 Joining the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is more than adding your business to a membership list—it’s an opportunity to build relationships, stay informed, grow your visibility, and play an active role in the South Sound business community. Whether you’re new to the Chamber or have been a member for years, there are plenty of ways to get involved throughout the year. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your membership.
From your first Chamber Connect to your next networking event, committee meeting, or ribbon cutting, there are countless ways to get involved. The more you engage, the more value you can get from your membership. Connect with Our Membership Team to Learn More:
 Sometimes the most meaningful businesses are born from personal experience. Turning Personal Experience into Purpose For April Sage, the inspiration to launch Senior Housing Advisory Services came after navigating the challenges of helping a loved one transition into long-term care. After a successful 17-year career in banking, she recognized how overwhelming the process can be for families and saw the need for someone who could serve as both a guide and an advocate. Today, April helps individuals and families navigate one of life's most emotional transitions with compassion, knowledge, and practical expertise. From evaluating finances and insurance coverage to reviewing medical needs and identifying the right care community, she works alongside families every step of the way to ensure they find the best possible solution. Helping Families Navigate What Comes Next Whether a family is planning years in advance or facing an unexpected need, April provides guidance that helps bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. One of April's greatest passions is encouraging families to plan ahead: "It's never too early to start this process. When wills, trusts, and estate planning are in place before decisions need to be made, families can focus on supporting their loved one rather than navigating paperwork during a crisis." Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind April's approach is about more than helping families navigate a crisis—it's about empowering them to prepare before one happens. By taking steps early, families can make informed decisions, understand their options, and be better prepared when the time comes.
Contact Senior Housing Advisory Services, LLC
🌐 seniorhousingadvisoryservices.com | ✉️ [email protected] | ☎️ (253) 448-3370 | 📍P.O. Box 1961, Tacoma, WA 98401  Anthony "Big Tony" Duban-Hudson OWNER | HUDSON SECURITY LLC Building a Business Rooted in Community Originally from southern Illinois, Tony Duban-Hudson spent 10 years in Orlando, Florida, before making Washington State home. After several years in Lakewood, he settled in Tacoma's South End, a community he's passionate about serving and strengthening. For more than 13 years, Tony has owned and operated Hudson Security LLC, providing security services throughout Washington. While his long-term goal is to focus even more on serving Tacoma, his company is trusted across the state. Today, Hudson Security employs 11 highly trained, carefully vetted professionals who are equipped to handle everything from patrol services to surveillance system installation with precision and professionalism. Protecting What Matters Most For Tony, security is more than a business; it's a calling. He believes in making neighborhoods, businesses, and communities safer while treating every client with respect, dignity, and honesty. Whether his team is responding to patrol needs, installing security cameras, or solving complex security challenges, their goal is simple: deliver peace of mind through exceptional service. "Making a difference every day isn't just our mission - it's what we do." Creating Opportunity Through Service Giving back is equally important to Tony. Hudson Security partners with the Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center to create employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. By providing training, mentorship, and meaningful careers in the security industry, Tony is committed to helping others build a future, just as someone once helped him. Why Tacoma is Home When asked why the South Sound is the best place to do business, Tony's answer is immediate, Tacoma! He believes in investing in the community that has invested in him. Through Hudson Security, he is committed to making local neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations safer while building lasting relationships based on trust, reliability, and service. Contact Hudson Security LLC 🌐 253security.com | ✉️ [email protected] | ☎️ (253) 394-8001 | 📍14501 Woodlawn St SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
 Congratulations to the Spring 2026 cohort! On June 23, Spaceworks Tacoma proudly celebrated the graduation of its Spring 2026 Business Plan Cohort. Over twelve weeks, participating entrepreneurs developed comprehensive business plans, refined their visions, strengthened their operations, and built lasting relationships with fellow business owners and the broader entrepreneurial community. This year’s graduation was held at Lumora Art Lab. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Lumora Art Lab team for generously hosting the event and providing a beautiful and welcoming space in which to celebrate the cohort’s achievements. The evening brought together families, alumni, community partners, and local leaders to celebrate a dynamic group of entrepreneurs contributing to Tacoma’s creative economy. Congratulations to the Following Graduated Businesses:
A special thank-you goes to the community partners, alumni, family members, mentors, stakeholders, elected officials, and supporters who attended the graduation and continue to champion Spaceworks entrepreneurs. Your encouragement, expertise, connections, and belief in these businesses help create an ecosystem in which Tacoma’s entrepreneurs can thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more creative, and more resilient local economy. About the Business Plan Cohort Spaceworks Incubator for creative entrepreneurs is a training ground to test new ideas, products, and services with a safety net of technical assistance and mentorship. We’ve helped hundreds of Tacoma businesses go from dream to reality Stay tuned: The Fall 2026 Incubator application opens up in August!
 Welcome to the members who joined our business community in July 2026:
 The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition, a national initiative focused on preparing today's students for tomorrow's careers. Why it Matters Employers across the South Sound continue to identify workforce shortages as one of their greatest challenges. Manufacturers, healthcare providers, technology firms, construction companies, retailers, and professional service businesses all need skilled employees to remain competitive and grow. Building a talent pipeline starts long before graduation. A key component of the coalition is supporting the College Board's new AP Business with Personal Finance course, which equips high school students with practical business knowledge and financial literacy that translates directly into workplace success. Students learn entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, management, leadership, budgeting, investing, credit management, taxes, and personal financial planning. Skills that prepare them not only for college, but for careers and life. For employers, these are more than academic subjects, they are essential workplace competencies. Businesses consistently report that young employees benefit from stronger communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and financial decision-making skills. AP Business with Personal Finance helps students develop those abilities before they enter the workforce, making them better prepared for internships, apprenticeships, technical training, military service, or immediate employment. Impact Within the South Sound The Chamber is encouraging the South Sound school districts, higher education institutions, workforce organizations, and employers to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and real-world careers. Through internships, job shadowing opportunities, classroom speakers, mentorships, and work-based learning experiences, students will gain firsthand exposure to the industries and career pathways that are driving the South Sound economy. The Tacoma Public Schools, led by Superintendent Dr. Josh Garcia, are demonstrating what workforce leadership looks like. The district has made career-connected learning a priority, recognizing that preparing students for the future means equipping them with both academic knowledge and practical workplace skills. Their willingness to partner with employers and embrace innovative coursework such as AP Business with Personal Finance positions Tacoma as a model for workforce development across Washington. The Chamber applauds Dr. Garcia and Tacoma Public Schools for their vision and leadership in helping build the next generation of entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and business leaders. This initiative also complements many of the Chamber's existing workforce efforts, including the Business Leadership Academy, Manufacturing Incubator, Spaceworks Tacoma, and our broader small business and economic development programs. Together, these initiatives create stronger connections between education and industry while helping employers develop the workforce they need for the future. Preparing tomorrow's workforce is more than an education initiative; it's an economic development strategy. When students graduate with business knowledge, financial literacy, and meaningful workplace experiences, employers gain a stronger talent pipeline, our regional economy becomes more competitive, and young people are better positioned to succeed. Get Involved The Chamber invites members to help shape the next generation of South Sound talent by:
Investing in students today is one of the smartest investments we can make in the future of our economy. Together, we can build a stronger workforce, stronger businesses, and a stronger South Sound. Questions & Comments
Please contact Tom Pierson, President & CEO: [email protected].  The Business Leadership Academy is built on the belief that strong leaders create stronger communities, and alumna Diana Royalty is putting that philosophy into practice every day. Leading with People at the Center As the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for People Centric Consulting Group, Diana helps organizations bridge the gap between people and performance. Drawing on her background in education and her MBA, she develops the systems, frameworks, and operating practices that empower leaders to build healthy teams, improve communication, and create workplaces where both employees and organizations can thrive. Turning Purpose into Practice At the heart of Diana’s work is a simple but powerful belief: people’s needs and organizational success are deeply connected. By helping businesses align purpose, autonomy, community, and professional development with strategy and execution, she equips leaders with practical tools that drive lasting results. Whether she’s guiding executive teams, designing organizational systems, or sharing her insights through her writing, Diana continues to demonstrate the kind of thoughtful, community-minded leadership that defines the Business Leadership Academy. The Legacy of Leadership Diana’s journey reflects the very mission of the Business Leadership Academy: to provide individuals with a foundation for a lifelong commitment to leadership by raising awareness of the key issues affecting our organizations and community, and by leading where it matters. If you're ready to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your network, and become part of a legacy of leaders shaping the future of the South Sound, we invite you to join the next Business Leadership Academy cohort. Congratulations, Diana, on your remarkable accomplishments and the publication of your new book, Becoming People Centric: Designing Organizations Where People and Performance Rise Together. We are proud to celebrate you as a Business Leadership Academy alumna and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make for years to come.
Welcome to the members who joined our business community in June 2026:
Tacoma employers say a new local wage mandate would raise costs, reduce flexibility, and make it harder for businesses, nonprofits, childcare providers, and health care organizations to keep serving the community.
The Tacoma City Council is considering changes to the City’s minimum wage ordinance. The new Tacoma Minimum Wage Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report highlights broad concerns from employers and community organizations responsible for implementing any new requirements. What They Are Saying Business owners currently absorb rising health care costs, insurance premiums, utilities, inflation, taxes, and new state regulations. Many warn another major labor cost could force them to raise prices, reduce hours, delay hiring, cut benefits, eliminate entry-level roles, or close locations. Employers small and large warn a minimum wage increase will not stop with minimum wage workers. Higher entry-level wages create wage compression, raising the cost of experienced employees, supervisors, managers, nonprofits, health care providers, and childcare organizations. Between the Lines The majority of Tacoma workers earn well above the state minimum wage because the labor market requires it. Restaurant owners noted that tipped employees often earn well above minimum wage. Retail, health care, and other employers said they already pay more to recruit and retain workers. Nonprofits warned that higher labor costs could mean fewer community programs, workforce training opportunities, and social services. Childcare providers said tuition would likely rise for working families unless subsidies increase. Health care leaders cautioned the fixed Medicaid reimbursement rates leave little room to absorb higher payroll costs. The Bottom Line Employers are proud to invest in Tacoma but worry decisions are being made without fully accounting for the economic realities they face. Their concern: more empty storefronts, fewer local employers, and lost investment if Tacoma becomes significantly more expensive than nearby communities. As Council discussions begin, policymakers need to hear directly from the businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations who would carry out any new local wage mandate. Members Should:
Tacoma needs policies that support affordability, thriving employers, quality jobs, and sustainable community services. Now is the time to engage. Your experience can help shape the future of Tacoma’s economy. Upcoming City of Tacoma Economic Development Committee:
 Leadership isn't something you're born with. It's developed through experience, reflection, learning, and the willingness to grow. For nearly five decades, the Business Leadership Academy has helped professionals across Tacoma-Pierce County become more confident leaders, stronger collaborators, and more engaged members of our community. If you've been considering applying, here are five reasons this may be the right opportunity for you.
 5. You'll Leave Ready to Make an Impact. The Academy challenges participants to think beyond themselves. Through collaborative projects and reflection, you'll identify how your leadership can positively influence your workplace, your community, and the people around you. The result isn't simply stronger leadership skills—it's a renewed sense of purpose. Is It Time? If you're ready to invest in yourself, broaden your perspective, and join a legacy nearly five decades strong, we encourage you to apply to the 2026 Business Leadership Academy.
Applications are due Friday, August 14, 2026. Your future as a leader starts with one decision. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
August 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
