 Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in November 2025:
Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in October 2025:
 10/01/2025
Dear Chamber Members, We are writing to share an important leadership update at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. The Chamber’s Board of Directors has appointed Tom Pierson to serve as Interim President & CEO, effective immediately. Many of you know Tom from his previous tenure leading the Chamber for over a decade. He brings deep institutional knowledge, strong relationships across the South Sound, and a steady, member centered approach to leadership. His return at this moment provides invaluable continuity and confidence for our staff, investors, and members. During his tenure at the chamber, Tom led coalitions that secured funding for the 167 Completion project and led the formation of the Manufacturing Industrial Council. Our Board will launch a comprehensive search for our next permanent President & CEO. This process will include input from our members, staff, and community stakeholders to help identify a leader that reflects the values and priorities of Tacoma-Pierce County’s business community. Looking ahead, the Chamber remains strong, focused, and stable. If you have questions or would like to share feedback as we move through this transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and trust. Warm regards, Chyna Willman Board Chair Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in September 2025:
Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in August 2025:
 The Spotlight on Business Awards is a program run by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber that recognizes and celebrates our region's best in business. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is looking for the change-makers, the innovators, and the problem solvers. The small businesses doing big things to drive growth and ingenuity and those that are championing for a better business climate tomorrow. The 2025 Spotlight on Business Awards celebrate organizations that strengthen Pierce County through leadership, innovation, creativity, and community. Applications are open through October 1, 2025. What’s New The Spotlight on Business Awards build on the Chamber’s long tradition of celebrating local business excellence, but 2025 introduces a sharper focus and an updated process. In past years, award categories highlighted broad measures based on ownership and general business achievement. This year, the program has been redesigned to better reflect the diversity and innovation of Pierce County’s economy. The new categories—Civic Leader, Industrial Innovator, Creative Champion, Force Multiplier, and Environmental Steward—recognize businesses that are not only driving revenue but also shaping the community through leadership, creativity, and sustainability. The process has also been streamlined: businesses can now apply in up to five categories, with honorees selected by a distinguished panel of regional leaders. Every winner receives a Chamber membership and expanded visibility opportunities, making the program more accessible and impactful than ever before. From exciting networking opportunities to brand exposure, read on for the top reasons why businesses all over the region are best served by attaining one of our exclusive new awards. Here are 10 Reasons You Should Apply 1. Gain Regional Recognition Stand out as one of Pierce County’s top businesses. Honorees are spotlighted in Chamber communications, regional media, and at one of the year’s most anticipated business events. 2. Elevate Your Brand Finalists and honorees receive ongoing visibility through press releases, social media, the Chamber’s newsletter, Currents, and on our website. Plus, if you win, you'll receive a digital badge and certificate to showcase your achievement. 3. Build Credibility Winning an award signals to customers, partners, and investors that your business is innovative, resilient, and committed to excellence. 4. Strengthen Your Network Finalists and honorees are invited to exclusive networking opportunities, including a meet-and-greet with our special guest keynote speaker at our Annual Meeting and access to exclusive Chamber events. 5. Highlight Your Team Spotlighting your business is also about celebrating the people behind it. Recognition boosts morale and validates your employees’ hard work. 6. Unlock New Opportunities Award winners are prioritized for speaking engagements at Chamber events and receive invitations to share their stories with local business leaders. 7. Shape Your Business Narrative From civic leadership to environmental stewardship, these awards amplify the impact your business is making in the community. 8. Compete Across Categories Businesses can apply in up to five categories: Civic Leader, Industrial Innovator, Creative Champion, Force Multiplier, and Environmental Steward. Apply in the areas that best reflect your strengths and showcase your talents for future clients and partners. 9. Enjoy Exclusive Chamber Benefits Every winner receives a one-year paid membership to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, unlocking access to networking, resources, and advocacy on behalf of your business. 10. Apply for Free There’s no entry fee. Submitting an application is an investment of time that could lead to recognition, resources, and new growth. Applications close October 1, 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to be recognized among the region’s most inspiring businesses. Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in July 2025:
A Little Background
Constructed in 1907, the Willamette Casket Company building was designed by architect Frederick Heath, and the building contractors were the Cornell Brothers. The factory was formerly located on East 25th & E Street and opened the first week of January 1908 at the intersection of Steele Street & the Northern Pacific tracks. The Willamette Building was known as one of the finest buildings in the Northwest and the largest factory west of St Louis. Mr. John T. Hickey served as President & Manager for 100 employees where they not only manufactured caskets but also had a showroom where you could pick out a casket for a loved one. In 1916 the Willamette Casket Company ceased operations, and the Gregory Furniture Manufacturing Co. began producing furniture in the building. Mr. Edwin Gregory had 105 employees who had moved his operations from the east side of Tacoma to its new home. An article from The News Tribune speaks very favorably of the Gregory Furniture Manufacturing Co. and states: “Where everything turned out by the company is manufactured from rough lumber and no manufacturing is shipped in by the company.” In 1945 the building was sold to F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. which was led by Mr. Allan T. Crutcher, president. The F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. was started by Mr. Fremont Harmon in 1888 at South 21st & Dock Street. By 1909 Mr. Harmon, president and owner, had 150 employees and a payroll of $10,000 a month. A vital business in Tacoma, you can imagine Mr. Harmon arriving each day, checking with his employees to see how the work was being done or how their day was going. Mr. Harmon was “one of the most familiar figures in the business community,” as stated in the Tacoma Daily Ledger 1909. Mr. Harmon was a board member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, the Tacoma Country & Gold Club and a noble of the Afifi Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine. He died in 1939 with a substantial estate consisting of $100,000.00. Each of his daughters were given $1,000.00 and the rest of his estate was placed in a trust for his grandchildren. Fortunately, the F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co continued to be managed by his devoted business partners, including Mr. Crutcher. In a help wanted ad from 1950 the F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. was looking for men or women as experienced paint sprayers for a paid a rate of $1.61 an hour. In 1961 a “Clean Up Sale” was held where decorative hardware, upholstery supplies, paper bags and off grade mirrors were just of the few items for sale. In 1962 F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co discontinued manufacturing upholstered furniture & draperies and the Milton J. Wershow Company of Portland, Oregon, held an auction with hundreds of items for sale including factory trucks, veneer clippers, band saws. gear head motors, and 7 ½ acres of the property. During the 1960s White Star Van & Storage began operations within the building, and other businesses who operated out of this location included Off Center Furniture & Item House. As I left this enjoyable networking event, I thought of Mr. Hickey, Mr. Crutcher, Mr. Gregory & Mr. Harmon and how proud they would be to see the building where their businesses grew and provided a livelihood for their employees, still being used and which houses a variety of small businesses today. I am sure they were smiling as I walked across the parking lot to go home. Submitted by: Patty Rivers Mannie, Tacoma Historian Tacoma History Comes Alive! July 18, 2025  The historic Willamette Building, built in 1908 and bought in 2018 by Horizon Partners Northwest, is the current home to a number of startups. 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. |
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