 As the Tideflats Subarea Plan moves toward adoption, the Manufacturing Industrial Council marks moment to celebrate regional collaboration while urging stronger commitments to cleaner fuels, legacy business support, and economic innovation. For more than seven years, the Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC) has been actively engaged in the City of Tacoma’s Tideflats Subarea Plan process. As a member of the Technical Advisory Group, the MIC has provided consistent public input and technical review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Throughout this time, the MIC has played a key role in fostering consensus on complex issues and helping shape a strong, future-focused vision for the Tideflats Manufacturing and Industrial Center. On December 5, 2024, the Tideflats Steering Committee voted unanimously to advance the Tideflats Subarea Plan for adoption by the City of Tacoma. This milestone marks a historic step toward regional collaboration on initiatives that will strengthen the South Sound’s economic future. The progress achieved reflects the collective efforts of elected representatives from the City of Tacoma, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, and the City of Fife. On May 7, 2025, the Draft Subarea Plan was released for public review and comment. The MIC commends the City of Tacoma and its regional partners for their dedication to a collaborative and high-quality planning process. We believe the plan, and the broad consensus behind it, make it ready for adoption by the Tacoma City Council. While we support the plan’s direction, we acknowledge its limitations. The planning document alone cannot fully realize the potential of the Tideflats Manufacturing and Industrial Center. That’s why we remain committed to advancing bold economic development policies that build on the plan’s framework and vision. The plan is a starting point. We recognize that there is a unique opportunity to develop cleaner fuels projects that can drive our energy transition. The MIC is advocating for a comprehensive cleaner fuels strategy—one that includes clear policy direction, supportive land use and permitting pathways, and targeted economic incentives. The City of Tacoma’s Green Economic Strategy offers a strong model for how we can achieve these goals. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of supporting the legacy businesses that form the foundation of the economic impact of the Tideflats. Their continued success is essential to the area’s growth. These businesses must be empowered to modernize, innovate, and respond to changing market demands and emerging opportunities. We will continue to support that work. The Manufacturing Industrial Council and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber remain optimistic. We believe that, through partnership and collective action, we can realize the full potential of the Tideflats and build a more prosperous, thriving South Sound. We invite you to join us by taking action through the pathways below. How to Participate in the Public Comment Period
Informational Meeting – May 28, 2025, at 6 PM (Virtual) The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on how to provide comments during the Planning Commission public hearing comment period. How to Attend:
Downtown Tacoma recently gained a valuable and meaningful addition to its offering of small businesses: Mindset Tacoma, LLC. Co-founded by mother-daughter duo, Sara Weelborg and Rachel Johnson, Mindset Tacoma offers mental health services to adults living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
 Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in April 2025:
 Issued by: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Date issued: May 5, 2025 Proposal Due Date: June 5, 2025 Announcement of Selected Subrecipient: on or near June 19, 2025 Anticipated Subaward Start Date: September 1, 2025 Anticipated Subaward End Date: January 30, 2026 OverviewThe Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber (“the Chamber”) invites proposals from qualified individuals or firms to research, author, and present the annual Pierce County Economic Index (PCEI) report. The PCEI report is a critical tool for business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to understand and respond to regional economic trends. It is released in conjunction with the Chamber’s Horizons Economic Forecast event in January 2026. Project Objectives
Scope of WorkThe selected consultant or team will be responsible for:
Proposal Requirements
Timeline
Evaluation CriteriaProposals will be evaluated based on:
Submission InstructionsFor inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Please submit your complete proposal as a single PDF to: [email protected] Deadline: June 5, 2025, by 5:00 PM PST  Issued by: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Date issued: May 5, 2025 Proposal Due Date: May 21, 2025 Announcement of Selected Subrecipient: on or near June 2, 2025 Anticipated Subaward Start Date: June 16, 2025 Anticipated Subaward End Date: January 30, 2026 OverviewThe Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber (“the Chamber”) is seeking an experienced event management company to support the planning, production, and on-site execution of our 2025 Annual Meeting and 2026 Horizons Economic Forecast. These are key milestone events convening over 450 business and civic leaders to celebrate achievements, recognize leadership, and outline the Chamber’s vision for the year ahead. Event DetailsEvent A)
Scope of WorkThe selected firm will work in close collaboration with Chamber staff and vendors to deliver a seamless event experience. Scope includes: Pre-Event Planning & Coordination
Proposal RequirementsInterested vendors should submit a proposal that includes:
Timeline
Evaluation CriteriaProposals will be evaluated based on:
Submission InstructionsFor inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Please submit your complete proposal as a single PDF to: [email protected] Deadline: May 21, 2025, by 5:00 PM PST  Since 1989, Crunch Fitness has embraced the mission of creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome — with no judgments and no limits. That same spirit now has a new home in Tacoma. The Chamber was proud to join Tacoma City Councilmember John Hines, Chamber Ambassadors, Chamber President & CEO Andrea Reay, and of course the whole Crunch Fitness crew in celebrating the grand opening of Crunch Fitness Tacoma on April 28. Guests were treated to a tour of the gym’s expansive space, led by General Manager Sally Lucero, who fully embraced the event’s fun and energetic 1980s fitness theme. Councilmember Hines shared his excitement for the gym’s presence on the West End, noting it’s a great fit for the neighborhood and an asset for the broader community. Councilmember Hines spoke about how he was excited to see the gym thrive in the West end, and how it is a perfect addition to the neighborhood. Lucero closed the celebration by thanking everyone in attendance, sharing that the Crunch team is excited to be part of the community and, in her words, “can’t wait to help everyone get their fitness on!” If you want to learn more about Crunch Fitness and its membership opportunities, check out on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tik Tok, and X (formerly Twitter). The gym is located at 5401 6th Ave #401 Tacoma, WA 98406.
To better understand how Pierce County businesses would respond when faced with new tax hikes, we surveyed businesses at the beginning of April. Over 40% plan to reduce payroll in response. This means fewer jobs, fewer hours, and fewer raises for workers. Another 30% plan to increase prices, effectively passing on the costs to consumers. A handful of businesses also planned to postpone investment or even move operations out of Washington State, something we’ve seen with businesses in other communities that have implemented significant business tax increases. The proposed tax hikes could not come at a worse time for business. Not a single business said they were “very confident” with the economic stability of our region, while a whopping 83% said they were “not confident.” This highlights the economic uncertainty felt as a result of a rapidly changing economy. Additional tax hikes under these conditions are clearly the wrong answer.  When we asked businesses how the State Legislature should solve the budget shortfall, 74% said solutions should be focused on reducing services to cut spending. This compares to the 7% who felt the solution should be focused on increased taxes.  Please let your legislators know the impact of the taxes on your business before they adopt the budget. Find their contact information here.
 What are Tariffs
South Sound Voices: How Local Businesses are RespondingIn February 2025, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber conducted a member survey to better understand how businesses across the South Sound are being impacted by the latest round of federal tariffs. The results make it clear: uncertainty and concern are on the rise, and local employers are bracing for economic disruption. Rising Uncertainty More than half of respondents (58%) believe the South Sound is headed in the wrong direction, citing economic instability and policy concerns as key reasons. While 24% still feel optimistic, the overall tone of the responses points to a business community feeling squeezed by external pressures, especially trade. Figure 1) Do you feel that things in the South Sound are generally going in the right direction or do you feel things have gotten seriously off track?
Anticipated Impact When it comes to the anticipated impact of tariffs, three out of four respondents anticipate challenges due to new tariffs, with many sharing detailed concerns in open responses. Members reported fears of rising prices, broken supply chains, and shrinking profit margins. Small businesses worry they’ll be forced to pass costs along to customers—or absorb them at the expense of growth and survival. Some noted that even if their operations aren’t directly tied to international trade, the broader economic ripple effects—higher inflation, fewer goods, or reduced consumer spending—will still hit home. Figure 2) Do you anticipate any opportunities or challenges with the new tariffs?
What the South Sound Imports The types of goods most imported include consumer goods, intermediate components, raw materials, and food products. A few noted a high dependency on trade with Canada, China, and Mexico—countries heavily impacted by the new tariff structure. Figure 3) What types of goods or services do you import?
Strategies for Response When asked how they’re preparing to respond, nearly 40% (37%) of businesses said they’re adjusting their supply chains, while others reported diversifying suppliers (18%), negotiating pricing (22%), and reducing operations (20%). Open comments revealed a mix of strategies—some are actively raising prices, others are hoping to shift to domestic suppliers, and a few are simply “waiting and seeing.” One respondent summed it up this way: “We are raising prices just to stay in business. These tariffs won’t fix immigration or drug issues—they just make life harder for working people.” Figure 4) How are you preparing to respond to the tariffs? Please check all that apply.
Economic Interdependence About 51% of businesses said 11% or more of their revenue depends on imports or exports, highlighting how global trade is deeply interwoven into the region’s economic fabric. Figure 5) What percentage of your revenue is directly connected to your ability to import or export goods and services?
The Organizations Served The majority of businesses who responded serve either businesses (33%) or consumers (43%), with a number working with government (2%) or wholesale clients (4%). Figure 6) Who are your primary customers?
Small Business, Big Impact Most of the businesses represented in this survey are small: 45% have 1–5 employees, and another 30% have fewer than 50. These are the businesses that form the economic backbone of the South Sound—and the ones most vulnerable to disruptive policies and the kinds that keep our community vibrant, diverse, and resilient. Figure 7) How many employees does your company have?
“Members of our organization and the broader trade community are facing significant challenges in today’s rapidly shifting global trade environment,” said Michael Fowler, Executive Director of the World Trade Center Tacoma. “At WTC Tacoma, we remain committed to supporting our members and the community by actively collaborating with our partners to provide timely updates and actionable insights. Our goal is to help businesses navigate the evolving tariff landscape." South Sound businesses are asking for stability, predictability, and a seat at the trade table. They’re adapting as best they can, but the Chamber’s role as an advocate for clear, business-friendly policy is more important than ever. "We advocate so you can operate." “We know our local businesses are already navigating enough challenges—rising costs, workforce pressures, and ongoing recovery. New and shifting tariffs add another layer of uncertainty, and we want our members to know they’re not alone,” said Andrea H. Reay, President & CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. “The Chamber is here to help you plan, access resources, and advocate on your behalf at every level. When policy changes impact Main Street, we respond with action and support. We advocate so you can operate.” What's Changing: Federal Trade Policy and Tariff ExpansionThis month the White House announced its comprehensive tariff policy -- with a baseline tariff of 10% on almost all imports -- and new reciprocal tariffs. Goods from China, by far the biggest target, are now subject to at least a 104% tariff. Trump tacked on higher tariffs than initially announced after Beijing didn’t back off its promise to impose 34% retaliatory tariffs. The reciprocal rates were calculated by dividing a country’s trade deficit with the US by its exports to the country and multiplying by half. They range from 11% to 50%, and barring Mexico and Canada, America’s other top trading partners were not spared. The EU was hit with a 20% reciprocal tariff, China at 34%, Japan at 24%, Vietnam at 46% and South Korea at 25%. Though the executive branch announced it was pausing higher targeted tariffs for 90 days, our Chamber understands this creates greater uncertainty for businesses.
But the recent surge in tariffs introduces serious challenges for businesses of all sizes. With baseline import duties at 10%, reaching as high as a 125% tariff on Chinese goods in recent weeks, and a 20%+ tariff on products from the European Union, the cost of doing business is rising, retaliatory tariffs are mounting, and market volatility is on the rise. From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Pro-Growth Trade Policy In alignment with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber prioritizes the goal of achieving at least 3% economic growth annually and cementing in place policies that will support faster economic growth over the long term. “What we have heard from business of all sizes, across all industries, from around the country is that these broad tariffs are a tax increase that will raise prices for American consumers and hurt the economy,” said Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We urge policymakers to instead focus efforts on accelerating the pro-growth agenda of extending our current tax policy, re-balancing regulations, and unleashing the full potential of American energy – all policies that will grow the economy and create more opportunities for Americans. In addition, the U.S. should begin negotiating new trade agreements to open up more markets for businesses and workers which will support more American jobs and lower prices.” Read recent background information on reciprocal tariffs from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. What You Can Do: Six Steps to Build ResilienceUnderstanding the complexities of these trade policies is crucial for local businesses to navigate the current landscape effectively. The Chamber is committed to providing professional resources and support during these uncertain times. Here are some actionable steps to consider so that your organization can plan, prepare, and protect its interests. 1. Conduct a Comprehensive Inventory Analysis Don’t just count your inventory, analyze it. Categorize items by origin (domestic vs. international), usage rate, and reorder frequency. Pay special attention to anything sourced from countries affected by new tariffs. A clear picture of what you have and where it comes from is your first line of defense. 2. Buy Smart and Buy Ahead. If you have the cash flow and storage capacity, stock up on high-use items before tariff-impacted pricing hits your suppliers. Buying from existing “pre-tariff” inventory now can help you avoid significant cost spikes in the near future. 3. Rethink Your Supply Chain Now’s the time to shop around. Source domestic suppliers or pivot to countries with fewer trade penalties. Diversify your vendor list to reduce dependency on any one country or region. Building redundancy into your supply chain can be a game-changer in uncertain times. 4. Financial Forecast with Intention Use projected tariff impacts to model future costs. Look six months ahead. Compare your forecasted input costs to your current pricing. If you’re not adjusting now, you may be absorbing costs that could jeopardize your margins later. Make data-driven decisions and stay nimble as conditions evolve. 5. Be Transparent with Customers Consider communicating with customers about your changes proactively because it makes a difference. Customers appreciate honesty, especially when you explain how trade shifts are driving prices or product adjustments. Candid, values-driven messaging can deepen loyalty in times of transition. 6. Lean on The Chamber and Your Network You’re not in this alone. Connect with other local business leaders and Chamber staff. We can help you troubleshoot, source alternative vendors, identify funding opportunities, and connect to state and federal resources. If your business is in crisis, reach out because we are here to help. We Champion Local Business Always We are more than a resource; we are your advocate. We’re actively monitoring trade policies, speaking up for the interests of small businesses, and pushing for solutions that strengthen our local economy. This is a time for planning, partnership, and persistence and we are with you every step of the way.  Stephanie Housden dreamt of opening Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop for a long time, and her dream came true on April 4, 2025. The Chamber was able to celebrate the soft opening on April 3, 2025, with a ribbon cutting and the doors opened to the tasting room on April 4, 2025. Walking into Sober AF is like stepping back into the ‘90s with a rainbow of neon colors, funky prints, quirky furniture, and a Lisa Frank-esque jaguar mascot named ‘Mischievous’ painted on the wall. Owner Stephanie Housden said the interior was inspired by her teenage self's bedroom, and she loves how it turned out. Sober AF offers a wide variety of beverages, “with a more expansive selection than your local grocery store or a liquor store” Housden shared. The Chamber’s Board of Directors Chairwoman Kierra Phifer shared, “[Stephanie] is right; this is way better than the one endcap [of Non-Alcoholic beverages] at Total Wine and More.” Phifer herself is six-years sober and was appreciative of Sober AF’s opening. The overarching message from Sober AF is that ‘no alcohol doesn’t mean no fun’. Each speaker at the ceremony touched on that point as well. It is open for anyone who is sober, sober curious, or just wants to take a night off from drinking. A perfect place for expecting mothers, athletes, those in recovery, and more. Austin Miller with Theory Real Estate spoke about the building – the first piece of property Theory owned on South Tacoma Way. He was overjoyed that his friends [the Housdens] chose this location to open Sober AF. Tacoma City Councilmembers Diaz and Scott shared their delight for Sober AF; both congratulating Housden for investing in this area of Pierce County and adding a new element to the f South Tacoma business area. After the actual cutting of the ribbon, Housden poured some bubbly (non-alcoholic, of course!) for folks to toast and wish Sober AF a long and happy journey. Please join us in extending that wish and be sure to stop by Sober AF if you want to have a fun night without the negative consequences attached. If you want to learn more about Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop, you can follow it on social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The tasting room is located at 5222 S Tacoma Way Tacoma WA, 98409.
Chamber Board Chairwoman, Kierra Phifer, kicked the celebration off with a brief introduction before attendees heard from CEO & Founder of King’s Dream Business Consulting, Jawan Harris. Harris reflected on the initial demand of King’s Dream being sourced from its online presence, having only been founded a year before the COVID-19 pandemic. Many – if not all – small business owners needed the support and steadfast help that Harris and his team provides. Since it proved to be a necessity online, Harris knew that a physical location was the next milestone for King’s Dream. Mayor Woodards reminded guests of how important it is for businesses to help other businesses, like King’s Dream, but especially in today’s climate because businesses are finding themselves stuck between a rock and hard place. “I didn’t mean for this to turn so serious, when we’re supposed to be celebrating this grand opening, but I feel compelled to make sure you [Jawan] know just how important the work you are doing is,” said the Mayor. After meaningful messages had been delivered, the ribbon was cut, and attendees were invited to sign the the ribbon and create a future momento for the business. The Chamber was very grateful to be a part of this celebration for King’s Dream Business Consulting. Please join us in welcoming King’s Dream to downtown Tacoma! If you want to learn more about King’s Dream Business Consulting you can follow it on social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok. The headquarters is located at 702 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402. |
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