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.

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].

The 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:

• A clear alignment with the Chamber’s mission and values, including a dedication to fostering a thriving business environment.
• A demonstrated interest in public service and a strong desire to engage in leadership roles within the Tacoma-Pierce County region.
• A proven track record of supporting business interests, advocating for economic growth, and contributing to the local business community.

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.

Jessica 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.

“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 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:

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Chamber led advocacy efforts to address critical business challenges and drive policy change:

• Protecting key transportation projects like the Puget Sound Gateway.
• Supporting workforce development and manufacturing growth.
• Promoting policies that encourage housing construction and public safety.

 
These wins helped create a stronger, more resilient business environment for the South Sound.

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. 

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. 

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.

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:

• Develop leadership skills and create personalized leader development plans
• Connect with exemplary leaders making a significant impact in our business community
• Collaborate with other current and emerging leaders in the 2024 Business Leadership Academy class
• Launch a community project designed to bring tangible benefits to the local area
• Gain deeper insights into the region, leaders, its leadership landscape, and key decision-making processes
• Visit organizations that add to the vitality of our region
• Craft their own Call to Action for engaging as a leader in our community

 
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.

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:

• Preserve a competitive tax code
• Secure new trade and investment
• Support a larger and more skilled workforce
• Embrace the economy of the future
• Address growing and unsustainable federal debt

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.