The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber (TPCC) held its annual Horizons Economic Forecast at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in downtown Tacoma on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Rising with the sun were more than 400 people in attendance. The agenda was set for attendees to learn more about the 2025 economic projections nationally and for Pierce County. Attendees began the morning by networking during Coffee Connections sponsored by Commencement Bank; tehaleh; Virginia Mason Franciscan Health; and educational organizations: Bates Technical; Tacoma Community; Clover Park Technical; and Pierce College, before they were seated for breakfast. Formal programming kicked off with a literal bang via a performance from the talented youth of Lincoln High School Drumline. Over a seated breakfast guests heard from a handful of speakers including Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland; Congresswoman Emily Randall; Port of Tacoma Commissioner Position #2 Dick Marzano; Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello; Neal Johnson, Ph.D. of Sound Resource Economics; and Keynote Speaker Angelo Kourkafas, CFA® Senior Strategist, Investment Strategy at Edward Jones. Following opening remarks and insights, Tom Layson, Managing Editor & Producer-Host of Northwest Now, KBTC Public Television, led a Q&A with Mr. Kourkafas and Dr. Johnson regarding pressing economic issues that face the region and nation. The event featured emcees Andrea Reay, President and CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, and Kierra Phifer, Board Chair for the Chamber and Public Engagement Manager Northwest for DoorDash. David Schroedel, Executive Vice President of the Chamber gave a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Bruce Mann, a beloved Economics professor at the University of Puget Sound who passed in October 2024 and contributed over the past several decades to the community and Horizons as an expert and teacher. Guests received a copy of the Pierce County Economic Index Report for 2025 at the event. This report is a pivotal tool for understanding the county's economic health and prospects. The report, authored by Dr. Johnson, highlights a mix of growth and challenges alongside trends in GDP, labor markets, housing, and retail sales, while forecasting moderate growth and ongoing challenges for key sectors in 2025. “This PCEI Report gives our members the insights they need to navigate the year ahead with resilience while acknowledging the headwinds still facing Pierce County. While we’re seeing progress in personal income and job creation, challenges in housing affordability and retail spending underscore the lingering effects of high interest rates and inflation,” said Andrea Reay, President & CEO, TPCC. “We hold a cautiously optimistic outlook for Pierce County. From job creation to housing affordability, this report helps our community take informed steps toward building a stronger, more equitable economy. Our commitment is to ensure that businesses—big and small—have the tools to succeed.” After the opening program concluded attendees were given the option to select one of three break-out panel discussions of their choosing: In “The Road Ahead: Innovation, Inflation, and Workforce Transformation in Pierce County,” a dynamic panel uncovered the forces shaping Pierce County’s economy in 2025. It dove into key insights on how inflation, interest rates, and artificial intelligence are transforming the workforce and regional industries. The panel also explored the evolving roles of trade, immigration, and organized labor in driving economic growth, and attendees gained a deeper understanding of how housing, childcare, and workforce infrastructure impact local opportunities. The panel was moderated by Samanta Le, President and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber and featured speakers:
In “Foundations for Growth: Housing, Transit, and Economic Resilience in Pierce County” the panel examined how Pierce County’s economic future is at a crossroads with housing affordability, transit connectivity, and rising development costs that are reshaping how businesses attract talent, communities grow, and leaders plan for the challenges ahead. This panel brought together regional experts to discuss the forces driving these changes and what they mean for Pierce County’s business landscape. From zoning reforms and transit-oriented development to the economic ripple effects of housing shortages, this session explored how policy, design, and infrastructure intersect to influence the region’s growth trajectory. The panel was moderated by Debbie Cockrell, Tacoma News Tribune and featured speakers:
Our third panel, “The Four Ps of Energy Transitions in Pierce County: Prices, Policy, Production and People” featured discussion on how the region can navigate a critical juncture in its energy future. Bringing together leaders from across the region, it explored how energy innovation, infrastructure investments, and policy shifts are reshaping our community. From the integration of renewable energy to addressing the challenges of electrification, the discussion illuminated the path forward for a more resilient, sustainable energy economy. The panel was moderated by Bill Dickens, Author and Former Senior Energy Economist at Tacoma Power and featured speakers:
This event could not have been possible without the support of our Sponsors, our members, and the community as a whole. Thank you to our:
If you have not already filled out our post event survey, please do so. You may find the survey available online here. We are always looking to expand what we have to offer Pierce County as we strive to make the South Sound the most equitable, inclusive, and thriving place to do business in Washington State. Thank you to everyone who spent their morning with us. We hope to see you at our next event soon! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 29, 2025—the date of our annual Horizons Economic Forecast at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or simply someone who cares about the economic future of our region, Horizons is your launchpad for next-level insights and connections. Why Horizons Matters In a rapidly evolving economic landscape, making informed decisions is crucial. At Horizons, we bring together top-tier economists, industry experts, and community leaders to shed light on the data, trends, and innovations that will shape Tacoma-Pierce County—and beyond—in the coming year. What You Can Expect
Powered by Membership Horizons isn’t just an event--it’s an expression of our commitment to serving and empowering the Tacoma-Pierce County community. As part of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, your membership fuels initiatives like these, enabling us to spotlight economic drivers, champion local businesses, and foster a thriving business environment for everyone. Who Should Attend?
Reserve Your Spot Ready to see beyond the horizon? Secure your seat at Horizons Economic Forecast 2025 and join us in steering the future of Tacoma-Pierce County. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your new year—and new strategy—on a high note. By connecting data, insights, and collaboration, we can create a more prosperous future for our entire community.
Stay tuned for more speaker announcements and session highlights in the coming weeks via our social media! Honoring Leadership and Building Connection On December 18, 2024, more than 350 business, nonprofit, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the season and strengthen the ties that bind us together at our annual cocktail party honoring elected officials. This year's reception was a dazzling evening of connection and celebration. Guests joined us at the iconic LeMay-America's Car Museum, where they enjoyed delicious food and beverages, stunning ice sculptures, intricate paper cranes, and captivating calligraphy artistry. The ambiance was festive and elegant, providing the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and new connections. During the VIP Hour, Chamber President and CEO Andrea Reay and Board Chair Kierra Phiffer recognized the remarkable contributions of exiting Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier. In her remarks, Reay highlighted Dammeier’s dedication to the community, emphasizing his role in fostering growth and collaboration throughout Pierce County. The evening was made even more special by the vibrant mix of leaders in attendance, including prominent public officials, business executives, and nonprofit champions. The opportunity to mingle, share stories, and celebrate the season together showcased the strength and unity of our community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors for their generous support and to everyone who attended and contributed to the event's success. Your participation and enthusiasm make events like these possible. As we welcome the new year, we encourage you to stay engaged with the Chamber’s upcoming events and initiatives. Together, we will continue to build a thriving community for all. 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 Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Spaceworks Tacoma proudly celebrated the graduation of its Fall 2024 Business Plan Cohort.
The 12-week Business Plan Cohort serves as the cornerstone of the Spaceworks Incubator program. Designed for entrepreneurs who have already tested their product or service in the market – whether with friends and family, online platforms, like Etsy, or physical storefronts – the program equips participants with the tools they need to thrive. By the end of the program, participants have successfully completed a business plan and delivered a final pitch, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. What sets this program apart is its emphasis on community. With a cohort model, the Chamber and Spaceworks team can foster collaboration and emotional support bidirectionally, whether it be from peer-to-peer or participant-to-mentor, ensuring they are never alone on their path to success. Graduates join a network of over 400 alumni and become part of a growing business and arts community eager to support their success. This cohort exemplifies the values that make Tacoma a vibrant place to live and work. Their dedication demonstrates a deep commitment to their community and showcases not only a creative entrepreneurial spirit but also compassion and leadership. Their impact extends beyond the products and services they provide, shaping Tacoma into a more dynamic and connected city. Follow Spaceworks on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about the impact it is making in Pierce County. Celebration of Innovation, Community, and EntrepreneurshipThe Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) Showcase, held on November 13, 2024, at the Washington State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, was a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The event marked the culmination of three years of dedication and hard work, as over 60 businesses proudly showcased their achievements after graduating from the PCBA program.
The showcase provided a platform for PCBA graduates and entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services, network with industry professionals, and connect with potential customers. The diversity of businesses on display was awe-inspiring, ranging from custom balloon sculptures to cutting-edge cleaning solutions, and from beauty supplies to dynamic business marketing companies. Ralph Mitchell, founder of Beprepared2treat, is one graduate who was in attendance with a unique business. Mitchell’s organization was founded upon his background of 27 years as a physician’s assistant and travel nurse. His organization centers on training people on how to deal with the immediate trauma of gun violence in order to stop the bleed and prevent a fatality. “We need to be prepared,” said Mitchell. “Box stores, Home Depot, Target, all of them need training so they know how to pack a wound, apply pressure, and operate in different scenarios in order to force critical thinking skills to kick in.” One of the standout features of the event was the eclectic array of culinary delights. Attendees were treated with offerings from some of the region's most exciting food entrepreneurs. Between the creative cookies, baked goods, pizza, BBQ, and savory treats, there was something for everyone. Josh Barsh of Seven Sons was on site with his mother Denise. Barsh originally learned about the PCBA program from his aunt. “It was great going through the class and absorb all the learning around how to get my paperwork for planning in order, how to find funding, how grants operate and how to apply to them as well,” said Barsh. “It was wonderful for me as I planned out my schedule because I was able to meet with other business owners and learn how they schedule their day.” Jan Parker, a graduate of the first PCBA cohort, was also in attendance marking her team’s third appearance at the PCBA Showcase. “People who are interested should take the program. It’s free, has great networking, and grant opportunities,” said Parker. "Definitely a good experience.” The vibrant atmosphere of the showcase attracted over 200 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, and community members eager to support and engage with the local business community. The event offered a unique opportunity for networking, as participants had the chance to forge valuable connections, sample diverse products, and gain insight into the innovative ventures emerging from the south sound region. As we look back on another year of the PCBA program, we are left behind a palpable sense of achievement and community spirit. The showcase not only celebrated the businesses that had successfully completed the accelerator program but also served as a testament to the region's entrepreneurial resilience and creativity. The event reinforced the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for local businesses, highlighting the potential for growth, collaboration, and prosperity within the vibrant business community of Pierce County. PCBA is a program of Pierce County funded through an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For more information visit pcba.biz. One year ago, on October 5th, University Place got a little hotter...not the weather unfortunately, but because of the addition of HOTWORX Studio! Franchise owners, Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge, took the ultimate leap of opening their own HOTWORX fitness studio in 2023 and invited our Chamber to celebrate their anniversary.
HOTWORX University Place is a 24-hour infrared fitness studio equipped with 10 sauna rooms and a FX ZONE (functional exercise area). Members are led in a variety of workout sessions taught by highly skilled virtual instructors; with three paces they can choose to follow. You can often find Ciara and Tracey ‘earning the burn’ (a popular motivational phrase used by the virtual instructors) multiple times a day, every day! Through heartfelt speeches by co-owners Boyce and Pidge, the Warriors (aka the members) were thanked for trusting them and supporting HOTWORX University Place. They made special shoutouts to their spouses and loved ones for the continued belief in their personal mission statements, which has gotten them to where they are today. We were joined by Council Member Melanie Grassi, several members of the community, Warriors (some who left the sauna mid-session to watch the ribbon being cut!), and even Fudge the bulldog, who was able to get in on the celebration. Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board Chair, Kierra Phifer, led the team in the countdown to cut the ribbon and we ended the ceremony by signing the cut piece of ribbon. Each individual staff member is passionate about what they do and is eager to help you meet your fitness goals inside and outside the sauna. Schedule some time to meet with them and book your first HOTWORX session here. Website: www.hotworx.net/studio/universityplace Phone: (253) 336-3090 Every year in late August through September, Puyallup, Washington takes on a massive undertaking – the Washington State Fair. The Washington State Fair is not only the largest fair in the Pacific Northwest, but one of the largest in the world. Hundreds of thousands of visitors each day have so much to experience from concerts in the Umpqua Bank Grandstands, a showcase of agriculture and farming, and 13 plus buildings to walk through all offering a variety of activities.
This year, the fair had something that has never been offered before – the Pierce County Business Accelerator vendor section. Every three days, six new PCBA program graduates had the chance to share their unique businesses with Fair guests. Located in the Pavilion Marketplace right inside the Gold Gate on the fairgrounds, it was the perfect venue for these booths. The Pavilion Marketplace historically hosts small ‘maker’ businesses, 4-H contestants, and much more. PCBA vendors offered a variety of products including custom painted glassware, season-trendy clothing, handknit plushies, self/body care products, jam-filled jars, laser cut wood ornaments, handmade jewelry, beard oil, perfumes, Croc charms, and more! If you were unable to walk-through the Pavilion Marketplace and shop these PCBA vendors, then head over to the PCBA Website, Pierce County Business Accelerator (pcbamap.biz), to check out not only these grads, but also the other 450+ graduates. The PCBA is a program of the Pierce County Economic Development Department funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. The City of Lakewood is a municipal partner. The PCBA is managed in partnership with Next Consulting, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, The Black Collective, Mi Centro, and Korean Women’s Association. To learn more visit PCBA.biz. Autumn is here and what is cozier than a historic courtroom and an elegant ballroom to gather for September’s Chamber After Hours? Court House Square, located in the heart of Downtown Tacoma, opened their fourth floor for attendees to walk through the courtroom and network in the ballroom. Jessica Johnston, Director of Court House Square and Chamber Ambassador, was there to share knowledge of the 114-year-old venue over upbeat music and delicious food catered by fellow Chamber member, Cafe Pacific Catering. Guests enjoyed sandwich-sliders, pasta salad, and a charcuterie station where they could make their own spread. On a sweeter note, there was Almond Roca sprinkled cannoli, crème brulée, and peanut butter pie to top off the night. To accompany the food, bartender Derek was happy to pour you some wine, or pop-the-top off a cold one. There was a punch as well that was a hit amongst the crowd! Thank you, Jessica, for hosting September’s Chamber After Hours! We look forward to more events taking place in your beautiful venue and the hallowed halls. October 2024 Chamber After Hours
If you missed September’s Chamber After Hours and are looking to attend October’s, registration is now open! October’s Chamber After Hours will be held at New Tacoma Cemeteries Funeral Home & Crematory. Halloween costumes / themed clothing is optional! 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. We love our ambassador team and are very grateful to have their support! Our Chamber ambassadors are an extension of the Chamber staff, allowing our members to have more points of contact. We want to highlight each ambassador as a 'thank you' for their continued support and dedication that they put into the ambassador team. We asked each ambassador a set of questions in an effort to become better acquainted and get a preview of their life outside of ambassador work. For September, we will be highlighting the wonderful Sarah Asay!
Learn More About the Ambassador Program
Interested in learning more about what it takes to be a Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber ambassador? Learn more here. Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in June 2024:
If you have been following the Chamber for a while, you probably have attended a few of our signature events. Occurring quarterly, Chamber signature events take months of planning and significant collaboration to make them meaningful, memorable, and successful. Those events also gain the highest attendance. Our 2024 Happy Hour Business Expo was no exception – we expected over 400 attendees to come out and we were happily surprised to have 500+ people attend! The Happy Hour Business Expo is arguably the most favorite for members (and staff) amongst our signature events. This year’s event helped kick-off summer with sunshine throughout the day, which perfectly highlighted the venue’s location at the Tacoma Narrows Marina. This was our third-year hosting HHBE at The Waterfront Venue, and guests got to experience a few new aspects this time around. As guests entered the venue, attendees were able to receive a door prize upon entry, sign-up for special giveaways, and grab an exclusive swag bag filled with goodies to get the evening started. Live music performed by Chris Jones filled the hall, welcoming guests into the main room where 70+ local businesses awaited to network, conduct giveaways, and share amazing food and beverages. There was no shortage of entertainment for the night as guests took selfies in front of the giant ‘HHBE’ neon letters, savored food and desserts from beloved South Sound businesses, and enjoyed the event’s signature cocktails – the Chamber margarita and huckleberry lemon drop. Thank you to our sponsors, vendors, attendees, and staff who helped make this year’s expo a memorable night. We can't wait to see what surprises await in next year’s Happy Hour Business Expo! Event Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Amazon Supporting Sponsor: Verizon Swag Bag Sponsor: Business Health Trust (BHT) Parking Lot Sponsor: GTM Transformations LLC Community Table Sponsors: BECU & Umpqua Bank Silver Sponsor: Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront Media Sponsors: Lamar Advertising & South Sound Business (PMG) Door Prize Sponsor: Emerald Downs Giveaway Prize Sponsors: Brassfields Salon and Spa, MaidPro Tacoma & Lemay - America's Car Museum
What better way to spend an evening than watching the sun set over Chamber’s Bay while networking with those in your community and eating delicious food? Well, guests of the Partner UP & Chamber After Hours on June 13, 2024, did just that. Partner UP, a play on the acronym U-P for University Place, is a networking event held twice a year put on by the City of University Place. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is proud to have the City of UP as a partner and was eager to jump on board to dual-host their Spring event. The outcome? Partner UP & Chamber After Hours! We held the event at the Chamber's Bay Golf Course inside their Hospitality Tent, which can also be used for events such as retirement parties, weddings, graduation parties, and the like. The tent is decorated with fairy lights throughout the canopy, and includes a mobile bar, buffet, and plenty of seating for the guests to enjoy. Attendees heard from the General Manager of Chamber’s Bay Golf Course, Matt Cohen; the City of University Place Mayor, Javier Figueroa; the City of University Place Community and Economic Development Business Outreach Liaison, Becky Metcalf; the Chamber's Ambassador Team; and Emily Cook, Director of Membership and Development for the Chamber. At the end of the program, three lucky attendees won the giveaway prizes which were Tacoma-themed wine bottles, and four complimentary appetizer or dessert vouchers for any Anthony’s restaurant, generously provided by John Little of Boathouse 19. Once again, the Chamber wants to extend our gratitude to Chamber’s Bay Golf Course for allowing us the opportunity to gather at their beautiful venue and to the City of University Place for being such a wonderful partner. Thank you to all who were able to attend our event! July 2024 Chamber After Hours
If you were unable to attend this month’s After Hours, please join us next month on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Tacoma Propeller Club. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and Pierce County Economic Development recently celebrated the graduation of Cohorts 15 and 16 of the Pierce County Business Accelerator! Over the past six weeks, these cohorts of local entrepreneurs and business owners have been hard at work engaging in trainings, coaching, technical support, and networking to accelerate their businesses. Our Chamber is honored to have played a role in the Pierce County Business Accelerator from the beginning as the program administrator, in partnership with Pierce County. The Pierce County Business Accelerator serves entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Pierce County with a focus on BIPOC, veteran, and women-owned businesses to help foster innovation and create wealth-building opportunities. Congratulations to these amazing groups of graduates! View photos from the Cohort 15 & 16 graduations below, and learn more about the Pierce County Business Accelerator at www.pcba.biz! List of graduating businesses:
Cohort 15 Graduation Photos: Cohort 16 Graduation Photos:
Key Takeaways Tacoma and Fuzhou have many opportunities to create mutually beneficial trade partnerships. In cooperation with the World Trade Center Tacoma and the City of Tacoma, this past visit and future meetings and priorities will include:
Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in May 2024:
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is very grateful to have our wonderful ambassador team. These Chamber ambassadors are an extension of the Chamber staff, allowing our members to have more points of contact. We want to highlight each ambassador as a 'thank you' for their continued support and dedication that they put into the ambassador team.
Connect with Bob If you are wanting to meet Bob or seek his wisdom about the legal system, you can reach him at his email address, which perfectly captures his boating lifestyle: [email protected]. Learn More About the Ambassador Program
Interested in learning more about what it takes to be a Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber ambassador? Learn more here. In April, we welcomed new and current members to our office for a New Member Mixer!
This event provided attendees a chance to learn about the benefits of a Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber membership in an Open House style format. Activities included learning more about Chamber programs and partnerships, such as Spaceworks Tacoma, World Trade Center Tacoma, and Downtown Tacoma Partnership. Members mingled with Chamber staff, ambassadors, and fellow members over drinks and catering. It was a wonderful evening connecting with members and building relationships! Our next New Member Mixer will be in September (9/24/24) and registration is now open. We hope you’ll join us to meet new members and celebrate our growing business community! On May 3, 2024, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Communities for a Healthy Bay, and Port of Tacoma partnered to launch a new annual award program designed to recognize local Pierce County business that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to environmental excellence and sustainability in our region. Congratulations to the following winners: Environmental Excellence Business Innovation Award Winner: Aquagga Aquagga is a cleantech startup firmly headquartered in Tacoma, developing portable, containerized systems that safely and cleanly destroy PFAS "forever chemicals" with zero emissions or toxic byproducts. Aquagga is currently engaged with projects sponsored by the DoD to bring their "HALT" PFAS destruction technology to market and are one of the world's leading PFAS destruction companies. Aquagga just completed their second commercial-scale PFAS destruction demonstration project. Aquagga is working with the City of Tacoma and the University of Washington Tacoma on a PFAS removal and destruction demonstration project at the City's wastewater treatment plant, a first-of its-kind. Environmental Excellence Business Award Winner: Radius Recycling Radius Recycling operates 54 metals recycling facilities, including 7 shredding operations, and 3 with deep water access on the West Coast. They also own 50 auto dismantling and retails stores, and a state-of-the-art electric arc steel mill that produces finished steel products made from recycled ferrous metals. In Tacoma, Radius Recycling has recycled 592,303 tons of ferrous metals and 28,245 tons of non-ferrous metals in the last year. This supports new infrastructure projects and low-carbon, metal-intensive technologies such as wind, solar, and electric vehicles. In January of 2023, Radius was ranked #1 on Corporate Knights’ 100 Most Sustainable Companies and Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies. Radius Recycling is also a proud contributor in Tacoma Public Utilities Evergreen Options Program Radius is committed to a future with less waste, turning old into new, and supplying the essential materials for critical industries to foster more resilient communities. Honorable Mention: LRI: A Subsidiary of Waste Connections LRI owns and/or operates seven waste disposal facilities in Pierce County. The LRI Landfill collects over 5,000 Standard Cubic Feet per Minute of landfill gas. Gas is piped to a Landfill Gas to Energy Facility that creates enough power for 4,000 homes. The Hidden Valley and Purdy Compost Facilities receive nearly 100,000 tons of yard waste from throughout Pierce County per year. It is transformed into certified organic compost! Welcome to all the new members who joined our business community in April 2024:
In the second week of April, we kicked off our third year administering the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program. Cohorts 15 and 16 began classes at the Rhodes Center in Downtown Tacoma. Cohort 16 is a Spanish-speaking class. So far, 339 small business owners have graduated from the award-winning program. Discover unique goods and services by visiting the online directory featuring all graduates at PCBAmap.biz. About Pierce County Business Accelerator
The Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) is a program of the Pierce County Economic Development Department funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. The City of Lakewood is a municipal partner. The PCBA is managed in partnership with Next Consulting, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, The Black Collective, Mi Centro, and Korean Women’s Association. The Tacoma Art Museum was the venue for April’s Chamber After Hours with Georgio’s Catering providing a comfort style food buffet dinner, a well-stocked bar, and even custom branded cookies for attendees to enjoy. During a regular day at the museum, you may mistake the room where the reception was held for a simple wall, but the wall is a huge sliding door that opens to a private room that can accommodate many styles of meetings. It has brightly colored soft seating and greenery to contrast the monochrome interior. The pull-down screen had a slideshow projected on, which flipped through the many offerings of TAM, including a monthly yoga meet up, every Thursday being free to attend, and more. It was many guests’ first Chamber After Hours, and for some it was the first time in a long time that they had been to the Art Museum. Luckily, they were able to take advantage of the opportunity and walked through the halls filled with the creative work of hundreds of artists. The Tacoma Art Museum is a wonderful addition to the museum walk that Tacoma is lucky to have. Just a short walk from the Link Union Station, and open Wednesday through Sunday, go check out this unique museum! If you were unable to make this month’s Chamber After Hours, you can join us in May for the After Hours at our very own Chamber Office. Registration is required and limited due to the capacity restraints. Sign up early to be sure to make it!
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
February 2025
Categories
All
|