2023 Top 10 Highlights | Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

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! 

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​1. Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Kick-off to 140th Year Celebration

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting was bigger and better in 2023.

With over 250 attendees, the sold-out event unveiled the Chamber’s Annual Impact Report, the passing of the gavel from past chair, Eli Taylor (US Bank), to new board chair, Jon Rossman (Chuckals Office Products), and we announced the 2023 Spotlight on Business Awards.

​This event was also a kick-off of our 140th year! 

2. Membership

​In 2023 we grew our membership to over 1,450 members and continue to grow steadily each month.

​Our sponsorships and partnerships remained strong and allowed us to enhance our programs and engagement with our members.

3. The Chamber Welcomes New Staff & Board Members

We couldn’t do what we do at the Chamber without an amazing staff and board. In 2023 The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber added strong team members that dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to make the Chamber the most equitable, inclusive, and thriving place to do business in Washington State.

In 2023, new board members included:

• Dr. Bernal Baca, Mi Centro
• Patricia Gossler, Verizon
• Jamison Harris, Comcast
• Shannon Hassan, Valeo Vocation
• April Sage, Senior Housing Advising Services
• Burhan Saleh, Al's Hot Chicken
• Jennifer Schomburg, CHI Franciscan, Virginia Mason
• Gary Yamamoto, America's Car Museum

We also welcomed amazing talent to our staff:

• Jasmine Brown, Public Art Coordinator, Spaceworks
• Jennifer English, promoted to Spaceworks Program Director
• Sydney Forrest, Project Administrative Specialist
• Carlos Ortiz, Membership Engagement Program Specialist
• Mary Sedano, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

4. Advocacy

This year, the Chamber provided businesses in the South Sound with strong advocacy efforts. These efforts protected the rights of business owners, grew business and the economy, increased our private sector workforce, and improved the overall business climate.

Several notable legislative wins that occurred this past year included:

• Passing a statewide standard for drug possession and use (Blake Fix) during special session.
• Reducing City of Tacoma Business License Fees from original proposal.
• Protecting Puget Sound Gateway Transportation package from budget cuts and construction delays
• The Tacoma Green Economy Strategy focused on workforce, productivity, and 98% carbon free power.

5. A New Direction for Spaceworks

​Spaceworks’ 5-year strategic plan priorities include creating accessible and equitable commercial space opportunities for creatives in Tacoma.

​The advocacy for a Home Incubation solution directly supports this and our commitment to empower creatives with the tools, training, and resources to thrive as small business owners.

6. Election Support

The Chamber works to create a policy environment that supports innovation, economic growth, and the jobs that Pierce County families rely on. We cannot achieve that without the support of elected officials who advance the free enterprise system and pro-growth policies.

In 2023 we conducted a Candidates Forum with candidates running for Tacoma City Council and the Port of Tacoma Commission. Questions focused on pressing local issues including public safety, housing, rental reform, port plans, manufacturing, and more.
 
The Chamber also created a Vote for Business Guide to help inform the business community where candidates stand on issues that affect them.

7. WA State History Museum Shop & Spaceworks Collaboration

Partnering with the Washington State History Museum, Spaceworks participants from the Spaceworks Incubator and Artscapes programs were invited to sell their art and products in the WSHM shop.

This partnership gives the creative entrepreneurs real-life experience working with a museum and navigating consignment opportunities/contracts, while creating an additional revenue stream for them.

8. Chamber Leadership Conferences

In April, the Chamber took a delegation of 45 business, industry, nonprofit, and government leaders to Washington, D.C. to meet with national leaders and advocate for important issues.

October of 2023, we convened a group of 25 local leaders to Austin, Texas, for our 4th Annual Aspire Intercity Leadership Conference. Attendees experienced how that community tackled rapid urban growth, technology and innovation, workforce development, supporting the creative economy, and housing and homelessness.

9. Record Attendance at Chamber Events​

All Chamber signature events were sold out, including Public Officials Holiday Reception, Horizons Economic Forecast, Happy Hour Business Expo, and Pierce County Outlook.

​Over 1,800 attendees in total engaged, networked, and accessed information to help their business grow.

10. The World Trade Center Tacoma

​The World Trade Center Tacoma carried out two trade missions in 2023.

One connected local businesses to Vietnam and the other supported the Economic Development Board of Pierce County and the Washington Secretary of State in supporting Japanese FDI in the aerospace and tabletop gaming industries.