The Covid-19 Pandemic was a time of entrepreneurship exploration for many people and Alicia Hall, Owner of Bomb Charcuterie is one of those people. During the pandemic, Alicia and her daughter took a zoom-course on ‘charcuterie-how-to' and building creative cheeseboards quickly became her favorite hobby. Alicia started small by sharing her craft with friends and family. However, once she realized what a great opportunity it presented, she set out to make it her full-time job.

Hall graduated from the Pierce County Business Accelerator Program ready to break ground on her new vocational journey and in January of 2024, claimed 919 Kincaid Avenue in the heart of Downtown Sumner as her new headquarters. Husband, Aaron, and Alicia started renovating what used to be a clothing boutique, expecting it to take only three months or so to finish. Unfortunately, three months turned into eight.

However, on August 28th, Bomb Charcuterie celebrated their grand opening with a crowd full of family, friends, Sumner residents, and some special guests! Attendees included the City of Sumner’s Mayor, Kathy Hayden; Lori Waltier, Executive Director of the Sumner Main Street Association (who partnered with the Chamber to put this on); and many other administrative folks from the City of Sumner. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber thanks Alicia Hall for inviting us to commemorate the opening of Bomb Charcuterie with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  
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If you are in the market for cheese and other charcuterie provisions, sandwiches, tartines, catering at a variety of events, workshops on charcuterie 101, or other gifts inspired by the rich tradition of France and Italy, then travel by car, foot, or train to get a taste of this Bomb Charcuterie!

Website: Charcuterie Boards Puyallup, WA | Bomb Charcuterie​

​Contact Information:
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
Andrea H. Reay
President & CEO
253-627-2175

TACOMA - August 28, 2024 - This past June, The City of Tacoma, in collaboration with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and EMC Research, launched its first-ever Economic Development Business Climate Survey.

"Our local businesses are the backbone of our community, and this survey gives us valuable insights into their needs and challenges,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “By understanding these results, we can work together with our business community to continue to create a thriving economic environment that supports growth and innovation supported by city policies and actions.”

The primary objective of the survey was collecting wide and comprehensive data to help ensure that the economic development work we do is truly centered in and for our local business community. These valuable insights will help inform the City Council and Economic Development priorities for 2025.
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Tacoma Pierce County Chamber President and CEO, Andrea H. Reay “The Tacoma Pierce County Chamber was excited to work with the City of Tacoma to understand firsthand the needs of the business community. We look forward to using this valuable insight to strengthen the local economy and improve the outlook for all of Tacoma’s businesses.”

Feedback from this survey will play a crucial role in ensuring that the City of Tacoma continues to meet the needs of its business community while prioritizing future investments.

All businesses within the city were encouraged to participate in the survey, which focused on their experiences as members of Tacoma's business community. The survey was offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. 221 businesses completed interviews; 174 of the businesses had a physical location in the City of Tacoma. Outreach and support of the survey was provided from community partners including Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Korean Women’s Association, The Black Collective, Tacoma Urban League, and Mi Centro.

Primary findings from the survey indicate that the Business Health Index is doing “okay”, 6.34 on a scale of 0-10. There were strong positive results in terms of the commitment businesses have to Tacoma as a great place to have a business.

The most important factors in choosing a business location are safety, cleanliness, and the cost of doing business, specifically taxes. Improving communication from the City of Tacoma on policies that could impact business was important to 87% of businesses.

“As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, ensuring that the City of Tacoma is an exceptional partner for local businesses is a top priority,” said Council Member Kiara Daniels. “This survey provides important insights into what our local businesses need to achieve their goals and the challenges they are facing. I’m eager to ensure that we translate this information into action and continue to make Tacoma an ideal environment for our businesses.” 

 Link here​ for the full survey result report. 

About the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is the voice for business and a catalyst for prosperity in Tacoma. Our vision is to support a thriving business environment that promotes economic growth and livability in our community.

About the City of Tacoma
The City of Tacoma is committed to fostering a vibrant business environment. In line with Resolution 41069, the City is conducting this Business Climate Survey with a diverse group of businesses to deepen our understanding of their needs, optimize existing resources, and prioritize anti-racism in policy recommendations.

What is the go-to food any day of the week, on holidays, and of course the morning after a night out? If you guessed Chinese food, you’d be correct! Panda Express has been serving freshly prepared American Chinese food with real ingredients since 1983. Launching in California, they have now spread to over 2,500 locations spanning across the United States and in eleven international countries. Here in Washington State alone, we have over 70 stores. Local to Pierce County, Spanaway just got their first Panda Express on August 15th!

Residents flooded the complex forming a line of several dozen people-deep, well before 8:00 o’clock in the morning! Guests were greeted by not only a giant blow-up Panda, but a mascot named ‘Pay’ ready to pose for a photo with a “thumbs-up”.  While waiting for the doors to open, they were also entertained by the talented Spanaway Lake High School Cheer Squad, ‘Sway’*. 
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The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber was able to introduce Josie Cervantes, Area Coach of Operations; Janine Lorenzo, Training Leader; along with several more Panda Family team members to commemorate the grand opening. After the speeches were given and the ribbon was cut, the first customer was welcomed and given a special prize from Pay for the accomplishment. Also, the first 88 guests were given a swag bag with a Panda Express branded t-shirt inside.

If you are wanting to indulge in some delicious American Chinese favorites such as The Original Orange Chicken or Chow Mein, head over to the newest Panda Express in Spanaway-nicknamed ‘Panda Home’ because it is an invitation into the store that which takes on traditional Chinese architecture elements. Things like red lanterns, a moon gate portal, Chinatown signs and more, gives the restaurant a sense of home and hospitality. Inside the store, guests can get a glimpse of who Panda Express is as a brand, experience the culture, and meet the Panda Family of associates.

*Each member of the squad gave verbal consent for photos/videos to be taken and shared. 

What started as a young boy’s dream of owning a confectionery shop in Germany, where he could work in the shop pouring fresh chocolate into bars whilst children stood outside gazing in through the window in amazement, turned into owning Boba Tea Island (BTI), a boba tea cafe in Lakewood where people of all ages come in to enjoy delicious bubble tea! Hakan Yilmaz is not only the proud Owner of BTI, but also a Pierce County Business Accelerator Program Graduate, and quite the entrepreneur.

Hakan invited the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber to celebrate the new-ownership, renovation, and renaming of the business with a ribbon cutting ceremony. What sets Boba T Island apart from the rest is the fact that they are partnering with Tacoma’s Sister City Fuzhou, China, to import the tea that they sell at the shop. They have partnered with The World Trade Center Tacoma, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Tacoma Sister Cities, and Tacoma-Pierce County EDB, along with several other organizations to make this possible.

With an incredible staff, fun and playful environment, along with sweet treats for sale, BTI is the best cafe to meet a friend, have a quick day-date, or just relax and read a book while you enjoy your boba beverage. Thank you Hakan for allowing the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber to be a part of your big day, and good luck on your new endeavor! 

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobatisland/ 

​We love our ambassador team and are very grateful to have their support! Our Chamber ambassadors are an extension of the Chamber staff, allowing our members to have more points of contact. We want to highlight each ambassador as a 'thank you' for their continued support and dedication that they put into the ambassador team.

We asked each ambassador a set of questions in an effort to become better acquainted and get a preview of their life outside of ambassador work. For September, we will be highlighting the wonderful Sarah Asay!

Friends, family, and community connections gathered on Saturday, August 24th, to commemorate the official launch celebration of MK Creative, a local marketing agency and proud new member of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

Founder and Creative Director, McKensey R. Domas, has experience working with businesses, nonprofits, artists and makers, movers and shakers:

“I come alongside you to help build your brand, grow your business, and reclaim time to focus on your clients and do what you do best.”

As a business owner and artist herself, McKensey knows what it’s like to wear all the hats in a business. With a background in corporate marketing and communications, McKensey brings her unique skills to provide approachable marketing solutions curated for you and your business.

MK Creative specializes in brand development, graphic design, website design, and implementing strategic marketing plans. Visit mkcreativemarketing.com to learn more and book a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

Website: https://www.mkcreativemarketing.com
Email: [email protected]

Chamber After Hours at the Washington State Fair Events Center, falling on the second week in August, has become a yearly affair for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber!
 
Taking place just before the start of the notable Washington State Fair, aka the Fall Fair, Chamber After Hours is the perfect time for attendees to get excited for the upcoming festivities. This year, guests got to experience the event in the Fair View Club, located between the Blue and Gold Gate on the grounds, and adjacent to the Pavilion Marketplace. This private room can be used for corporate events, receptions, special events, and much more. Charcuterie-style food was provided along with beverages and most importantly, scones.
 
Andrea Reay, President & CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, alongside Cari Dixon, Chief Growth Officer of the WA State Fair management team shared, a few words about the partnership between the two entities, and the amazing projects and events that have blossomed from it. They finished with a giveaway drawing for 12 lucky winners! Among the prizes were tickets to the Umpqua Bank Concert Series, Emerald Downs, and a Tacoma Rainier’s baseball game.

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber member and Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) graduate, Arabia Essence, had the grand opening of their Olympia store on Monday, August 12! Arabia Essence offers a variety of Middle Eastern perfume oils and bottles, jewelry, and home decor. There is a selection of women’s formal wear, as well.  
 
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber was able to partner with the Thurston County Chamber to celebrate the business milestone of Astou Sow, owner of Arabia Essence. 
 
Jessica Houchin, Operations and Events Coordinator for the Thurston County Chamber was able to share photos from the special day. Thank you, Jessica, and fellow Thurston County Chamber staff, for taking the lead on this event! 
 
Arabia Essence also has a store in the Kitsap Mall in Kitsap County, which will celebrate their grand opening on Tuesday, September 10. We are excited to partner with the Greater Kitsap Chamber to commemorate this additional milestone. 
 
Congratulations, Astou, on your two amazing business milestones! We look forward to seeing you continue to thrive and grow in our community. ​

Website: https://arabiaessencellc.com
Email: [email protected]

​We love our ambassador team and are very grateful to have their support! Our Chamber ambassadors are an extension of the Chamber staff, allowing our members to have more points of contact. We want to highlight each ambassador as a 'thank you' for their continued support and dedication that they put into the ambassador team.

We asked each ambassador a set of questions in an effort to become better acquainted and get a preview of their life outside of ambassador work. For August, we will be highlighting the great Laura Etscheid! ​

Learn More About the Ambassador Program
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​​Interested in learning more about what it takes to be a Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber ambassador? Learn more here.

​Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in July 2024:​

   • 4EVRGRN
   • A1 Financial Services
   • Aichas Wholesomes
   • AMP Studio LLC
   • Anchor Puzzles LLC
   • Black Bishop Financial Group
   • C & C Electric Connected & Continuity
   • Cafe Pacific Catering, Inc.
   • Cedar Gate Creatives
   • Cinman Consulting
   • Degesch America
   • EL visionZ
   • EXIT SUCCESS Solutions
   • FRN Corp.
   • Girls Hearts on Fire
   • Harbor Freight - Frederickson
   • Hello, Beautiful
   • Hunt's Services
   • Mark Lindquist Law
   • MD'S Hauling
   • MK Creative
   • Mr Racks LLC
   • Origin Medicine
   • Soulberry Coffee House LLC
   • Steepmeadow Solutions
   • Toby Murray
   • Tresha's Treasures
   • Yates Enterprise Solutions
   • Youngblood Plumbing & Radiant LLC
   • Yours Truly