July 2025’s Chamber After Hours highlighted two of the Chamber’s most engaging programs: Spaceworks Tacoma and the Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC) for the South Sound to set the stage for the Chamber’s latest endeavor. The Willamette Building – home to  Spaceworks Incubator alumni – will be a hub for businesses that participate in the new Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator.

The Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator aims to reduce barriers in the manufacturing sector by providing technical assistance, access to capital, workforce development, education, and scalable manufacturing spaces for both emerging and established manufacturers. It will be administered by the MIC in partnership with Clover Park Technical College and Horizon Partners Northwest (Willamette Building owners).

Since 2010, the Spaceworks Incubator has provided relevant and meaningful business training for first-time business owners, ambitious creative professionals, and folks passionate about making Tacoma a great place to live and work. To date it has supported over 400 local creative entrepreneurs with 84% of its incubator alumni still in business. The Spaceworks Incubator is the framework that is being applied to the new Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator.

“Working through a Spaceworks cohort was a game-changer for my small business,” said Andy Vargo, owner of Own Your Awkward. “I knew going in that there would be resources and a framework to better set myself up for success, but the most meaningful part of the experience has been becoming part of a community that supports the journey of our local creative entrepreneurs.” 
Construction has begun on turning the 225,000–sq-feet warehouse into functional, modern manufacturing studios. The construction includes an upgraded freight elevator, loading dock, and windows for the building.

The Chamber is grateful to have the opportunity to support emerging entrepreneurs, and we thank the July Chamber After Hours attendees for taking the time to attend and learn more about its newest initiatives.

Unique Northwest representative Nathan Sission took to social media sharing, “This was an awesome event tonight put on by [the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber]. Tons of awesome manufacturers here in this awesome incubator inside the old Willamette Casket factory building. Working hard to keep manufacturing jobs here in the South Sound.”

"I feel like [the new manufacturing incubator] is one of the best possible solutions to keep Tacoma at the forefront of the manufacturing industry. Small businesses need assistance getting off the ground now more than ever, and programs and facilities like this are invaluable,” said Sission.

The Chamber would like to thank STINK & El Tufo Wine Bar for providing refreshments and invites the community to its new location at 909 A St, Tacoma, WA 98402.

If you haven’t already attended a Chamber After Hours and you are interested, mark your calendar for August 21, 2025, from 5:00-7:00pm. The Washington State Fair Event Center will be hosting our crowd in The Upper Lodge building.

If you’re curious about the role Spaceworks and the MIC play in Tacoma’s creative economy or the manufacturing sector, please sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was well attended by the community. The Chamber had Ambassador, Pierce County Business Accelerator Alum, and Chief Executive Officer of Impacto Notary & Multi-Services,  speak on its behalf, and even  made an appearance to support Welcome Restaurant. By the end of the cutting there was a line going outside the doors of people waiting to get a taste of Pinedo’s food!
 
Experience Welcome Restaurant’s ‘flavors without borders,’ head to 5105 N Pearl Street Ruston, WA 98407. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or give them a call at: (253) 375-4049. 

The Chamber’s annual Happy Hour Business Expo took place on June 26, 2025 with over 86 vendors in attendance to showcase themselves at the Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway to an eager crowd of over 500 guests. 
 
“The [Happy Hour Business Expo] was so well put together! Great energy, smooth flow, and a perfect setting for making real connections,” shared attendee Star Roffe. “You could feel the intention behind every detail from the welcoming vibe to the thoughtful touches. Big thanks to the organizers for such a meaningful and fun evening!”
 
This year’s robust vendor list included Pierce County Business Accelerator alumni, businesses centered around wellness for the Aura Alley, along with Chamber members old and new.
 
Aura Alley was a division of the event focused on enhancing the atmosphere and energy for all attendees. Amongst the vendors there were flash tattoos, wellness scans, and vitamin injections. Guests could take home a new botanical friend, have their aura captured in photos, and more. Overall, Aura Alley was well received by guests as hundreds flowed through the space through the course of the evening.
 
The playlist for the night was performed by local singer/songwriter Emily Riehl and her band. Riehl’s sound was fresh and uplifting, pairing well with the overall upbeat vibe of Happy Hour Business Expo.
 
Food Court goers sampled cuisine from eight unique vendors -- each one a Pierce County Business Accelerator graduate. There was a mix of sweet treats and savory bites, and beverages were served by Odd Otter Brewing Co. in tandem with Court House Square.
 
“This was my first time coming to a [Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber] event. I am glad I did come because it was nice meeting other business owners, as well as networking with others who I can see continuing a professional relationship with,” said guest Astrik Price.
 
Following the main festivities, vendors were invited to the official Happy Hour Business Expo after party at Zeeks Pizza. There was a mobile axe-throwing trailer outside for the adrenaline seekers, and upstairs on the balcony Owner Michael Goronkin graciously offered food and an incredible giveaway prize to end the night: a trip to Whiskey Jack located in the north end of Whistler for up to 6 guests, for 8 days and 7 nights.  
 
Happy Hour Business Expo was an evening of high-energy networking, bold local business showcases, and unbeatable views for hundreds of local professionals and community members who came to connect, discover, and celebrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of our region.  
 
The Chamber wishes to extend their gratitude to the event sponsors: Pierce County Business Accelerator, Zeeks Pizza, Business Health Trust, Gesa Credit Union, Prime Commercial, Pierce Transit, LeMay America’s Car Museum, Puget Sound Energy, GTM Transformations LLC, Showcase Media, Theory Real Estate, and United States X Advisors Washington LLC.
 
If your business is an active Chamber member and would like to get involved with Happy Hour Business Expo or any other Chamber events, please email [email protected] with your inquiries.

On June 24, the Chamber and City of University Place representatives celebrated Gravis Law’s expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests had a chance to meet with members of Gravis Law’s team, including Chief Executive Officer & President, Brett Spooner, and Chief Operating Officer, Martin Ray Kilmer. There were several Gravis Law employees ready to answer questions about their work and explain the reason behind Gravis Law’s motto: ‘Making Law Uncomplicated.’
 
Before the speeches began, guests enjoyed live music, refreshments, and tours of the new office space. Randi Johnson, Chief Growth Officer, shared that “[Gravis Law] has a few vacant office spaces within the suite that [Gravis Law] wants to lease out to those who are interested in or already studying legal services.”
 
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Spooner shared Gravis Law's founding story. He acknowledged how the four founders, the Gravis Law employees, and the community are relevant to its history and growth.  Derek Johnson, Senior Attorney || made the ceremonial cut of the ribbon to mark the conclusion of the ceremony.
 
Learn more about Gravis Law by visiting its website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X pages. Gravis Law is located at 7350 Cirque Dr. W, Suite 201, University Place, WA 98467.

On June 17, Artist Robleto celebrated its one-year anniversary with a warm and vibrant celebration attended by friends, loyal clients, and fellow entrepreneurs.  
 
Located inside the Sola Salon Studios suites at Sixth Avenue Plaza in Tacoma, Artist Robleto is a spa and wellness center dedicated to bringing harmony and well-being to the body. Offering personalized services such as relaxing massages, renewing facials, and expert body sculpting, Artist Robleto has quickly built a reputation for excellence. Clients describe their experiences as “thoughtful and intuitive” and “relaxation and luxury at its best.” Bilingual services are available in Spanish and English, making self-care more accessible to a broader community. 
 
Founder Rosibel E. Robleto Morales welcomed attendees, offering tours, giveaways, face masks, and delicious food, including empanadas from Welcome Restaurant. 
A proud graduate of the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program, Morales was joined by several fellow cohort members to celebrate this important milestone. 
 
Chamber Board Chair-Elect Chyna Willman led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, recognizing Morales for her perseverance and accomplishments: opening a physical location, graduating from the PCBA, and growing her business despite the challenges of the past year. 
 
Morales delivered heartfelt remarks in Spanish, expressing deep gratitude to those in attendance and to the Chamber for its ongoing support. She shared that this celebration was not just a reflection of the past year’s hard work, but also the momentum she needed to continue moving forward. 
 
The Chamber was proud to celebrate Artist Robleto’s success alongside the PCBA community and Tacoma’s vibrant small business network. 
 
Learn more about Artist Robleto by visiting its Instagram. Book your services with Rosibel via phone at (253) 287-7201, so you can enjoy some pampering at 5401 6TH Ave, Sola Salon #300, studio #32, Tacoma, Washington, 98406. ​

On June 11, TAPCO Credit Union celebrated the opening of its newest branch at 176th and Canyon Road. Community partners such as Graham Business Association, TAPCO staff, media, and neighbors joined in the event to check out the new space, grab a bite to eat, and connect with others in attendance.
 
Branch Manager Elizabeth Stewart and her staff were on hand to greet guests and answer questions. She welcomed attendees and provided introductions to TAPCO leadership and elected officials who were on hand to share remarks in celebration of the new location.
 
President and CEO Justin Martin provided opening remarks, noting how long TAPCO Credit Union has served the community, and how its commitment to doing so would carry forth in the years to come. He emphasized that the new location was more than a financial services center, but a community hub designed to serve the people of Frederickson with available meeting space, a coffee shop, and pathways to connect with one another.
 
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello brought his high energy to the event and highlighted how TAPCO’s history of consistently showing up for the community is a legacy in and of itself. Executive Mello noted that its support for its members and the greater Pierce County region is critical to the success of the area.
 
The new location has a lot to look forward to as Frederickson continues to grow. At the new branch there will be a Cutters Point Coffee Co. café and drive-thru open on-site by the end of the year, adding even more convenience for the community and members stopping by.
 
The Chamber is thrilled to welcome the new TAPCO Credit Union location at 176th & Canyon Road to the community!
 
Learn more about TAPCO Credit Union by visiting its website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. The new branch is located at 5320 176th St E, Tacoma, WA 98446.