 Tacoma businesses are closely connected to defense, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and the regional supply chain. These connections create economic opportunity, but they also make strong cybersecurity practices essential to earn customer trust and meet contract requirements. Businesses supporting Joint Base Lewis-McChord may face federal cybersecurity standards through defense contracts. Companies serving the Port of Tacoma and its industrial network depend on secure technology to keep goods and operations moving. Healthcare providers and related businesses must also protect sensitive information under state and federal requirements. Small business owners may view cybersecurity as an IT responsibility or a one-time task. Comcast Business's newly released 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report makes it clear that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a risk for small businesses in Tacoma. The report analyzed 79.3 billion cybersecurity events over the past year, which is roughly 2,514 per second. In Small Business Month 2026 (May) alone, Comcast Business blocked threats targeting small businesses at an average rate of more than 230 per second. Cybercriminals are moving away from breaking into accounts, devices and networks, and instead using legitimate logins or taking over everyday devices that are not immediately thought of as a cyber risk. Building devices like security cameras outside a storefront, routers in the back office, TVs providing entertainment for customers and point-of-sale (POS) systems are often unprotected and are becoming low-lift tools for hackers to exploit in attacks. Phishing emails and drive-by compromise attacks are some of the most common routes for attackers to gain entry, with 25.4 billion and 21.9 billion attempts over the past year, respectively. The report also found 5.8 million attempts to gain control of employee browsers, underscoring that the cyberattack surface has grown to include everyday tools and devices. Fortunately, there are simple ways that small businesses can protect themselves without the budget or IT team of a large enterprise. Practical steps, including securing every device, implementing stronger password mandates, and training employees to spot attacks like phishing, can keep small businesses from becoming victims. Additionally, choosing a network provider that offers built-in protection against threats and consistent monitoring ensures business owners can stay on top of their security. It’s more important than ever for small businesses in Tacoma to use this Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared, year-round responsibility. Through protective measures and a trusted connectivity partner, small business owners can stay focused on running their business. More Information Visit Comcast's website, or reach out to your local Comcast Business Manager, Ashley Birk: (425) 218-7774; [email protected].
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business growth are happening right here in Tacoma.
Building a Place Where Businesses Can Thrive At the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, we believe a thriving business community is one where businesses at every stage have the opportunity to succeed. That means supporting established companies while also creating pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs. It means bringing people together, connecting businesses to resources, and championing the ideas and individuals helping shape our region’s future. We’re proud to be part of an ecosystem where local entrepreneurs can create, manufacture, grow, and thrive, and we’re excited to see what they build next.  Congratulations to the Spring 2026 cohort! On June 23, Spaceworks Tacoma proudly celebrated the graduation of its Spring 2026 Business Plan Cohort. Over twelve weeks, participating entrepreneurs developed comprehensive business plans, refined their visions, strengthened their operations, and built lasting relationships with fellow business owners and the broader entrepreneurial community. This year’s graduation was held at Lumora Art Lab. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Lumora Art Lab team for generously hosting the event and providing a beautiful and welcoming space in which to celebrate the cohort’s achievements. The evening brought together families, alumni, community partners, and local leaders to celebrate a dynamic group of entrepreneurs contributing to Tacoma’s creative economy. Congratulations to the Following Graduated Businesses:
A special thank-you goes to the community partners, alumni, family members, mentors, stakeholders, elected officials, and supporters who attended the graduation and continue to champion Spaceworks entrepreneurs. Your encouragement, expertise, connections, and belief in these businesses help create an ecosystem in which Tacoma’s entrepreneurs can thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more creative, and more resilient local economy. About the Business Plan Cohort Spaceworks Incubator for creative entrepreneurs is a training ground to test new ideas, products, and services with a safety net of technical assistance and mentorship. We’ve helped hundreds of Tacoma businesses go from dream to reality Stay tuned: The Fall 2026 Incubator application opens up in August!
As Sound Transit looks to balance rising costs for ST3, we need more than ever to hold them accountable to their commitment to connect the spine to the Tacoma and the South Sound.
As Schoedel moves on from the Chamber to continue his impact at Downtown Tacoma Partnership, we take a moment to recognize the lasting impact he’s leaving in our business community.
Next steps for Schroedel involve focusing exclusively on advancing the growth of Downtown Tacoma and the impactful organization that is DTP. From running the Downtown Tacoma Farmers market to directly supporting storefronts and organizing the ever-growing Block Party, there are big things ahead for the DTP team.
Stay connected with Schroedel in his next chapter: [email protected].
A Little Background
Constructed in 1907, the Willamette Casket Company building was designed by architect Frederick Heath, and the building contractors were the Cornell Brothers. The factory was formerly located on East 25th & E Street and opened the first week of January 1908 at the intersection of Steele Street & the Northern Pacific tracks. The Willamette Building was known as one of the finest buildings in the Northwest and the largest factory west of St Louis. Mr. John T. Hickey served as President & Manager for 100 employees where they not only manufactured caskets but also had a showroom where you could pick out a casket for a loved one. In 1916 the Willamette Casket Company ceased operations, and the Gregory Furniture Manufacturing Co. began producing furniture in the building. Mr. Edwin Gregory had 105 employees who had moved his operations from the east side of Tacoma to its new home. An article from The News Tribune speaks very favorably of the Gregory Furniture Manufacturing Co. and states: “Where everything turned out by the company is manufactured from rough lumber and no manufacturing is shipped in by the company.” In 1945 the building was sold to F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. which was led by Mr. Allan T. Crutcher, president. The F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. was started by Mr. Fremont Harmon in 1888 at South 21st & Dock Street. By 1909 Mr. Harmon, president and owner, had 150 employees and a payroll of $10,000 a month. A vital business in Tacoma, you can imagine Mr. Harmon arriving each day, checking with his employees to see how the work was being done or how their day was going. Mr. Harmon was “one of the most familiar figures in the business community,” as stated in the Tacoma Daily Ledger 1909. Mr. Harmon was a board member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, the Tacoma Country & Gold Club and a noble of the Afifi Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine. He died in 1939 with a substantial estate consisting of $100,000.00. Each of his daughters were given $1,000.00 and the rest of his estate was placed in a trust for his grandchildren. Fortunately, the F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co continued to be managed by his devoted business partners, including Mr. Crutcher. In a help wanted ad from 1950 the F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. was looking for men or women as experienced paint sprayers for a paid a rate of $1.61 an hour. In 1961 a “Clean Up Sale” was held where decorative hardware, upholstery supplies, paper bags and off grade mirrors were just of the few items for sale. In 1962 F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co discontinued manufacturing upholstered furniture & draperies and the Milton J. Wershow Company of Portland, Oregon, held an auction with hundreds of items for sale including factory trucks, veneer clippers, band saws. gear head motors, and 7 ½ acres of the property. During the 1960s White Star Van & Storage began operations within the building, and other businesses who operated out of this location included Off Center Furniture & Item House. As I left this enjoyable networking event, I thought of Mr. Hickey, Mr. Crutcher, Mr. Gregory & Mr. Harmon and how proud they would be to see the building where their businesses grew and provided a livelihood for their employees, still being used and which houses a variety of small businesses today. I am sure they were smiling as I walked across the parking lot to go home. Submitted by: Patty Rivers Mannie, Tacoma Historian Tacoma History Comes Alive! July 18, 2025 Foss Waterway Seaport was the backdrop for a successful night of networking, self-expression, and business connections.  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. Veteran Public Servant and Regional Policy Leader Joins Chamber to Strengthen Business Advocacy and Advance Inclusive Economic Growth Across the South Sound.
New Report Highlights Steady Job Creation, Easing Inflation, and Housing Affordability Struggles.  The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber (TPCC) presents its Pierce County Economic Index (PCEI) Report for 2025, a pivotal tool for understanding the county's economic health and prospects. The report, authored by economist Dr. Neal 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.” Key Findings:
Spotlight on Key Industries:
As Pierce County continues its trajectory, businesses, policymakers, and residents must focus on fostering resilience. Investments in education, infrastructure, and affordable housing will be critical to overcoming challenges along with monitoring federal policies on interest rates and tariffs, as these factors significantly impact the county’s economic outlook.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber invites community members, stakeholders, and business leaders to explore the full Pierce County Economic Index Report, available on the Chamber’s website. 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. |
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