JANUARY 30, 2018
GOOD NEWS ON THE HORIZON
Last week over 500 business and community leaders gathered to learn what the 2018 economy holds for business.
 
The Pierce County Economic Index is forecast to continue its upward trend. Reduced unemployment,an influx of new Pierce County residents, and higher labor force participation propelled the PCEI 3.3 percent higher in 2016 with another 3.3 expected in 2018.

"From a local standpoint, what we know is that we’re growing and we have a population that is one of the top in the nation," said Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson.

To access the full 2018 PCEI Report, visit the dedicated website and enter password Voice4Biz2018.

For event photos, visit the Chamber's Facebook page.
SOUTH SOUND TO BE AT CENTER OF TRADE DISCUSSIONS
"All that promises to make 2018 a busy, and noisy, year for trade disputes. We may be way out here on the opposite coast from where those decisions will be made, but given our ports and our globally influential companies and products, whatever the dispute, we’re likely to be right in the thick of the consequences."

SUPPORT LOCAL TRADE
As the most dynamic trade promotion organization in the Pacific Northwest, World Trade Center Tacoma helps businesses succeed in the global market.

Celebrate excellence in trade and learn how the local import/export landscape has evolved over the past 100 years at the 2018 Globe Awards.

SEATTLE WEIGHS IN ON TACOMA
On Monday, Seattle Council Member Kshama Sawant introduced a resolution urging the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to reject Puget Sound Energy’s permit application to build a Tacoma LNG facility. Although Seattle has no standing in Tacoma matters, Sawant justifies the resolution based on the alleged overreaching affects of climate change and the potential the LNG might have on the greater environment.

TIME TO UNPLUG CLICK!?
Last week the Tacoma Public Utility Board voted unanimously to explore partnerships with private telecom companies as a fix to the proposed $14.7 million Click! would have received from utility ratepayers.

SPECIAL ELECTION FEBRUARY 13
On February 13, Tacoma Public Schools will have two renewal propositions on the ballot. Learn more about how the levy funding impacts students and teachers.

MEET YOUR LEGISLATORS
As part of your annual investment, you have the opportunity for a face-to-face discourse with legislators at the state capitol.

This complimentary benefit affords business leaders the opportunity to meet with the Pierce County delegation to discuss matters important to YOUR business. 

PAID SICK LEAVE BEST PRACTICES
With the passing of State Initiative 1433, organizations which employ workers IN multiple municipalities, or those with their own local rules, have been presented with a challenge: state vs local regulation compliance and enforcement.

Hear from Tammie Hetrick, COO of Washington Retail Association as as she discusses sick leave laws and how they tie in to the existing Tacoma policies. Receive updates on paid family leave and employment law.

MEET KRISTI BRADY

The Chamber welcomes a new member to the Business Development Team.
Make sure you take some time to meet Kristi Brady
BUSINESS INCUBATOR
INFO SESSION
Grow your creative business with Spaceworks Incubator. This training and coaching program for Tacoma entrepreneurs provides relevant and meaningful small business training, technical assistance, workshops, and peer-to-peer support.

To date, Spaceworks has supported over 149 entrepreneurs and creative enterprises. Join Info Session February 8 th to learn more.


DID YOU KNOW?
Hosting a business milestone is a great opportunity to increase visibility for your business, and form partnerships with other investor businesses.

But did you know milestones are also the perfect opportunity to meet the leadership of an organization just opening its doors or celebrating an anniversary, expansion, or relocation?

Join the following businesses as they celebrate business growth this month!




The Voice for Business
TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY CHAMBER
950 PACIFIC AVE TACOMA SUITE 300, WA 98402
| 253.627.2175 | INFO@TACOMACHAMBER.ORG| WWW.TACOMACHAMBER.ORG