FOR INFORMATION:

Carrie Davis

PR & Communications Manager

P: 253.627.2175

carried@tacomachamber.org

                                                                                                 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 1, 2016

CHAMBER HOSTS BUSINESS LEADER BRIEFING ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Discusses the TPP with the White House

TACOMA, Wash. –

On Friday, January 29th, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber in collaboration with Business Forward welcomed Gaurab Bansal, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Cabinet Secretary, and Congressman Derek Kilmer, Representative from the 6th District, to discuss international trade.

Mr. Bansal provided an overview of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Obama Administration's international trade agenda and its effect on the greater Tacoma-Pierce County region and Washington State. This was an opportunity for business leaders to speak with a senior Obama Administration official on how trade policies affect their businesses and the larger Puget Sound economy.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce has a deep interest in the progress and future of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Chamber is dedicated to supporting the business interests of the community – a direct alignment with the TPP’s expectation to increase job growth, boost trade, open up new markets, and create an overall positive impact for not only the local economy but the Country’s as well.

At the meeting it was discussed that an estimated $27 billion is exported from Washington to TPP countries despite existing tariffs.  These exports support 400,000 jobs both of which would expand with the passage of the TPP.

The TPP is not only good for business but it is good for people as well as worker rights language is embedded directly in the agreement creating labor provisions and protections for workers across the globe. This is an advancement in worker protections that has not typically been present in past trade agreements.

With a long road ahead in Congress, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber looks forward to more discussions on trade and continuing to build its relationships with federal representatives.

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The Chamber’s most important function is job creation. Supporting job creation plays a large part in the Chamber’s commitment to the economic revitalization, growth and prosperity of Tacoma-Pierce County. Forming strategic partnerships, keeping abreast of news and information that impact business interests and staying on the forefront of issues like job retention, expansion and attraction are just a few ways the Chamber constantly works behind-the-scenes for member businesses.

Representative Kilmer & Deputy Bansal leading a discussion on trade.  (Courtsey TPCC) 

Tacoma’s Minimum Wage Rules Finalized

Tacoma will host Public Information Sessions in Downtown Tacoma Public Library on Jan. 20 and 21 for finalized minimum wage rules.

After a public process that included four meetings to solicit community feedback, Tacoma’s minimum wage rules are now final and available HERE.  These rules will guide the implementation of Initiative Measure No. 1B, which was approved by Tacoma voters in November 2015.

Initiative Measure No. 1B called for the Tacoma minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date as the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

There will be two public information sessions in the Downtown Tacoma Public Library (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room) for employers and other community members who wish to learn more about both minimum wage and paid leave:

Wednesday, Jan. 20
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 21
2 – 3 p.m.

Information on both minimum wage and paid leave is also available by calling (253) 591-5306 or visiting HERE.

U S Chamber Supports TPP

US Already Has FTAs with 6 TPP Countries

U.S. trade with our free trade agreement (FTA) partner countries supports more than 17.7 million American jobs and billions of dollars in U.S. exports.

The United States has routinely increased exports to FTA partners following implementation of the agreements with those countries.

The United States exported more than $739 billion in goods and services to six Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries that are already FTA partners — Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Singapore.

For more information on the value of trade and the TPP to the WA economy, click HERE.

Tacoma Council Will Choose Click! Option

After last week's recommendations by the Tacoma Public Utilities Board, the Tacoma City Council will consider two proposals this Tuesday night for future action on Click!.

The two resolutions are distinct choices and have significant consequences for Tacoma Power ratepayers, Click! users and businesses.

As noted in the Chamber's correspondence to the Councilmembers below, the Chamber recommends the lease option for the best future course of action.  The Chamber was an initial supporter of establishing Click! as a means to bring broadband service to Tacoma.  As an industry-defined "second city," that was an unlikely outcome at that time. The subsequent existence of a competitive marketplace is frequently cited for lower rates locally.  But, the marketplace has changed.

With continuing financial losses, Tacoma Power ratepayers have subsidized Click!'s operational losses.  The "all in" option, which represents Tacoma's substantial development of Click!, represents a $38 million bill over 10 years to bring Click! up to desired standards of service.  Even the City's attorney has opined that the existing subsidy of Click! by Tacoma Power may contravene state law.

Additionally, local small, family-owned firms providing ISP in partnership with Click! are expected to be adversely impacted by the "all in" option.  These local firms also represent jobs and investment, as well as their history of partnership.

The operation and fate of Click! is a continuing conflict between the Tacoma Public Utilities Board and the Tacoma Council.  To resolve these continuing disagreements, resolve possible legal conflicts and simplify the oversight of Click!, the Chamber suggests that Click! be reorganized under the auspices of general government with direct oversight and responsibility by the City Council.

Reminding Tacoma of Campaign Promises before Tax Implementation

Before Tacoma Council action to implement the utility tax portion of the recently voter-approved Prop. 3 to Fix Tacoma's Roads, the Chamber reminded Councilmembers of promises to voters to apportion dollars among all types of road and transportation projects.

It is important that from the very beginning of this Tacoma roads package that promises be kept with voters and all the advocates for the needed and necessary transportation projects.

Deadline for Public Comment on Draft Minimum Wage Rules and Minimum Wage Workplace Notice Set for Dec. 18

A deadline of Friday, Dec. 18 has been set for public comment on the draft minimum wage rules and minimum wage workplace notice.

Initiative Measure 1B, which passed last month, called for the minimum wage to increase to $10.35 per hour on Feb. 1, 2016 (the same effective date the Paid Leave Ordinance passed in January 2015). The Tacoma minimum wage would then increase to $11.15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2017 and to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018.

Public comment on the draft minimum wage rules and minimum wage workplace notice can be submitted at one of the two remaining public meetings:

• Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 - 11 a.m.

Both public meetings will take place at the Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Ave. S, Olympic Room, Tacoma 98402). Those who are unable to attend a public meeting can send comments or questions HERE.

More information is available HERE.

ST3 Project List Considered

The conversation about the future of mass transit in our region took a big step forward Friday with the release of detailed studies for all the projects that could be part of a ST3 ballot measure next November. 

Sound Transit released details of the ST3 candidate projects, including cost and ridership estimates for each project along with other decision factors such as opportunities for transit-oriented development and non-motorized access options.

The Sound Transit Board identified the candidate projects last summer following a broad public involvement period. The Board focused on priorities for expanding regional transit services as the region’s population grows by a million people in the next 25 years.
Over the coming months, the studies will inform work by the Sound Transit Board to further narrow in on priorities and discuss the funding and size of a ballot measure. Stay tuned for details on how to provide input on a draft package the Board expects to release in March. Input next spring will shape a final measure planned for voter consideration in November 2016.

Check out the study results through the interactive map and full list of projects, where you’ll find more information including summaries comparing options for specific corridors. Visit the document archive for information about funding ST3, including Sound Transit’s cost methodology and track record of constructing projects on time and within budget.

EX-IM Reauthorization One-Step Away

UPDATE:  15-12-04:The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank) was reauthorized on Friday, December 4. Garnering a strong bipartisan House vote of 359-65 and a Senate vote of 83-16, the "Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act" extends the Bank's charter through September 30, 2019. 

Months after the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ authority lapsed, the House of Representatives voted again to approve the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank as an amendment to the 5-year, $300 billion highway bill. The bill now heads to the Senate where it is expected to pass.

Rep. Denny Heck (WA-10) applauds second House vote to reopen Export-Import Bank, identifies it as huge victory for Washington’s export economy. “Congress will finally green light Ex-Im to go in and to help these companies get their products out of the warehouses and into the hands of global purchasers,” Heck said. “Once the President signs this bill into law, the Export-Import Bank can once again get American goods sold to customers around the world. This is a victory for our export economy, which includes everything from music stands to wide body jets in Washington state. But let’s be clear that this needless delay harmed small businesses mightily for months, and we can never let it happen again.”

"No one has worked harder or more effectively to reopen the Export-Import Bank than Congressman Denny Heck," stated Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer. "He has been a tenacious fighter on behalf of American businesses and workers, and I thank him for his tireless efforts to reopen the Bank."

“Pexco is pleased that House and Senate negotiators have finalized an agreement on a five-year surface transportation program bill which includes reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank,” said Peter Speer, Pexco’s Vice President of Sales. Pexco, a company with 150 employees in Fife, Wash., that makes traffic and safety products, has used Ex-Im financing in the past to sell their equipment around the world. “The multi-year bill will provide much-needed stability for the highway market domestically after a decade of short-term extensions. Renewal of the Export-Import Bank will assist our company in exporting innovative, life-saving traffic safety technologies overseas, creating jobs for our factory in Tacoma.”

“The Tacoma-Seattle metro is the 4th highest area in the value of goods exported, and 915,000 jobs in Washington depend on trade ,” said Tom Pierson, President and CEO of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.  “Ex-Im is vital to keeping our local businesses competitive with other countries’ exporters.”

“The World Trade Center Tacoma is so pleased with the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank,” said Louise S. Tieman, President and CEO of World Trade Center Tacoma. “Our members utilize Ex-Im Bank to export to foreign markets that are not served by US Banks, and these markets generate revenue and jobs here in Washington.  There are new contracts that have been waiting in the wings for reauthorization to come through, so we are anticipating increased export volume for some of our members in the coming months.”

“Last year the Port handled $18.4 billion worth of goods destined for foreign markets. Ex-Im is an essential tool in supporting and growing those exports over time,” said Don Johnson, Port of Tacoma Commissioner. “We applaud Congressman Heck and the Washington state congressional delegation for their leadership in reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank.”

“The Ex-Im Bank specializes in helping U.S. firms export goods and services and allows them to compete in foreign markets,” said Dr. Chung-Shing Lee, Associate Dean and Professor at the Pacific Lutheran University School of Business. “The reauthorization of The Ex-Im Bank levels the playing field for U.S. firms in a world of international trading distortions.”

In June, Heck publicly promised an “all hands on deck, all the time” effort to get a winning vote in the House to save the Export-Import Bank.

On October 9, more than 40 Republicans joined 179 Democrats in signing a discharge petition to bring legislation to the House floor to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank, marking the first successful discharge petition since 2002.

On October 27, in a bipartisan vote of 313-118 and with a historic ‘discharge petition’ maneuver, the House of Representatives successfully passed H.R. 597, the Reform Exports and Expand the American Economy Act, to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States until 2019.

While H.R. 597 failed to move in the Senate, the same reauthorization text was included in H.R. 22, the DRIVE Act, which passed in the House by a vote of 371 – 54 on November 5.

You may use this link HERE to send a letter to your Members of Congress thanking them for their vote and Governors for their support on the reauthorization of the Export Import Bank .

The Export-Import Bank is the nation’s official export credit agency and a tool that helps companies in Washington state and nationwide sell products overseas and create jobs. Since the bank’s authorization lapsed on June 30, 2015, the bank has been forced to stop its assistance to U.S. exporters -- threatening export deals for more than 100 exporters in Washington state.

In 2014, the Ex-Im Bank supported $27.5 billion in export sales and 164,000 jobs, of which tens of thousands are in Washington state. Small businesses transactions were nearly 90 percent of the total transactions of the Export-Import Bank in 2014.

Exports Produce Jobs and Wealth

Expanded trade generates new business opportunities for America’s manufacturers, service providers and farmers, from Seattle-Tacoma (up 9.3%) to Miami and in hundreds of metro areas across the country.

 In 2014, U.S. goods exports to other countries from metro areas alone totaled more than $1.4 trillion, creating economic and job growth in major U.S. population centers.

To learn more about how exports support the U.S. economy and American jobs, click here.

Tacoma Offers Training for Stormwater & ROW Design

The City of Tacoma is offering training on the 2016 City of Tacoma Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM) and the 2016 City of Tacoma Right-of-Way Design Manual (Design Manual).  Both manuals will become effective January 7, 2016.

This will be technical training geared toward the development and engineering community and those involved with design of projects both on private property and within the City right-of-way though the training are open and available to all members of public.

SWMM Training Dates:

• Thursday, December 17, 2015: 8:00am – 12:00pm
• Wednesday, January 6, 2016: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Design Manual Training Dates:

• Thursday, December 17, 2015: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
• Wednesday, January 6, 2016: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

All training will take place at the Central Treatment Plant – Building A on embedded map.

Parking is limited – carpool if possible.

Lunch will be provided for those RSVPing to attend both a morning and afternoon session on the same date. The City cannot accommodate all dietary restrictions and allergies but please respond in your RSVP if there are dietary restrictions and they will let you know if they can accommodate.

Training sessions are limited to 50 people.  RSVP with your requested date and training type.

America’s Agriculture Industry Feeds the World

As you sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to keep in mind that the United States is the world’s leading exporter of agricultural products. That includes the same kinds of fruits, vegetables and wheat products that you will enjoy with family and friends tomorrow.

America’s agriculture sector depends on exports even more than the overall U.S. economy does. This means more export revenue, more jobs and more growth for America, which is something we can all be thankful for.

For more information on the value of trade to the U.S. economy, click HERE.

Cong. Reichert Leads Key Trade Subcommittee

U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) was recently named as the new Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. Rep. Reichert is the first Member of Congress from Washington State to serve as Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade.

Rep. Reichert is co-chair of the Friends of TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) Caucus, member of the President’s Export Council and founder of the Congressional Freight Caucus.

 “I am very honored to have the opportunity to lead the Trade Subcommittee and champion some of the issues that have the greatest impact on Washingtonians. Washington State is one of the most trade-dependent states in the country with 40 percent of our jobs and more than $90 billion in annual exports connected to trade,” said Rep. Reichert.

“In the Eighth District alone, 77,100 jobs are supported by trade, and our growers, producers and businesses export approximately $8.6 billion in goods and services each year.  With the release of the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and our ongoing negotiations with the EU, this is a critical time for trade. As a long-time advocate of expanding trade opportunities, I will continue fighting on behalf of our workers, farmers and businesses across the country, because I firmly believe through high-standard trade agreements we see expanded opportunities for all.”

Tacoma Voters Pass Prop 3 and Prop A for Street Repair and Improvements

Today, certified results show that Tacoma voters said yes to repairing Tacoma’s streets and passed Proposition 3 and Proposition A. 

These propositions will work together to repair and improve city streets through a number of methods including pothole repair, street resurfacing and building missing sidewalks. In addition, Proposition A provides additional funding for transportation projects outlined in the Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Plan. 

“Tacoma voters have demonstrated that they want to be part of the solution. By approving Props 3 and A, they're saying yes to safe and better streets, civic pride and family-wage jobs,” said Mayor Marilyn Strickland.  “The poor condition of Tacoma’s roads have been decades in the making and we now have dedicated funds to repair and maintain them in a significant way."

To achieve funding goals, Proposition 3 (Resolution 39249) will raise funds through an increase in property and utility earnings tax while Proposition A (Resolution TBD010) will raise funds through an increase in sales tax.  All taxes associated with the propositions will expire after 10 years. Over this time frame, these propositions combined are projected to generate $175 million of new revenue. In addition, these measures would leverage an estimated $120 million in grants and matching funds and the City will commit an additional $30 million. The accumulation of all these sources would raise a total of $325 million for Tacoma’s streets.

“With the approval of Props A and 3, Tacoma voters have expressed that the time has come to invest in our city’s streets,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax. “Over the next 10 years this work will be a major focus for the City and we are committed to keeping residents informed about how these funds will be used to address much needed streets and infrastructure improvements.”

For City staff, next steps include developing annual reports, web pages and using Tacoma Data to connect residents to efforts related to these propositions. The Transportation Benefit District is also required to report back to the City Council annually on projects funded by the district and the spending plan for the upcoming year.  The additional funding sources associated with these propositions will not go into effect until 2016 and the City will use the Six-Year Infrastructure Maintenance Plan, Six- Year Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Transportation Master Plan and the recent pavement condition survey as documents to guide investment in transportation infrastructure.  

Cong. Reichert on Highway Bill Conference Committee

Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert was selected to serve on the conference committee for the long-term highway bill.

In this role, Rep. Reichert will work with other lawmakers from the House and Senate to negotiate and come to an agreement on legislation to reauthorize and fund the nation’s highway and transit programs.

After hearing news of his appointment, Rep. Reichert said, “I am looking forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues from both sides of the aisle to complete a long-term highway bill. Doing so is critical for our roads, bridges, economic competitiveness, and public safety. Here in Washington State, folks not only depend on strong infrastructure to get to and from work, but with one of the nation’s leading trade economies, our growers and producers need a dependable, efficient freight and transportation system to move their goods safely to market. Today’s conference meeting will be an important step toward meeting these goals.”

Globe Awards Next Week

Register online HERE, or EMAIL or phone: 253-396-1022

(Click on Image for a Larger View)

Your Invite to POHR 2015

This reception is to honor public officials' service, to establish and enhance our relationships, and to provide you with the opportunity to meet your elected and appointed representatives.

Please confirm your attendance at your earliest convenience by clicking HERE.

Trade Supports Growth and Jobs in Every State

International trade creates jobs and economic growth in every state, and now supports an estimated 39.8 million American jobs – more than one in five jobs. 

Click here to see how trade supports economic growth and jobs each state.

For more information on the benefits of trade and U.S. trade agreements to America, click here.

Nominations Open for DREAM BIG Small Business

The US Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2016 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award. The hunt is on for the best of the best small businesses in America, and nobody knows small business like you. Help in the search!

 How does it work?

• Anyone can nominate a small business by clicking here. You can even nominate yourself!
• Once nominated, eligible small businesses should complete the online application by February 1.

Note: Nomination is not required for award consideration, but all eligible small businesses must complete the application form.

The Prize!

The Small Business of the Year winner, 7 regional finalists, and 100 Blue Ribbon Award winners will be honored at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2016. The winner will receive national recognition and a $10,000 cash prize.

Give a deserving small business some love by nominating them today Here. 

Business and Agricultural Groups Welcome Release Of TPP Agreement Text

US Trade Representative (USTR) released the full text and chapter summaries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement early this morning. You can find it all on the USTR website, as well as on Medium, here.

 “We welcome the public release of the Trans-Pacific Partnership text and commend the Administration for having done so as quickly as possible,” said David Thomas, President of the Trade Benefits America Coalition. “A well-crafted TPP has significant potential to expand U.S. trade opportunities with some of the world's fastest growing markets – to the benefit of American businesses, farmers, and workers. We look forward to examining the agreement closely and continuing to work with the Administration and Congress as the TPP process moves forward."

TPP has the potential to reduce tariffs on 18K U.S. goods. We look forward to seeing how the TPP can help farmers, ranchers, and small businesses across the country. Trans-Pacific Partnership fact sheets, issue briefs, and chapter summaries can be found here, via http://bit.ly/1kcq7ma #TPP