Over the past six months, corporate leaders across Washington state have been on a journey to listen, learn, and better understand the causes and impacts of racial inequity in Washington state. They started by gathering data and listening to Black community and business leaders; diversity, equity, and inclusion specialists; and data and research experts. Their findings are included in a new report that clearly documents inequities that Black Washingtonians and their families experience across multiple dimensions of life – including healthcare, education, criminal justice, personal finance, and the corporate workplace. The interrelated effects of these inequities compound over time, cross generations, and exist regardless of socioeconomic status or education level. Further, COVID-19 and the recession are only magnifying disparities. Read the report

The research informed creation of Washington Employers for Racial Equity, a growing coalition that starts with a commitment from 55+ companies, including the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, to build an equitable future for Washington state. The coalition begins with specific goals for 2030, including driving equity for Black Washingtonians in the corporate sector, supporting Black-owned businesses, and pursuing actions and policies that will support equity across Washington communities. Coalition members have a goal to invest a combined $2 billion to support racial equity over the first five years. The ultimate goal is equity and opportunity for all. Read the commitment
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Washington Employers for Racial Equity is open to all employers and sponsored by a growing list of regional and statewide associations. 

Read the report

Learn about the Coalition

​Tacoma, Wash. (Nov. 2, 2020) – Pierce County, in partnership with Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Washington Hospitality Association and Travel Tacoma – Mount Rainier Tourism and Sports today announced details of Restaurant Rally, a program designed to save jobs in the restaurant industry in Pierce County.
 
During the Restaurant Rally promotion period of Nov. 8-19, 2020, excluding Fridays and Saturdays, diners simply dine at, or order a takeout meal from a participating restaurant. They will automatically receive 30 percent off their bill, before tax. The discount excludes alcohol and orders via third-party delivery services. More than 200 restaurants throughout Pierce County are participating in the program. A list of participating restaurants, with more being added, as well their operating hours and an interactive map are available at www.piercecountyrestaurantrally.com.
 
The program was funded by Pierce County through the allocation of $7.5 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds, in order to help the recovery of the beleaguered restaurant industry. Councilmember Dave Morell brought the program to Pierce County after learning about a similar program in the United Kingdom.
 
Participating Pierce County restaurants that have applied to participate were qualified by being full-service restaurants primarily engaged in food service, and operating within Washington’s Safe Start guidelines. Participating restaurants will be compensated for 50 percent of gross sales, excluding alcohol and sales through third-party delivery services.
 
“The Restaurant Rally is an innovative, combined effort of organizations that support our local businesses and the people who are employed by them," said Betty Capestany, Pierce County Economic Development Director. "It’s vital that we provide a much-needed stimulus for an industry that has been hard hit by the pandemic. At its core, the Restaurant Rally is a fantastic opportunity for people to support their local eateries and save money at the same time.”
 
“We are excited to remind the community of the quality restaurants we have in Pierce County,” said Tom Pierson, President and CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. “Pierce County Restaurant Rally is an excellent way to safely enjoy dinning and while helping our local restaurants who have been hit the hardest during this pandemic.”
 
“Pierce County restaurants are important economic drivers, yet they have suffered more than 20,000 unemployment claims in the Pierce County food service industry alone since the onset of the pandemic, with many of our beloved restaurants struggling to survive,” said Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association. “Kudos to Pierce County officials for directing important federal funds to support these small businesses, which are critical to the local economy. “
 
“Through the Restaurant Rally program, we encourage locals and visitors to support Pierce County’s restaurants however they feel most comfortable: through dine-in or take-out meals,” said Dean Burke, President and CEO of Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier Tourism and Sports. “Hospitality and tourism have suffered disproportionately during the COVID crisis, and we are thankful for the opportunity to support Pierce County, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and the Washington Hospitality Association in bringing economic relief to these hard-hit industries.”
 
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Click here for Pierce County Restaurant Rally images and logos.
 
Media Contact:
Washington Hospitality Association
Jacque Coe, Communications Manager
jacquec@wahospitality.org
(425) 351-0082
 
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
Jeff Soifer, Creative Director
jeffs@tacomachamber.org
Office: (253) 627-2175; Cell: (207) 240-1306

Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier Tourism and Sports
Matt Wakefield, Sr. Communications Manager
matt@traveltacoma.com
Cell: (206) 412-5080
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About the Washington Hospitality Association:
Hospitality is the industry that serves. The Washington Hospitality Association delivers wins for the largest group of private employers in the state. The 296,600 jobs the industry provides are the backbone of our state’s economy. The association works at the state and local levels to find proactive solutions to the challenging issues facing the industry and its workforce. It supplies its members with programs, services and information they need to deliver great local experiences, ensure the success of their employees and help their communities thrive. The Washington Hospitality Association became one of the state’s largest trade associations in 2016 when the Washington Restaurant Association and Washington Lodging Association joined forces in a combined association.
 
About the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is a membership-based organization dedicated to making the South Sound the most equitable and inclusive place to do business in Washington State. Through advocacy efforts, leadership building, informational programing, and networking opportunities, the Chamber helps businesses thrive, the economy flourish, and our community prosper. With over 1,500 business members, the Chamber has helped the South Sound move forward since 1884.
 
About Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier Tourism and Sports
Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier Tourism and Sports is the official destination marketing organization for Tacoma and Pierce County, Washington. Accredited by Destinations International. For more information, visit www.traveltacoma.com.