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This Week in the Harbor
July 14, 2025
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Join us for a meaningful midday event supporting local students and helping empower the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and doers.
This fundraiser helps bring financial literacy programs—like the incredible JA BizTown—to PSD. If you’re not familiar, BizTown is a hands-on, simulated town where 4th–6th 6th-graders become everything from business owners to bank tellers to mayor-for-a-day. It’s an unforgettable experience that teaches financial literacy, leadership, and teamwork.
Here’s how you can help:
- Purchase a table for $400 to show your support
- Connect with 1,000+ Peninsula School District staff at their annual pep rally
- Bring a raffle basket to showcase your business
- All proceeds support PSD financial literacy programs
Let’s come together to invest in the future of our youth—and inspire success beyond the classroom.
| | Paper Luxe is a thoughtfully curated gift and stationery boutique in Uptown that specializes in meaningful, high-quality products designed to help people celebrate, connect, and express themselves. With a focus on intentional gifting, Paper Luxe offers a wide range of greeting cards, plants, journals, planners, home goods, and locally made treasures, along with a full baby boutique inside called Little Luxe. | |  | |
We're excited to welcome Aqua Spas & Pools back to the Chamber!
Locally owned and proudly serving the Gig Harbor area, Aqua Spas & Pools offers a wide selection of quality products to help you get the most out of your pool, spa, and backyard. From essential maintenance supplies to fun accessories and outdoor living upgrades, they’ve got everything you need to turn your home into a personal oasis. Visit their convenient retail store or shop anytime from their online store!
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Young Professionals Meeting - July 16
Mark your calendars for July 16th, from 5–7 PM at the Beer Vault! Connect with fellow young professionals in the community, build new relationships, and enjoy a relaxed evening of networking and good conversation. Stay for line dancing class at Beer Vault starting at 7pm!
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🎙️ Upcoming Public Affairs Forum Speakers – Join Us! 🎙️
The Gig Harbor Chamber’s Public Affairs Forum continues to bring timely, relevant discussions to our community. Held every Thursday from 7:30–8:30 AM at Harbor Place at Cottesmore (1016 29th St NW, Gig Harbor), these forums are free to attend and open to all.
Here’s a look at our upcoming speaker lineup:
July 17 | Shealynn Smiley, Manager Housing, Human & Health Services
July 24 | Port of Tacoma Commissioner Race Candidates: Cyrus Doto, JT Wilcox, and Dan Knox
July 31 | Al Johnson, Team PSI - Private Investigator
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City staff is excited to share details about the upcoming Affordable Housing Town Hall and the coordinated effort that has gone into preparing this event to provide information and answer community questions on this important topic.
The event will take place on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. A considerable amount of staff time has been dedicated to planning and assembling subject matter experts to help address the public’s questions regarding affordable housing, local programs, and recent legislative changes.
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Thriving Together Resource Event- July 23rd
The Pierce County Community Navigator team and the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce invite you to the Thriving Together Resource Event. This event is ideal for local small business owners and entrepreneurs to network and learn about the resources available to help businesses thrive in Pierce County.
Free and open to the public! Enjoy these great perks of the event:
- 9:00 am - Organization Highlights
- Connect 1-1 with small business assistance providers.
- Learn about free, small business programs and assistance
- B2B networking encouraged, bring your company's marketing info for a shared resource table
- Light refreshments and free on-site parking
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The Department of Revenue is hosting a series of online listening sessions to hear directly from businesses and interested parties about significant changes to Washington’s sales tax law under ESSB 5814.
Each listening session is 1-hour long and will focus on a particular topic or industry (see schedule below). These sessions are your opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and help shape the guidance we provide.
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What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Business Owners
The recently introduced Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) brings major changes to federal programs, tax law, and business regulations. Whether you're a small business owner, investor, or nonprofit leader, this legislation may affect your operations, taxes, or industry. To help make sense of this complex bill, Gary Parker of 3rd Act Consulting has created a layman-friendly, searchable PDF that breaks down the BBB into practical summaries, key takeaways, and business-specific terms.
đź’ˇ How to Use It:
- Search by keywords related to your business or industry
- Look for alternate terms like “QSBS” for small businesses
- Use it as a starting point before seeking professional advice
đź“ť Disclaimer: This resource is an independent summary provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your attorney or CPA for guidance specific to your situation.
👉 Access the summary here
| | If you are interested in getting more info about becoming a sponsor contact Janet Steiner (408) 375-8185 or email her at jsteiner@gigharborchamber.com. | | Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors | | Connect with us on social media. | | | | |
