There’s a quiet confidence building across Tacoma’s small business community. It shows up in the storefronts downtown, the independent businesses lining neighborhood corridors, and the entrepreneurs choosing to invest in one of Washington’s most resilient and creative business communities.
 
Tacoma doesn’t have just one Main Street; it has many. From downtown Tacoma and the Stadium District to Proctor, Sixth Avenue, Lincoln District, and South Tacoma Way, the city is defined by neighborhood business districts filled with independent restaurants, retailers, coffee shops, professional services, and creative ventures. These districts function as Tacoma’s Main Streets, each with its own identity and strong local customer base.
 
Organizations like the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber continue to support that ecosystem through advocacy, economic development, workforce partnerships, and direct support for entrepreneurs. As Tacoma continues balancing growth, redevelopment, and strong neighborhood identity, chamber leadership plays a major role in helping small businesses succeed.
 
Nationally, 57% of aspiring entrepreneurs say they plan to launch a business this year, even if economic conditions aren’t perfect. Tacoma reflects that same entrepreneurial momentum. As one of Washington’s largest cities and a major economic hub for the South Sound, Tacoma supports thousands of small businesses across health care, logistics, retail, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and professional services.
 
This new generation of entrepreneurs is reshaping what business ownership looks like. They’re opening restaurants, breweries, fitness studios, family-owned retail shops, consulting firms, and digital-first ventures that still depend heavily on strong community relationships. Many are first-time owners helping shape Tacoma’s next chapter.
 
At the same time, the reality of running a small business has changed. In 2026, success requires more than a great product or excellent customer service. Business owners need to be AI-ready, cybersecurity-aware, and confident using technology to manage operations, reach customers, and compete effectively.
 
That can feel overwhelming when owners are also balancing staffing, inventory, finances, and customer experience. Technology should reduce friction, not create it. When connectivity is unreliable or systems aren’t secure, growth becomes harder. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way.
 
With the right technology foundation in place, small businesses can spend less time worrying about infrastructure and more time focused on customers and community. Reliable internet, built-in security, and scalable solutions help businesses operate smoothly while staying ready for tomorrow.
 
At Comcast Business, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs across Tacoma and Pierce County. Our goal is to help businesses plant strong roots by providing technology solutions that grow alongside their ambition.
 
Main Street in Tacoma isn’t making a comeback; it’s expanding. With the right support systems in place, local entrepreneurs can continue to strengthen neighborhoods and build a stronger regional economy for years to come.
 
Tomi Wimbish is an Account Executive for Comcast Business serving Tacoma. She may be reached at [email protected] or (253) 345-9023.
 
Adapted from a template article provided by Comcast Business.

Pacesetter Award

2025 Recipient: Bob Hays | President, LegalShield
​
The Pacesetter Award honors an ambassador who has been part of the ambassador team for more than 12 months and is recognized by their peers for consistently leading by example. This individual demonstrates strong leadership, reliability, and a deep commitment to the program, setting the standard for what it means to be a model ambassador. Through their actions, mentorship, and steady engagement, they help shape the culture and success of the ambassador team.

Rookie of the Year Award

2025 Recipient: Yadira Morales | Chief Executive Officer, IMPACTO Notary & Multi-Services

The Rookie of the Year Award celebrates an ambassador with 12 months or less of service who has made an outstanding early impact. Voted on by peers, this award recognizes someone whose enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to jump in embody the spirit of the ambassador program. From showing up with a positive attitude to going the extra mile, this ambassador has quickly become a valued and trusted member of the team.

Ambassador of the Year Award

2025 Recipient: Adam Ultley | Business Performance Advisor, Insperity

​The Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes the ambassador who accumulated the highest number of points in the ambassador point program over the past year. This distinction reflects exceptional dedication, consistent participation, and a strong commitment to supporting Chamber events and initiatives. Earning the most points means this ambassador was the most active throughout the year, making a meaningful and lasting impact on the ambassador program and the broader Chamber community.

Interested in joining the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber ambassador team?

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.

Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in July 2025:​
​

• Crescite Innovation Corporation
• Inspire Leadership Facilitated by Joe Harvison
• Lucid Electrical Services, LLC
• Milestone Mortgage Solutions, LLC
• Miss Laufer
• Page & Pine Bookshop
• Rainier Family Wealth, Inc.
• RSG Abatement and Demolition
• Strong Law Accident and Injury Attorneys
• The Mail Room
• The UPS Store 7972 Steilacoom
• Tommy's Express Car Wash
• Upwell Ventures
• ZenBusiness

July 2025’s Chamber After Hours highlighted two of the Chamber’s most engaging programs: Spaceworks Tacoma and the Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC) for the South Sound to set the stage for the Chamber’s latest endeavor. The Willamette Building – home to  Spaceworks Incubator alumni – will be a hub for businesses that participate in the new Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator.

The Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator aims to reduce barriers in the manufacturing sector by providing technical assistance, access to capital, workforce development, education, and scalable manufacturing spaces for both emerging and established manufacturers. It will be administered by the MIC in partnership with Clover Park Technical College and Horizon Partners Northwest (Willamette Building owners).

Since 2010, the Spaceworks Incubator has provided relevant and meaningful business training for first-time business owners, ambitious creative professionals, and folks passionate about making Tacoma a great place to live and work. To date it has supported over 400 local creative entrepreneurs with 84% of its incubator alumni still in business. The Spaceworks Incubator is the framework that is being applied to the new Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator.

“Working through a Spaceworks cohort was a game-changer for my small business,” said Andy Vargo, owner of Own Your Awkward. “I knew going in that there would be resources and a framework to better set myself up for success, but the most meaningful part of the experience has been becoming part of a community that supports the journey of our local creative entrepreneurs.” 
Construction has begun on turning the 225,000–sq-feet warehouse into functional, modern manufacturing studios. The construction includes an upgraded freight elevator, loading dock, and windows for the building.

The Chamber is grateful to have the opportunity to support emerging entrepreneurs, and we thank the July Chamber After Hours attendees for taking the time to attend and learn more about its newest initiatives.

Unique Northwest representative Nathan Sission took to social media sharing, “This was an awesome event tonight put on by [the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber]. Tons of awesome manufacturers here in this awesome incubator inside the old Willamette Casket factory building. Working hard to keep manufacturing jobs here in the South Sound.”

"I feel like [the new manufacturing incubator] is one of the best possible solutions to keep Tacoma at the forefront of the manufacturing industry. Small businesses need assistance getting off the ground now more than ever, and programs and facilities like this are invaluable,” said Sission.

The Chamber would like to thank STINK & El Tufo Wine Bar for providing refreshments and invites the community to its new location at 909 A St, Tacoma, WA 98402.

If you haven’t already attended a Chamber After Hours and you are interested, mark your calendar for August 21, 2025, from 5:00-7:00pm. The Washington State Fair Event Center will be hosting our crowd in The Upper Lodge building.

If you’re curious about the role Spaceworks and the MIC play in Tacoma’s creative economy or the manufacturing sector, please sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

The Chamber’s annual Happy Hour Business Expo took place on June 26, 2025 with over 86 vendors in attendance to showcase themselves at the Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway to an eager crowd of over 500 guests. 
 
“The [Happy Hour Business Expo] was so well put together! Great energy, smooth flow, and a perfect setting for making real connections,” shared attendee Star Roffe. “You could feel the intention behind every detail from the welcoming vibe to the thoughtful touches. Big thanks to the organizers for such a meaningful and fun evening!”
 
This year’s robust vendor list included Pierce County Business Accelerator alumni, businesses centered around wellness for the Aura Alley, along with Chamber members old and new.
 
Aura Alley was a division of the event focused on enhancing the atmosphere and energy for all attendees. Amongst the vendors there were flash tattoos, wellness scans, and vitamin injections. Guests could take home a new botanical friend, have their aura captured in photos, and more. Overall, Aura Alley was well received by guests as hundreds flowed through the space through the course of the evening.
 
The playlist for the night was performed by local singer/songwriter Emily Riehl and her band. Riehl’s sound was fresh and uplifting, pairing well with the overall upbeat vibe of Happy Hour Business Expo.
 
Food Court goers sampled cuisine from eight unique vendors -- each one a Pierce County Business Accelerator graduate. There was a mix of sweet treats and savory bites, and beverages were served by Odd Otter Brewing Co. in tandem with Court House Square.
 
“This was my first time coming to a [Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber] event. I am glad I did come because it was nice meeting other business owners, as well as networking with others who I can see continuing a professional relationship with,” said guest Astrik Price.
 
Following the main festivities, vendors were invited to the official Happy Hour Business Expo after party at Zeeks Pizza. There was a mobile axe-throwing trailer outside for the adrenaline seekers, and upstairs on the balcony Owner Michael Goronkin graciously offered food and an incredible giveaway prize to end the night: a trip to Whiskey Jack located in the north end of Whistler for up to 6 guests, for 8 days and 7 nights.  
 
Happy Hour Business Expo was an evening of high-energy networking, bold local business showcases, and unbeatable views for hundreds of local professionals and community members who came to connect, discover, and celebrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of our region.  
 
The Chamber wishes to extend their gratitude to the event sponsors: Pierce County Business Accelerator, Zeeks Pizza, Business Health Trust, Gesa Credit Union, Prime Commercial, Pierce Transit, LeMay America’s Car Museum, Puget Sound Energy, GTM Transformations LLC, Showcase Media, Theory Real Estate, and United States X Advisors Washington LLC.
 
If your business is an active Chamber member and would like to get involved with Happy Hour Business Expo or any other Chamber events, please email [email protected] with your inquiries.

The Chamber’s 2025 Washington-to-Washington, D.C. Conference (WA2WA) recently wrapped up with 42 Pierce County leaders, including business, civic, and elected officials, gathering in the nation’s capital for high-impact conversations and strategic collaboration.  

Now in its 39th year, WA2WA continues to be a cornerstone of South Sound leadership, creating meaningful opportunities to engage directly with federal policymakers, strengthen regional partnerships, build cross-sector relationships, and advocate for the issues that matter most to our community. 

Relationships matter—in business and in politics. Through this annual trip, we strive to cultivate and sustain authentic, lasting connections. These relationships are the foundation for true collaboration—empowering us to tackle shared challenges, champion pragmatic policies, and implement solutions that help the South Sound thrive both regionally and globally. ​

Highlights from the Hill 

​Over two-and-a-half days, our delegation met with a bipartisan group that included: 

• Nine of Washington State’s twelve elected representatives 

• Canadian Embassy officials 

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce 

• Regional partners from Spokane, Seattle, and Portland ​​​

• Protecting Medicaid and Medicare, especially with federal proposals that would disproportionately affect rural and lower-income districts, including Washington’s own. Congressman Dan Newhouse highlighted that 40% of his constituents rely on Medicaid and the need to protect the program.  
• Maintaining and expanding critical infrastructure funding through reauthorization of the Surface Transportation and Coast Guard bills—Congressman Larsen called a “partnership in a sea of partisanship”. Leaders agreed: infrastructure means jobs and any delay places shovel-ready projects and economic growth at risk. 
• Federal permitting reform, with business and energy leaders stressing the need to modernize bureaucratic processes to unleash clean energy innovation and broadband expansion. 

​Meaningful conversations also took place on U.S.-Canada relations, especially relevant given the Prime Minister’s visit to D.C. during the delegation’s time there. Senator Cantwell encouraged regional leaders to “keep going,” reinforcing the importance of export-driven growth and trade alliances.  

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland shared insights on navigating a shifting political landscape while continuing to advocate for Pierce County. 

Meanwhile, Congressman Adam Smith talked about the difficulty of navigating national security in a rapidly changing international landscape. Everything from tariffs to international aid impacts our security and stability.  ​

Economic Resilience & Local Innovation 

​Delegates also explored deeper themes around economic transformation. From maritime to manufacturing to nuclear innovation, there was shared urgency around: 

• Preparing the region for 40% population growth by 2050 with expanded transit options and housing flexibility. 

• Green economy job pathways, including waste-to-profit models, clean fuels, and partnerships like the Blair Waterway project with the Puyallup Tribe, which will create over 50 union jobs. 

• A “skills-forward” approach to workforce development that prioritizes earn-while-you-learn programs and leverages institutions like the Eastside Training Center, JBLM, and the Tacoma Anchor Network 

University leaders and economic development officials alike emphasized the need for local control of funding, stronger public-private alignment, and doing what’s right for the next generation—especially as education equity, access, and online learning remain top-of-mind. 

These conversations helped shape a deeper, shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region. You can learn more about the Chamber’s advocacy efforts here. ​

Energy & Innovation Frontiers 

A strong theme throughout the trip was economic resilience through innovation and energy transformation. From nuclear to maritime to digital infrastructure, the delegation heard repeated calls for: 

• Federal permit reform as a prerequisite for clean energy buildout 

• Expanded support for green economy job pathways and smart grid investment 

• Recognition of the maritime sector’s national security role, including Tacoma’s Blair Waterway deepening and the Port’s collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe to bring 50+ union longshore jobs online 

​Senator Cantwell also noted export growth under the Biden administration and the need for congressional authority over executive trade actions. ​

Investing in Leadership and Community 

Alongside eight local elected officials, several Chamber board members joined the trip as attendees and sponsors: 

• Eddie Bratko, MultiCare Health System 

• Eric Johnson, Port of Tacoma 

• Christine Nhan, Puget Sound Energy 

• Ryan Wheaton, Pierce Transit 

• Rich White, The Boeing Company 

We are grateful to our 2025 sponsors, whose generous investment made this experience possible: MultiCare Health Systems, The Port of Tacoma, Alaska Airlines, The Boeing Company, Regenerative Industrial, Lightcurve, TOTE Maritime Alaska, Pierce Transit, Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, Puget Sound Energy, and Sound Transit. ​

Looking Ahead to 40 Years

As we continue building partnerships and advancing collective impact, the connections and discussions from this year’s WA2WA trip will continue to inform our work. They deepen our understanding of the South Sound’s diverse needs and the opportunities ahead. 
​
Beyond the policy briefings and Capitol Hill meetings, attendees also found time to connect over D.C.’s incredible culinary scene—strengthening relationships that will fuel continued collaboration. With more than 90% of attendees indicating they plan to return, the value of this long-standing tradition is as strong as ever. 

As we prepare for WA2WA’s 40th year, we’re inspired by emerging opportunities in transportation modernization, clean energy, workforce development, and federal procurement reform. These themes point to our region’s potential as a national model for collaboration, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. ​

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!