Learn About the Chamber's Legislative Priorities
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The Chamber provides businesses in the South Sound strong advocacy efforts in order to protect the rights of business owners, grow business and the economy, increase our private sector workforce, and improve the overall business climate. In every legislative cycle it is critical we have a strong presence by uniting our business community at the state capitol.
The Chamber's Legislative Priorities Include:
Listen to the Chamber's Update on the Latest Legislative Session |
Concerns Regarding Proposed Ordinance 28894
Chamber CEO/President Andrea Reay sent a letter to Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and the Tacoma City Council on behalf of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber concerning a proposed ordinance that could create unnecessary roadblocks to housing development in Tacoma.
“We continue to have concerns about Ordinance 28894. This ordinance, and particularly the prohibitions on requiring social security numbers for credit checks and requiring income of more than 2 ½ times the rent, have the potential to decrease the number of housing units in Tacoma and increase displacement. I encourage you to revise this ordinance to encourage the construction of the additional housing our community profoundly needs."
You too, can let City Council know your concerns about the ordinance.
We have drafted an email to make it easy for you. Click on the link below.
“We continue to have concerns about Ordinance 28894. This ordinance, and particularly the prohibitions on requiring social security numbers for credit checks and requiring income of more than 2 ½ times the rent, have the potential to decrease the number of housing units in Tacoma and increase displacement. I encourage you to revise this ordinance to encourage the construction of the additional housing our community profoundly needs."
You too, can let City Council know your concerns about the ordinance.
We have drafted an email to make it easy for you. Click on the link below.
Connect with 80 Vendors and 400 Attendees!
Mix and mingle at the South Sound's annual premier business networking event! See what local businesses have to offer, meet business and industry leaders, and connect with friends old and new at this in-person event!
Connect and network with:
EXPO TABLES SOLD OUT
Must be 21 and older to attend.
Connect and network with:
- 400+ Attendees
- 80 Exhibitor Tables
- Food and Beverage Catering from Around the Sound
- NEW Professional Prep Zone — CHECK IT OUT!
EXPO TABLES SOLD OUT
Must be 21 and older to attend.
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Urges Action on Public Safety Legislation
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Public safety and the perceptions of safety have risen to be one of the top issues facing Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members, their employees, and our residents here in the South Sound. The scale of fentanyl, methamphetamine and open drug use in our region and state necessitates that the legislature take action to create a consistent statewide policy for drug use and possession. If the legislature fails, it will be chaos, as each jurisdiction tries to evaluate and pass their own set of laws that will undoubtably be different from their neighbors.
Read more and find out how you can support the Chamber's work in finding a solution. |
Register Now for Pierce County Outlook
May 4 | Program Runs from 11:30AM-1:00PM
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Get your finger on the pulse of Pierce County at Pierce County Outlook.
The Pierce County Outlook Luncheon will convene regional leaders to share insights for businesses on Pierce County’s current commercial and cultural climate. Leaders from a wide array of critical local sectors will speak on pressing issues including economic development, cyber security, equitable opportunities, public safety, and workforce development. This is a chance for your organization to get informed, be prepared, and participate in the hot-button topics that will shape the future of Pierce County. |
Join Our Team! The Chamber is Looking for a Project Administrative Specialist
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The Project Administrative Specialist is responsible for coordinating high level administrative functions and managing special projects. Under the direct supervision of the CEO/President, this position provides administrative and project/program support for the Executive Team and the Chamber Board of Directors.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, apply today! Deadline for applications is April 28. |
Do you know a middle school student who wants a chance to win up to $1000?
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students will participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 10 finalists to participate in the final round: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge.
Learn About the Chamber's Legislative Priorities
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The Chamber provides businesses in the South Sound strong advocacy efforts in order to protect the rights of business owners, grow business and the economy, increase our private sector workforce, and improve the overall business climate. In every legislative cycle it is critical we have a strong presence by uniting our business community at the state capitol.
The Chamber's Legislative Priorities Include:
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SET YOUR BUSINESS UP FOR SUCCESS IN 2023
Understanding the trends of the economic sectors you depend on is vital for sound business planning. At the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's annual Horizons Economic Forecast, you will hear from local and regional business leaders in a wide array of sectors, as well as leading economists who will discuss our local, regional, and national economies.
Our top 10 accomplishments in 2022
2022 was an exciting time for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and our local business community! Thank you to everyone who was part of our programs, events, and achievements this year.
Relive the best of 2022 with our Chamber's Top 10 list! We look forward to continuing the journey with you in 2023!
Relive the best of 2022 with our Chamber's Top 10 list! We look forward to continuing the journey with you in 2023!
Help us celebrate our Public Officials
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Join us for the 2022 Public Officials Holiday Reception (POHR). It's our moment to celebrate the work and commitment of the leaders who dedicate their time and energy to the public arena. POHR offers you an opportunity to connect with your state and local public officials, network with the business community, and enjoy an evening of holiday cheer.
NO SPEECHES... JUST CONVERSATIONS
300+ Guests 100+ Public Officials Hors D'oeuvres Signature Cocktails Festive Music |
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CELEBRATE PIERCE COUNTY BUSINESS ACCELERATOR GRADUATES
Join us Tuesday, November 8th at 5-7PM to celebrate and network with businesses on the rise in Pierce County!
MORE THAN 100 GRADUATES of the Pierce County Business Accelerator program will be in attendance as exhibitors, caterers, and guests.
Meet some of the most ambitious and diverse entrepreneurs and business leaders in Pierce County. Find new business partners, catering connections, eager clients, and new Pierce County products and services you didn’t know you needed!
Bring your coworkers, friends, and family for what is sure to be an unforgettable showcase celebration.
MORE THAN 100 GRADUATES of the Pierce County Business Accelerator program will be in attendance as exhibitors, caterers, and guests.
Meet some of the most ambitious and diverse entrepreneurs and business leaders in Pierce County. Find new business partners, catering connections, eager clients, and new Pierce County products and services you didn’t know you needed!
Bring your coworkers, friends, and family for what is sure to be an unforgettable showcase celebration.
PIERCE COUNTY BUSINESS VOTERS GUIDE
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th, 2022.
Get informed and get ready to vote in the upcoming Pierce County General Election on November 8th, 2022 with the help of our Pierce County Business Voters Guide.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber reached out to all candidates running for the office of Pierce County Council and Pierce County Auditor and invited them to be part of our 2022 Business Voters Guide and film a brief message to voters at our Chamber office. Below, you can view information on all the candidates running for these positions, as well as informative video statements from those who were able to participate.
Get informed and get ready to vote in the upcoming Pierce County General Election on November 8th, 2022 with the help of our Pierce County Business Voters Guide.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber reached out to all candidates running for the office of Pierce County Council and Pierce County Auditor and invited them to be part of our 2022 Business Voters Guide and film a brief message to voters at our Chamber office. Below, you can view information on all the candidates running for these positions, as well as informative video statements from those who were able to participate.
After Hours At Historic 1625 Tacoma Place
Thursday, October 20th from 5:00-7:00PM
Join us at Historic 1625 Tacoma Place for our October Chamber After Hours!
If you have not had the chance to visit Historic 1625 before, you won't want to miss seeing this gorgeous event space. If you've already been, you'll know why it's worth coming back!
Enjoy delicious food and drinks while networking with fellow Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members! Promote your organization, meet new businesses, and form strategic partnerships.
We can't wait to see you there!
Join us at Historic 1625 Tacoma Place for our October Chamber After Hours!
If you have not had the chance to visit Historic 1625 before, you won't want to miss seeing this gorgeous event space. If you've already been, you'll know why it's worth coming back!
Enjoy delicious food and drinks while networking with fellow Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members! Promote your organization, meet new businesses, and form strategic partnerships.
We can't wait to see you there!
SUMMER MEMBERSHIP DEAL – NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER!
We’re celebrating 138 years in business with a special membership deal!
The first 138 new members who join the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber by September 30th will get three additional months of membership for free when they join for a year!
Sign up using the Online Membership Application and
use promo code “Chamber 138”
in the comments section of Step 5 on the application
to take advantage of this limited-time offer!
The first 138 new members who join the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber by September 30th will get three additional months of membership for free when they join for a year!
Sign up using the Online Membership Application and
use promo code “Chamber 138”
in the comments section of Step 5 on the application
to take advantage of this limited-time offer!
Hone your leadership skills at the Business Leadership academy
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - CLASSES ALMOST FULL - APPLY TODAY!
The Business Leadership Academy of Tacoma-Pierce County offers an opportunity for current and emerging leaders to engage with the business community while developing leadership skills, linking with a mentor, and interacting with exceptional leaders. |
Learn how to strengthen our communityEach year the Chamber travels to another similarly situated city to learn about what their doing to develop and strengthen their community and economy. This year we're going to Raleigh, NC. It's a trip you won't want to miss. We are putting together an exciting, in-depth program designed to introduce you to Raleigh's projects for downtown redevelopment, waterfront activation, regional collaboration, tech attraction, young professional retention, innovation, diversity initiatives, transportation, arts and culture, and more.
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Strengthening our community through equity and inclusion
Through the Tacoma Thrive Business Fund, the Tacoma-Pierce Chamber hopes to assist 20 to 40 small BIPOC-owned businesses and local BIPOC-run nonprofits with this program. Thrive Tacoma aims to support small BIPOC-owned businesses by awarding 20 grants $5,000 each. Working with community navigators, Thrive Tacoma seeks to reach the Black, Latino, Korean, and Asian American Pacific Islander communities, which data shows experienced some of the most damaging impacts of the pandemic.
august chamber after hours at the washington state fair!
You won't want to miss this month’s Chamber After Hours networking event! In addition to building relationships and forming strategic partnerships, guests will get to see a sneak peek of the Washington State Fair before it opens in September! Enjoy refreshments, including world famous Fisher Fair Scones, and connect with local business leaders!
Join us at the Washington State Fairgrounds Thursday, August 18th from 5-7PM.
Registration required to attend. Guests must be 21+.
Join us at the Washington State Fairgrounds Thursday, August 18th from 5-7PM.
Registration required to attend. Guests must be 21+.
Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance
Business and community leaders joined together to form the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance PAC with the sole purpose of recruiting and electing business-friendly candidates to local office.
Don't miss the happy hour business expo.
It's back, It's In-Person, and It's better than ever!
100 exhibitors! 4oo Attendees!
June 16 | 5:00pm-7:00pm
Attend the Business Expo
Sign up to be a vendor
get your business seen! (must be a Chamber member)
2 options to choose from:
2 options to choose from:
1. Enhanced Vendor: $250 (limited number so sign up early)
- Minute at the Mic to present your Give-Away and Introduce your Company
- 1 high top (30 inch) table with black linen (power not available)
- Signage at event with company’s name and logo
- Listed as vendor sponsor Chamber event website
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
- Attendee roster shared before and after the event
- Connect with 400+ guests from the South Sound
2. Basic Vendor: $200
- 1 high top (30 inch) table with black linen (power not available)
- Signage at event with company’s name and logo
- Listed as vendor sponsor Chamber event website
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
- Attendee roster shared before and after the event
- Connect with 400+ guests from the South Sound
Celebrate Your Milestones
Is your business approaching a milestone? The Chamber would be delighted to assist you in celebrating with a Grand Opening or Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. We are excited for your success and appreciate the opportunity to help you mark this momentous occasion!
Contact Tayler Kirby, Membership Coordinator, with questions.
Contact Tayler Kirby, Membership Coordinator, with questions.
Accelerate your business with the Pierce County Business Accelerator
Join the first cohort of the Pierce County Business Accelerator, a program that will serve entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Pierce County with a focus on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities to help foster innovation and create wealth-building opportunities.
- Matching Grant Resources up to $10,000
- Commercial Rent Stipend for one year
- and more!
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A program of Pierce County funded through an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
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The program is administered by the
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber 
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Accelerator Partners:
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Your work deserves an award
SHARE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND YOU COULD BE RECOGNIZED WITH A SPOTLIGHT AWARD AT THE HAPPY HOUR BUSINESS EXPO
The Spotlight On Business Awards celebrate businesses who have done great things over the past year. Whether it's experiencing impressive strategic growth, or helping employees in an unexpected and meaningful way, or making inroads into being more equitable and inclusive - whatever it might be - you should be proud and nominate your business.
Awards are made in the following categories:
NOMINATIONS CLOSE MAY 16
Awards are made in the following categories:
- Small Business
- Medium Business
- Large Business
- Non-Profit Organization
- Minority-Owned Business
- Veteran-Owned Business
- Business Supporter of the Military
- Resiliency in Business
NOMINATIONS CLOSE MAY 16
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SEASON 1 | EPISODE 2: NALLAYER STUDIOS: MAKING THE SOUTH SOUND LOOK GOOD
MARCH 4, 2022 AJ Gordon, Chamber Board Chair, talks with Rey Thompson, founder of Nallayer Photography Studio. Learn about Rey's origin story, what got him where he is today, how he made it through the pandemic, how the Pierce County Business Accelerator helped him out, and what his hopes are for the future. An inspiring story of a successful small business making it in the South Sound. |
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Join us at the Horizons Economic Forecast and get the information you need to plan for 2022
Supporting Sponsors
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Anti-Racism and BusinessWe at the Chamber realize that we can no longer just be against racism, rather we need to take anti-racist action and work toward anti-racist policies. This will be good for our community, good for our economy, and therefore, good for our businesses. We are taking steps to make sure we live up to this standard so we can better affect others and move our community forward. This will be hard work and an ongoing process, but one that will make us better for it.
OPEN LETTER In response to the gruesome death of George Floyd, we join all local, regional, and national leaders in condemning this unjust taking of a life. |
Washington Employers for Racial EquityWe’re excited to join Washington Employers for Racial Equity, a coalition of CEOs and corporate leaders committed to equity and opportunity.
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The Progress ProcessWe created a 6-session, interactive workshop tol explore organizational transformation with a lens on equity and anti-racism. The sessions are designed to engage participants who are looking for space to discuss equity literacy and organizational development. The facilitators are experienced equity practitioners and established leaders in the public and private sectors. Participants will gain knowledge and skills that will help them navigate a roadmap to practice and achieve levels of equity, inclusion and anti-racism in their businesses.
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Help us raise money to support our front-line healthcare workers as they continue to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Chamber and the Economic Development Board have created a new website www.southsoundheroes.org where you can donate money or meals directly to our hospitals and clinics to help front-line workers in their hours of greatest need. MultiCare Health System, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Community Health Care are each participating. Just click on the website and make a donation
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Help us raise money to support our front-line healthcare workers as they continue to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Chamber and the Economic Development Board have created a new website www.southsoundheroes.org where you can donate money or meals directly to our hospitals and clinics to help front-line workers in their hours of greatest need. MultiCare Health System, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Community Health Care are each participating. Just click on the website and make a donation
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Join us for Public Officials Holiday ReceptionThis year's Public Officials Holiday Reception will be an exciting, too-long-in-coming, in-person event! Join the Chamber, elected officials, community noteables, and local business leaders for a holiday party of good food, good friends, and new acquaintances.
Masks Required. Date: December 7, 5:00-7:00PM Place: Silver Cloud Point Ruston Tickets: $75 Members | $95 Non-Members |
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Tune into Business Info SeriesIt's time to start thinking about next steps - Rebound and Recovery
Next Episode: Wednesday, September 1 at 11am PROTECTING CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES FROM THE DELTA VARIANT Join us for the next episode of the Business Info Series: Rebound and Recovery. Our panelists will discuss the importance of vaccinations, vaccination policies, and what businesses are doing to protect the community. PANELISTS:
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