February 11, 2020
ECONOMIC TRENDS IN PIERCE COUNTY?
South Sound Business interviewed President & CEO Bruce Kendall of the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County about the latest trends of economic development, what his team is focused on, and other areas of focus.


CREATE A HEALTHY WORKPLACE
Pierce County businesses are taking strides to make health and wellness a priority in their workplace. Get ideas on how you can create a work culture that promotes healthy lifestyles among employees.

Hear from luncheon keynote speaker, President & CEO Jeff Roe of Premera Blue Cross discuss:

  • Why healthcare is so expensive, what is behind those rising costs, and what should be done to help slow the increases.
  • The role of private insurance, why it is important to patients, and why moving to a single-payer or public option system would be a mistake.
  • Innovation in healthcare and why the healthcare system needs to be as obsessed about the customer experience as Amazon, Nordstrom, and Starbucks.
VOTE TODAY!
'YES' ON TACOMA'S PROP 1
TODAY we urge you to VOTE   YES on Prop 1 , the bond measure to implement district-wide facility and security updates. 

If passed, the $535 million bond measure will replace or renovate eight deteriorating schools, including  108-year-old Oakland High School , where ceilings have darkened with leaks, and plumbing and electrical issues are not uncommon. The building has no central air and no way to regulate temperature. The schools marked for replacement average 69 years in age. 



RECEIVE "HOLE-IN-ONE" BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
Don't miss out on a great opportunity to build relationships with small, medium, and large Chamber investors. Promote your organization, form strategic partnerships, and interact with new businesses at Chamber After Hours.

This month we'll be at:
Fircrest Golf Club
1500 Regents Blvd
Fircrest, WA 98466

February 20, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM


KEEP TRACK OF BILLS IN FRONT OF OUR STATE LEGISLATURE
Washington State legislators are currently on Day 30 of the Legislative Session. The Tacoma News Tribune liste d 10 that remain alive that could affect your life, with the bill numbers and the names of the sponsors.

The Chamber Advocates For You.
Last Monday the Chamber brought a group of business and community leaders to Olympia. They met with state legislators to discuss issues such as the creation, retention, and attraction of private-sector jobs that benefit the Pierce County economy.


GET AHEAD - SECURE YOUR HAPPY HOUR BUSINESS EXPO BOOTH
With attendance of more than 300 business and community members, there's no better place to increase your company's visibility, build business relationships, and grow your bottom line than at this year's Happy Hour Business Expo.

Foss Waterway
March 19 • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM



MEMBER ADVERTISEMENT
GOOD FOR BUSINESS - GOOD FOR WASHINGTON!
The City of Tacoma is proud to be a member agency of EnviroStars, Washington’s regional green business program. EnviroStars is a one-stop shop for businesses looking to go green and gain recognition for their actions. Through EnviroStars, businesses can access personalized, one-on-one help and access to rebates and incentives to help them become more sustainable in their daily operations. Businesses take actions in core areas like energy conservation, pollution prevention, and waste reduction, to become EnviroStars certified businesses. 

To see what businesses are EnviroStars certified in Tacoma and learn more about participation, you can visit www.envirostars.org .  
DON'T HAVE A HEART ATTACK - YOU CAN DO VALENTINES DAY IN TACOMA
It’s Valentine’s Day this Friday and we are sure that is making you feel one of a few things.

For those of you who think "I have no idea what to do", you came to the right place. Downtown Tacoma Partnership has built you a fail-proof guide to pull off Valentine’s Day like the organized, thoughtful, and hilarious partner you are.


RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE
World Trade Center Tacoma's Globe Award recognizes companies and individuals excelling in international trade and trade promotion and acknowledges the importance of trade to the Washington State economy. Awards will be presented to organizations or individuals who exemplify the mission of the WTC Tacoma –  We Grow Trade .


WORKFORCE CENTRAL'S PIERCE COUNTY MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT REPORT IS OUT
This past December an estimated 6k jobs were added to the Pierce County labor force and unemployment dropped 3 tenths of a percent to 4.8, the lowest rate in 2019.

SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE
LOCATION CHANGED FOR FEB. 19
Every business has had to start at the bottom at some point and we all know that the climb to the top is not an easy one. Small Business Roundtable is a forum where small businesses can gather to discuss marketing issues, share solutions, and develop new ideas to help them succeed.

Wednesday, February 19th
NEW LOCATION
Columbia Bank, 1301 A St.
8th Floor Boardroom


GOVBUSINESS NW LAUNCH PARTY
GovBusiness NW previously WACommerce, will be hosting a ribbon cutting/grand opening and business launch. Food, refreshments, and fun along with a few special announcements.

Meet the founders of the organization and other community leaders!

MEMBER ADVERTISEMENT
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, February 12 • 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Normal hours will resume February 18th
Friday, February 28 • 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Wednesday, March 4 • 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