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! 

​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.

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

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.

​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.

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.

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.

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.

​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.

Mary comes to the organization with over a decade of marketing and communications experience. Her expertise lies in digital marketing, social media marketing, graphic design, photography, and company branding. She has a bachelor's degree in communications studies and two professional certifications: Professional Certified Marketer and Certified Digital Marketing Professional.

​Before starting with the Chamber, Mary helped manage the social media marketing strategy and content marketing strategy at a building products manufacturer in the Port of Tacoma. Her experience with digital marketing has provided a new perspective to the Chamber’s content marketing initiatives. Mary takes time to ensure the content Chamber members see is informative and engaging across all marketing and communication channels. By tracking key data and analytics, she's helping to increase brand awareness and member engagement.

During her first week at the Chamber, she was met with multiple time-sensitive projects and tackled them without hesitation. Having attended a wide variety of events in her time here, Mary has adapted to the hustle and bustle of the Chamber world. The Chamber is grateful to have Mary on the team and looks forward to seeing her make an impact!

​Be sure to stop and say hi to Mary the next time you are at a Chamber event! Chances are she might be taking your photo for the Chamber's social media platforms or website.