The Live Wire

"The Coming Jobs War" by Jim Clifton - Book Review by Chamber President & CEO

2012-02-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

As I was reading ‘The Coming Jobs War’ by Jim Clifton, the CEO and Chairman of Gallup, I kept thinking to myself, how this ties in with the work we are doing here at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, and how powerful it will be when we get leaders to filter decisions through the question of ‘is this going to help support entrepreneurship and creating good paying jobs’?

The premise of Clifton’s book is that there is now an all-out world war for good jobs, and if the United States doesn’t get its act together and have an economic miracle, we are going to be losing our economic position in the world. Start-up and sprout-up business will be key. These small and
medium-sized companies with fewer than 500 employees fund the American way of life, our schools, social programs, and government. Without an environment that nurtures their success, the resulting downward ripple effect will have devastating impacts, and we will lose the jobs war.

According to Clifton, we are in deep trouble unless there is an unpredicted transformational event that will cause sudden extraordinary surge in entrepreneurship and innovation.

I hope this book inspires you and helps you start to prioritize resources, programs, and projects to transform our region to a place that supports entrepreneurship.

Best wishes,

Tom Pierson, President & CEO

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Call for a National Freight Policy

2012-02-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

Congress has been considering a new comprehensive transportation bill this week (HR 7). The Chamber joined with other local and national organizations calling that a national freight policy for a strategic approach be included among its provisions.

Here's the appeal (click on images for larger views):

Tacoma: $3.8M Tax Increase Will Not Impact Your Business

2012-02-16T15:05:00.001-08:00

When posed the question, "What will the impact to services be [of a $3.8M B&O tax increase on non-profit healthcare providers]?" the City Council answered, "Absolutely nothing."

The City is asking these five organizations to pay an additional $3.8M in taxes without cutting services. This disconnect between the reality of running an organization with thousands of employees, and taking additional taxes to balance the City's own books was never more apparent than in the the above quotes from Tuesday night's City Council meeting. (Yes, the Council actually said this. Video of the meeting is here.) (We also previewed the meeting here.)

As the Chamber highlighted in its testimony on Tuesday, the non-profit healthcare organizations are required to reinvest any surplus revenues back into the community in the form of clinics, community events, and development. While Tacoma's hospitals may not be moving anytime soon, they have plenty of choices on where to locate their non-provider services.

In fact, time and again, Multicare and Franciscan have chosen to locate those facilities in Tacoma while others were leaving. As a July, 2011 article in The News Tribune noted, when a call center on State Street was abandoned by another business laying off 200 people, Franciscan stepped in and opened up a training center with 220 employees. When Expedia moved out of its location at 21st and Pacific, Multicare stepped in and leased the space. When another company vacated its corporate headquarters at 13th and Market, Franciscan moved 315 employees in. What was once the USWest building at the corner of 13th and Commerce is now Franciscan's administrative offices.

There are numerous other spaces throughout the City that these organizations lease, partner, or own - all of which provide direct and spillover jobs, revenue, and taxes to Tacoma. In fact, the same News Tribune article noted that these community organziations occupy 3.27 million square feet in Tacoma - the equivalent of nearly 15 Russell Buildings. Yet rather than discussing the potential benefits growth in the healthcare industry can bring to Tacoma, the Council is focused on things like executive pay.

On Tuesday, February 21st, the Council will have a final reading on the ordinance to increase the taxes on Multicare, Franciscan, Community Health Care, SeaMar, and any other non-profit providers thinking about Tacoma. When the issue first came up last November, the City proposed a $600,000 tax. A couple of weeks ago Council increased that to $940,000. Now an amendment to the ordinance is proposed for Tuesday to increase the tax to $3.8M. In contrast the communities surrounding Tacoma have no B&O taxes on healthcare. How much is enough for Tacoma's Council?

If you are concerned about the escalating business taxation and the impact this may have on the growth of the healthcare industry in Tacoma, including the spillover effects in restaurants, housing prices, and the like, you're encouraged to contact your City Council.

Will Tacoma Open its Doors to Business?

2012-02-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight, the City Council will have three chances to consider the impacts of their decisions on businesses: development regulations, jobs, and the use of our downtown. We hope the Council will embrace this opportunity to recognize the value businesses provide to the community.

The City will take up the issue of new regulations on large retail developments. The Chamber has weighed in on this issue each time it has come up. A recent post on the issue is here. The proposed regulations create less certainty by requiring developments to go through a subjective process; stretch the development regulations within the City to new ends with extensive requirements not required for other permits; expand the applicability to include businesses from 45,000 to 65,000 square feet without considering what businesses are impacted, like grocery stores; and create a cloud of uncertainty around the reuse of existing buildings, leading to more vacant storefronts. The Chamber encourages the City to tone down the rhetoric and focus on desired outcomes and impacts to investors.

With the current budget crisis, the City is again turning to business for more tax revenues. As outlined here, the City is considering a new tax on some of our most sucessful local businesses, our hospitals. Despite providing hundreds of millions of dollars in charity care and direct funding of community programs, the City is looking to them to provide another $1M in taxes each year a recent jump from the initially proposed $600k. This will come at great cost to the community as this eats into community programs funded through the hospitals' revenues. The Chamber will continue to advocate for the preservation of these important services.

Finally, the City's Environment and Public Works Committee has proposed an amendment to the downtown parking regulations that would make the regulations truly market based, requiring developers to only build the parking they need for their development. For more on this issue, please visit the BIA blog here.

On each of these issues it is a chance for the City Council to stand up and encourage investment and growth in our community. The Chamber encourages them to do just that.

Chamber Legislative Day Registrations Accepted

2012-02-13T15:45:00.000-08:00

Join us as we conference with the Pierce County Legislative delegation.

Also on our agenda are Legislative leaders of the economic development committees plus a representative of the State Department of Commerce.

10:30 am - 11:30 am

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

- Senator Jim Kastama (D-Puyallup) - Chair, Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee - Senator Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) – Ranking Member, Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee
- Representative Phyllis Kenney (D-Seattle) - Chair, House Economic Development and Housing Committee
- Representative Norma Smith (R-Clinton) – Ranking Member, House Economic Development and Housing Committee
- Daniel Malarkey - Deputy Director, Washington State Department of Commerce

11:45 am - 1:15 pm LUNCH WITH PIERCE COUNTY LEGISLATORS

Cherberg Building, Olympia
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Register with Cathy Thompson, with this link.

Chamber members are encouraged to arrange appointments with Pierce County legislators. If you need help with this, email Michael Transue with this link.

Public Invited for Port's Strategic Plan

2012-02-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Port of Tacoma is developing a strategic planning process with input from community members, customers, business leaders and employees. The strategic plan will guide the Port’s actions over the next five years.

Read the draft strategic plan (PDF, updated version).

They want your thoughts on the draft plan. Submit comments online by Feb. 22, or at open houses.

Open houses:
Attend the open house to provide your feedback on the draft plan (introductory comments at 5 p.m.):

Monday, Feb. 13
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The Fabulich Center
Room 104
3600 Port of Tacoma Rd., Tacoma

Wednesday, Feb. 15
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
McGavick Student & Conference Center
Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood

Overview
The Port of Tacoma is a key contributor to the South Puget Sound economy and has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years.

The Port is currently developing a 2012 Strategic Plan to guide the organization in achieving its next chapter of economic growth and business success. The plan will set the course for the next 10 to 15 years, with a focus on near-term actions.

Hand in hand with strategic planning, the Port will also examine its brand and identity. BrandStrata was hired to support efforts to create a Port of Tacoma brand that reflects our strategic advantages and unique identity now and into the future.

Process Timeline: June 2011 to March 2012

Under the direction of the Commission, CEO John Wolfe is leading an internal task force charged with developing the Port's strategic plan. Berk & Associates was hired to facilitate and support the process, as well as Mercator International LLC to support business strategy development. Port management, staff, stakeholders and the public will be involved in the planning process.

The strategic planning process includes several phases:

Research and assessment: Gather feedback from stakeholders, and conduct business and financial assessments to create the Situation Assessment, which will help develop the strategic business options.
Plan development: The task force and commission will craft the Draft Strategic Plan, to include the Port's mission/vision statement, goals, implementation plan and timeline, roles and responsibilities, key metrics and expected outcomes. This phase includes two public open houses Feb. 13 and 15.
Adoption: The commission is expected to adopt the final plan in March 2012.

Renewing the Federal Sales Tax Deduction

2012-02-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

Today, during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell called for legislation to Congress to extend the state and local sales tax deduction, which provides tax fairness to Washingtonians and residents of seven other states without an income tax.

The itemized deduction allows taxpayers in states without a state income tax to deduct the state sales taxes they pay in 2011 on their upcoming federal income tax returns.

For nearly two decades, Washington taxpayers were penalized because the federal tax code did not allow deduction of state and local sales taxes. That disparity ended in 2004 when Sen. Cantwell successfully restored the deduction. But the extension was never made permanent.

Click here to watch a video of Sen. Cantwell speaking at today’s hearing.

The federal income tax deduction for state and local sales taxes is available for 2011 tax returns but its extension remains unclear for future tax years. This means that as of January 1, 2012, residents in states without a state income tax don’t know if they’ll be able to claim the state sales tax deduction for 2012 qualifying spending.

Sen. Cantwell called for an extension of the deduction in order to provide certainty for Washington state residents who are planning their 2012 annual budgets. Taxpayers in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming also benefit from this deduction.

During the hearing, Caroline L. Harris, Chief Tax Counsel and Director of Tax Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of extending the state and local sales tax deduction. “It is absolutely essential that we extend this provision because it does bring parity between states . . . that rely on a sales tax for their revenue base as opposed to those who rely on an income tax.”.

Large Scale Retail Recommendations Head to Council

2012-01-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

On January 31st at 5:30PM, the Tacoma City Council will hold a public hearing on new regulations governing large scale retail uses. These new regulations limit the size of developments and require those certain developments to hold a community meeting prior to submittal - something virtually unheard of.

While the Chamber appreciates the City's desire to engage the community on development issues, the new process created seems to be specifically designed to stymie potential projects regardless of their consistency with the underlying regulations. The process creates more hoops for retail developments to jump through than virtually any other type of development in Tacoma.

As long as Tacoma continues to target certain business or business sectors with additional taxes, regulations, or moratoriums, the City will have a hard time convincing the community that it is truly "open for business."

Seeking Business Community Representatives for SWAC Advisory Committee

2012-01-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Pierce County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) has two openings for representatives from the business community. The SWAC meets at least quarterly and helps shape local recycling and waste reduction programs. In 2012 the Pierce County Solid Waste Division is focusing on improving single- and multi-family recycling programs, increasing business recycling opportunities, and completing a food waste Best Management Practices project. The advisory committee is an integral component in the success of these projects.

Toward the end of the year the SWAC will help create the framework for future programs when work begins on updating the comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Membership would begin in April, 2012.

To learn more about the SWAC and how to apply for membership, visit their website (click here) or call (253) 798-2179.

"On the Way to Being Business Basic Savvy": Sound Business- A Practical Business Development Series Testimonial

2012-01-23T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Chamber’s Sound Business- A Practical Business Development Series began with a bout of snow and a successful first “Business Basics 101” course. Instructors Nick Malden, from Score, and Cheri Pieterman, with Key Bank, were both personable and well versed in their subject matter. Despite the inclement weather, they graciously taught the class in an abridged version with additional personalized attention.

The class was focused on creating a thorough business plan that would lead to a productive, goal-oriented structure for any business. The class began in lecture form, with room for discussion and print-offs of the information provided during the class for future reference and note taking, both of which were effective tactics for a comprehensive learning experience.
Nick and Cheri were able to connect the importance of a strong business plan to each learner’s individual situation. One attendee, Delonna Kaiser, a Human Resource staffing professional establishing both a LLC and Non-Profit titled "Threads", commended Malden when she was asked what she thought of the program. “He provided a pragmatic/dimensional guide to planning an achievable business while ensuring his guidance was focused on the specific need(s) of the participant.” Ms. Kaiser also commented that, “The tone of the entire program was collaborative, well planned and the event was executed with concern for all attendees’ well being.”

I personally found Sound Business Series to be a great experience and would strongly recommend the program to anyone looking to build their business knowledge and strategies. You can find more information about upcoming classes here.

By Livey Beha, Chamber Intern

Business Assistance with Weather Disaster

2012-01-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

The recent storm has very likely impacted our County’s business community.

Pierce County Economic Development Dept. is trying to assess the amount of damage. If a specific threshold is reached at the county level, and also at the state level, certain federal programs may be made available to help assist the region recover.

Please complete this damage assessment form to tell them about damage your business incurred. This is NOT an application for funds or a loan. It is meant only to determine how much damage the County’s business community suffered.

Please call if you have any questions. Completed forms should be emailed to Hans Kueck, Economic Development Specialist at hkueck@co.pierce.wa.us

Winter Storm Damage?

2012-01-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Pierce County Emergency Operations Center today will begin collecting damage information from homeowners and business owners affected by this week's winter storm.

Residents and business owners in Pierce County that suffered damage should call the Pierce County Damage Assessment Center at (866) 798-6363 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Callers should have the following information available:

• Name and address of affected property
• Contact information (cell phone, relatives phone number, "new" mailing address)
• Type of insurance
• A description of damage, even if uninsured
• A personal estimate of uninsured losses
• Estimates of the fair market value of the damaged home or business (it is not necessary at this point for property owners to have a contractor's estimate)

The findings from this assessment will be used by the Governor to request a possible disaster declaration and federal disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The process could take up to a couple of weeks or more. FEMA disaster assistance, if and when it becomes available, only covers uninsured losses.

Visit Pierce County's blog for up to date emergency information.

US Chamber NW Office on FB

2012-01-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Chamber’s NW Region office has a NEW Facebook homepage.

Please go to your facebook page- personal and chamber and "Like" the new Northwest Regional U.S. Chamber homepage.

If you are unable to access the link above, please go to: http://www.facebook.com/ and search for "U.S. Chamber of Commerce Northwest Regional Office." This will be a primary source for information from both Washington DC and our region on what is going on at the U.S. Chamber. Thank you for your help and let me know if there is information you would like added in the future!

The resident executive: Chris Strow, Executive Director

Attainment Plan Focused on Causes

2012-01-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

The Chamber, as you may recall, was very active during the formation of the (Tacoma-Pierce County metro) nonattainment area designation for PM2.5, a regulatory requirement of the federal Clean Air Act, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

We opposed the broad boundaries suggested by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) then, as the exceedance was based on a single monitor at So. L Street and was clearly caused by residential wood smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves. The tideflats monitor had not and has not yet (unless during the recent burn bans) exceeded the tolerances. While the area boundaries set are larger than we desired, we were successful in getting Northeast Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord excluded.

The new attainment plan focuses the effort where it must be – on residential wood stoves. The EPA allows only 6% of achievable improvements to come from "education." State legislation exempts fireplaces from any regulatory efforts. Provisions in the plan call for assistance to those with low-income. And, the plan recognizes the tremendous earlier contributions and continuing standards and improvements applied to industry and cars.

If you shut down the port, you could not achieve attainment.

The Chamber, represented by Tom Pierson, Pres./CEO and Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, Director, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department recently wrote, and was published in The News Tribune, a guest editorial explaining the necessity of local initiative to solve our air quality challenges ourselves.

From the perspective of business and the economy, we know that a non-attainment designation under the Clean Air Act carries serious repercussions including the loss of federal highway funding and the loss of economic development opportunities.

Nonattainment can hinder economic development and tourism in the region. In the nonattainment area, there are stricter requirements on large industries seeking to expand and on new large businesses interested in moving to the area compared to the requirements in an attainment area. New or expanded large industries would be required to better control fine particle pollution than in an attainment area and any increase in emissions would need to be offset by a reduction within the nonattainment area. These factors can prompt businesses to locate their operations elsewhere. Tourism also can be affected by the perception that the area has “dirty” air.

Nonattainment can also have an effect on our transportation system. Federal transportation funds can be at risk if we don't comply with the air quality requirements. The region also has to show the pollution from transportation cannot exceed the amount allotted to it in the attainment plan.

Loss of Federal Highway and Transit Funding (Transportation Conformity)*
One year from the date of a non-attainment designation, federally funded highway and transit projects will not be allowed to proceed unless the state demonstrates there will be no increase in emissions associated with the projects.

Boutique Fuels
Non-attainment areas are subjected to the federal Clean Air Act's reformulated gasoline program, which significantly raises the price of motor vehicle fuels for consumers.

Enhanced Regulatory Oversight
Once an area is designated as being in nonattainment, EPA has the authority to intervene and revise permitting decisions throughout the state.

Restrictive Permitting Requirements
New and upgraded facilities in, or near, non-attainment areas are required to install the most effective emissions reduction controls without consideration of cost. Operators of existing facilities may also be required to install more restrictive control technologies than are otherwise required for similar units in areas that are in attainment.

Mandatory Emissions Offsetting
Prior to permitting the construction of new facilities, a state must offset any emissions increases by achieving reductions at existing facilities.

Loss of Economic Development Opportunities
The added regulatory and paperwork burdens, as well as expenses associated with constructing new facilities, or expanding existing ones, limit the amount of economic investment in non-attainment communities.

*Cost of ‘Transportation Conformity' – Nonattainment communities are required to conduct extensive analysis and coordinate transportation and air quality issues. Computer modeling is used to ensure transportation projects do not affect the area’s ability to regain and/or maintain attainment. Transportation conformity requirements are time consuming, costly and include using a mobile emissions ‘budget’ from which to determine the impact transportation projects, once implemented, would have on regional air quality. In nonattainment areas, transportation projects can proceed only if it can be demonstrated that they will not result in increased emissions. Air quality conformity analysis is generally the responsibility of the community’s transportation planning organization.

The final report with its recommendations has officially been released.

The PSCAA has notified the 600+ people who provided input on the draft strategies last fall about the report and recommendations, and alerted them that their Board of Directors will review, discuss and hear input about the recommendations at its January 26 meeting.

Here are links to:

an overview of the Task Force’s final recommendations
the executive summary of the Task Force’s final report
the full Task Force report (82 pages)
an overview of the input received from the public about the draft strategies
answers to frequently asked questions
the full compilation of public input (101 pages)

Pierce County Economic Index Report Releaesd

2012-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

This morning, about 550 concerned business and civic leaders heard both the annual Pierce County Economic Index Report and an economic outlook from departing Dr. Arun Raha.

Professors Dr. Bruce Mann and Doug Goodman, University of Puget Sound, presented the 24th annual PCEI, a forecast of the economic well-being of Tacoma-Pierce County. Their report is available here.

In one sentence: Expect continuing, although slow economic recovery and growth, better than the national experience.

You are encouraged to share with us your responses to a survey about the Horizons economic forecast event and your company's or personal expectations about the 2012 economic future at this site.

Followers of Twitter can reference #Horizonsforecast and #Horizons.

For those who wish to view the Horizons 2012 economic forecast event as a TV broadcast, Waste Connections has sponsored the program on TV Tacoma. TV Tacoma is carried on both the Click! and Comcast Cable systems.

On Click! TV Tacoma can be seen on Channel 12 in the Tacoma City limits and in Pierce County, with the exception of University Place, where we are found on Channel 21. On Comcast, TV Tacoma can be seen on Channel 12 in the Tacoma City limits and on Channel 21 in Pierce County. TV Tacoma is NOT carried on the Comcast system in University Place.

TV Tacoma is also streamed on the Internet a www.tvtacoma.com

Replay times
Monday, January 23 – 4am, 2pm & 8pm
Tuesday, January 24 – 4am & 11pm

Wednesday, January 25 – 9am & 8pm

Thursday, January 26 – 1pm & 9pm

Friday, January 27 – 2pm & 10pm

Saturday, January 28 – 8am & 5pm

Sunday, January 29 – 1am, 3pm & 8pm

Monday, January 30 – 4am, 2pm & 8pm

Tuesday, January 31 – 4am & 11pm

Chamber Partners Up With Tacoma School of the Arts Internship Program

2012-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed a new contributor on the Chamber’s blogs, The Live Wire and the BIA blog. Well, that’s me, Livey Beha, a student at Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA). As a junior in high school at SOTA, which is right here in the heart of downtown Tacoma, I am truly ecstatic and honored to be able to join the Chamber for the month of January as a short-term intern. I am looking forward to learning about the programs and events offered through the Chamber to support the local economy and community.

The SOTA internship program is a chance for high school students to gain a new perspective of occupations they may be interested in pursuing following the completion of their educational careers. I see the internship partnership between the Chamber and SOTA as an opportunity for me as a student to gain knowledge of and contribute to the Chamber and the South Puget Sound community in a unique and positive approach.

If your business is interested in mentoring and working with a Tacoma School of the Arts intern as apart of “The Next Move” program, you can find more information here.

Information on job and internship opportunities at the Tacoma-Pierce Chamber can be found here.

The Upcoming 2012 Regular Legislative Session - What's in Store

2012-01-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

What is in store for the upcoming 2012 Session of the Washington State Legislature can be summed up in just two words – budget deficit.

How many cuts and where? Are new taxes (and/or a new tax package heading to the voters) on the table to help solve the problem? What are the State’s top budgetary priorities? These will be the questions on most everyone’s mind.

The 2011-2013 biennial budget that was adopted earlier this year by the Legislature totaled $32.2 billion and took effect July 1, 2011. Since then however, revenue projections fell to $30.5 billion in mid-September. And an additional $122 million revenue shortfall was added by the most recent forecast, bringing the total revenue projection to $30.4 billion.

Governor Gregoire put forth her first recommended cuts in October. The Governor released her revised proposed budget based upon the November revenue forecast and the caseload changes. They can be found at this link. She worked with agency directors to identify expenditure reductions in addition to the 5% and 10% reduction options submitted by agencies last month.

As the Special Session ended in mid-December , legislators cut an estimated $480 Million from the $2 Billion starting point. A summary of these budget changes can be found at this link.

Those who participate in the legislative process will be earnestly looking toward the 60-day 2012 Regular Session, which begins on January 9^th to make up the additional deficit of $1.5 Billion. The Special Session in December provided and the Regular Session, which runs from January 9through March 8^, 2012, will provide the Legislature with its opportunity to further respond to the Governor’s proposed budget changes. Legislators will address the estimated $1.5 billion deficit from their points of view and with their priorities in mind.

By Guest Author, Michael Transue, Attorney at Law, Governmental Affairs and Lobbying Services

Horizons 2012 Economic Forecast Event

2012-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

ESA Suit Threatens Flood Insurance

2011-12-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

As suspected, the National Wildlife Federation has filed suit against FEMA.

Today, NWF moved for a preliminary injunction against the sale of flood insurance in the Puget Sound region pending the outcome of the lawsuit

FEMA may be prevented from issuing FLOOD INSURANCE . This could have severe impacts on all types of real estate and countless businesses that operate in any floodplain in the Puget Sound region.

Why: Because the suit against FEMA seeks an injunction to prohibit the sale of flood insurance policies in Washington State .

Immediate action needed:

Support a coalition of real estate organizations, owners, property professionals and businesses who have organized as “Property Owners for Sensible Floodplain Regulation” (POSFR) in an effort to Protect Property Rights in the Floodplain.

On November 30, 2011, Property Owners for Sensible Floodplain Regulation (POSFR) held a meeting at Renton City Hall to discuss pending changes to the floodplain maps and development regulations applicable to floodplains in the Puget Sound region. During that meeting, it was highlighted that the National Wildlife Federation had submitted a 60-day Notice of Intent to sue to FEMA in September 2011, asserting that FEMA has not done enough to enforce the very restrictive development standards set forth in the Biological Opinion issued by NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service to FEMA in September 2008 regarding FEMA’s operation of the National Flood Insurance Program in the Puget Sound region.

On December 8, the National Wildlife Federation filed their lawsuit against FEMA. They assert that FEMA has violated several sections of the Endangered Species Act by failing to require the 122 Puget Sound jurisdictions participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to enforce the most restrictive provisions of the Biological Opinion. Those restrictive provisions include, but are not limited to:

§ A 150-250 foot “no adverse affects” buffer around all rivers and streams in the region;

§ A restriction on new impervious surface to no more than 10% of the lot area;

§ A requirement to provide compensatory storage to offset any floodplain fill;

And there is more …..

The impacts to ongoing property operations and future development could be severe.

The National Wildlife Federation has filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction. They are asking the federal court to suspend the sale of flood insurance for any new development or substantial redevelopment until FEMA implements the Biological Opinion as the National Wildlife Federation would like. If the Court issues the injunction – which could occur as soon as February 2012 – it will halt most development and substantial redevelopment in the floodplain areas of our region for several months, if not years. The NWF was successful in getting an injunction against the sale of flood insurance in Monroe County, Florida – which has been in effect since 2005.

Over the past year, POSFR has attempted to focus property owners and businesses located in and near the floodplain on the substantial risks facing their properties and business operations from the Biological Opinion and corresponding changes to local floodplain development regulations. POSFR’s efforts have also included a parallel FEMA project, floodplain remapping, that in many cases is resulting in expanded floodplain area encompassing properties never before shown in the floodplain. With the filing of this lawsuit by the National Wildlife Federation, the risks to real property in the floodplain have become very real. You may not be able to buy flood insurance when you most need it. And you may have no voice in the design and imposition of extreme restrictions on development and redevelopment in the floodplains going forward.

Your help is needed. Your participation and financial support are critical to enable POSFR to continue working to protect the property rights and development potential for properties in the floodplain or at risk of being mapped into the floodplain.

In the next month, POSFR would like to file an amicus brief to counter the National Wildlife Federation’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Our brief would highlight the vast development regulations that already exist in the region and that protect endangered species, and also the enormous economic harm that would result from a ban on the sale of flood insurance for new development or substantial redevelopment in the region. You may support its efforts by becoming a member of POSFR (see attached) and also by making a contribution to its litigation efforts. If POSFR does not participate in this suit, property owners will not have a voice when it is needed most – and they cannot file unless your support it.

You may send the attached Commitment Form (click on image for a larger view) and your contribution made out to GordonDerr to:

Molly Lawrence

GordonDerr, LLP

2025 First Ave., Ste. 500

Seattle, WA 98121

Please note in the “RE” line for any check: Deposit in trust for POSFR.

This issue is truly urgent. POSFR needs to raise funds NOW to ensure a defense against the National Wildlife Federation’s request for a preliminary injunction. POSFR is the only entity prepared to make some of the key arguments that should stave off the injunction on the sale of flood insurance. If POSFR does not participate, many of the key arguments simply will not be made.

POSFR is supported by real estate owners, managers, management companies, business owners, trade associations such as BOMA, Washington REALTORS, Master Builders, Association of Washington Business, Etc.

Tacoma Budget Woes Continue

2011-12-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly two months since the City of Tacoma noticed a massive hole in its biennial budget. In that time, City Council has directed staff to trim about $11M from non-public health & safety departments; passed new taxes, fees & fines totaling $1M; proposed another $11M in cuts to police and fire, pending further financial review; and is considering several million dollars more in additional taxes. However, these do not total the $31M projected hole.

While the Council continues to discuss impacts of potential cuts, there is little discussion on how to make the City a more efficient organization - something many businesses have gone through during the current economic crisis. Instead, the City's drawdown of a $47M reserve fund over three years helped them avoid cuts. As the Tacoma Weekly noted:

"'Rather than make the early cuts, the city used its reserves and didn't address the underlining losses in revenue. Using the reserves saved jobs then but compounded the deficit spending that not only led to the current budget gap, but also put the city in tougher financial shape for the years to come,' [Steve Marcotte, former Tacoma Finance Director] said. What should have happened was that Tacoma should have made small cuts in 2008 and 2009 at levels tied to the dropping tax incomes and revenues rather than continue to operate beyond its means."

Once the City has refined its expenses to refocus on its core mission, there may need to be additional revenue sources - however, this should only come after an honest evaluation of how to make the City more efficient. As discussed here, the Chamber has encouraged the Council to focus on sources of revenue that do not unfairly target one business or business sector.

The News Tribune recently featured an article in which ordinary citizens were developing ideas on how to save public health and safety jobs. These ideas ranged from "a thrift store mentality" focused on second hand office furniture and supplies to a $25 per person tax to avoid all cuts to the Tacoma Police Department. These across the board changes are welcomed to distribute the impacts throughout the community while helping the City become leaner.

As the Council moves towards a balanced budget, we encourage Chamber members to let their elected representatives know what services are important to them.

Alaska-Tacoma Trade on TV

2011-12-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

Harry McDonald, CEO of Anchorage-based Carlile Transportation Systems and Gary Brackett, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's Business & Trade Manager are featured in a South Sound Business Report TV segment entitled "Alaska and the South Sound."

Brackett shares the deep extent of commerce connection between Puget Sound ports and the economy of Alaska, which must import most of its supplies and equipment needs.

McDonald talks about the family- and employee-owned logistics company with terminals in Houston, Minnesota, Alberta and its largest outside of Alaska at Port of Tacoma. He also has observations on the economy in the 49th state, which may soon be seeing a rebirth of energy-providing growth.

Watch Alaska and the South Sound on PBS. See more from South Sound Business Report.

The program will also air on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 6:30 p.m. on KBTC PBS-Tacoma after the station's December pledge campaign preemptions end.

Budget Becomes Road Kill

2011-12-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

The last special session of the Washington Legislature has made a short-term fix to the state budget and kicked the can down the road to the regular legislative session next year/month.

The battle over the state's budget - over getting the budget into balance - promises to be THE ISSUE OF THE SESSION.

One promising argument in the budget debate comes from the "Road Kill" Democrats. (The "Road Kill" caucus is so called because they are middle-of-the-roaders who get run over by the left and the right.)

To see how this debate is formed, check out this video by Pierce County's Sen. Jim Kastama.

Military Spouses Get Licensing Approval

2011-12-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

The State Legislature did a great favor for the active-duty families in our state with the passage of SB5969, the military-spouse licensing bill.

Under terms of the bill, the state will allow military spouses a temporary professional license here, honoring the license originally issued in another state. The temporary license will allow sufficient time for the spouse to complete any unique requirements necessary in Washington State.

Our Chamber testified in both the state Senate and House, both of which had significant bill sponsors. Our thanks to Sen. Derek Kilmer and Representative Tami Green (companion HB2167) and all the co-sponsors in both houses.

The Chamber had approved this goal for its 2012 Legislative Agenda, but this prompt action by our legislature gives us our first success early. The Chamber’s membership had supported (83.7%) this goal in a survey completed last month.

The bill is now forwarded to Governor Chris Gregoire for signing.

Our thanks also go to Mark San Souci, Regional Liaison Northwest, Defense State Liaison Office and the Chamber's State Lobbyist Michael Transue.

Chamber Adopts 2012 Leg Agenda

2011-12-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Chamber’s Board of Directors has adopted its goals for the upcoming regular legislative session. There are specific goals related to the success of local business and the development of our community. Plus, the Chamber will work with other chambers of commerce on state-wide issues.

To successfully accomplish this agenda, the Chamber will depend on the assistance of its volunteers and the support of our local business with the Chamber's professional staff.

Click on the image below for a larger view.

Chamber Supports Ex-Im Funding

2011-12-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

The Chamber has joined a coalition of business and economic development advocates in urging Congress to continuing funding the Ex-Im Bank. The Ex-Im Bank is vitally important to international trade for the nation. Businesses and jobs in Washington State - as exemplified by our trade achievements - are primary beneficiaries of the Ex-Im Bank.

Click the image for a larger view.

Tacoma City Manager Finalists Attending Public Officials Reception

2011-12-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

By now you've heard that the Chamber's Annual Public Officials Holiday Reception already has over 40 public officials attending. But did you know that this is the first opportunity to meet the finalists in Tacoma's City Manager Search?

We've confirmed that Rey Arellano, Tacoma's Interim City Manager; T.C. Broadnax, Assistant City Manager of San Antonio, TX; and Andrew Neiditz, City Manager of Lakewood, will all be attending the Holiday Reception. (Finalist Frederick Russell has withdrawn. Finalist Craig Malin's travel itinerary has not been finalized.)

If you are interested in meeting the finalists before they move onto interviews on Thursday, December 8th, please RSVP for the Holiday Reception online here or by calling Janice Hutchins at 253.627.2175. For more on the candidates, please visit the News Tribune's introduction of the finalists here.

Please note that Tom Pierson, Chamber President & CEO, will be participating in candidate interviews with other business leaders on Thursday. If you have thoughts on any of the candidates, we encourage you to share them with Tom.

Chamber Comments on USPS Distribution Center

2011-12-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Taxing Public Health Services

2011-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

As previously discussed, the City of Tacoma is facing a significant budget gap. While the size of the hole is projected at $31M, the City Council had decided that it would focus on repairing $23M of that now - provided that no new revenue options were on the table. However, the Council is now seriously considering additional sources of revenue.

The City Council's Government, Performance & Finance Committee put forward a series of tax proposals, including one that targeted five specific businesses in Tacoma within the non-profit health care sector. With the support of business partners Multicare, Franciscan, Community Health Care, and SeaMar; the Chamber contacted the City about the potential impacts to the community and these businesses.

In the City's rush to find revenues, it significantly misunderstood the hardship that adding a B&O tax to non-profit health services would cause. In an effort to maintain care levels, Multicare alone just eliminated over 500 positions - far more than the City is contemplating in even the most dire scenarios. With an increase in their taxes, it would undoubtably equate to even more jobs at a time when more and more people are depending on the charity care provided by these non-profit providers.

Thankfully, at the City Council's study session on November 22nd, Councilmember Jake Fey proposed taking this tax increase off the table due to its inequitable nature of targeting specific businesses and targeting the needy. While the majority of the Council appeared to support this position, Councilmember Ryan Mello made a last minute effort to retain the option by sending it back to committee for further review.

That means that this effort is not done. On December 7th, they will again take up this targeted tax increase in committee. With its partners, the Chamber will continue to advocate for an equitable distribution of any new taxes that the City imposes. As our partners, we hope you will join us in voicing your concerns to the City Council.

Many Wins in SMP Update

2011-11-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

Last night the Tacoma City Council passed the Shoreline Master Program Update. The Council heard testimony from 20 persons representing Chamber leadership, businesses, labor groups and environmental groups. Another 13 persons spoke against the Chamber’s positions.

Throughout the process leading up to the passing of SMP, the Chamber collaborated with businesses impacted by the plan, realizing the huge asset waterfront access means to industrial companies in the region. Businesses benefited from Chamber-supported successful changes to the Draft Shoreline Master Program Update. These changes worked to ameliorate the adverse impacts that were in recommendations made by the Tacoma Planning Commission.

The Chamber worked as advocates for your businesses by calling for changes to the Draft SMP. We’re much better off now than we might have been. We gained the following “wins” with adoption of the final plan.

The Council finally adopted action to implement Council Resolution 36702 of 2005, where they agreed to a "barrier" composed of building codes along E. D Street to serve as a deterrent to conflict between industrial development to the east and expected residential development west along the Foss shoreline.

Likewise, the Council adopted an extension of the S-10 industrial zone the full length of the E. Foss Peninsula from the tip at NuStar Terminal to the Murray Morgan Bridge, finalizing action expected from a Tacoma Comprehensive Plan Amendment in 2005.

Although the Council passed an amendment they called a compromise regarding Sperry Ocean Terminals, it appeared not to be a compromise but a spot zoning of the business’s property.

The action to classify as "Prohibited" lay-berthing (at Sperry Ocean) in a made-up transition zone, strikes at the very essence of the business, lay-berthing of MARAD ships. In addition to Tuesday's testimony, and many hours work over years, the Council action is possibly a "taking" of private property, jeopardizes Sperry's lease renewal with the state Dept. of Natural Resources and subjects the firm to higher operating and financing costs.

Prime (Sperry) amendment sponsors Councilmembers David Boe and Jake Fey said the recent negotiations with Sperry to develop an operational and mitigation plan could still be continued. But, they did not say what more they expected of the business than what was already offered.

In earlier advocacy action regarding SMP, the Chamber was successful in getting the Tacoma Planning Commission:

1) to comply with Washington state constitutional and case law in limiting public access to nexus and proportionality tests,

2) to place the burden of proof on the City for claims of public access requirements

3) to continue to allow log storage in Commencement Bay

4) to include all the NuStar Terminal in the S-10 industrial zone

5) to allow existing businesses in the Foss Waterway to expand beyond their 1996 property lines

Much of the successes of the Chamber’s efforts are credited to the advocacy, attendance, testimony and letters of its members and community partners in labor and environmental groups. Thanks to all for your commitment.

Endangered Species Endangers Floodplains

2011-11-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

Last month, the Chamber cooperated with the Propeller Club Port of Tacoma Chapter in a program about the National Marine Fisheries Services Biological Opinion of the EPA’s Endangered Species Act for floodplains as designated by FEMA mapping.

There is another upcoming presentation for November 30^th between 8:30-10:00am at Renton City Hall regarding the flood issues that H. Ray Liaw presented and responded to questions last month. This will be a slightly longer presentation and will focus on the litigation that is upcoming regarding the floodplain issues.

Where: Renton City Hall (1055 S. Grady Way, Renton) 7^th floor conference room

When: November 30^th(Wednesday) 8:30 to 10:00 AM

Click this link REGISTER to automatically open a reply email to the support staff managing the registration list.

Please forward this message to associates and colleagues who fit the above description

There are pending changes that will drastically impact your ability and cost to:

1. Rebuild or alter your property after a flood

2. Develop or redevelop your property in the flood plain regardless of whether it ever floods

3. Finance your property if it is located in a floodplain or

4. Obtain flood insurance.

Your support is needed to help collectively represent the interests of real estate owners and managers – the window of opportunity to avoid new regulations is closing quickly, please read the information below and attached.

Where: Renton City Hall (1055 S. Grady Way, Renton) 7^th floor conference room

When: November 30^th(Wednesday) 8:30 to 10:00 AM

FEMA continues its efforts to redraw the floodplain maps for the Puget Sound region, including King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The latest round of preliminary floodplain maps for the Kent Valley show hundreds of acres of land previously considered safe from flooding now within the floodplain. Similar changes are pending in Pierce County, where huge areas around the Puyallup River are proposed for remapping into the floodplain. If you own or manage real estate near any river in the Puget Sound region, you may soon be mapped within FEMA’s designated flood zone. Properties within the floodplain are subject to one, and often several, additional layers of development regulations and permitting requirements – which are at real and significant risk of becoming impossibly restrictive if we don’t take action.

In February 2011, we held a previous meeting about these issues. During that meeting, we explained that we were concerned that FEMA and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) were moving to require municipalities throughout the Puget Sound region (Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila in the Kent Valley) to adopt significant changes to their land use rules governing development and redevelopment of floodplain properties. Following that meeting – with the funds raised from that meeting – we have been able to stave off the most restrictive changes.

But now the environmental groups who pushed FEMA and NMFS to require limitations on the use of properties in the floodplain – both current and potential future floodplain areas – are upset and will be filing a lawsuit this month to try to force FEMA, NMFS, and local governments to implement much more restrictive regulations in the Puget Sound floodplain areas.

This message is to alert you to an important meeting. This meeting will cover:

1. The scope of the problem and how it affects your property

2. The pending lawsuit by environmental groups to force more restrictions on property in the floodplain

3. The financial support needed toward a legal defense fund to help protect and preserve property rights and development options and to help shape fair regulatory changes (This is the key element of the meeting. A plan of action will be outlined.)

Where: Renton City Hall (1055 S. Grady Way, Renton) 7^th floor conference room

When: November 30^th(Wednesday) 8:30 to 10:00 AM

Please read the linked “Three Flood Zone ImpactScenarios” to learn how FEMA’s and NMFS’s proposed land use standards will impact you. Remember, even if your property never floods, these proposed development standards may govern your property’s future use. How might new land development standards affect your ability to insure and refinance your property? How will that affect your equity? If what you read concerns you—forward this email to other floodplain property owners and managers and attend the meeting. We hope to see you at the meeting.

This message is being sent by Property Owners for Sensible Floodplain Regulations (POSFR), a coalition of property owners, industry groups such as (BOMA, Washington REALTORS, AWB, MBA, RHA) and real estate representatives from firms like CBRE, Kidder Matthews, etc. who are concerned about the potential over-regulation of floodplain areas in the Puget Sound region.

To register – please copy this contact info list

Name:

Email:

Title:

Company:

Mailing Address:

Phone:

Then click this link REGISTER to automatically open a reply email to the support staff managing the registration list. Just paste the contact info list into that email – fill in your data (you can anything already in your email signature).

Question can be directed to any of the following:

Rod Kauffman

BOMA Seattle

206-622-8924

rkauffman@bomaseattle.org

Mark Jackson

BOMA member

253-872-9879

mark.jackson@cbre.com

Lezlie Plastino

Kidder Mathews

253-893-1156

lezliep@kiddermathews.com

Todd Woosley

Hal Woosley Prop. Inc.

425-455-5730

todd@woosleyproperties.com

Jeanette McKague

Washington Realtors

425-888-8816

jeanette.mckague@warealtor.org

Korea Passes KORUS

2011-11-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

This morning, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) was been ratified in the Korean National Assembly. Passage of the agreement in today's extempore session clears the way for a new level of cooperation and prosperity between our two nations. The agreement passed by a vote of 151-7, with all 14 KORUS implementation bills approved as well.

Tacoma Budget Woes

2011-11-15T15:40:00.001-08:00

The City of Tacoma is looking at its mid-biennium budget and noticing a hole. While the size of the hole depends on who you ask, the City Council has agreed to use conservative revenue projections indicating they will be $31M short by the end of 2012. On behalf of its members, the Chamber has been tracking the progress of these discussions and the potential cuts and taxes proposed to fill the hole.

To fill the gap, the City is looking mostly towards cutting expenses as well as some potential tax increases. These cuts are expected to result in the release of 126 existing staff and the elimination of 68 additional positions currently vacant. The potential tax increases total $3.8M including an array of tools including a car tab tax and increases in B&O taxes on non-profits.

Rather than trying to take on the full $31M now, the Council has decided to focus on making up 75% of this now, or $23M, and looking at the remainder in early 2012 based on updated revenue and expense projections. This approach recognizes the size of the gap the City is facing. $31M is equal to the size of the entire 2012 general budget for public works; community & economic development; legal; city manager; city council; and human resources departments - combined.

At today's Council Study Session, the City was discussing making $11.7M worth of these cuts to non-public safety departments with the remaining $11.3M coming from Police & Fire. If the City does move to a full $31M reduction plan, the remaining $8M may come from Police & Fire. This really means that everything is on the block during this budget review process.

To minimize the cutting of positions, the City has approached the unions about cuts to their salaries in addition to the 4-10% cuts non-unionized employees are taking. As Councilmember Fey said, "This is an opportunity for our labor partners to step up and help us."

As an alternative, the City has also put a series of tax ideas forward. Those brought forward to date include:

Car Tab Fee
Eliminate Non-Profit Healthcare B&O Deductions
0.1% Sales Tax for Human Services
Increase Speed Camera & Red Light Camera Fines
Eliminate Admissions B&O Tax Deductions for Non-Profits
Postpone 2012 Retirement Fund Contribution Increase
Increase Annual Business License Fee
Eliminate B&O Job Creation Tax Credit

As we continue to monitor the conversations around the budget, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on how the City can best make corrections while retaining essential public services.

Chamber Scores on Ballots--The Final Count

2011-11-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

Chamber Scores on Ballots

2011-11-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hearing on Large Scale Retail Moratorium

2011-10-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening, the Tacoma City Council heard from numerous people on the August 30th emergency moratorium prohibiting new applications for retail establishments over 65,000 square feet. From the outset of the hearing it was clear that large retail establishments are part of the community.

The first commenter noted the convenience of being able to "drive within 15 minutes, get over to Costco or the mall or to Wal-Mart or any number of chain stores or local businesses." Testimony continued with many people noting the integration of many large businesses into our community.

Unfortunately, there was an implication that those who shop at large retail stores are "bumpkins," as one commenter blatantly put it. This led to Mayor Strickland reminding the audience that "when we talk about diversity, it can't be based on someone's ideology, but by being truly inclusive as a city...It means people have different habits."

Those supporting the moratorium also seemed to be focused on a proposed development including Wal-Mart. As the City Attorney noted at the hearing, "the [Wal-Mart] application has been determined complete which triggers vesting. So to the extent the planning commission process kicks out other regulations, they are likely not to impact this project."

The Chamber continued to advocate for ending the moratorium outright, as previously identified in its letter to the Planning Commission (here). However, the Chamber also recognized the hard work the Planning Commission put into considering how to refine the moratorium to impact only new and substantially expanded buildings with the Mixed Use Centers - exactly where the testimony supporting the moratorium has been focused.

The Chamber asked the Council to consider the following if the moratorium was truly needed:
-Use the term "building" rather than the undefined "establishment" when talking about the building size.
-Maintain the new building and expansion thresholds of the Planning Commission while also raising the floor to allow buildings up to 100,000sf.
-Keep the moratorium at the original 6-mos.

"Yes on 1183" Promotes Chamber's Endorsement

2011-10-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Click on Image to Enlarge.

Regulations on the Floodplains

2011-10-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Meeting Notice

Propeller Club

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

5:30 Registration and Reception

6:30 Dinner and Program

La Quinta Inn

1425 E. 27^th, Tacoma 98421

RSVP: Frank Morrow, 253-269-7624 or email frankm@pctrucking.net

RSVP requested by 3:00 p.m., Oct. 25

Price: $25

Program: Property Owners for Sensible Floodplain Regulation (POSFR)

POSFR advocates for owners of properties in Washington State’s floodplains, representing their economic, legal and political interests in local, state and national forums on issues related to floodplain development and regulation.

POSFR began in January 2011 as a spontaneous coming together of a small group of volunteers concerned about the imposition of the NFIP Biological Opinion on local jurisdictions without input from those most affected—property owners. They understood that such regulations would have draconian economic consequences, particularly on the $7 billion of real estate in the Green River Valley.

Immediate Goals:

To bring public attention to the adverse economic impacts that may result from the imposition of overly restrictive development regulations on floodplain properties.

2. To engage the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-Fisheries), Washington State, King County, local municipalities, and others to clarify and minimize to the extent appropriate the impact on property and economic development of the Biological Opinion issued by NOAA-Fisheries to FEMA regarding the operation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the Puget Sound region.

To aggressively represent property owners and businesses in the administrative and political debates surrounding the NFIP Biological Opinion and other floodplain issues in order to preserve property rights and the economic viability of properties located in the State’s floodplains.

To bring legal action as needed on behalf of floodplain property owners.

FTAs Signing on Friday

2011-10-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 21st, President Obama will sign the Korea, Panama and Colombia Free Trade Agreements and the renewal of Trade Adjustment Assistance for workers in the Oval Office before making remarks in the Rose Garden.

In his remarks, President Obama will underscore that these trade agreements will significantly boost American exports, support tens of thousands of American jobs and protect labor rights, the environment and intellectual property. President Obama will be joined in the Rose Garden by business and labor leaders as well as workers who will benefit from these bills.

What Business Wants

2011-10-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

What does business want in a new Tacoma City Manager?

This question, a prelude to Tacoma’s hunt for a new city manager, was posed at the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee by three Tacoma Councilmembers.

Visiting the committee were Councilmembers Jake Fey, Ryan Mello and Marty Campbell. They asked Chamber members at the meeting their recommendations for desired characteristics the Tacoma Council should look for in its next City Manager.

Here’s a short recap of suggestions by the Chamber members:

Management Traits

Someone who:

considers all the interests of the community.
anticipates unintended consequences
is adept at management
understands customer relations management
has ability to build a good team
manages the expectations of change
understands economic development attraction and retention
carries a big picture
partners
considers good of the whole

Fiscal Perspective

Someone who:

recognizes core city responsibilities
willingly questions “nice to have”
faces the reality of revenue limitations
looks at different ways to accomplish tasks

The Councilmembers expressed their intent to hire the new city manager by the end of this year. In that process, they would focus on what’s desired and look for opportunities to interact with the Chamber and other community groups.

University Place Candidates Talk Business at Chamber's Forum

2011-10-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

As part of the Chamber’s University Place Candidates Forum held last night at Curtis High School, candidates for University Place City Council answered business focused questions.

Randy Walden, UP/Fircrest Division Chair, asked the candidates about development, business retention and priorities on the Council.

(l. to r. Kent Keel, Steve Smith, Ken Campbell, Chris Nye, Caroline Belleci, Howard Lee and emcee Randy Walden)

Placing business interests front and center with elected officials is important to the Chamber not only once candidates are elected, but also in determining who to support.

For information on these and other candidates, click here for the Chamber's Pierce County Voter's Guide.

Chamber Recommendations on Ballot Initiatives

2011-10-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Chamber recommends support for I-1183 and opposition to I-1125 and I-1163.

Initiative 1183 (Concerning Beer, Wine, Spirits): SUPPORT
The Chamber supports Washington State Initiative 1183 proposing to close state liquor stores and sell their assets; license private parties to sell and distribute spirits; set license fees based on sales; regulate licensees; and change regulation of wine distribution.

Initiative 1183 would allow for the direct purchase of wine and liquor from manufacturers. The State would continue to regulate the industry as well as collect a license issuance fee of 17% plus $166 from retailers. In addition, distributor license fees would be collected at a variable rate. The Washington Office of Financial Management estimates State General Fund revenues would increase between $216 and $253 million over six years, not including the sale of existing state liquor stores.

Initiative 1125 (Concerning state expenditures on transportation): OPPOSE
The Chamber opposes Washington State Initiative 1125 proposing to prohibit the use of motor vehicle fund revenue and vehicle toll revenue for non-transportation purposes, and require that road and bridge tolls be set by the legislature and be project specific.

Chamber program Downtown On the Go’s Board of Directors endorses the “No on I-1125” campaign because I-1125 threatens current and planned transportation and transit projects, negatively impacts transportation demand management policies and funding mechanisms, and puts tolling rates in the hands of legislators rather than an rather than an independent commission of transportation experts. These actions threaten programs like Downtown On the Go and its work to ease congestion and improve mobility for all transportation users.

Tolls have been used more frequently by the state to fund a portion of costs for projects since the project is more directly and equitably funded by the users of the projects than other sources like gasoline or motor vehicle taxes.

Some of the projects that this initiative is intended to halt include the Vancouveer to Portland Columbia River Crossing, the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, and the Alaskan Way Viaduct, as well as Pierce County's own completion of SR-167.

By shifting the tolling setting authority from an independent body to the Legislature would increase the cost of bonds. The bonds secured by toll revenue would become prohibitively expensive and would be unprecedented nationally. This would reduce bonding capacity, and the ability to build future projects.

Initiative 1163 (Concerning long-term care workers and services for elderly and disabled people): OPPOSE
The Chamber opposes Washington State Initiative 1163 proposing to reinstate federal background checks, training and other requirements for long-term care workers and providers; and address financial accountability and administrative expenses of the long-term in-home care program.

In 2008, Washington State voters passed a law requiring federal background checks and more than twice as much training for long-term care workers. With the current budget constraints in Olympia, the Legislature suspended implementation of this law to impact workers hired on or after January 1, 2014. This initiative would move the implementation date forward to January 2012. In addition, the measure would require additional performance audits of the state's in-home care program as well as a 10% limitation on the state's expenditures towards administration.

The costs of this measure are estimated at $31.3 million over six years with $18.4 million of that being offset with additional revenue from the federal government. Without additional revenue options, this initiative will require funds to be secured from other sources and/or programs.

FTAs Passed

2011-10-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Chamber joins many other proponents of the Korea, Panama and Colombia FTAs in celebrating their passage by both the House and Senate yesterday.

Congressman Adam Smith

“Congress has helped move a balanced trade agenda forward, one that includes Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the three pending trade agreements. This builds on the Administration’s continued aggressive enforcement when our trading partners don’t meet their obligations under existing treaties.”

Korean Ambassador Han Duk-soo

“With an overwhelming 278 votes in the House and 83 votes in the Senate, the U.S. Congress passed the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement! This is a true victory for the enduring relationship between the United States and South Korea.”

Eric Schinfield, Pres., Washington Council on International Trade

“As Washingtonians, we should be proud of the almost unanimous support by our state’s Congressional delegation for these FTAs.”

Ted Austell, Co-Chair of the U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition

"This ground-breaking agreement is a surefire way of stimulating the U.S. economy by boosting exports and creating high-quality jobs, while facilitating Korean investment in the United States."

William Rhodes, chairman of the U.S.-Korea Business Council and senior advisor to Citi

"Today's action by Congress marks a historical moment in U.S.-Korea relations that will strengthen the bilateral relationship and boost U.S. exports to one of the most dynamic markets in Asia."

Bill Lane, Washington Director for Government Affairs with Caterpillar and co-chair for the Latin America Trade Coalition

“(LATC) applaud(s) today's passage of the U.S.-Colombia and U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreements (TPAs) and praised lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for voting in the interests of jobs and growth at home and stronger alliances in Latin America.

Port of Tacoma E-Port Business Report
"(P)assage of the free trade agreement with Korea is expected to help boost Washington state's economy and create new jobs by immediately opening new access for Washington goods and services in Korea's $1 trillion economy. South Korea already represents the Port of Tacoma's third-largest international trading partner, accounting for $2.74 billion in annual trade. Exports to South Korea from Washington state grew by 42 percent between 2005 and 2008."

Cong. Reichert Leads Pro-FTAs Effort

2011-10-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I am thrilled to help lead a historic effort to advance job-creating free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea to votes on the House floor.

The Ways and Means Committee’s swift action is proof that we are in a race against time – to approve these deals and create 250,000 jobs. Every day the United States does not implement these free trade agreements is another day American businesses and workers fall behind.

China, Canada, and the EU, are all aggressively moving forward with their own market-opening trade deals. Approving these trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama is critically important to maintaining competitiveness in the global marketplace.

The United States uses the best workers to make the best products in the world. We must keep up with our competitors by opening new markets and selling more American goods and services to customers around the world who demand them. Ninety-five percent of those consumers live outside of our borders.

Now that these agreements have cleared the Committee, I will continue my work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure these jobs measures are sent to the President’s desk as soon as possible.

Guest blogger: Cong. David Reichert

Washington Trade Conference

2011-10-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Chamber members have the opportunity to attend the Washington Trade Conference at a discounted registration price as a benefit of their membership in the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

USPS Offers Free Direct Mail Workshop

2011-10-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is offering to local business a GROW YOUR BUSINESS DAY seminar in Tacoma.

The workshop promises to tell businesses about a NEW cost-effective way to promote your business in your area. They suggest it is an easy way to go door-to-door, saturating a target area with your marketing message by utilizing carrier routes instead of mailing lists.

USPS believes this will save on lists and printing as there will be no need to rent mailing lists or print specific names and street addresses on your mail pieces.

To reserve a spot, go here. Space is limited so you are encouraged to register early.

Date: Thursday, November 3, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Tacoma Post Office
4001 S. Pine Street
Tacoma 98413

Moratorium Creates Uncertainty and Less Business

2011-10-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma Planning Commission has held a public hearing about a City of Tacoma moratorium on large retail development. This has become repetitious.

The Chamber submitted this letter as its public comments to the Planning Commission, which must make a recommendation back to the City Council on their action.

As detailed below, the Chamber believes such arbitrary actions create uncertainty in the business environment, stifling development underway and sending a negative message to others who may be evaluating Tacoma for investment.

COOs Receive National Attention

2011-10-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Certificates of origin (COO) are receiving national attention. COOs are basic to international trade - both export and import.

COO issuance is a role reserved for chambers of commerce. The basic authority comes via the Kyoto Convention agreement that was signed by President Bush in 2005 (and previous agreements leading up to it, starting with the Geneva Convention in 1923).

American Chamber of Commerce’s (ACCE) Senior Vice President, Chris Mead, guest authored a blog entry which was posted Sept. 21 on Global Reach, the official blog of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division.

The blog entry brings to light the dangers of chamber stamp lending (and borrowing) to produce certificates of origin – a violation of international rules.

“In the United States, people frequently handle outgoing certificates of origin with little attention and varying standards, even though U.S. Customs monitor incoming certificates of origin with vigilance. Since we’re all in the trade boat together, it is critical that we start upgrading our certificate of origin practices to world standards,” says Mead.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has just adopted an online Certificate of Origin service, eCertify, fully compliant with international standards. It is available for members (at a price discount) and non-members.

All Three FTAs Progress

2011-10-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, the House Committee on Ways and Means favorably reported out the three FTA implementing bills. The U.S.-South Korea implementing bill was favorably reported 31-5 with all but five D's voting aye: Stark, Lewis, Doggett, Pascrell and Berkley.

Also, for those following the Latin FTAs, the U.S.-Colombia implementing bill was reported 24-12 with two Democrats voting aye: Kind and Crowley. The U.S.-Panama implementing bill was reported 32-3 with all but three Democrats voting aye: Stark, Lewis and Berkley.

The Administration and Congressional leadership have reached an initial agreement where both the Senate and House will take up the free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea next Wednesday, October 12, 2011 for consideration.

The Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber is a member of the U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition.

KorUS for Free Trade

2011-10-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Just moments ago, President Obama formally sent the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement to Capitol Hill for immediate consideration by Congress.

The U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition welcomed the announcement by the White House today that it is transmitting the implementing legislation for the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement (KORUS) to Congress for approval.

The U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition is a broad-based organization of more than 1,000 U.S. businesses and trade associations, co-chaired by Boeing, Chevron, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Pfizer, that are working together to secure approval by Congress of the U.S.-Korea FTA. The U.S.-Korea Business Council serves as Coalition secretariat.

You too can join in this call for immediate passage of the long-delayed U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, online here.

October 3, 2011

U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H St. NW
Washington, DC

Via: pbaek@uschamber.com

Request for Support of the Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of Korea

Dear Sirs:

I am writing today in support of the proposed Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of Korea.

Our community is economically trade dependent in a state renowned for its international trade efficiency and proficiency. Our Chamber, an “E Award for Export Service” recipient, with a wide diversity of members ranging from shipping to manufacturing, believes the KORUS FTA will bring immediate and tangible benefits to our community.

We have been a consistent supporter of free and fair trade, which offers opportunity to our entrepreneurs, jobs to our workforce and cheaper and more innovative products and services to our citizenry. U.S. goods exports to Korea would increase by $10-11 billion, according to estimates by the U.S. International Trade Commission. Nearly 257,000 Washington jobs are supported by goods exports.

Our export trade with Korea through our Port of Tacoma was $1.1 billion in 2010. Unfortunately, the trend since the high in 2004 has diminished as the KORUS FTA has languished and our trade competitors have made inroads into our market share.

Your prompt action to adopt encourage Congressional adoption of KORUS FTA will be helpful in restoring robustness to our nation’s economy and business to our communities and ports.

Sincerely,

Gary D. Brackett, CCR
Manager, Business and Trade
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Jobs Coalition Carries Message on Shorelines

2011-10-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

A resoundingly successful Public Hearing on the preliminary Tacoma Shoreline Master Program Update Tuesday, September 27!

The State has mandated all jurisdictions update their Shoreline Master Program (SMP). Tacoma is in the final stages of that mandate. After the public hearing, written comments are accepted. The vote for final adoption is scheduled for November 22.

Written comments may be made to:
The Honorable Mayor Marilyn Strickland and Councilmembers
City of Tacoma
747 Market St., Ste. 1200
Tacoma, WA 98402

Tacoma uses as its zoning plan a series of numbered shoreline districts where different uses and different standards are mandated. There are several issues and preliminary recommendations (adopted by the Tacoma Planning Commission) needing opposition or support. The Chamber, businesses, labor and environmental interests all made comments directly addressing the issues of jobs, assisting local businesses and workers.

Encapsulated observations:

No one spoke against retaining these provisions of the preliminary shorelines plan:
1. Log storage in Commencement Bay
2. NuStar all into one zone, the S-10 District
3. Allowing existing businesses in S-8 District to expand
4. Public Access requires nexus and proportionality with the burden of proof on the City

No one spoke against these changes to improve the preliminary shorelines plan:
1. S-10 District along the East Foss Peninsula to Murray Morgan Bridge
2. A barrier at E. D Street between S-8 District and M-2 zoning areas, as per earlier Council Resolution

Focus of the opposition, contrary to the best choices of keeping jobs and businesses in Tacoma:
1. Favored moving Sperry Ocean to S-6 from S-7 District, making it a non-conforming use
2. Shoreline walkway from Old Town to Foss Wty.

There were 37 people who commented in support of Chamber positions, in whole or part. There were 17 people (incl. two children), who commented exclusively on the proposal to move Sperry into the S-6 District or for a shoreline walkway from Old Town to the Foss Waterway. A spot rezone of the Sperry Ocean property, making it a non-conforming use, will impede its ability to secure future financing, permits and leases - significantly harming that business and jeopardizing the jobs there.

Just as at the earlier public hearing before the Planning Commission, NO ONE spoke against any of the Chamber’s and businesses’ preferences in the E. Foss Peninsula (S-8 or S-10 Districts).

Vote for Locals for PULSE Awards

2011-09-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Puget Sound American Marketing Association's PULSE Award vote process is open - and you have the opportunity to "vote" for two locals for the South Sound Profit/Government integrated marketing finalists:

The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation - Be the Spark Tacoma Public Utilities

The following flyer gives you the opportunity to "vote" for your favorite through attending the first ever event.

Pulse Market Awards Open

2011-09-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Attend the first ever PSAMA Pulse Awards and VOTE for the best campaigns of the past year. Find out how the votes tally that evening, and see who takes home top honors as the Puget Sound American Marketing Association celebrates the area's best.

Wednesday October 5th, 2011 - 6:30 PM

Bell Harbor International Conference Center

Seating is limited. Go here for more information and for reservations.

If you wish to reserve a table please call: 206-623-8632

THE EVENING

6:30 - 7:30 Reception and Voting

7:30 Seating and Dinner

8:00 Program Introduction: Kathy Cox, PSAMA President

PSAMA Legend Awards:

- Marketing Legend - Tom Vogl, REI Senior Marketing Vice President
- PSAMA Legend Award - David Kinard, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Enrollment Growth for Community Health Plan of Washington

The Pulse Award Winner Presentation:

-Market Engagement - Best Market Awareness Campaign
-Market Launch - Best Product or Brand Launch
-Demand Creation - Best Demand Generation Campaign
-Integrated Marketing - Best Blend of Media

9:30 Evening Concludes

Alaska's Future

2011-09-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Alaska is an attainable market for Tacoma-Pierce County firms. Why?

Most cargo for Alaska moves through the Port of Tacoma.
Alaska is the Port’s third largest trading partner.
There is a lively group of local businesses promoting trade with Alaska.
The Chamber works to support Alaska development.

Historically, Tacoma has been a source for Alaska.

As part of the Chamber’s promotional effort, its Alaska Committee forms a trade delegation for the annual Alaska State Chamber Conference and Trade Show. This year, eight delegates traveled to Talkeetna to strengthen the economic partnership between our communities.

The Alaska State Chamber is unabashedly proactive seeking to develop their state’s resources. They recognize the need to diversify and strengthen their economy, currently overly dependent on oil. Hot on the Alaska agenda is the issue of lessening their state tax on oil. Flow through the pipeline is lessening. Development of proven oil reserves continues to be delayed and blocked, either by outside advocates or by a bureaucratic glacier.

This issue was highlighted during the conference’s teleconference with Cong. Don Young and Sen. Mark Begich. When asked about Washington’s Sen. Cantwell’s opposition to development of the Pebble Mine, Cong. Young said he would encourage the Senator to address instead the environmental challenges in her state at Hanford.

Along with many other panels and presentations about developing Alaska and helping its business environment, the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce supported the conference with excellence and kept the businesses downtown open past their tourist season for visiting delegates. Part of the fun is evidenced by the Talkeetna-chic themed annual dinner where delegates wore tuxes with duct tape bowties and fur caps and gowns with mukluks.

The Chamber is continuing its advocacy for Alaska’s development, as with the recent forum at the Transportation Club of Tacoma featuring Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell. You are invited to join the Chamber’s Alaska Committee. For more info, contact Gary Brackett or 256-682-1720.

Keeping Jobs – Growing Jobs

2011-09-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

The most effective economic development tools for strengthening a local economy are keeping the jobs you have and growing your local businesses.

The Tacoma City Council is about to decide regulations that will jeopardize several dozen jobs at a local business and zoning that will affect the ability of other businesses to expand in their present locations. You have a stake in their decision as keeping jobs and local businesses either adds to or diminishes your own opportunities for success.

Right now, the Tacoma City Council is considering whether to amend or adopt recommendations sent to them by the Tacoma Planning Commission about the community’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Update. You need to speak up for keeping jobs and local businesses in our community.

This Chamber needs its members to be active in this process. It is important for these jobs and local businesses. And most important, it is vital for ALL businesses, including yours.

It is important the City Council hear from the entire business community about these impacts. I realize it may seem odd for a business to speak out on an issue unrelated to its own business, but your voice may have a greater impact in two ways. First, there is strength in numbers: a large outcry about the general attitude of local government toward business will have weight. Second, the more diverse our voice is, the greater pause it will give elected members: a business speaking against regulations that do not directly impact them shows the enormity of any proposed actions.

Value the jobs and businesses you have more than the ones you don’t, and may never.

For help with specific issues or more background, call on your Chamber’s staff as your resource: Gary Brackett, 253-682-1720 or Mike Weinman, 253-691-7877.

You may write or comment:

Comment:
September 27, 5:30 p.m.
Tacoma Council Chambers
747 Market Street, Tacoma 98402

Write:
Mayor Marilyn Strickland and Councilmembers
City of Tacoma
747 Market Street, Suite 1200, Tacoma, WA 98402
Email: Marilyn.Strickland@cityoftacoma.org

Can I count on your support?

Tom Pierson, President & CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Tacoma Small Business Candidate Forum

2011-09-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is teaming up with the Cross District Association, Go Local, and the Downtown Merchants Group to host a Candidate Forum focused on Small Business in Tacoma.

The event will feature Chamber member and small business owner David Printz of The Gurus as the moderator while Tacoma City Council candidates take questions on small businesses. As Printz said, "We are at a point in Tacoma's history where entreprenuers and small businesses are taking the lead in the City's resurgence. Ensuring they have a voice with electeds will allow them to continue to support growth in the City."

The forum will focus on the four Tacoma City Council races covering District 1, North & West Tacoma; District 3, Central Tacoma & Hilltop; and the at-large, city-wide positions 7 & 8.

If you have concerns about the future of your small business in Tacoma or just want to hear from the people asking for your vote please stop by the forum. If you have any questions about the event or want to make sure your issue is addressed, please contact the Chamber’s Metropolitan Development Director, David Schroedel, at davids@tacomachamber.org or 253.627.2175.

Details:

September 29^th

Doors @ 5:30

Forum @ 6PM

Shakabrah Java

2618 – 6^th Avenue, 98406

Optional RSVP: http://tacomacandidateforum.eventbrite.com/

Written by David Schroedel, AICP, Chamber Metropolitan Development Director

Downtown On the Go Gets People Moving Downtown

2011-09-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Downtown On the Go is downtown Tacoma’s transportation advocate and resource. Our Walking Maps have people walking all over Tacoma and starting Sept. 30, Downtown On the Go will host walks Fridays at noon through October. Each walk will cover a different walking map and take participants to downtown locations that they may have never seen before. Back by popular demand for a second year, the walks are designed to encourage downtown employees to get out and see Tacoma, while reflecting on their commute choices. See the Downtown On the Go website for more information and start locations.

In addition, Downtown On the Go recently helped Tacoma celebrate Park(ing) Day. Many downtown businesses and organizations created temporary parks in downtown to challenge people to rethink the way streets and urban space are used. The international event was created in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, and is in its third year in Tacoma. Check out the Downtown On the Go Facebook page for photos of the event and DOTG’s walk to each of the spaces.

But Downtown On the Go is more than just great events. Our Live Downtown Pilot Program really gets people moving downtown. Employers interested in partnering on the program can contact Downtown On the Go Manager Kristina Walker at 253-682-1739 or kristinaw@tacomachamber.org

Chamber Board Sets New Direction at Retreat

2011-09-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

On September 16th, the Chamber held the 2011 Chamber Board Retreat at the Tacoma Goodwill Conference Center.

The Chamber Board of Directors, University Place-Fircrest Chamber Division Board, South County Chamber Division Board, and the Chamber staff discussed the Chamber moving forward, which was led by Tom Pierson, Chamber President & CEO. An unprecedented number of the Board of Directors attended and brought their enthusiasm and energy toward setting a new direction for the Chamber.

Chamber Supports 9-1-1 Measure

2011-09-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Chamber endorses and urges you vote “Approved” for Pierce County Proposition 1.

SPECIAL ELECTION - PROPOSITION NO. 1, SUBMITTED BY THE PIERCE COUNTY COUNCIL SALES AND USE TAX FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO PIERCE COUNTY'S 9-1-1 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.

After the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress ordered improvements to the emergency communications system nationwide.

January 1, 2013 is the FCC deadline to switch from 25 kHz spectrum/bandwidth to 12.5 kHz technology. In 2016, Motorola will no longer support 700-800 mHz analog smartzone 4.1 radio systems including radios/controllers and repeaters.

Pierce County fire and police agencies currently have a mix of 10 analog and digital systems on different frequencies. Police and Fire generally operate on separate radio systems. This condition is known as radio “interoperability;” agencies cannot talk to each other without patches. A study last fall showed that 43% of Pierce County falls under a category of radio coverage that is described this way: “Speech understandable with repetition only rarely required; some noise/distortion.”

Due to the number of agencies involved and the huge cost, local authorities have been approaching the challenge piecemeal – and not making much progress. Current dispatch centers are too small, outdated and not equipped to meet national standards for critical infrastructure. Under the current system, police and fire agencies operate on different radio systems. Some can talk to each other, but others cannot without help from dispatchers.

The two dispatch centers are supposed to be redundant and support each other if one goes down; but there’s no room for redundancy. The Pierce County Sheriff was among those struggling to figure out how to pay for a mandatory radio upgrade that will cost millions of dollars. Lack of bandwidth limits ability to transmit GIS maps and other data to officers in the field.

The good news – combined dispatch centers could be implemented cheaper jointly than individually. Other jurisdictions should consider joining the system, which increases the economies of scale.

Pierce County leaders are asking voters to increase the sales tax to create a new, combined 911 dispatching agency and upgrade the police and fire radio system. The request is to raise the sales tax by one-tenth of one percent – or one penny on a $10 purchase – will be on the ballot in the Nov. 8 general election.

The ballot measure would create South Sound 911, which would combine three existing 911 call centers in Pierce County. They are the Law Enforcement Support Agency, which handles dispatching for 16 law enforcement agencies, including Tacoma and Lakewood police and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department; Tacoma Fire Communications, which dispatches for the Tacoma Fire Department and Central Pierce Fire & Rescue; and Pierce County Fire Comm, which dispatches for 15 fire districts, cities and towns.

The concept for the umbrella agency has come after two years of meetings. Leaders hail the idea as a breakthrough because it brings police and fire dispatchers together in one agency and puts them all on a radio system where they can talk to each other in case of a catastrophic natural disaster or major police incident.

Two new dispatch centers would be built – one for law enforcement and one for fire and emergency medical services. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to operate as an EOC. It was not designed to be a large regional dispatch facility.

The radio system for police officers and firefighters would be upgraded to meet looming changes mandated by the Federal Communications Commission.

A data network would be built to enhance the ability of police officers to receive maps and other data in the field.

The bonds will be issued in two separate offerings. The first bonds will be for $75 million, will mature in 25 years and be used to construct the two new dispatch facilities. The second bond will mature in 15 years (10 year maturity is being considered) for $35 million to construct the regional 800/700 MHz digital radio communication system.

If done individually by each agency, the costs will be higher. Pierce County believes its cost to upgrade to a 700 MHz /Narrowband VHF system at $16 - $19 million. Tacoma’s cost could exceed $10 million. Fife could continue to use their narrow band VHF system, but would continue to carry multiple radios in their police cars and fire trucks to be able to communicate between police and fire. But if they choose to go to an 800/700 MHz system, their cost could run $3 - $6 million.

Public Comments on Shoreline Next Tuesday

2011-09-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Washington State, through its Shoreline Management Act, requires all jurisdictions to develop a plan for managing shorelines. Shorelines are the area from the waterline for 200 feet inland.

The local jurisdiction’s plan must meet certain guidelines but generally has wide latitude. The State mandates jurisdictions give equal weight to water-dependent uses, public access and no net loss of ecological function. Water-dependent uses are first priority over other water-related uses.

The State has mandated all jurisdictions update their Shoreline Master Program (SMP). Tacoma is in the final stages of that mandate. A public hearing will be held September 27, with written comments usually accepted for approximately one week after that. The vote for final adoption is scheduled for November 22.

Tacoma uses as its zoning plan a series of numbered shoreline districts where different uses and different standards are mandated. There are several issues and preliminary recommendations (adopted by the Tacoma Planning Commission) needing opposition or support.

The most critical issue is a Planning Commission recommendation to move the boundary between the S-6 District (for pedestrian and recreational use) to include lands currently in the S-7 District (for industrial and terminals use). That move will cause the Sperry Ocean Dock property, leased for MARAD ships, to become non-conforming use, subject to harmful constraints on future financing, leasing and permitting. You are urged to oppose this action and keep Sperry in the S-7 District.

The Planning Commission has also recommended changing a district boundary that presently bisects an industrial property, NuStar Terminal. The business is presently split between an S-10 District (industrial and terminal uses) and an S-8 District (mixed development). You are urged to support this recommendation to have NuStar all within one district, the S-10 District.

The Planning Commission did not change the boundary of the S-10 and S-8 Districts along the east bank of the Foss Waterway so that other industries there could be in an S-10 District. You are urged to support extending the S-10 District to the Murray Morgan (11th Street) Bridge.

The Planning Commission did recommend removing a restriction designed to force out its undesired industries along both sides of the Foss Waterway. That present restriction did not allow existing businesses to expand. The new recommendation does. You are urged to support this new regulation so existing business can expand.

You may write or comment to:

Comment:

September 27, 5:30 p.m.

Tacoma Council Chambers City of Tacoma

747 Market Street, Tacoma 98402

Write:

Mayor Marilyn Strickland and Councilmembers

747 Market Street, Suite 1200, Tacoma, WA 98402

Email: Marilyn.Strickland@cityoftacoma.org

Public Affairs to Consider Ballot Issues

2011-09-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 20, 8:00 a.m.
Chamber offices, Simpson Community Room
950 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300, Tacoma 98402

Meeting Agenda

1. VISA REFORM
- This issue was tabled at the August 28, 2011 meeting.
- ACTION: Determine if this item should be reopened, discussion, further action.

2. INITIATIVE 1183
- “con”: John Guadnola, Protect Our Communities
- “pro”: Confirmed, Yes on 1183 Coalition
- ACTION: Determine a policy recommendation for the Chamber’s Board.

3. INITIATIVE 1125
- “con”: Confirmed, Vote No 1125
- “pro”: Invited, Voters Want More Choices
- ACTION: Determine a policy recommendation for the Chamber’s Board.

4. TACOMA SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM UPDATE
- Mike Weinman, Chamber manager for local and federal issues will update all on the current status and need for action.
- ACTION: Determine involved action needed and instigate it.

Port of Tacoma seeks input on strategic planning, branding

2011-09-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Port of Tacoma is reaching out to its business partners, customers and community members to encourage them to take part in an online survey by Sept. 16 to provide input toward the Port’s strategic planning and brand identity.

A major West Coast port handling that handles containers, grain, logs, autos and breakbulk cargoes, Tacoma is developing a strategic plan to guide the organization in its next chapter of economic growth and business success. The plan will guide actions over the next five years toward a longer-term vision.

Hand in hand with strategic planning, the Port also will also examine its brand and identity to make sure it reflects the Port’s unique strategic advantages.

The online surveys are available from the Port’s website at www.portoftacoma.com/strategic-plan.

The Port will also host open houses in the Tacoma-Pierce County area in the future to review the draft strategic plan before it goes to the Port of Tacoma commission for adoption in March. To learn more about the process, subscribe to the Port’s strategic planning mailing list.

For more information, please contact:

Rod Koon, Senior Manager, Communications

253-383-9462

rkoon@portoftacoma.com

About the Port of Tacoma

The Port of Tacoma is an economic engine for South Puget Sound, with more than 43,000 family-wage jobs in Pierce County and 113,000 jobs across Washington state connected to Port activities. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is among the largest container ports in North America. The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles and trucks. To learn more about the Port of Tacoma, visit http://www.portoftacoma.com/

Chamber Presents Alaska Governor

2011-09-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Monday, the Chamber presented Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell (pictured) at the Transportation Club of Tacoma meeting.

Gov. Parnell praised the long economic partnership between Alaska and Puget Sound, noting that 80% of Alaska’s products and services for development and its people’s comfort and sustenance come through the Port of Tacoma.

Gov. Parnell focused on the economic opportunity Alaska represents and invited local businesses to invest in Alaska, saying it’s a better investment than the stock market. Gov. Parnell went on to say that Alaska is a resource state – fish, oil, timber, minerals – needing development. He said it will be better for American consumers and our nation’s security to develop the resources of Alaska rather than depend on other countries.

Gov. Parnell was asked about Sen. Maria Cantwell’s announced intent to block development of the Pebble (gold) mine. Parnell said that project is just entering its permit development stage. Scientifically-based information and the input of public opinion are still ahead, he said. His administration will not make a premature determination on the permit until the facts are known, he promised.

Next week, members of the Chamber's Alaska Committee will journey to Talkeetna, AK as registrants and speakers at the annual Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Conference and Trade Show. This long standing effort by the Chamber seeks to enhance the economic partnership between Alaska and Tacoma area companies. For more information, contact Gary Brackett, 253-682-1720.

Boeing Receives the Chamber's 23rd annual George Francis Train International Business Award

2011-09-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

On September 8^th, the Chamber's 23^rd annual George Francis Train International Business Award will be presented at the Bicentennial Pavilion at Hotel Murano.

The award, this year, will go to a local company for making a significant contribution to the international business community of Tacoma-Pierce County: Boeing. If there is a single reason why Washington is the nation’s most trade dependent state, it surely is the Boeing Company.

The award commemorates George Francis Train, a legendary Boston Yankee who had a special place in his heart for Tacoma. Train was the most prominent promoter in the groundbreaking for the transcontinental railroad in Omaha and claimed credit for the selection of Tacoma as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, coining the appellation “City of Destiny.”

This award was developed in recognition of the tremendous importance in international business locally and for its significant economic and cultural contribution to our community.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners such as the 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner and military aircraft combined.

Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems.

Boeing also provides products and support services to customers in more than150 countries and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.

Being a Global partner, global markets are important to the Boeing Company, here are just a few telling examples:

40 percent of total company revenue now comes from customers outside the United States.
Non-U.S. carriers and leasing companies that do business globally combine to account for nearly 90 percent of Boeing’s current commercial airplane backlog, by dollars.
International sales currently contribute almost 14 percent of Integrated Defense Systems overall revenue, and the plan is to increase this to 20 percent in the years ahead.

The company works with over 2,000 businesses, and 2,800 suppliers to create jobs and economic opportunities within the Puget Sound.

Boeing has a proven record of contributing innovative products and services to the world, applying that expertise and spirit of innovation to address community needs.

For example, in 2010 the Boeing Employees Community Fund (ECF) funded a total of $1.3 to United Way of Pierce County and direct grants to Pierce County nonprofits. In addition, Boeing employees designated an additional $731,000 directly to Pierce County nonprofits.

Boeing employs more than 165,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. In Washington State, there are over 73,500 employees and 59,000 retirees. Many thousands of our fellow Pierce County residents commute daily to one or another of the Boeing facilities in Puget Sound.

It is our good fortune that the leading edge of Boeing technology is located in Pierce County, its Frederickson Fabrication plant. The Frederickson site is the 4th largest employer in Pierce County and employs 1,750 employees. This evening, Gary Bartnes, director of the Skin & Spar manufacturing business unit at Boeing’s Frederickson site will accept the 2011George Francis Train International Business Award.

New Home for Goddess of Commerce Statue

2011-09-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

On August 31^st the new Goddess of Commerce was unveiled. Tom Pierson, Chamber President & CEO, spoke at the dedication ceremony, along with other community members such as Mayor Marilyn Strickland and long-time community organizer and fund-raiser Griselda “Babe” Lehrer.

The original statue, which was built in 1885, was placed on top of the 3 story Chamber of Commerce building at 12^th and Pacific in downtown Tacoma. Designed by C. Augustus Darmer, the statue exhibited symbols of commerce for that time in 1950. Due to a fire, the Commerce Building was demolished, along with the 7-foot copper statue.

According to Lehrer, today’s Goddess of Commerce statue, now located on 6^th and St. Helens, which was built by Marilyn Mahoney, depicts Tacoma’s current industries. Her earrings are cranes, which symbolize the Port of Tacoma and the fishing industry is represented down her back. In her right arm, she cradles the model of the city of Tacoma as it is today; Art, architecture, and the construction of spaces for modern commerce are represented by the familiar facades of buildings such as the Tacoma Glass Museum, Tacoma Dome, & Old City Hall. She also holds the model of a container ship representing maritime of today in her left hand.

“We are excited that the community worked and gathered together in order to re-dedicate the statue,” Pierson stated. “The statue is more about recognizing the power of the community and the economic strength of the region.”

The project, which was funded and endorsed by the Theater District Association, the Tacoma Historical Society, the Port of Tacoma, and other generous donors, stands proud overlooking the port of Tacoma.

The once homeless Goddess now has a place to call home.

Prop Club Features Port International Reps

2011-09-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Myth-Information on Shoreline Issue

2011-08-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

The City Council will soon consider an update to the City's Shoreline Master Program, a special zoning category of areas along the shoreline.

One property of contention for nearby residents is the 130-year presence of industrial property currently operated by Sperry Ocean terminals.

A lot of misinformation is repeatedly presented as facts. Here are the facts to many of these myths.

 Myth -The Ships are derelict and foul the neighborhood.
 FACT - The vessels are owned by the U.S. Navy under contract to the Merchant Maritime Administration. They are well-maintained as part of the Ready Reserve Fleet. Emissions controls on the ships are tested annually and certified based on the testing. The ships are started 1-2 times per year. Soot from the neighborhood was tested by the City Environmental lab. The soot wasn’t produced by the sort of fuel the ships use.

 Myth – The ships can be moved to the Port of Tacoma.
 FACT – The ships are moored in natural deep water, which does not require dredging. The cost of dredging facilities in the Port waterways is too expensive to locate lay berthing facilities. They are not the “highest” use.

 Myth – Cruise ships can go there.
 FACT – The City cannot disallow a low-intensity use and put a high intensity use in its place. The Designation Criteria, Management Policies and District Intent of the S-6 do not allow for a cruise ship terminal.

 Myth – Moving Sperry Ocean Dock is consistent with the “Dome to Defiance” Plan.
 FACT – The “Dome to Defiance” Plan specifically and repeatedly recommends the Sperry Ocean Dock remain zoned for industrial deepwater moorage uses.

 Myth – There is no support for the Sperry Dock.
 FACT –The staff recommendation for Sperry Ocean was to keep it S-7. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Port of Tacoma, Citizens for a Healthy Bay all recommend that Sperry Ocean Dock remain wholly within the S-7; BNSF Railroad commented that Sperry Ocean Dock should remain within the S-7; The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 23, Tacoma Firefighters Union, Local 31 and Tacoma Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Trainmen have commented that Sperry Ocean Dock should remain within the S-7. Why does the City propose to move Sperry into non-conformance?

 Myth – Sperry can remain operating there in a grandfathered use. It doesn’t affect the business.
 FACT – Non-conforming or “grandfathered” uses put a caution on the title, increasing interest rates and decreasing loan terms. Non-conformance complicates the DNR lease renewal process. Changing the Shoreline Designation to Urban Conservancy is effectively a spot downzone for the property.

Guest Blogger: Matthew Boyle, Grette Assoc., LLC

Senior Senator Murray Holds Business Roundtable at the Chamber

2011-08-25T16:54:00.001-07:00

Washington State’s senior U.S. Senator Patty Murray held a business roundtable with a select group of business owners at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

With her recent appointment to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, known colloquially as the “Super Congress,” this was a rare opportunity to speak with the Senator about important issues affecting the economies of Tacoma and Pierce County. As the Chamber continues to work on strengthening the local economy, it will provide more opportunities for businesses to advocate directly to government officials.

As City Councilman and business owner David Boe said, “I really appreciated the opportunity to sit down and explain my concerns to the Senator. There were a range of business leaders in the room. If there was one thing we were all clear on, it was that Congress needs to quit squabbling and start helping the economy.”

Senator Murray discussed with the group the importance of laying a solid foundation of quality infrastructure. This would require continuing partnerships between the federal government, local governments and businesses. One example of this partnership has been the Senator’s focus on encouraging service members and employers to connect with each other for long term employment.

The businesses represented also encouraged the Senator to not losing sight of creating educational opportunities and a skilled workforce while still working on options for people who have lost jobs but are starting new businesses.

Small business owner and President of Go Local, a local business advocacy group, Patricia Lecy-Davis pointed out that there are over 5,000 locally owned businesses in Tacoma. “Many new local startups are people who recently lost their jobs. As new business owners, many don’t know what tools are available to them.”

Senator Murray looked forward to having a comprehensive discussion with other legislators on how best to put people to work and support businesses of all sizes.

By Guest blogger David Schroedel

Senator Cantwell Advocacy Breakfast Highlights

2011-08-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

On August 15th, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell stopped by Tacoma to have breakfast with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and about 100 of its members. The chamber hosted the advocacy breakfast as part of its continuing representation of businesses with government at all levels. For members, it was a great opportunity to hear from the Senator as well as ask some questions about the state of the economy and how to protect the variety of investments in our region.

The Senator highlighted some of the key benefits of federal funds in the Tacoma area including the clean-up of two superfund sites – the Foss Waterway and the Asarco Smelter – both of which are now becoming desirable mixed use areas capitalizing on Tacoma’s waterfront. She also noted the additional funding provided for law enforcement and the success it has had in reducing gang activity.

Moving forward, Senator Cantwell is focused on maintaining infrastructure investments while continuing to encourage the growth of small business. This means improving access to capital through the approval of the Small Business Jobs Act. Expanding opportunities for small businesses to borrow will allow them room to grow and create more jobs.

One example of her commitment to small business growth has been her continued support of the biofuels innovation occurring here in Washington State. With Senator Cantwell’s support of the BCAP (Biomass Crop Assistance Program), state farmers have the opportunity to receive federal assistance to grow camelina. Through additional investment in production facilities, camelina has the potential to become a “green” alternative to traditional aviation fuels. Senator Cantwell noted that this type of investment builds on the Puget Sound’s long-standing involvement in the aviation industry.

After taking questions from the attendees, Senator Cantwell stuck around to chat with a number of local business owners. The Chamber looks forward to hosting future events with the Senator as we strengthen business ties within Pierce County.

By Guest blogger David Schroedel

Chamber Hosts University Place Candidate Forum

2011-08-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Local advocacy is an important component of the Chamber's mission. In driving to reach our commitment to assist in the election of business -minded public officials, the University Place-Fircrest Division of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber will be hosting a candidate forum for this year's City of University Place candidates.

The event will consist of a moderated debate between the candidates on various business and community issues and a post-debate to allow audience members and the candidates to engage in one-on-one dialog on the issues.

The University Place Candidates include: Kent Keel, Steve Smith, Chris Nye, Ken Campbell, Howard Lee, and Caroline Belleci.

Details of the event are below:

University Place Candidate Forum

Thursday, October 13, 2011
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Curtis High School Theater
8425 40th Street West
University Place, WA 98466

Price: Complimentary - Open to members and the general public
Info: Savannah Kimball, 253-683-4881.

Shorelines Update: Some Wins, More Battles Ahead

2011-08-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma Planning Commission has approved its recommendations to the Tacoma City Council for update of the Shoreline Master Program.

Unexpectedly, the Planning Commission did recommend some of the major points advocated by the Chamber and local businesses impacted by these regulations/zoning decisions. However, this process is not over. There are gains to defend and wrongs to right.

The Gains-to-Defend included:

1. NuStar property placed all into the S-10 industrial/terminals zone

2. All industrial businesses in S-8 mixed development zone can expand beyond its present property lines.

3. Deleted requirement for an Esplanade north of E. 15th Street on the E. Foss bank.

While not entirely satisfactory, the gains are major accomplishments that must be defended. We never thought the Planning Commission would choose the Chamber's recommendations on anything!

There are still Wrongs-to-Right. State law (WAC 173-26-211(5)(d), states “Priority given first to water-dependent uses, then to water-related and water-enjoyment uses.” This mandate has not been followed.

For instance, the Planning Commission:
4. Moved the zoning district for the Sperry Ocean Terminal into S-6 (recreation and pedestrian oriented), out of S-7 (industrial and terminal uses) resulting in a non-conforming use.

5. Still has no barrier along E. D Street to separate S-8 and M-2 Districts as specified in Council Resolution No. 36702, adopted in 2005.

As always, we knew that these issues would be decided by the City Council. The Council is scheduled for a Study Session on August 30 to discuss these issues and will have a public hearing September 27 to give all citizens, business and labor representatives a final opportunity to convince them of the rightness of their positions.

If you want help on background or identifying who your Council member is representing where your business is or where you live, contact Gary Brackett, 253-682-1720 for assistance.

Chamber Surveys Candidates Business Views

2011-08-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

This November is filled with many races for local political office. The winning candidates will decide for the next two years, four years or longer (if re-elected) issues about taxes, regulations, incentives and the general business climate.

With businesses making up a key component of each community throughout Pierce County, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is interested in how candidates’ views integrate with the views of our members, the businesses- and you should be too! The Chamber is committed to representing the interests of businesses so as to strengthen the local economy.

The Chamber appreciates the candidates’ willingness to run for office to represent your community in local government. To allow businesses to better understand their positions on a variety of related issues, the Chamber prepared a survey whose candidates’ responses will help us get to know them better.

While the Chamber is not endorsing candidates for office, it will publish candidates’ responses (or the fact of a lack of response) to the survey and distribute them to our members. Compare their responses to the candidates ads, and your own preferences!

Some very important races only have one candidate! Although there are many races whose winners will fill important jobs and make critical decisions, this survey will only focus on contested races, races in larger jurisdictions and jurisdictions in the Chamber’s primary service area and divisions.

Look forward to receiving your copy of the first Chamber’s Voter’s Guide around October 3. You are encouraged to download your copy and share with those in your business or professional networks who would be interested in candidates’ views on business and jobs.

City Manager Search Survey

2011-08-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

The City of Tacoma is asking for feedback from people throughout the City about the next City Manager. Specifically, they want to know priorities, goals, personality, & management style.

To take part in the survey and influence the beginning of the search, please visit the City's survey site here. The survey will run through September 12.

Chamber Presents Alaska Governor

2011-08-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Gov. Sean Parnell has accepted the Chamber's Alaska Committee's invitation to visit, tour and speak in Tacoma.

He will be presented at the Transportation Club of Tacoma's September 12 luncheon. You are invited to hear him by registering with the Transportation Club.

Much is justifiably made of the economic partnership between Alaska and Tacoma. The status as the obvious "lower 48" home port at the Port of Tacoma for both Totem Ocean Trailer Express and Horizon Lines gives the Tacoma metro a transportation hub for shipments to and from Alaska.

Recent years have seen continuing economic development in our area directly tied to that home port advantage: the recent relocation of Carlile Transportation Systems and the openings of both Americold and North West Company are perfect examples of how we enjoy economic growth by meeting the needs of Alaska's economy and population.

Transportation Club of Tacoma

September 12, 11 am registration opens

La Quinta Inn

1427 E. 25th Street, Tacoma 98421

RSVP (Prepaid Only)

Two in One Day

2011-08-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today the Chamber provided opportunities for businesses to speak with two United States Senators in one day—a historic event that highlights an important Chamber service: representing business interests with the government.

“We are honored to host both U.S. Senators here in Pierce County - meeting with businesses and looking at how we can work together to create jobs,” said Tom Pierson, Chamber President & CEO.

The Chamber hosted an advocacy breakfast held at the Pacific Grill Events Center with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and then an afternoon session for a small group of business leaders with U.S. Senator Patty Murray at the Chamber office.

At the advocacy breakfast attended by about one hundred people, Senator Cantwell spoke on priorities such as access to capital under the Small Business Jobs Acts and expanding infrastructure improvement lending for roads and freight while highlighting accomplishments like the Asarco cleanup and airborne tanker jobs. Sen. Cantwell also took questions from the audience.

During the Q & A portion of the breakfast, Linda Remsberg, CEO of NoteWorld, asked about the regulatory burdens of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act bill. Sen. Cantwell responded that she felt Congress needed to focus on solving the actual problem rather than creating hundreds of pages of new, complex regulations. She looked forward to discussing the detailed impacts to Remsberg’s company later.

At the Chamber’s afternoon advocacy session, Senator Murray largely listened to comments from a group of business representatives. Sen. Murray asked about the business climate. Points raised included not losing sight of the multiple deficits in education and a skilled workforce while working on options for people who have lost jobs but are starting new businesses.

As President of Go Local, a local business advocacy group, Patricia Lecy-Davis pointed out that there are over 5,000 locally owned businesses in Tacoma. “Many new local startups are people who recently lost their jobs. As new business owners, many don’t know what tools are available to them.”

Senator Murray, a recent appointee to chair the U.S. Congress’ Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, looked forward to having a comprehensive discussion with other legislators on how best to put people to work and support businesses of all sizes.

View photos from today’s advocacy events at the Chamber’s facebook page.

Chamber Testifies on Billboards

2011-08-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Chamber testified at last night’s Tacoma City Council public hearing on the new billboard Substitute Ordinance No. 28009.

Jeff Brown, the Chamber’s Chair-Elect Select, conveyed the Chamber’s support of the section of ordinance that deals with the maintenance of billboards. Brown encouraged the City Council to continue discussion in good faith with Clear Channel on the mutually agreed settlement of the lawsuit on the existing billboard ordinance. Although the City Council voted to approve the new billboard code, it will be up to Clear Channel to determine if they wish to resume their court case.

While the Chamber did not take a position on digital billboards at the hearing, it was noted by the Chamber that five council members expressed that digital technology in advertising must be addressed.

The Chamber is willing to participate with other stakeholders in formulating guidelines for digital technology in billboards and signs. For more information contact Gary Brackett.

Debunking Myths about KORUS

2011-08-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

A recent blog post by Tami Overby, VP of Asia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce addressees claims by opponents about the KORUS FTA and the North Korea's Kaesong Industrial Complex.

It's desperation time for the protectionists who oppose these job-creating Free Trade Agreements. In a last-ditch effort to undermine support for the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), opponents are circulating the bogus accusation that the agreement will allow North Korean goods into the United States. Specifically, they charge that KORUS will allow goods made in the special industrial zone in Kaesong, North Korea, to enter the U.S. market and even allow such goods to benefit from tariff cuts under KORUS.

Here are the facts:

• It is illegal to import anything from North Korea, and KORUS will not change that. By the way, it is not true, as opponents claim, that Hyundai Motors has leased land that is "located in North Korea." In fact, an entirely separate company known as Hyundai Asan has an investment deal in North Korea - and with KORUS, no company, including Hyundai Asan, will be allowed to export anything from North Korea to the United States.

• Opponents also claim that KORUS FTA rules of origin would surreptitiously allow North Korean goods from Kaesong to be imported into the United States. U.S. sanctions against North Korea always trump the KORUS FTA. As long as U.S. sanctions against North Korea remain in place, the allowable percentage of Kaesong content in South Korean goods is zero.

• One chief goal of KORUS is to strengthen our already robust alliance with democratic South Korea in the face of North Korean threats. The U.S. alliance with South Korea is the linchpin of not only security for the Republic of Korea and the United States but also for the Pacific as a whole. The democratic South Korean government has repeatedly said the same.

Senator Cantwell at Chamber Breakfast August 15

2011-08-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Billboards & Business

2011-08-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Chamber is urging the City Council to show that “Tacoma is open for business.”

On August 9th the City of Tacoma will have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to businesses in Tacoma and Pierce County by allowing the replacement of older static billboards with more innovative digital billboard.

One year ago, the City Council unanimously agreed to a compromise removing a large number of traditional static billboards while allowing their replacement with fewer, newer digital billboards as compensation.

As the voice for business in Tacoma, the Chamber believes the City Council’s compromise agreement is a workable solution that considers all sides of this issue in a responsible and responsive manner. Rather than a potentially lengthy court battle with the outcome unknown, the Chamber urges City council members to reach a real solution that allows for better advertising for local businesses with their Tacoma customers and a substantial reduction of the number of billboards in Tacoma.

Billboards benefit local businesses and non-profits by providing cost effective ways to advertise. In addition, they provide additional outlets for time sensitive information – like Amber alerts. The City of Tacoma itself recognizes the value of digital billboards with its installation of digital billboards at the Tacoma Dome and Cheney Stadium.

The City must uphold its commitments to the business community.

Please email your City Council and tell them businesses are an important part of the community and to uphold the billboard settlement. To do so, click here for the direct mail link. Also consider coming to the public hearing on Tuesday, August 9, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers, Tacoma Municipal Bldg, 747 Market St., 98402.

KorUS: Path Ahead Clears

2011-08-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

The U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition welcomed statements yesterday by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell that they had agreed on a pathway forward for consideration of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, along with the Colombia and Panama trade agreements and Trade Adjustment Assistance, and urged Congress to move expeditiously to approve the agreements following the August congressional recess.

"We are encouraged that the leadership of both parties have reached agreement on the road forward for these agreements," said Lisa Barry, vice president and general manager, government affairs, Chevron, and a corporate co-chair of the U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition. "The opportunities KORUS offers to support hundreds of thousands of high-quality American jobs are too important for us to delay action any longer. It is important that Congress move as quickly as possible, following the August recess, to approve these agreements."

The U.S. International Trade Commission has estimated that the reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. manufactured and agricultural goods under the U.S.-Korea trade agreement would increase U.S. exports to Korea by $10 billion to $11 billion. The agreement has the potential to create as many as 280,000 jobs, according to an updated assessment of the agreement prepared by U.S. International Trade Commission economic staff at the request of the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Trade.

Do You Have Jobs for Vets?

2011-08-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

KorUS: The Path Ahead

2011-07-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

The U.S.-Korea FTA Coalition reports that U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk publicly stated Tuesday that "we believe we have the framework for an agreement that will allow us very quickly, when Congress reconvenes in September, to approve and have a vote" on Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and on the pending FTAs.

"We're still working with the leadership to come up with the kind of specifics of how we'd sequence that," Kirk said, noting that the proposed framework "would allow us to get a vote on TAA," give Senate Republican Leader McConnell a chance to make his case for Trade Promotion Authority and "give us a chance to move" the FTAs.

House and Senate leaders have agreed on a deal that would provide a path to move the pending free trade agreements forward in conjunction with Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA, retraining for workers laid off by trade impacts) but are still waiting for White House approval of the deal and do not expect that to occur before Congress recesses in August, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (D-MI) said (July 27).

Camp said the administration has not yet signed off on the deal, which would allow it to begin the process of sending the trade deals to Congress, because White House officials who would approve such a deal are the same as those deeply involved in the ongoing debt negotiations.

Camp said he did not think the White House would submit the FTAs until September, after the congressional summer recess that is scheduled to begin August 5.

Camp called the deal "reasonable" and one that will ensure the White House that TAA and the pending trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama are voted on. "I think we are trying to bring [the White House] to that conclusion," he said to reporters at the event. "I haven't heard the final word."

The deal would have the Senate vote first on TAA without the trade deals being sent up. Once TAA clears the Senate, the White House should have the assurances to send the FTAs to the House. The House would then move on both the FTAs and TAA separately, Camp said.

"To get the most support we can for TAA we need to have had the [trade] agreements sent up before the House votes on TAA," he said.

Camp said there was the deal has the support of House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT).

Separately, in remarks at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this morning, Camp declared that "victory is in sight" on the FTAs, but success is not yet assured. I'm hopeful now that we have this path forward [the White House] will sign on to it," he said.

Wake UP with Tom Pierson!

2011-07-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Miss the chance to meet Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson at our last few events?

Catch him at our next Wake UP - the University Place-Fircrest Division monthly meeting this Friday, July 29th from 7:30 - 9:00 am. All Chamber members are welcome to attend.

Find out where he sees the Chamber going and let him know what ideas you have on programs or services you'd like to see the Chamber improve or provide to help your business succeed.

Feedback for WA Legislative Sessions

2011-07-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) invites businesses to its Regional Meetings throughout the State of Washington. For Tacoma-Pierce County:

Sept. 12, 2011 at 2:30-5:00 p.m.
TrueBlue, Inc. (1st Fl. Auditorium)
1015 A Street
Tacoma WA 98402

AWB staff will provide an overview of the 2011 legislative objectives. This is your chance to share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions with AWB, as well as a time to network with your fellow AWB members. Your input will help AWB's board of directors establish its next legislative priorities at its Policy Summit Sept. 21-23.

You may attend whatever AWB meetings fit into your schedule. Members and prospective members are invited to attend this free event. For registration for the regional meetings or if you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Millikan or 800-521-9325.

What's Important to Business Success?

2011-07-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Local businesses can answer questions important to growing our economy in Tacoma-Pierce County. This Jobs Survey likely takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

Here is your link to the Jobs Survey.

"Knowing the answers to these questions helps us identify issues so we can work to remove obstacles for existing businesses and to highlight the community attributes when recruiting new companies to Pierce County," said Denise Dyer, manager of the Pierce County Economic Development Division.

The first-ever comprehensive survey of businesses across the four-county Puget Sound region begins on Thursday, July 14. The "Jobs Survey" builds on a 2010 survey that captured responses from nearly 1,200 King County businesses in 15 unique industry sectors.

"First, it seeks to learn what your business needs to be successful here. Second, it answers what is unique to our county and region that adds value to having your business here, " said Dyer.

In addition, the survey is posted Pierce County's website and a hard copy will be available upon request to Hans Kueck, Pierce County Economic Development Division, or 253-798-2335.

Responses will be collected until Aug. 11. Each survey respondent will be entered to win two Southwest Airlines Green LUV tickets.

Since multiple organizations will be sending invitations, a single employer may get the survey's link from several sources. To verify data, participants will be asked to provide contact information. These details will remain confidential and no attribution to individuals will be made.

Please remember to enter your zip code at the end of the survey since this will enable local officials to identify issues specific to Pierce County employers.

FTAs Clear Congressional Committees

2011-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Chamber's TradeRoots' program reports that on July 7, the pending trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama took an important step forward as they were approved in the "mock" markups held by the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees.

No amendments were approved, which most supporters consider good news as approval of amendments in these non-binding hearings is generally regarded as problematic to the approval process. In the complex process for Congressional consideration of trade agreements, the next step--when the White House sends the implementing bills to Congress--could come as early as this week.

However, a continuing disagreement about how to consider legislation to extend Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is complicating the outlook. (TAA is a program providing job retraining for workers displaced by international trade competition.) The Republican Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Dave Camp, stuck a deal with the Democrat Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus, and with the White House on the substance of a bill. However, discussions on how to give the measure due consideration in Congress are still ongoing.

In the meantime, the insertion of the TAA bill in the implementing bill for the U.S.-Korea FTA resulted in it winning approval in mirror-image partisan votes in the House and Senate committees. In the Senate Finance Committee, where the Korea bill included the TAA compromise, it was approved with all Democrats voting in favor and all Republicans opposing nearly all declared their support for the trade agreement). The opposite happened in the House Ways and Means Committee, where TAA was not included in the Korea implementing bill: every Republican voted for it, and every Democrat voted against it.

The trade agreements with Colombia and Panama were approved in the Senate Finance Committee with bipartisan support: the votes were 17-6 on Colombia and 22-2 on Panama. In the House Ways and Means Committee, the implementing bills for the agreements with Colombia and Panama were approved with partisan votes (just as the bill for the agreement with Korea was: every Republican voted for them, and every Democrat voted against them though again, the agreements received expressions of support from some members voting no.)

Chamber Joins Local Clean Air Task Force

2011-07-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

If you’ve not heard of the Wapato Hills-Puyallup River Valley PM2.5 Non Attainment Area, it’s not surprising.

Those with excellent memories may recall that the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), under the direction of the Washington Department of Ecology in 2008 designated much of the Tacoma metro area as non-attainment in order to comply with U.S. EPA guidelines. The Chamber, the Pierce County Executive and the Port of Tacoma were foremost among local advocates to manage that designation so that it addressed the health implications and minimized the negative economic impacts.

The PSCAA has formed a stakeholders’ group called the Tacoma-Pierce County Clean Air Task Force, the task force will be responsible for recommending to the PSCAA solutions to achieve attainment in our air quality. The Chamber joins Port and County and many other representatives to accomplish this task.

While the original cause of non-attainment is overwhelmingly residential wood stove and fireplace emissions, any other sources of particulate emissions will be expected to contribute to resolving the issue. And, while the single area most negatively impacted by the air quality is South Tacoma, all areas of the Tacoma metro will be included in any solutions.

If you wish more information or to be kept within the loop, contact Gary Brackett or 253-682-1720. Gary also would like to identify Chamber members who can advise him on consequences and solutions as the stakeholders task force develops its recommendations.

Chamber Advocacy for Shoreline Development and Foss Peninsula

2011-07-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

On June 22, the City of Tacoma Council held a Joint meeting of its Economic Development and Environment & Public Works Committees. The purpose of that joint committees meeting was a briefing of the Shoreline Master Program Update.

One item addressed in that joint committees meeting was a memorandum about the City’s action to carry out the directions of City Council Resolution No. 36702. That resolution was adopted November 15, 2005 as a compromise affecting the Chamber’s sponsored land use change banning residential and hotel/motel development north of the Murray Morgan Bridge on the east shore of the Foss Waterway.

In brief, the City’s memo seeks to support the proposition that the City is compliant with the Resolution. The Chamber’s letter addressed the enumerated points of the City’s memo, concluding that the City has not complied with the Resolution.

Both are presented at these links for your evaluation.

City Memo/Resolution http://www.scribd.com/doc/59824028/Memo-Regarding-Resolution-36702

Chamber Letter http://www.scribd.com/doc/59824199/Letter-Chamber-11-07-06-Memo-City-11-06-22

The Chamber wishes the City of Tacoma to comply with Council Resolution No. 36702 as it completes the Shoreline Master Program Update, other land use planning, infrastructure and transportation development.

National Night Out 2011

2011-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Mockup on FTAs Face Onslaught of Amendments

2011-06-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ahead of today's EST 3:00 p.m. "mock" markup hearing in the Senate Finance Committee, a total of 97 amendments were filed to the three Free Trade Agreement implementing bills: 79 on Korea, 15 on Colombia, and three on Panama.

The amendments range from proposals that enjoy considerable support in the business community (e.g., the Affordable Footwear Act) to many that are widely opposed.

Regardless of the views of a given association or company on any particular amendment, it is widely believed that approval of an amendment could significantly complicate the approval process for the FTAs. The U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition believes amending the implementing bills could seriously undermine passage of the agreement.

Given the timing of the hearing and the amount of amendments, there a serious risk that the Senate Finance Committee Chairman will not have a quorum present and that this could significantly delay consideration.

It is critical that Senators vote to approve the final implementing bill in order for these agreements to be ratified prior to the August recess. We are rapidly running out of time for Congressional consideration this summer and we can ill afford to miss this window of opportunity.

The lists of amendments and separate documents with the amendments are below:

Korea FTA
• Amendments to Korea FTA
• List of Amendments of the Korea FTA

Colombia FTA
• Amendments to Colombia FTA
• List of Amendments of the Colombia FTA

Panama FTA
• Amendments to Panama FTA
• List of Amendments of the Panama FTA

Pierce County Publishes Final Redistricting Map

2011-06-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Pierce County has published its redistricting map for 2012 elections that will be in place until next drawn after the 2020 U.S. Census. Already controversy has arisen on this effort. You can read more here.

Breakthrough on Korea Trade Agreement

2011-06-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

The U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition welcomed the announcement today by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus scheduling mock mark-ups on the U.S.-Korea trade agreement and the pending trade agreements with Colombia and Panama, which brings these agreements one step closer to transmission to Congress for a vote.

"We applaud the Senate Finance Committee's action today to move forward with the U.S.-Korea trade agreement," said Tami Overby, vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Asia program. "The incredible potential through this agreement to support tens of thousands of American jobs, and generate significant new export opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, farmers, and services providers, has brought together unprecedented business, labor, and bipartisan support."

The U.S. International Trade Commission has estimated that the reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. manufactured and agricultural goods under the U.S.-Korea trade agreement would increase U.S. exports to Korea by $10 billion to $11 billion. The agreement has the potential to create as many as 280,000 jobs, according to an updated assessment of the agreement prepared by U.S. International Trade Commission economic staff at the request of the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Trade.

"Four years ago this week the Korea trade agreement was signed, but since then American workers and exporters have missed out on important opportunities to boost their competitive edge in Korea," said Overby. "With the European Union-Korea free trade agreement set to take effect this Friday, we cannot afford to delay any longer. We urge Members of the Senate Finance Committee to support this agreement so that Congress can approve it before the August recess to ensure that U.S. manufacturers, farmers, and consumers do not fall further behind as our global competitors move forward without us."

The U.S.-Korea FTA Business Coalition is a broad-based organization of nearly 1,000 U.S. businesses and trade associations, which includes the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, co-chaired by Boeing, Chevron, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Pfizer, that are working together to secure approval by Congress of the U.S.-Korea FTA. The U.S.-Korea Business Council serves as Coalition secretariat.

• Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers: Restoring and Reauthorizing Trade Adjustment Assistance
• The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: More American Jobs, Faster Economic Recovery Through Exports
• Benefits of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement
• Benefits of the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement

Learn About Online Marketing!

2011-06-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Chamber, in partnership with South Sound Washington Business Center, SBA, Tacoma SCORE, Signs By Tomorrow and KeyBank presents next Tuesday, June 21, “Entrepreneur Corner,” a free quarterly small business workshop. This quarter the discussion will be “Online Marketing”:

▪ Learn how to maximize your website and infrastructure requirements from experts in their fields.
▪ Find out how and why to register your business to obtain government contracts.

Presentations by: SiteCrafting, mynetworkcompany.com and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

Entrepreneur Corner
Tuesday, June 21
11 am – 1:30 pm
Chamber Office: Simpson Community Room
950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 300
Tacoma, 98402

The workshop is complimentary and open to Chamber members and the public. Registration is required due to limited seating. To RSVP click here.

The free quarterly “Entrepreneur Corner” small business workshops are part of Operation Business Bootstrap. Anyone interested in learning how to expand and stay profitable in their business should check out the "Entrepreneur Corner"sessions.

Operation Business Bootstrap is a series of small business workshops; SBA Loan Briefings, Entrepreneur Corners, and Small Business Start-Up 101. This collaborative joint venture is presented by partners offering small business resources in our area. Partners include the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, SBDC, SouthSound Washington Business Center, PTAC, William Factory Incubator, City of Tacoma, Pierce County Economic Development, U.S. SBA and KeyBank. This series is for existing businesses who are seeking information and/or resources.

"Four Ways to Grow Your Business"

2011-06-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

FREE WORKSHOP!

Nalleys Employees in Job Fair

2011-06-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

A 93 - year Tacoma icon – Nalleys, as you have likely heard, is closing for good on June 25. Nalleys has 160 local employees who will lose their positions as a result of this closure.

We learned very recently that Nalleys is putting on a Job Fair for their employees to help them find employment after their doors close for the last time. The Job Fair is scheduled for this Thursday, June 9 – and as of today, they are still looking for local employers who may have a need for employees with a wide variety of skills (see attached letter).

Andee Handeland (ahandeland@birdseyefoods.com, 253-591-3277 – office, 253-905-6006 - cell) is the contact if you have questions or would like to attend. A letter with all the details is available here. The employees are management and non-management, hourly and salaried.

If you are interested, this may be a great opportunity to find experienced employees in the local area. Thank you for considering this or for passing it along to the appropriate person in your organization.

Cong. Reichert at Chamber Trade Forum

2011-06-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

CONGRESSIONAL FORUM: International Trade

Tuesday, June 7, 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Chamber offices
950 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300, Simpson Community Room
Tacoma, WA 98402

REGISTER HERE.

FEATURING CONG. DAVE REICHERT

Cong. Dave Reichert, (WA-08) is appointed to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee’s jurisdiction puts Reichert on the front line of efforts to address the economic crisis, strengthen our health care system, and enact free trade agreements.

Cong. Dave Reichert has made promoting international trade a keystone of his office, and a year ago was appointed to President Barack Obama’s Export Council. Reichert, who represents Bellevue and parts of South King and Pierce counties, has supported free trade agreements, particularly the Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement (also known as KORUS FTA). Congress is expected to consider the agreement soon.

Apr 29, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and the congressional delegation including Cong. Reichert, concluded their three-day trip to Seoul. The group met with leaders of South Korea’s Democratic Party and Grand National Party at Korea’s National Assembly to discuss the U.S.-South Korea Trade Agreement (KORUS).

BACKGROUND:
The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Trade shall include bills and matters referred to the Committee on Ways and Means that relate to:

customs and customs administration including tariff and import fee structure, classification, valuation of and special rules applying to imports, and
special tariff provisions and procedures which relate to customs operation affecting exports and imports;
import trade matters, including import impact, industry relief from injurious imports, adjustment assistance and
programs to encourage competitive responses to imports, unfair import practices including antidumping and countervailing duty provisions, and
import policy which relates to dependence on foreign sources of supply;
commodity agreements and reciprocal trade agreements involving multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations and implementation of agreements involving tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to and
distortions of international trade;
international rules, organizations and institutional aspects of international trade agreements;
budget authorizations for the customs revenue functions of the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. International Trade Commission, and the U.S. Trade Representative; and
special trade-related problems involving market access, competitive conditions of specific industries, export policy and promotion, access to materials in short supply, bilateral trade relations including trade with developing countries, operations of multinational corporations, and trade with non-market economies.

The Chamber Connects Business

2011-06-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

See us at I-5 and Portland Ave.

The Chamber has a New President & CEO!

2011-05-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Join the Chamber in welcoming seasoned Chamber Executive Tom Pierson as the new President & CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. Pierson will bring a passion for business and a knack for problem-solving and collaboration.

Currently CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, Pierson will begin work at the Chamber on June 27.

Pierson led the Federal Way chamber for eight years, doubling membership to nearly 500 businesses. He created the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition and the Regional Small Business Incubator. Pierson will replace interim President & CEO Mike Hansch, who has led the chamber since David Graybill retired last year.

Under Pierson’s leadership, the Federal Way Chamber received four-star accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce based on financial controls, management and overall performance.

Community involvement also is important to Pierson. He is chairman of the Woodstone Credit Union board of directors and serves on the Franciscan Foundation board of trustees. He also has board roles with Communities in Schools of Federal Way, Safe City Federal Way, St. Francis Fellowship, Multi-Service Center, Advancing Leadership, Jobs for South Sound and Federal Way Boys and Girls Club.

For more information, see the Chamber’s website.

Chamber Testifies for Building Opportunity

2011-05-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Chamber testified at Tuesday night's Tacoma City Council meeting in favor of amendment #2011-06 of the 2011 Annual Amendment to the Tacoma Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code.

Specifically, the Chamber addresses the amendment as it affected the South Tacoma Manufacturing / Industrial Center regional growth center boundaries. The Chamber's testimony to the Council:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of #2011-06, regional center update to the South Tacoma Manufacturing/Industrial Center.

The Port of Tacoma has received many deserved accolades for its foresight and initiative with the Frederickson Industrial Park. Through opportunities realized with the actualization of the potential at Frederickson, our community has gained jobs, income and tax base.

The Chamber appreciates and supports the Council's action to make the next Frederickson - the South Tacoma Manufacturing/Industrial Center - the most attractive economic asset it can be to give us jobs, income and tax base.

The first and final readings of ordinances adopting the proposed amendments are scheduled to occur on June 7 and June 14.

Deal on Workers' Comp Reform

2011-05-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

AWB reports the latest update, after substantial negotiations Sunday, Saturday, and Friday, a deal was finally struck between the five corners on a workers’ comp reform bill for 2011.

Its major highlights include:

The “Stay at Work” program return to work subsidy for state fund employers
The prior PPD offset and no interest on periodic PPD payments
A one year freeze in the COLA payment with no catch-up, and a delay in next year’s COLA payment
The “rainy day fund”
An occupational disease study
SHIP grants continuation
A directive on a worker/provider fraud prevention initiative
A JLARC performance audit on claims management

By far the most contentious piece is the introduction of voluntary settlements to Washington. Settlements are allowed in this package, subject to the following basic constraints:

Age 55 and older at first, phased down to age 50 by 2016
Settlement award must be paid out periodically (i.e., structured settlement), with an up front payment of six times the state’s average monthly wage (SAMW) and then the remainder paid out over a period specified by the parties, with the periodic payment no less than 25% of the SAMW (about $1,000) and no more than 150% of the SAMW (a little over $5,000).
Same basic sideboards and constraints as in HB 2109, i.e., IAJ review for pro se workers, Board approval for all, etc.
Attorney’s fees capped at 15% for settlements

Some details we just won’t know until the language comes out. The idea is to run it first in the House Monday morning. Then in the Senate Monday evening.

The Governor held a press conference on this with the four corners’ leadership at 6pm. Once TVW gets the video loaded, you’ll be able to view it from this page. would highly encourage watching it once it’s available as it may answer some of your questions about the political ambience of this all.

As you assess all this, remember Bismarck’s maxim: “Politics is the art of the possible.” This package is much less than what we wanted; more than what we have now. It’s a good first step and we should thank the bipartisan cast of legislators whose holding firm on positions early on and in negotiations this weekend helped attain as much flexibility and reform as “possible” under the political constraints.

Legislative Special Session Update

2011-05-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

With less than one week remaining in the 30-day special session, there seems to be new energy and momentum in the legislature for getting finished on time and avoiding the need for a second special session.

by Michael Transue, Governmental Affairs, Lobbying & Advocacy Services

Earlier this week and late last week, I thought a second special session was going to be necessary – Speaker Frank Chopp sent the House members home, except for the budget negotiators. Today however, it looks as if both parties and the House and Senate budget leaders are coming closer to compromise on the operating and capital budgets, the state’s debt limit (SJR 8215) and the bills necessary to implement the operating budget.

There are a multitude of bills necessary to implement the operating budget ranging through Medicaid Fraud reform, department mergers and consolidations, contracting out the state’s liquor warehouse and distribution system and college tuition increases. As of today, the House members have been called back into session and it appears that the legislature will work all weekend to meet the Wednesday (5/25/11) special session deadline to avoid a second special session.

An agreement on workers compensation reform is also being worked on by all four party caucuses and the Governor’s office in this special session. Workers Comp is being used as a bargaining and negotiating chip for budget votes, which makes the certainty around budget votes more questionable. The business community, Governor, House Republicans and Senate continue in their support for SB 5566 and HB 2109. House democratic leaders, however, are not.

The main sticking point is the proposed “voluntary settlement agreement” language contained in those bills. There have been several reports on this issue in the press of late. As of today, there have been recent meetings between the House, Senate and Governor’s office. I understand there was broad agreement on concepts that would be acceptable to all but details of those concepts aren’t public yet. More to come for sure as the next several days unfold.

Of the Chamber’s members’ interests, two issues are tied to the budgets. The first is the continued funding for State History Museum. The Museum is funded in the Senate budget. In the House, funding for the Museum is tied to HB 2033 which merges and consolidates several arts and heritage agencies and uses saving from the consolidation to operate the history museums in Tacoma, Spokane and Olympia.

The second issue is continued construction funding for the Bethel School District’s Pierce County Skills Center. The Skills Center was funded in both the House and Senate’s proposed capital budgets. Unless something unusual occurs, it seems likely this project will be funded and will continue its mission of offering career options for students leading to real jobs that mesh with workplace demands.