2024 was a year marked by incredible milestones for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and our local business community!2024 was a year of impact, progress, and innovation for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and the South Sound business community. From advocating for businesses to fostering leadership and supporting creative entrepreneurs, we accomplished so much together. Here are our top 10 highlights from 2024: 1. 140 Years of Serving Our Business Community This year marked an incredible milestone--140 years of the Chamber being the unifying voice for businesses in Tacoma-Pierce County. For over a century, we have championed economic growth, supported leaders, and strengthened our region. All the while, the Chamber has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the Tacoma-Pierce County business community. Thank you for being part of this legacy! 2. Distributing $983K in Microloans for Small Businesses Access to capital is a major challenge for small businesses, but we made a difference. Through partnerships like Kiva, the Chamber facilitated $983,000 (and counting) in 0% interest microloans to help small businesses grow and thrive. These loans fill a critical funding gap for emerging entrepreneurs in Pierce County that can help make businesses, rather than break them. 3. Celebrating Success in the Pierce County Business Accelerator The Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program continued to empower over 450 BIPOC, veteran, and women-owned businesses. By providing coaching, training, and technical resources, the PCBA fostered innovation and opened doors to wealth-building opportunities for diverse business owners. It is a travesty if you missed the PCBA Showcase this year as it was stupendous; filled with amazing food, wonderful business ideas, and business owners who embody the spirit of the South Sound in their work. 4. The Good Neighbor Village Breaks Ground Inspired by solutions explored during our Aspire Intercity Leadership Conference, the Good Neighbor Village project is now underway. By 2030, it will provide permanent housing and supportive care to 257 chronically homeless residents in Pierce County, restoring dignity and stability to our community members. 5. Spaceworks Tacoma: Empowering Creatives Spaceworks Tacoma continued to elevate our region’s creative economy by connecting creative entrepreneurs and artists to economic opportunity. This year, the program invested $41,860 in local artists, delivered training to creative entrepreneurs, and facilitated rotating public art installations across Tacoma. Spaceworks is transforming commercial spaces and creating new opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs to thrive. 6. Record-Breaking Events & Community Engagement Our events reached new heights this year, welcoming 4,936 attendees across meetings, forums, and signature events like the Horizons Economic Forecast and Happy Hour Business Expo. These gatherings fostered connections, celebrated successes, and inspired collaboration among local leaders. 7. Advocacy That Makes an Impact ![]() Attendees of the Chamber’s 2024 Legislative Advocacy Day visit Olympia, Wash. From left to right: Curt Kohlwes, Director of Government Relations at University of Washington Tacoma; Zach Correia, Government Relations Analyst at MultiCare Health Systems; Jessica Johnson, Director of Court House Square; Andrea H. Reay, President & CEO at Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber; and Senator Chris Gildon, Washington’s 25th Legislative District. The Chamber led advocacy efforts to address critical business challenges and drive policy change:
These wins helped create a stronger, more resilient business environment for the South Sound. 8. Launch of the Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator The Chamber and the Manufacturing Industrial Council for the South Sound partnered with local businesses to establish the Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator. The program is aligned with Chambers commitment to support entrepreneurship and the State’s goal to double manufacturing within a decade. The Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator will create scalable manufacturing spaces, support capacity building for existing businesses, and develop a manufacturing centered curriculum designed to empower manufacturing startups with a pilot cohort scheduled for 2025. The launch of the incubator is funded in part by the Washington State Department of Commerce and the City of Tacoma. 9. World Trade Center Tacoma’s Global Impact ![]() (L to R) Michael Fowler, executive director at the World Trade Center Tacoma; David Graybill, Board Chair for World Trade Center Tacoma; Raymond Cheung, president, SeaTac Packaging Manufacturing Corp.; and Betty Capestany, director, economic development at Pierce County; celebrate SeaTac Packaging Manufacturing Corp.’s win at the 2024 World Trade Center Tacoma Globe Awards. The World Trade Center Tacoma connected local businesses to global opportunities through international trade missions and educational programs. This year, businesses benefited from partnerships forged in East Asia, helping the South Sound remain competitive on the global stage. World Trade Center Tacoma also conducted its annual flagship event, the World Trade Center Tacoma Globe Awards, in September, which recognized excellence in international trade. 10. Developing Future Leaders We continued investing in leadership development through programs like the Business Leadership Academy and the foundation of the Candidates Academy. By equipping future leaders with skills, mentorship, and connections, we are building a strong foundation for the next generation of business and community leaders. Looking Ahead to 2025 As we celebrate these milestones, we are excited for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to strengthen our economy, foster innovation, and empower leaders in the South Sound. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—cheers to a bright year ahead!
On November 14, 2024, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber hosted a graduation luncheon for the 46th Business Leadership Academy (BLA). This cohort included 20 participants with diverse backgrounds from across the South Sound. The BLA of Tacoma-Pierce County, sponsored by the Chamber and Pacific Lutheran University, is a regional community leadership program founded in 1978. BLA is an opportunity for current and emerging leaders to engage with the business community while developing leadership skills and interacting with exemplary leaders in the field. Over the course of nine weeks BLA participants:
The Chamber and members of cohort 20 are especially grateful for the contributions and leadership of Dr. Catherine Pratt, Resident Assistant Professor, PLU School of Business. The majority of the participants, prompted by Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Reay, shared their appreciation for Dr. Pratt, their fellow cohort members, and additional leaders who helped shape the course of the program. “This was impactful and appreciated. Thank you for your leadership and coordination, Catherine and Andrew.” “Catherine was wonderful – great instructor; very supportive of us as a group and individually.” “I have had the opportunity to be enrolled into a few different versions of a leadership academy. This is one of the more well-run courses, and the information shared in class to supplement the reading was great.” “I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of this class. It has helped me to see the strengths that I didn’t see, as well as areas that I want to improve and learn more about.” “This program has made me a better person.” If you are interested in participating in the next Business Leadership Academy, please contact Andrew Parks, Technical Assistant & Program Coordinator.
The Chamber 100 Fall Conference presents a call to action, highlighting the critical need for pro-growth policies and a united approach to economic leadership in a time of political unrest. How can we work together to achieve 3% growth, and how quickly can we rally around the policies that will make it happen?Chamber Chief Executive Officer and President Andrea Ray recently attended the Chamber 100 Fall Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she joined fellow leaders from across the country to discuss key updates from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The conference provided a comprehensive look at the U.S. political landscape, economic forecasts, and federal policy changes that could shape the future of business and growth in America. Big Conversations, Big Impact The Chamber 100 brought together committee members from across the country and some of the most influential voices in business and policy. Notable speakers in attendance included Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase; Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and Tevi Troy, author of The Power of Money. These discussions offered attendees a deep dive into the intersection of business strategy, federal policy, and the broader economic trends that will shape the country’s future. Protecting Business in a Divided America One of the central themes of the conference was the growing political and cultural polarization in the U.S. and its impact on business. In a climate where partisan divides seem to be deepening, the business community faces new challenges in policies that promote growth and stability. Newly elected and returning official need to focus on pro-growth policies that:
Speakers discussed how to prepare for the next administration, and whether a divided Congress can find the will to compromise for the good of the economy. The consensus was clear: in times like these, the business community must act as a unifying force, providing a rational and trusted voice for prosperity in the face of division. The Importance of 3% Growth Perhaps the most pressing issue discussed at the conference was the importance of achieving sustained economic growth. Speakers emphasized that a growth rate of 3% isn’t just an ambitious target – it’s critical for the long-term health of the economy. At this rate, American’s economy would double in size by the time someone born today reaches their early 20s. In contrast, a 2% growth rate would push this milestone into their mid-30s. Therefore, public policy plays a pivotal role in creating the conditions for this kind of growth. Pro-growth policies that preserve a competitive tax code, secure new trade deals, support workforce development, and tackle the country’s growing federal debt are essential to ensuring that growth remains strong and sustainable. Growth Beyond the Numbers Economic growth is often measured in percentages, but its real-world impact is much broader. Speakers at the conference were apt to point out that sustained growth improves lives in tangible ways. It can create jobs, raise wages, and help businesses thrive during times of uncertainty. It also fuels innovation and increases productivity, which in turn leads to power prices and more choices for consumers. For instance, a modest increase in productivity – only 0.5% – could reduce the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion over the next decade. This demonstrates how powerful even small improvements can be over time. Economic growth is more than numbers on a page; it’s about giving all Americans the opportunity to succeed. Moving Forward Together
As the conference wrapped up, it was very clear that the road ahead will require collaboration, innovation, and most importantly, shared political will. With the right policies in place, the business community can drive the kind of growth, even when incremental, that benefits everyone. But it will take all of us – business leaders, policymakers, and citizens – to ensure that the future we create is one of opportunity, prosperity, and shared success. Tacoma and Pierce County’s business leaders, Chamber leadership, and team members from the Downtown Tacoma Partnership and Spaceworks visited New Mexico to engage with Sante Fe officials, discovering how the creative economy helps fuel the city’s tourism, business development, and furthers its community. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber embarked on its fifth annual intercity visit and leadership conference, Aspire. Its purpose is to explore new programs and initiatives in another great American city, giving us a chance to learn, discover, and adapt with the best practices to meet the growing needs of the South Sound. A rich history, diverse culture, and art make Santa Fe a world-class destination. Two to three million visitors flock to this uncommon city each year. The community characteristics and assorted economic industries, such as the arts, technology, tourism, and innovative business, are what make Santa Fe a great place to live, work, and play. During Aspire we met with local elected officials, business owners, film artisans, opera and theatre producers, and more to get a better sense and stronger perspective of what we can take home from the Southwest to the Northwest. Cultural Dialogue Fosters Creative Solutions We had an opportunity to visit the Poeh Cultural Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a gathering place for the respectful sustainment of Tewa Pueblo traditions through being, doing, and sharing in connection with the Pueblo of Pojoaque. The Pueblo of Pojoaque is one of the six Northern Tewa-speaking Rio Grande Pueblos, and has been inhabited as early as 500 AD with a strong cultural identity and acknowledgement as “Po-suwae-geh,” the water drinking or gathering space. Attendees had an opportunity to discuss with the Mayor of Santa Fe, Allan Webber, the crucial challenges of bringing diverse perspectives to the table to find solutions. Santa Fe is the second largest art market in the U.S. and home to several large anchoring arts organizations, such as the Santa Fe Opera. It also serves smaller performance organizations, such as the Santa Fe Playhouse, while welcoming film production companies. We toured Camel Rock Studios, heard from Mayor Webber, met with local businesses, and much more. From these unique interactions we took away several key takeaways. Revitalizing Public and Private Space Anchors Businesses and Supports Artists When we center investment on how to increase interaction, we can deliver on positive intention that attracts interest – in the form of tourism and business development – and anchors those spaces for the community to flourish. In Sante Fe, the Tesuque Pueblo Film and industry executives partnered to reimagine a closed casino as a hub for creativity and the moving image. The casino space was reborn as a state-of-the-art film production studio bringing in revenue for the Pueblo people and the surrounding community. The studio currently employs more than 800 people, and it engages in the local economy that supports its needs during production periods. Separately, local artists came together to revitalize a shuttered bowling alley to create Meow Wolf Sante Fe, an immersive arts experience that brings in over 750,000 visitors annually. The interactive installation features over 70 rooms designed and curated by local and community artists while exemplifying Meow Wolf’s values of creative collaboration, provocative playfulness, welcoming outsiders, authentic compassion, and audacious courage. Meow Wolf began in Sante Fe and has blossomed into a multi-city immersive arts experience with homes in Houston and Grapevine, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Today, Meow Wolf has an estimated revenue of $267.1 million annually, employing over 900 individuals, and grew its staff by 21% in the last year. Public-Private Partnerships Take Time to Be Successful When the city of Sante Fe wanted to invest in revitalizing an underutilized railyard, they chose to partner with a non-profit that could help leverage the full scope of resources that existed within the community. The process of its development spanned several years with the initial approval for a lease and management contract issued in 2002. The initial phase of development began with archaeological investigations in 2004, followed by the commencement of infrastructure construction in 2006. The Sante Fe Railyard’s grand opening in 2008 marked not only a milestone event. It celebrated the revitalization of one of the city’s historic sites. With the full power of the community, it was able to open a 50-acre, city-owned parcel that is now home to over 150 housing units and fully leased commercial spaces that are dedicated to local businesses. The Railyard also serves as an epicenter for local events, restaurants, live entertainment, gallery-openings, shopping destinations, artist talks, and a year-round farmer’s market. Conclusion
The Aspire 2024 conference in Santa Fe highlights the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and creative economies in urban development. Tacoma's leaders gleaned valuable insights from Santa Fe's experiences, particularly in revitalizing public and private spaces to foster economic growth and cultural engagement. By centering the importance of investment around community interaction, the effectiveness of public-private partnerships, and the role of local artists in rejuvenating spaces for tourism and business, the city of Sante Fe has set a standard as to how Tacoma can adapt and innovate, ultimately enhancing the South Sound's own creative landscape and community vitality. By embracing these principles, Tacoma can cultivate an environment where both businesses and the arts thrive, ensuring a vibrant future for all residents. Last Tuesday evening, we welcomed the Spaceworks Fall Business Plan Cohort at their first session at the Chamber office!
This cohort includes businesses like; Illustrator, Clothing designer, Ceramicists, Art Therapist, and Tattoo Artist, to name a few. We’re excited to walk them through their business plan development and look forward to inviting you all to their graduation! About Spaceworks Business Plan Cohort The Business Plan Cohort is the backbone of Spaceworks Tacoma's Incubator and results in a formal business plan. Participants meet once a week for 12 weeks (3 hours/week). This cohort focuses on those businesses that have tested their product or service in the market (friends, family, markets, Etsy, brick and mortar, etc.) and have a clear understanding of what they are providing to the customer. At the end of this 12-week cohort, participants will have gained the knowledge to successfully run your business, a completed business plan, and will have presented your pitch at your Graduation. Photo of Incubator alum, BirdLoft: The Business Leadership Academy of Tacoma-Pierce County aims to connect both current and emerging leaders with our business community, fostering leadership development and interaction with exemplary figures in their respective fields. This program is sponsored by the Chamber and Pacific Lutheran University and has been a regional community leadership program since 1978.
This program kicked off its 46th year last week as we welcomed 19 excited leaders into the Business Leadership Academy community! There are many things to look forward to over the next several weeks as these leaders explore leader development, assess their leadership strengths and weaknesses, learn from leaders that contribute to the vitality of our community, and visit organizations at the heart of our regional business community. During the first day of class, students received the chance to hear from Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO, Andrea H. Reay. She shared more on her career journey, valuable leadership insight, and what led her to our Chamber. Thank you, Andrea, for taking the time to speak to our BLA students! What's Ahead We are excited to engage with Tacoma's Downtown community through an extensive tour led by JD Elquist, Retail Advocate at Downtown Tacoma Partnership. Additionally, our Economic Development Tour will take participants through the Port of Tacoma, showcasing the vibrant economic opportunities in the region. These tours will highlight the dynamic business environment and offer valuable insights into Tacoma's economic landscape. On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, over 400 members of the business community joined us for the 2024 Horizons Economic Forecast!
The morning kicked off with coffee and networking, then moved into the main program where local and regional leaders discussed the Pierce County economy. Thank you to all you attended, especially our event sponsors and speakers! Sponsors
Speakers
2023 was an exciting year for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and our local business community! This past year we were thrilled to host sold out signature events where we strengthened relationships with friendly faces — many familiar and many new! The conferences we took part in gave local leaders chances to learn, grow, and be inspired with ambitious ideas for the South Sound. We were honored to play a role in leadership development programs for business owners and entrepreneurs on the rise in our region. Advocacy to protect business interests and ensure a thriving local economy was a top priority for us on a local, state, and national level. Throughout the year, we enjoyed many different opportunities to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of our vibrant business community. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year to make an impact for business in the South Sound. We can't wait to have you alongside us for everything 2024 has in store! Read our recap of the Chamber's Top 10 accomplishments, events, programs, and moments from 2023 below!
On November 16th the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber hosted a graduation luncheon for the 45th Business Leadership Academy. The Business Leadership Academy of Tacoma-Pierce County, sponsored by the Chamber and Pacific Lutheran University, is a regional community leadership program founded in 1978. The Business Leadership Academy of Tacoma-Pierce County is an opportunity for current and emerging leaders to engage with the business community while developing leadership skills and interacting with exemplary leaders. Over the past 9 weeks the Business Leadership Academy participants:
On October 19, the 45th Annual Business Leadership Academy embarked on a half day bus tour of the Port of Tacoma focusing on the main economic impact drivers of the South Sound. We focused on the Port footprint and highlighted the history of the Port and major economic impact industries- maritime, military and manufacturing.
We started the morning with a presentation from Kristen Ang, commissioner, Port of Tacoma with a Port Overview. Our next stop was Tacoma Rail where Superintendent Dale King let attendees get up close to working Tacoma Rail. Leslie Barstow, Community Relations, Port of Tacoma took the group on an hour-long tour of Port of Tacoma Road. The tour provided the group with an overview of port operations, equipment and waterways. The Port highlighted efforts to restore critical salmon habitat and ensure that the future of operations in Tacoma will continue to set the standard for economic impact and sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Lastly, the group toured Foss Waterway Seaport Museum with Executive Director Brent Mason. We learned about the historic role the building played in Tacoma’s port-maritime activities, serving as a grain terminal. We were able to learn how Tacoma’s “rails to sales” story evolved over the years, and the influence of the labor movement on Tacoma’s working waterfront. The museum is also home to a marine science program that serves Tacoma Public Schools and a wooden boat shop which offers a range of community programming. It is important to be able to see first-hand how our Port and industrial areas along with a robust manufacturing sector connect with Joint Base Lewis McCord to form the backbone of our economy in Tacoma and Pierce County. Special Thanks to Tour Guide, Ryan Spence, of the Chamber’s Manufacturing Industrial Council. Special thank you to our speakers and tour guides: Kristen Ang, Port of Tacoma Commissioner - Tacoma Rail Superintendent Dale King - Leslie Barstow, Community Relations, Port of Tacoma - Brent Mason, Executive Director of the Foss Waterway Seaport - Ryan Spence, TPCC Manufacturing Industrial Council Education is a powerful tool for growth and development, and when it's tailored to the unique needs of entrepreneurs, it can be transformative. The Pierce-County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program is designed to equip budding entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to take their business ventures to new heights. As the recent PCBA cohort reached its graduation milestone, we are thrilled to celebrate with them and welcome them as Chamber members. In the PCBA program, participants undergo a 6-week class designed to provide them with new skills and mentorship to guide in their entrepreneurial journey, enabling them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. It's not just about the skills learned during the program; it's also about the optimism and connections it provides. Graduates find value in the relationships formed during the program, and we are excited to provide more networking opportunities as they work to continue to grow and thrive. The graduation commenced with a warm welcome from the Instructors, Pierce County representatives, and the Chamber. After the official welcome, the program was turned over to the entrepreneurs, who had prepared a pitch for their business, showcasing the culmination of their hard work and the skills they had acquired during the PCBA program. These pitches were a testament to the growth and development that had taken place over the six-week cohort.
The success of the recent PCBA cohort is a testament to the program's effectiveness in nurturing and empowering entrepreneurs. With high levels of engagement, skill development, and a focus on mentorship and professional services, the PCBA program is creating a thriving community of entrepreneurs ready to take on the challenges and opportunities in the business world. As these graduates embark on the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys, we take a moment to celebrate them and all their achievements. Join us for the PCBA Showcase, on November 8th, 2023 at the Washington State Fair Grounds Expo Hall from 5 – 7 pm. Discover potential collaborators, savor outstanding catering services, engage with enthusiastic business leaders, and explore the hidden gems of Pierce County’s innovative products and services you never knew you needed. Event is free and family friendly. Don’t miss out – secure your spot by registering now! October 10-12, 2023
The Chamber was grateful to welcome twenty-four audacious and courageous leaders with us on our Aspire Austin Intercity Leadership Conference as we experienced how that community tackled rapid urban growth, technology and innovation, workforce development and supporting the creative economy and housing and homelessness. We started our conference with a tour of Cruise, an autonomous vehicle company driven to improve life in the communities they serve by safely connecting people with places, things and experiences. These self-driving cars, currently only available in a handful of markets, are setting the pace to truly transform our transportation system. Imagine a city with no need for parking, with fully accessible vehicles, all running on an electric grid. The future is nearer than you may think with the technology advancing rapidly. We continued that first day with set of panel discussions where we paired industry and subject matter experts from Austin with Tacoma to discuss education and workforce development, urban planning and development, and technology and innovation. We also toured the Paramount Theatre and learned more about the impact of the creative economy in Austin, which is so well known for both Austin City Limits and South by Southwest. The final day of the conference awarded us with an opportunity to see and experience what we discussed the previous day during our panels. Part of the focus of Aspire is not only discussing solutions with other communities, but it’s bringing together our own leaders to build trust, grow relationships with each other and truly see the change for themselves. The only way change happens is when people can experience it for themselves. Aspire attendees toured Austin Community College’s Highline Campus and Communities First! Village. Full conference report and information about Aspire 2024 coming soon!
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