2026-business-leadership-academy
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Leadership isn't something you're born with. It's developed through experience, reflection, learning, and the willingness to grow.
For nearly five decades, the Business Leadership Academy has helped professionals across Tacoma-Pierce County become more confident leaders, stronger collaborators, and more engaged members of our community.
 
If you've been considering applying, here are five reasons this may be the right opportunity for you.
​1. You'll Build a Leadership Development Plan Designed for You.
No two leaders are exactly alike.
 
The Academy encourages participants to reflect on their strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and develop personalized leadership goals. Through assessments and guided discussions, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how you lead and where you want to grow.
 
You'll leave with practical tools you can apply immediately within your organization and throughout your career.
2. You'll Learn from Leaders Who Are Shaping Our Region.
Leadership development becomes even more powerful when it's grounded in real-world experience.
 
Throughout the program, participants engage with business and community leaders who are navigating complex challenges, driving innovation, and creating meaningful change throughout the South Sound.
 
Their stories, lessons, and perspectives offer valuable insight into what effective leadership looks like in practice.
3. You'll Expand Your Professional Network.
One of the greatest benefits of the Business Leadership Academy is the community you build.
 
You'll learn alongside professionals representing different industries, backgrounds, and experiences. Those relationships often evolve into trusted sounding boards, mentors, collaborators, and friends.
 
You'll also gain access to an alumni network that spans nearly 50 years and includes many of the region's most respected leaders.
4. You'll Deepen Your Understanding of Our Community.
Leadership doesn't happen in isolation.
 
Through site visits and community exploration, participants gain a greater appreciation for the organizations, systems, and decision-making processes that influence our region.
 
Understanding how our community works helps leaders make more informed decisions and identify opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways.
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5. You'll Leave Ready to Make an Impact.
The Academy challenges participants to think beyond themselves.
 
Through collaborative projects and reflection, you'll identify how your leadership can positively influence your workplace, your community, and the people around you.
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The result isn't simply stronger leadership skills—it's a renewed sense of purpose.
​Is It Time?
If you're ready to invest in yourself, broaden your perspective, and join a legacy nearly five decades strong, we encourage you to apply to the 2026 Business Leadership Academy.
 
Applications are due Friday, August 14, 2026. Your future as a leader starts with one decision.
APPLY NOW
]]><![CDATA[Chamber Policy Alert: Why the Tacoma Rental Housing Regulation Initiative Deserves Careful Review]]>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:47:18 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/chamber-policy-alert-why-the-tacoma-rental-housing-regulation-initiative-deserves-careful-review
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The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is encouraging members to closely examine the city imitative for Tacoma Rental Housing Regulations which is coming to your ballot this fall.

Tacoma residents deserve safe, quality housing and landlords who violate the law should be held accountable. However, the Chamber is concerned this initiative goes well beyond strengthening existing protections and will have unintended consequences for housing affordability, economic growth, and Tacoma's business climate.

The proposal would establish new regulatory requirements, licensing fees, expanded enforcement mechanisms, and increased financial penalties for rental housing providers. While authors of this initiative believe these changes will improve accountability, they will increase the cost and complexity of owning, operating, and developing housing in Tacoma. 

Those additional costs do not exist in isolation. Higher compliance costs increased legal exposure, and greater regulatory uncertainty can influence investment decisions, reduce incentives to build or improve housing, and make it more difficult to address Tacoma's ongoing housing shortage. A healthy housing market depends on tenant protections but also on policies that encourage new housing construction, reinvestment in existing properties, and long-term private investment.

The impacts extend beyond property owners. Employers throughout Pierce County rely on an adequate supply of workforce housing to recruit and retain employees. Policies that discourage housing investment or increase operating costs may ultimately affect housing availability, affordability, and the region's overall economic competitiveness.

Tacoma can protect tenants while also promoting housing production and economic opportunity. Good public policy should hold bad actors accountable without creating unnecessary barriers for responsible housing providers who are committed to maintaining safe, quality housing.

As this initiative gets closer to a public vote in November of 2026, we encourage business leaders, property owners, employers, and residents to review the proposal carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and consider its long-term implications for Tacoma's economy and housing market.
​
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber will continue to provide members with objective information, policy analysis, and opportunities to engage as this important issue develops.
]]><![CDATA[Growing Our Membership Team]]>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:33:04 GMThttps://www.tacomachamber.org/news-and-updates/growing-our-membership-teamWe're excited to welcome two new Member Consultants to the Chamber team, bringing a wealth of experience in relationship-building, business development, and community engagement to support our members' success.
Kristi Dohring
MEMBER CONSULTANT
kristid@tacomachamber.org

Kristi joins the Chamber with more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, sales, event management, and business ownership. Throughout her career, she has built strong connections within the business community and helped organizations create meaningful opportunities for engagement and growth. As a Member Consultant, she looks forward to helping members strengthen relationships, expand their networks, and maximize the value of their Chamber membership.
Jill Harmon
MEMBER CONSULTANT
jillh@tacomachamber.org

Jill brings seven years of banking experience and a proven track record of building trusted client relationships and supporting business growth. She is passionate about connecting people, fostering new partnerships, and helping businesses succeed. In her role as Member Consultant, Jill is excited to meet Chamber members and support the continued growth of Pierce County's business community.
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