 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.
 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. AUTHOR: TOM PIERSON, INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO  The 2026 Washington State Legislature adjourned March 12th after passing 267 bills. The session delivered significant new costs and regulatory pressures for businesses. Budget
The 2025-27 supplemental operating budget increases the total spending amount for the biennium to $80.2 billion – an increase of $2.4 billion for the biennium. This includes a $880 million transfer from the rainy day fund, marking the state’s continued increase in spending. Over the past decade, state spending has increased by 116%, far exceeding the inflation rate of 34% in the same time period. This trajectory highlights the ongoing concerns about the long-term sustainability of the state’s budget and the likelihood of continued fiscal pressures in future cycles. In direct harm to businesses, Governor Ferguson decided to veto $500,000 in the state’s supplemental operating budget that was dedicated to combating organized retail crime. This is a major setback for the business community, our employees, and our customers. The business community has consistently talked about the impacts of retail crime, underscoring that dedicated state investments like this are not optional - they are essential to maintaining public and operational safety. This funding is not new; in 2024 the legislature provided $1 million to launch the now successful pilot program in King, Snohomish, and Spokane counties, which focused on coordinated responses to organized retail crime. This funding delivered measurable results, including 402 program-driven law enforcement responses, and generated 5,868 organized crime reports, among many other measurable outcomes that helped businesses. Eliminating this investment is discouraging to the business community when we are asking for meaningful partnership, support, and action. Without additional funding, businesses are left without support they desperately need. While we understand the state is working under budget constraints, if the state is serious about protecting local economies, supporting frontline workers, and maintaining safe retail spaces, prioritizing this type of funding must be a priority. We look forward to working with legislators to restore it. Income Tax The legislature passed the first income tax, under the guise of it being a “millionaires’ tax.” This statewide income tax impacts households with income exceeding $1 million dollars – which is $500k/year for people filing jointly. Income taxes, coupled with other anti-business and anti-economic development policy decisions, make Washington less competitive and drives residents and businesses out of state. This is especially harmful when Washington already ranks near the bottom nationally in tax competitiveness and overall business climate. The Legislature’s rationale for the tax is to generate additional revenue to make up for the current 2025-27 budget deficit, which sets itself up to expand the tax further in 2027-2029 as they continue to fail in balancing the budget with new revenue. But to be clear, Washington does not have a revenue problem - it has spending and fiscal management priority and policy problems. Data Centers In a devastating blow to businesses, ESSB 6231 was passed and signed by the Governor, repealing a sales and use tax exemption for the refurbishing of data centers. This tax exemption is meant to attract these facilities to Washington since they bring millions in investments, create lots of local jobs, generate additional tax revenues, and promote economic development. These exemptions have been particularly critical for Pierce County as our data center has brought high paying job opportunities and generated millions of tax revenue. Transportation The legislature did approve a $16.6 billion transportation package. The package emphasizes additional preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure including, road and bridge repairs, ferry system preservation, highway safety improvements and more. In addition, it is estimated this package could support up to 30,000 jobs statewide. Veterans In a big win for our veteran community, the Governor signed ESHB 2534 which promotes education stability for children of military families. Our team advocated for this bill, and we are happy to see the Legislature’s support for our veterans and military families. The 2026 Legislative session, with few exceptions, proved to be a challenging one for Washington’s business community, marked by increased costs, new regulatory pressures, and continued spending growth without any long-term solutions. We will be closely monitoring the impact of these policies in the months ahead while continuing to advocate for a more competitive, sustainable economic and fiscal environment by supporting our local business community through the challenges ahead. My question for you, when you interact with your legislative members can you ask them this simple question: What exactly did they do for your business to make the South Sound the place for business? Reay is beginning a new chapter at the Washington Hospitality Association. We celebrate the lasting impact she has made in the South Sound business community.
At the heart of Reay’s legacy is the belief that we are stronger together as a community and it will continue to guide us as we enter this next chapter.
We’re excited to watch Reay share her enthusiasm, passion, and light as she shines in her new role. We look forward to collaborating again in the future as she brings her integrity and passion to her new role at the Washington Hospitality Association.  We are excited to welcome the 2025 class of the Business Leadership Academy (BLA), a joint program between the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and Pacific Lutheran University. For 47 years, this program has inspired and developed leaders across our region, preparing them to create lasting impact in their organizations and communities. This year’s leaders come from a wide variety of industries and professional backgrounds. What unites them is a shared commitment to learning, growth, and the responsibility of leadership. Throughout the eight-week cohort, participants will dive into thought-provoking conversations, connect with inspiring leaders, and discover new perspectives on what it means to lead. They’ll share ideas, challenge themselves in fresh ways, and build meaningful relationships that will carry beyond the program. The Academy is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. It creates a space for reflection, inspiration, and collaboration. We look forward to following the journey of the 2025 class as they learn, collaborate, and grow into the next generation of leaders for our region. As Schoedel moves on from the Chamber to continue his impact at Downtown Tacoma Partnership, we take a moment to recognize the lasting impact he’s leaving in our business community.
Next steps for Schroedel involve focusing exclusively on advancing the growth of Downtown Tacoma and the impactful organization that is DTP. From running the Downtown Tacoma Farmers market to directly supporting storefronts and organizing the ever-growing Block Party, there are big things ahead for the DTP team.
Stay connected with Schroedel in his next chapter: [email protected]. Veteran Public Servant and Regional Policy Leader Joins Chamber to Strengthen Business Advocacy and Advance Inclusive Economic Growth Across the South Sound.
Johnston to Attend Candidate Academy on March 8, 2025, and Accelerate Her Path in Civil Service
As a long-serving staff member and community advocate, David has played a critical role in shaping the region’s business landscape, supporting economic growth, and fostering collaborative policymaking. The scholarship continues his legacy by empowering individuals who share his dedication to leadership and civic engagement. Selection Criteria: Identifying Future Leaders in AdvocacyThe David Schroedel Leadership and Advocacy Scholarship is awarded to an individual who exemplifies the Chamber’s core values and has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement. Candidates for the scholarship are selected based on the following criteria:
By focusing on these parameters, the scholarship ensures that recipients are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact through the Candidate Academy program and in our community. Introducing the First Award RecipientJessica Johnston has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the David Schroedel Leadership and Advocacy Scholarship for their exceptional commitment to community leadership and advocacy. Johnston currently serves as the Director of Court House Square in downtown Tacoma. She also serves as an ambassador for the Chamber; on the Board of Director for the Downtown Tacoma Partnership as its Vice President & Treasurer; and as a Board Chair on the City of Tacoma’s City Events and Recognitions Committee. Johnson is passionate about many timely issues that our region faces, including government transparency and accountability, small business stability and growth, public safety, and mental health services. Through this scholarship, Johnson will gain access to valuable mentorship, training, and networking opportunities in the Chamber’s Candidate Academy taking place on Saturday, March 8, 2025. This program serves as a launchpad for emerging leaders, providing them with a deeper understanding of the civic landscape and the skills necessary to drive meaningful change. Fostering Future Leaders“The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is dedicated to cultivating leadership that strengthens our community,” said Schroedel. “By investing in individuals who are passionate about advocacy and public service, we are ensuring that our region continues to thrive. We congratulate Jessica on this well-deserved honor and look forward to seeing her impact.”
Johnson shares, "I am honored to have been awarded the David Schroedel Leadership and Advocacy Candidates Academy Scholarship, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and the selection committee for their support. The Candidate Academy has equipped me with invaluable insights and resources that will elevate my leadership and advocacy efforts in Tacoma. I extend a special thanks to David Schroedel for his dedication to developing future leaders. This scholarship reinforces my commitment to public service, and I am excited to implement the lessons I've learned to drive meaningful change in our community. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!" Join us in celebrating Jessica Johnston and the future of leadership and advocacy in Tacoma-Pierce County! 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  Kiva recipient, Lanaya Tayler, owner of Lanaya Tayler Hair Studio in Puyallup, Wash. 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  PCBA cohort 19 at their graduation in November 2024. 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  Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier joins in on helping turn the dirt that will become the Good Neighbor Village. 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  Nori Kimura after completing the Skybridge mural between the Pacific Plaza parking garage and Theater on the Square in downtown Tacoma. 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  Over 475 attendees joined the Chamber in January at the Horizons Economic Forecast to hear from local and regional business leaders on the 2024 Pierce County economy. 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  Graduates of the 2024 Business Leadership Academy celebrated their achievement at a luncheon in November. 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. |
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