October 8, 2019
THE CHAMBER SAYS, "VOTE 'NO' ON I-976"
Photo credit: Tacoma News Tribune
In the November 5th elections, a new initiative will be added to the ballot, which would reduce car tabs to $30. It does sound great, but Initiative 976 would eliminate about $60 million per year that 61 cities generate through car-tab fees to pay for road construction, maintenance and local transit service. The fee is charged through city transportation benefit districts.

This will hurt businesses, especially existing projects in our local business districts including the Tacoma Link extension, the Bus Rapid Transit project, and commuter rail to connect Pierce to King and Snohomish County.


THIS FRIDAY - FIND OUT WHO IS FOR BUSINESS
ALL THE CANDIDATES HAVE CONFIRMED TO BE AT FRIDAY'S CHAMBER LUNCHEON. Come hear them weigh in on matters that relate to your business and our community.

Tacoma City Council Candidates:
  • John Hines, District 1
  • Nathe Lawver, District 1
  • David Combs, District 3
  • Keith Blocker, District 3
  • Conor McCarthy, At-Large Pos. 7
  • Courtney Love, At-Large Pos. 7
  • Kristina Walker, At-Large Pos. 8
  • John O'Loughlin, At-Large Pos. 8

AWB HONORS TACOMA'S FEED COMMODITIES
The Association of Washington Business honored Feed Commodities of Tacoma with the 2019 Manufacturer of the Year Award during the Manufacturing Week bus tour.

The Manufacturer of the Year Award is given to a company that has a commitment to manufacturing excellence, has found creative solutions to challenges, and is involved in public policy that impacts manufacturers.


CELEBRATING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS THAT TIE US TOGETHER
The Consular Association Reception (CAR) is an annual event the World Affairs Council of Tacoma hosts in honor of members of the Washington Consular Association, individuals who serve their home country's interests and further global development across Washington.

MEMBER ADVERTISEMENT
MEMBER ADVERTISEMENT
2019 BATTLE OF THE BURGER FESTIVAL
South Sound Productions (SSP) presents the 2019 Battle of the Burger Festival to be held at Cheney Stadium home of the Tacoma Rainiers on Saturday October 26th, 2019. 

20% of all burger flights purchased via Eventbrite will be donated to USO Northwest.


WASHINGTON RANKS TOP 10 IN GROWTH OF WOMEN-OWNED FIRMS
The  2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report found that, women-owned businesses have enjoyed double-digit gains over the last five years and today account for nearly half of all businesses. Washington has an estimated 215,185 women-owned businesses, a 10% increase since 2014.

SIDE NOTE: 4 out of 5 businesses that have participated in Spaceworks Tacoma's Incubator program are women-owned!

96 ARTISTS WELCOME US TO THEIR STUDIOS
October is Tacoma Arts Month! During the weekend of the 12th and 13th, Tacoma artists are opening their studios for an interactive experience.

Make sure to have your Studio Tour Passport stamped at each studio address you visit. Once you’ve collected at least 7 stamps, send us the passport and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of several fabulous prize packages.


BUSINESS COMMUNITY CHIMES IN ABOUT PROPOSED OVERTIME RULES
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries’ proposed update to the state’s overtime rules has struck a nerve with residents. During its comment period, the agency received more than 2,200 comments. The agency hopes to make a final decision by year’s end.


CONNECTING SOUTH SOUND TO JBLM
At this tomorrow's Military Affairs Forum, the business community will learn how the recently-awarded Office of Economic Adjustment Grant is helping South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) accomplish some of their important work:

  • Studying localized transportation impacts
  • Seeking ways to provide and coordinate adequate off-installation housing for active duty service members and their dependents
  • Expanding conservation banking and conservation partnering opportunities in Pierce and Thurston counties

TACOMA GIVES SEATTLE KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR THEIR REGION
More than ever, the Seattle and King County's economy depends on partnership – across cities, organizations, and sectors. This month, the Seattle Metro Chamber  teamed up  with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and Puget Sound Regional Council to show over 50 delegates what sets the City of Destiny apart.

With over 10,000 people moving to Tacoma in the last eight years and more than $1 billion being invested in their downtown infrastructure.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, October 9 • 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Wednesday, October 16 • 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Thursday, October 17 • 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday, October 17 • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Friday, October 18 • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Friday, October 25 • 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY CHAMBER
950 PACIFIC AVE TACOMA SUITE 300, 98402
253.627.2175 • INFO@TACOMACHAMBER.ORG
WWW.TACOMACHAMBER.ORG