February 1, 2022
THE CHANGING WORKFORCE LANDSCAPE - SOMETHING FOR EMPLOYERS TO THINK ABOUT
There are more available jobs than people actively looking for one, which means amazing opportunities and choices for job seekers who can now be more selective about the work they choose to accept – and where they choose to work.
BLACK IN BUSINESS: CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP
February is Black History Month which makes it an opportune time to think and learn about the history of Black entrepreneurship in the United States. This short article succinctly lays out where we've been, where we are, and where we're headed.



The Chamber is committed to making the South Sound the most equitable and inclusive place to do business in Washington State. Among the many ways we are working toward that goal, we have partnered with Washington Employers for Racial Equity (WERE). WERE partners have all committed to:
  • Foster an inclusive workplace culture. 
  • Employ a workforce that reflects Washington’s communities. 
  • Achieve racial parity in employee compensation. 
  • Increase Black representation in management and senior leadership. 
  • Increase internships and work-embedded learning experiences for Black students. 
  • Increase diversity and racial equity in supplier networks. 
  • Increase investment to advance racial equity in the workplace and community 
NATHALIE BAJINYA'S FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Nathalie Bajinya graduated from the first cohort of the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA). Since then, her business, Undeniably Bajinya, a one-of-a-kind custom-tailored fashion shop, has taken off. A rare talent, Bajinya can look at a swath of fabric and intuitively know what design will best highlight the fabric’s motif or drape. “When I look at fabric I see something that is telling a story,” says Nathalie.


SPACEWORKS CONTINUES TO HAVE A GROWING IMPACT ON TACOMA
“Spaceworks makes small business ownership a reality for individuals, but it also positively impacts the fabric of our broader community. Small, creative businesses add vibrancy to our streets, encourage local economic growth, attract residents from across the region, and employ the people of Tacoma.”
- COUNCIL MEMBER KRISTINA WALKER
Some Highlights:
  • 132 businesses and 141 participants directly served (including 56% people of color and 64% women)
  • 16 businesses created
  • 18 new murals created
  • $111,000 investment attracted through Kiva microloans
  • $89,653 in Spaceworks contracts to local businesses and artists 
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF TACOMA SPEAKER SERIES:
THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF FINLAND IN STRENGTHENING WASHINGTON’S MARITIME INDUSTRY

Join the WACT and World Trade Center Tacoma for this compelling discussion for anyone interested in international business growth opportunities. In this session, Mikko Hautala, Finland’s Ambassador to the United States will discuss his recent visits to Washington state and why the state has taken on an important role in the business-growth strategies of the northern European nation.


INTRODUCING THE NEW ORCA
Beginning in Spring 2022, there will be a new myORCA mobile app and website that will make paying for transit rides in the Puget Sound region faster and easier.
And later in 2022, they will be adding more retail locations where you can buy and reload ORCA cards and launching a new card design.
FORECAST EVENT HIGHLIGHTS PIERCE COUNTY STRENGTHS AS 2022 UNFOLDS
“I am very bullish and optimistic on the future of the U.S. economy,” Curtis Dubay, senior economist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said. “I think we’re in for a period of sustained strong growth, even with these headwinds,” barring an unforeseen issue like another pandemic.
CHECK OUT YOUR MEMBER INFORMATION CENTER - YOU'LL FIND THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
For companies looking to retain top talent, a hybrid work model is quickly becoming non-negotiable. But allowing employees to work from anywhere isn’t without its risks.
Personal and Company Profiles, Member to Member Deals, Job Openings, Member Events, and More!
STATE REOPENS COVID-19 TEST ORDERING PORTAL AFTER SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH TWO WEEKS AGO
The statewide portal that allows people to order free COVID-19 rapid tests online has reopened, the Washington state Department of Health announced on Monday.
TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY CHAMBER AWARDED THE EDB EXCELLENT 10 AWARD
The Economic Development Board (EDB) for Tacoma-Pierce County awarded the Chamber their Excellent 10 award for 2021 Public Partners Support for Businesses. Each year, the EDB Board presents the Excellent 10 award to a list of ten great economic development projects in Pierce County that were completed between January and December of the previous year. The projecgts on the list vary from industrial and office expansions to educational facilities to sewer infrastructure, or from hospitals to museums.

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