The Chamber’s 2025 Washington-to-Washington, D.C. Conference (WA2WA) recently wrapped up with 42 Pierce County leaders, including business, civic, and elected officials, gathering in the nation’s capital for high-impact conversations and strategic collaboration.  

Now in its 39th year, WA2WA continues to be a cornerstone of South Sound leadership, creating meaningful opportunities to engage directly with federal policymakers, strengthen regional partnerships, build cross-sector relationships, and advocate for the issues that matter most to our community. 

Relationships matter—in business and in politics. Through this annual trip, we strive to cultivate and sustain authentic, lasting connections. These relationships are the foundation for true collaboration—empowering us to tackle shared challenges, champion pragmatic policies, and implement solutions that help the South Sound thrive both regionally and globally. ​

Highlights from the Hill 

​Over two-and-a-half days, our delegation met with a bipartisan group that included: 

• Nine of Washington State’s twelve elected representatives 

• Canadian Embassy officials 

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce 

• Regional partners from Spokane, Seattle, and Portland ​​​

• Protecting Medicaid and Medicare, especially with federal proposals that would disproportionately affect rural and lower-income districts, including Washington’s own. Congressman Dan Newhouse highlighted that 40% of his constituents rely on Medicaid and the need to protect the program.  
• Maintaining and expanding critical infrastructure funding through reauthorization of the Surface Transportation and Coast Guard bills—Congressman Larsen called a “partnership in a sea of partisanship”. Leaders agreed: infrastructure means jobs and any delay places shovel-ready projects and economic growth at risk. 
• Federal permitting reform, with business and energy leaders stressing the need to modernize bureaucratic processes to unleash clean energy innovation and broadband expansion. 

​Meaningful conversations also took place on U.S.-Canada relations, especially relevant given the Prime Minister’s visit to D.C. during the delegation’s time there. Senator Cantwell encouraged regional leaders to “keep going,” reinforcing the importance of export-driven growth and trade alliances.  

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland shared insights on navigating a shifting political landscape while continuing to advocate for Pierce County. 

Meanwhile, Congressman Adam Smith talked about the difficulty of navigating national security in a rapidly changing international landscape. Everything from tariffs to international aid impacts our security and stability.  ​

Economic Resilience & Local Innovation 

​Delegates also explored deeper themes around economic transformation. From maritime to manufacturing to nuclear innovation, there was shared urgency around: 

• Preparing the region for 40% population growth by 2050 with expanded transit options and housing flexibility. 

• Green economy job pathways, including waste-to-profit models, clean fuels, and partnerships like the Blair Waterway project with the Puyallup Tribe, which will create over 50 union jobs. 

• A “skills-forward” approach to workforce development that prioritizes earn-while-you-learn programs and leverages institutions like the Eastside Training Center, JBLM, and the Tacoma Anchor Network 

University leaders and economic development officials alike emphasized the need for local control of funding, stronger public-private alignment, and doing what’s right for the next generation—especially as education equity, access, and online learning remain top-of-mind. 

These conversations helped shape a deeper, shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region. You can learn more about the Chamber’s advocacy efforts here. ​

Energy & Innovation Frontiers 

A strong theme throughout the trip was economic resilience through innovation and energy transformation. From nuclear to maritime to digital infrastructure, the delegation heard repeated calls for: 

• Federal permit reform as a prerequisite for clean energy buildout 

• Expanded support for green economy job pathways and smart grid investment 

• Recognition of the maritime sector’s national security role, including Tacoma’s Blair Waterway deepening and the Port’s collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe to bring 50+ union longshore jobs online 

​Senator Cantwell also noted export growth under the Biden administration and the need for congressional authority over executive trade actions. ​

Investing in Leadership and Community 

Alongside eight local elected officials, several Chamber board members joined the trip as attendees and sponsors: 

• Eddie Bratko, MultiCare Health System 

• Eric Johnson, Port of Tacoma 

• Christine Nhan, Puget Sound Energy 

• Ryan Wheaton, Pierce Transit 

• Rich White, The Boeing Company 

We are grateful to our 2025 sponsors, whose generous investment made this experience possible: MultiCare Health Systems, The Port of Tacoma, Alaska Airlines, The Boeing Company, Regenerative Industrial, Lightcurve, TOTE Maritime Alaska, Pierce Transit, Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, Puget Sound Energy, and Sound Transit. ​

Looking Ahead to 40 Years

As we continue building partnerships and advancing collective impact, the connections and discussions from this year’s WA2WA trip will continue to inform our work. They deepen our understanding of the South Sound’s diverse needs and the opportunities ahead. 
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Beyond the policy briefings and Capitol Hill meetings, attendees also found time to connect over D.C.’s incredible culinary scene—strengthening relationships that will fuel continued collaboration. With more than 90% of attendees indicating they plan to return, the value of this long-standing tradition is as strong as ever. 

As we prepare for WA2WA’s 40th year, we’re inspired by emerging opportunities in transportation modernization, clean energy, workforce development, and federal procurement reform. These themes point to our region’s potential as a national model for collaboration, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. ​

For more than seven years, the Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC) has been actively engaged in the City of Tacoma’s Tideflats Subarea Plan process. As a member of the Technical Advisory Group, the MIC has provided consistent public input and technical review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Throughout this time, the MIC has played a key role in fostering consensus on complex issues and helping shape a strong, future-focused vision for the Tideflats Manufacturing and Industrial Center. 

On December 5, 2024, the Tideflats Steering Committee voted unanimously to advance the Tideflats Subarea Plan for adoption by the City of Tacoma. This milestone marks a historic step toward regional collaboration on initiatives that will strengthen the South Sound’s economic future. The progress achieved reflects the collective efforts of elected representatives from the City of Tacoma, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, and the City of Fife. 

​On May 7, 2025, the Draft Subarea Plan was released for public review and comment. The MIC commends the City of Tacoma and its regional partners for their dedication to a collaborative and high-quality planning process. We believe the plan, and the broad consensus behind it, make it ready for adoption by the Tacoma City Council.

While we support the plan’s direction, we acknowledge its limitations. The planning document alone cannot fully realize the potential of the Tideflats Manufacturing and Industrial Center. That’s why we remain committed to advancing bold economic development policies that build on the plan’s framework and vision. 

The plan is a starting point.  We recognize that there is a unique opportunity to develop cleaner fuels projects that can drive our energy transition. The MIC is advocating for a comprehensive cleaner fuels strategy—one that includes clear policy direction, supportive land use and permitting pathways, and targeted economic incentives. The City of Tacoma’s Green Economic Strategy offers a strong model for how we can achieve these goals. 

Additionally, we emphasize the importance of supporting the legacy businesses that form the foundation of the economic impact of the Tideflats. Their continued success is essential to the area’s growth. These businesses must be empowered to modernize, innovate, and respond to changing market demands and emerging opportunities. We will continue to support that work. 
​ 
The Manufacturing Industrial Council and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber remain optimistic. We believe that, through partnership and collective action, we can realize the full potential of the Tideflats and build a more prosperous, thriving South Sound. We invite you to join us by taking action through the pathways below. 
​​

How to Participate in the Public Comment Period ​

• Public Hearing (Hybrid) – June 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM 
  • In Person: Council Chambers, 1st Floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 
  • Meeting Link: www.zoom.us/j/84416624153 
  • Dial In: +1 253 215 8782; Webinar ID: 844 1662 4153 
• Written Comments (Deadline June 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM) 
  • Email: [email protected] 
  • Mail: Planning Commission, 747 Market Street Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402 

​
Informational Meeting – May 28, 2025, at 6 PM (Virtual) 
The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on how to provide comments during the Planning Commission public hearing comment period. How to Attend: 

• Meeting Login: https://www.zoom.us/j/82053054016  

• Dial In: 253-215-8782; Webinar ID: 820 5305 4016 

 ​

Issued by: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber  
Date issued: May 5, 2025 
Proposal Due Date: June 5, 2025 
Announcement of Selected Subrecipient: on or near June 19, 2025 
Anticipated Subaward Start Date: September 1, 2025 
Anticipated Subaward End Date: January 30, 2026 ​

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber (“the Chamber”) invites proposals from qualified individuals or firms to research, author, and present the annual Pierce County Economic Index (PCEI) report. The PCEI report is a critical tool for business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to understand and respond to regional economic trends. It is released in conjunction with the Chamber’s Horizons Economic Forecast event in January 2026. ​

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] 
Please submit your complete proposal as a single PDF to: [email protected] 
Deadline: June 5, 2025, by 5:00 PM PST ​

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber (“the Chamber”) is seeking an experienced event management company to support the planning, production, and on-site execution of our 2025 Annual Meeting and 2026 Horizons Economic Forecast. These are key milestone events convening over 450 business and civic leaders to celebrate achievements, recognize leadership, and outline the Chamber’s vision for the year ahead. ​

Event A) 

• Event Name: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Annual Meeting 

• Date: October 30, 2025 

• Time: 6-8pm 

• Location: TBD 

• Anticipated Attendance: 400-500 

• Format: In-person reception, followed by dinner, and fundraiser. 

Event B) 

• Event Name: Horizons Economic Forecast 

• Date: January 29, 2026 

• Time: 8-11am 

• Location: TBD 

• Anticipated Attendance: 400-500
• Format: In person, seated breakfast, keynote speaker, supporting speakers, and breakout sessions.  ​

Since 1989, Crunch Fitness has embraced the mission of creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome — with no judgments and no limits. That same spirit now has a new home in Tacoma.

The Chamber was proud to join Tacoma City Councilmember John Hines, Chamber Ambassadors, Chamber President & CEO Andrea Reay, and of course the whole Crunch Fitness crew in celebrating the grand opening of Crunch Fitness Tacoma on April 28.
Guests were treated to a tour of the gym’s expansive space, led by General Manager Sally Lucero, who fully embraced the event’s fun and energetic 1980s fitness theme. Councilmember Hines shared his excitement for the gym’s presence on the West End, noting it’s a great fit for the neighborhood and an asset for the broader community.
Councilmember Hines spoke about how he was excited to see the gym thrive in the West end, and how it is a perfect addition to the neighborhood.

Lucero closed the celebration by thanking everyone in attendance, sharing that the Crunch team is excited to be part of the community and, in her words, “can’t wait to help everyone get their fitness on!”
 
If you want to learn more about Crunch Fitness and its membership opportunities, check out on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tik Tok, and X (formerly Twitter). The gym is located at 5401 6th Ave #401 Tacoma, WA 98406.