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!

Learn more about becoming a Chamber member here.

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.” ​

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!​

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. 

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. ​

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! ​

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 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 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.

The 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.