Last Chance to Nominate for Tahoma Business Environmental Award

Tacoma Pierce County Chamber's 13th Annual
Tahoma Business Environmental Award

The Chamber annually recognizes entrepreneurial efforts that meet a high standard of excellence for mitigation, environmental, preservation and protection accomplishments through its Tahoma Environmental Business Award. 

The Chamber is accepting nominations of businesses that deserve recognition for their exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts. Self-Nominations are encouraged and accepted. 

The selected nominee will receive a environmental business award to be presented by Taylor-Thomason Insurance. To self-nominate or nominate another exceptional business click here.

In addition to the award presentation, the Luncheon will feature speakers representing the intersection of business and the environment. The 13th Tahoma Business Environmental Award, will be presented at the Chamber Luncheon on April 10, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pacific Grill Events Center, 1530 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402.

Past Tahoma Environmental Business Award Recipients: 2014 J.L. Darling, 2013 Targa Sound Terminal, 2012 Richlite Company, 2011 Waste Connections, Inc., 2010 Walsh Construction, 2009 Carlile Transportation Systems, 2008 Pacific Lutheran University, 2007 Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc., 2006 Port of Tacoma, 2005 McFarland Cascade, 2004 Simpson, 2003 Kay Parks/Dan Meyer Auto Rebuild

2015 WorkWell Awards Designees Announced

WorkWell Award designees were recognized Friday, February 13, at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Chamber Luncheon Featuring: WorkWell Awards – A Celebration of the Healthy Workplace event held at the Pacific Grill Events Center, 1530 Pacific Ave.,Tacoma, Wash., 98402.

While the luncheon focused on the WorkWell program awards, which recognizes local employers who made a commitment to three designated areas of healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco-free, there were also presentations on the recently passed City of Tacoma Mandatory Paid Time Off ordinance and information surrounding the Minimum Wage discussion.  

Andy Cherullo, Finance Director for the City of Tacoma and David Schroedel of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, spoke on the Mandatory Paid Time Off Ordinance recently approved by the City of Tacoma.  Bruce Beckett, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington Restaurant Association presented information regarding current discussions around the issue of Minimum Wage.

The Chamber celebrated the strides Pierce County businesses took to make health and wellness a priority in their work place through three levels of recognition: Gold, Silver and Bronze WorkWell Awards as well as the WorkWell Happy Heart Achievement Award which highlighted an organization’s policies, programs and/or activities that supports employee health and well-being.

AHBL, Inc., Better Business Bureau of Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington, MultiCare Health System and Nisqually Red Wind Casino were recognized as Happy Heart Achievement designees.

Gold designees AHBL, Inc., Better Business Bureau of Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington, MultiCare Health System, Nisqually Red Wind Casino, Tacoma Community House and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department implemented changes to all three workforce health categories: healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco-free.

Silver designee Rapport Benefits Group implemented changes to two of the three workforce health categories.

In addition, the Active Transportation Advocate Award, sponsored by Downtown: On the Go! was presented to MultiCare Health System.  The award recognizes an organization that provides encouragement and incentives to their employees for using active transportation.

Chamber Announces 2014 Spotlight Finalists

Spotlight! On Business Awards, presented by the Business Health Trust and the Chamber, honors Chamber member businesses who have set the standard for exemplary business practices in seven categories:

 • Small Business (1-25 employees)
 • Medium Business (26-50 employees)
 • Large Business (51+ employees)
 • Non-Profit Organization
 • Minority-Owned Business
 • Veteran-Owned Business
 • Supporter of the Military, sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union

This year the field of finalists was narrowed down to 35 from a list of 70 nominees. 


The 2014 Spotlight! On Business finalists are (by category):

Small Business (1-25 Employees)
AlphaGraphics Tacoma
Great Promotions! – Scott Larsen
Patricia & Co.
Power Crews
Rapport Benefits Group
Sir Speedy Printing & Marketing
Stewart and Son Computer Services, LLC
Summit Strength & Conditioning
TAGS Awards & Specialties
Weinman Consulting Services LLC

Medium Business (26-50 Employees)
Kel-Tech Plastics, Inc.
Panagiotu Pension Advisors
Targa Sound Terminal
The Villas-Union Park

Large Business (51+ Employees)
Burkhart Dental Supply
Cascade Eye and Skin Centers, P.C.
Clear Channel Outdoor
Clearwater Casino Resort
Clover Park Technical College
Courtyard Marriott Tacoma Downtown
Harry & David
HomeStreet Bank
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Pacific Continental Bank
Weatherly Inn
   
Non-Profit Organization
American Cancer Society
Boots to Shoes Foundation
FISH Food Banks of Pierce County
MultiCare Health System
Northwest Spay & Neuter Center
RallyPoint/6
Tacoma Musical Playhouse
Tacoma Youth Marine Center
The Salvation Army-Tacoma

Minority-Owned Business
Clearwater Casino Resort
Power Crews
Riandi Photography

Veteran-Owned Business
RallyPoint/6
Sperry Ocean Dock
Stewart and Son Computer Services, LLC

Supporter of the Military Award
Boots to Shoes Foundation
Kel-Tech Plastics, Inc.
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Pierce Transit
RallyPoint/6
Summit Strength & Conditioning


The recipients of the 2014 Spotlight! On Business Awards will be revealed at the September 24, 2014 luncheon ceremony sponsored by Business Health Trust.  This year’s awards sponsor is TAPCO Credit Union, the Supporter of the Military Award is sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union and gift sponsor is Harry & David. 

Visit the Chamber’s website to register for the event, this year to be held at Hotel Murano.

Nominations/Applications for Business Environmental Award Opens

Earth Day is near and appropriately, the Chamber recognizes that there are many outstanding businesses in our community working hard to protect the environment and preserve our quality of life.

Do you know of a business that deserves recognition for surface water protection or restoration achievements? How about a deserving business that has achieved exemplary results in reducing waste dumped into area streams?  Who has the best air quality results?

The Chamber is accepting applications or nominations of businesses that deserve recognition for their exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts. The selected nominee will receive a business environmental award to be presented.

Nominations or applications will be accepted no later than April 1. Please submit your nomination(s).


The Award will be presented by sponsor Taylor-Thomason Insurance on April 11 at the Chamber's Luncheon.  You may register here.

For more information about nomination criteria or to participate in the Chamber’s Earth Day event sponsored by Taylor-Thomason Insurance, contact Gary Brackett or at 253.682.1720. 

Consider in your application or nomination the full spectrum of your environmental stewardship efforts in addition to just highlighting one or a few exemplary efforts.  Here, as examples for you is a very brief synopsis of the spectrum of environmental stewardship efforts by the 2013 and 2012 Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipients:

2013 Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipient Targa Sound Terminal

Targa Sound Terminal focuses on safe, responsible, reliable and efficient logistics. Their goal is to be the best bulk liquid and petroleum logistic service provider in the Pacific Northwest.
With roots in the 1960s, their small team pursued a vision that propelled their growth to 46 employees locally. Today, Targa continues to supply energy to the Pacific Northwest. Their vision is essential to keeping our port competitive, creating family-wage jobs and maintaining a commitment to Tacoma’s clean and efficient future.
In 2007, they became the first wholesale truck rack in Washington State to provide renewable biodiesel blends. Their dock was the first to provide low-emission ultra-low sulfur diesel to local tugs and fishing vessels. In 2011 they began supporting local farmers by supplying Washington grown and produced canola biodiesel. In 2012, they started blending EPA emission control area fuel for Port of Tacoma businesses.
Targa Sound Terminal currently handles petroleum, petroleum products and renewable fuels. They are committed to using the best environmental control technology available to make their operation the best in the state. They have a history of being a good neighbor and are committed to the Tacoma community.

2012 Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipient Richlite Company

Richlite Company pioneered the paper-composite surface industry at its manufacturing facility in Tacoma, beginning in 1943.  Richlite is made of paper.  It starts out as pulp, is turned into paper and is transformed
again into a dense, durable and attractive material that can be tooled like wood.

It’s a product base that ranges from cutting boards to countertops, exterior wall cladding to flooring, guitar parts and outdoor furniture – and event as outdoor skate ramp surfacing. It’s used for nearly any commercial or residential surface or design accent.

Richlite has always strived to produce a quality product – locally – while leaving a smaller footprint on the environment. In doing so, Richlite uses only sustainably-derived resources, pursues environmentally-sound manufacturing and business practices and works with partners who share in their initiatives to maintain a healthy planet.

Richlite employs sustainable organizational practices.  The paper includes Forest Stewardship Certified paper that comes from managed forests, is 100% recycled from post consumer waste or is 50% recycled cardboard.

Richlite patented a manufacturing process (WE ((waste-t0-energy)) Technology) where its saturation equipment captures energy from the manufacturing process and recycles it back into the heating system.

And, Richlite began tracking greenhouse gas emissions in 2005, set and exceeded a five-year goal with a total of 32% decrease of CO2 emissions.

Richlite:
-    the first business in Tacoma to obtrain its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Environmental Product Declaration;
-    one of the first businesses in Tacoma to receive a BEST (Businesses for an Environmentally Sustainable Tacoma) award;
-    qualifies or LEED points in six categories;
-    Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification;
-    Rainforest Alliance Certification.

Richlite’s community environmental leadership includes:
-    a member of Tacoma’s Green Ribbon Climate action Task Force;
-    a members of the Sustainable Tacoma Commission;
-    on the Steering Committee with our Chamber’s Environmental Business Alliance;
-    a member of the Seattle Metro Chamber’s Sustainability Committee;
-    and, a member of the Seattle Climate Partnership.

Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipients

 1    2003    Kay Parks/Dan Meyer Auto Rebuild
 2    2004    Simpson
 3    2005    McFarland Cascade
 4    2006    Port of Tacoma
 5    2007    Totem Ocean Trailer Express
 6    2008    PLU
 7    2009    Carlile Transportation Systems
 8    2010    Walsh Construction
 9    2011    Waste Connections, Inc.
10    2012   Richlite Company
11    2013  Targa Sound Terminal

2013 Spotlight! On Business Finalists

Spotlight! On Business Awards, presented by the Business Health Trust and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, honors Chamber member businesses who have set the standard for exemplary business practices in seven categories:

 • Small Business (1-25 employees)
 • Medium Business (26-50 employees)
 • Large Business (51+ employees)
 • Non-Profit Organization
 • Minority-Owned Business
 • Veteran-Owned Business
 • Business Supporter of the Military, sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union

The 2013 Spotlight! On Business finalists are (in alphabetical order):

 

AlphaGraphics Tacoma
AmericanWest Bank
Bethel School District
Burkhart Dental Supply
Canterwood Golf & Country Club
Eisenhower & Carlson, PLLC
GEICO Insurance
Hotel Murano
IgniteU365
McLendon Hardware, Inc.
Northwest Spay & Neuter Center South Sound Magazine
Stewart & Son Computer Services, LLC
Summit Strength & Conditioning
Tacoma City Grocer IGA
Tacoma Youth Marine Foundation
Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
The Swiss Restaurant & Pub
TWOKOI Japanese Cuisine
Veterans Advocacy Support & Training (VAST)
Venti Productions, LLC

The recipients of the 2013 Spotlight! On Business Awards will be revealed at the September 27, 2013 luncheon ceremony sponsored by Business Health Trust.  This year’s awards sponsor is TAPCO Credit Union, the Business Supporter of the Military Award is sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union and gift sponsor is Harry & David. 

Visit the Chamber’s website to register for the event, this year to be held at Hotel Murano.

Downtown: On the Go! presents Transportation Innovator Awards

Downtown On the Go honored five downtown businesses for their exemplary work in sustainable transportation and commute options today. The honorees were acknowledged and presented their awards at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Luncheon featuring Transportation Innovator Awards at the Pacific Grill Events Center.

Award winners include:

 

·    Bold Step/Big Program: Columbia Bank for adopting the Live Downtown Program

 

·         Leaders in New Program: HomeStreet Bank for being leaders in Live Downtown Program for its inception

 

·         Sustainable Transportation Program: BLRB Architects for providing and promoting sustainable commute options and playing a leadership role in the community

 

·         Biking Strong: GeoEngineers for leadership and participation in Bike Month 2012

 

·         Parking Alternatives Program: UW Tacoma for long term planning and excellence in promoting sustainable transportation

 

·         Continued Leadership in Commute Trip Reduction: Jennifer Burley, Employee Transportation Coordinator, UW Tacoma 

Downtown On the Go presents the Transportation Innovator Awards annually to acknowledge and celebrate work being done that helps meet the Downtown On the Go goal of reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles by 11 percent by 2015. 

Visit Downtown On the Go's website for more information.

 

 

 

Announcing the Spotlight! On Business Award Nominees

Spotlight! On Business Awards, presented by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, honors Chamber member businesses who have set the standard for exemplary business practices:

• Small Business (1-25 employees)
• Medium Business (26-50 employees)
• Large Business (51+ employees)
• Non-Profit Organization
• Minority-Owned Business
• Veteran-Owned Business
• Business Supporter of the Military, sponsored by Port of Tacoma

The 2012 Spotlight! On Business finalists are (in alphabetical order):
AmericanWest Bank
American Cancer Society
Bridgeport Place Retirement & Assisted Living
Cascade Regional Blood Services
Citizens for a Healthy Bay
Commencement Bank
Creative Forces, LLC
Doty, Beardsley, Rosengren & Co., P.S.
Harborstone Credit Union
Minuteman Press
NW Furniture Bank
Print NW
Shea Carr Jewell
Tacoma City Grocer IGA
Tacoma South Sound Sports
The Owners Alliance
West Business Concepts

The recipients of the 2012 Spotlight! On Business Awards will be announced at the September 28, 2012 luncheon ceremony sponsored by Business Health Trust.  This year’s awards sponsor is Meracord, the printing sponsor is Pacific Lutheran University and décor sponsor is Harry & David.

Chamber Celebrates Earth Day

Chamber Luncheon Featuring: Environmental Award 

Event Sponsor: Regence BlueShield
Award Sponsor: Taylor-Thomason Insurance Brokers 

Earth Day is near and the Chamber recognizes that there are many outstanding businesses in our community working hard to protect the environment and preserve our quality of life.

Join the Chamber for the 10th Annual Tahoma Environmental Business Award as we honor a local business for outstanding environmental awareness and efficiency.  In addition to the awards presentation, we've arranged great speakers on the intersection of business and the environment.

 Rita Schneck: The emergence of ecolabels.

Bill Anderson: The BEST program and the Environmental Business Alliance. 

Meagan Kula: The impact of commute options on the bottom line.

DATE |Friday, April 13, 2012

TIME |11:30 am - 1:00 pm 

LOCATION |Pacific Grill Events Center

1530 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

PRICE | $20.00 Members Pre-Pay

$25.00 Non-Members Pre-Pay/ Members Walk-Ins

$30.00 Non-Members Walk-Ins

RSVP | Click Here!

2012 Nominees

Ambient Energy, LLC

Bethel School District

McFarland Cascade Pole & Lumber Co.

MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital

NW Furniture Bank

Pierce County Public Works and Utilities' Chambers Bay Golf Course

Propel Insurance

Richlite Company

Tacoma Public Utilities

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity

Tiny's Tire Factory

University of Washington Tacoma

Chamber Opens Nomination for Business Environment Award

Earth Day is near and appropriately, the Chamber recognizes that there are many outstanding businesses in our community working hard to protect the environment and preserve our quality of life.

Do you know of a business that deserves recognition for surface water protection or restoration achievements? How about a deserving business that has achieved exemplary results in reducing waste dumped into area streams?  Who has the best air quality results?

The Chamber is accepting nominations of businesses that deserve recognition for their exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts. The selected nominee will receive a business environmental award to be presented by Taylor-Thomason Insurance.

Nominations will be accepted no later than March 23. Please submit your nomination(s).For more information about nomination criteria or to participate in the Chamber’s Earth Day event, sponsored by Regence.  Contact Gary Brackett or at 253.682-1720. 

Vote for Locals for PULSE Awards

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

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

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

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.

Nominate a Business for Its Environmental Stewardship

Walsh Construction Gets Tahoma Business Environmental Award

Walsh Construction Company's (r) Ron Ward, Senior Project Manager-Salishan and (c) Derek Johnson, Superintendent-Salishan Project happily receive the 2010 Tahoma Business Environmental Award from sponsor (l) Tom Taylor, Taylor-Thomason Insurance.

The Chamber annually recognizes entrepreneurial efforts that meet a high standard of excellence for environmental, preservation and protection accomplishments through its Tahoma Business Environmental Award.

This morning the 8th annual award was presented by award sponsor Tom Taylor, Taylor-Thomason Insurance, to Don Ward, Senior Project Manager, Walsh Construction Company in the Chamber’s Simpson Community Room.

Through Walsh Construction’s leadership and initiative, the Tacoma Housing Authority’s (THA) Salishan redevelopment in Tacoma is the first federal Hope IV project to achieve a LEED Platinum rating in the country.

When Washington State issued a mandate that entities receiving funding awards from its Housing Trust Fund build projects more sustainably, Walsh Construction saw the potential in Salishan 7 and looked beyond what was required by the state. Walsh Construction informed the THA of the opportunities and how to achieve the highest standard – platinum.

Walsh conducted exploratory work in the design phase with help from the Berger Partnership PS, McGranahan Architects and the project’s sustainability consultant O’Brien & Company. From this, Walsh Construction determined the project as designed did not meet the lowest LEED rating of Certified.

From Walsh Construction’s research and analysis, THA chose to pursue the most challenging goal: LEED for Homes Platinum.

Walsh Construction has deservedly been acknowledged with the Tahoma Business Environmental Award by having invested money and thought into ways that would improve the environmental performance of their overall operations and thus, impacting our community’s quality of life.

Visit our website for more information on Walsh Construction’s environmental achievements.

Help Make DREAM Come True for Top Local Business

Nominate a business from our community for the U.S. Chamber's 2011 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year--the winner receives a $10,000 cash prize!

Visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Summit webpage to enter your choice. Nominations are due by January 7, 2011.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen is G. F. Train International Business Award Recipient

The recipient of the Chamber’s 2010 George Francis (G.F.) Train International Business Commemorative Award is Lt. Governor Brad Owen for his significant contribution to the growth of international trade in Tacoma.

Besides the G.F. Train International Business Award, the Port of Tacoma’s Community Vitality Partner Award and the World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCT)’s Globe Award and Marco Polo Award will be presented at the Globe Awards Dinner & Auction on June 2.

The Port of Tacoma will honor Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. as the 2010 Community Vitality Partner Award recipient and the WTCT recently announced that the 2010 Globe Award recipient is Williamson & Associates (W&A) and their 2010 Marco Polo Award recipient is Silverbow Honey Company.

For details on the awards and the 2010 Globe Awards Dinner & Auction, click here.

2010 Globe Awards Dinner & Auction

Reserve your spot for this evening event celebrating international business achievements, including the presentation of the Chamber’s 22nd annual George Francis Train International Business Award.

About the G.F. Train International Business Award:
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 and coining the appellation “City of Destiny.”

The award was developed in recognition of the tremendous importance that international business means for our region and for its significant economic and cultural contribution to our community.

Also at the event will be presentations of the following World Trade Center Tacoma Awards:

The Globe Award recognizes a Washington State based business that has demonstrated success and industry leadership through its extension to global business, its product/service innovation, its contribution to the state’s economic growth and its participation in community development.

The Marco Polo Award recognizes a small to medium size business that has demonstrated first time success and accomplishment in international trade.

To view a larger version of the flyer, click here.

Recognizing Business Environmental Achievements

This event has been rescheduled and will be announced in forthcoming communications. 

Join the Chamber on Tues., April 27, 2010, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. for breakfast at the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel, recognition of four nominees, the annual presentation of the Tahoma Business Environmental Award sponsored by Taylor-Thomason Insurance, and a keynote presentation by Alan Hardcastle, Ph.D., WSU’s Extension Energy Program.

Q: What do farm workers and electricians have in common? A: In 2009 they were the most widespread green occupations in Washington state. It isn’t just about wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers anymore.

We don’t want to give away the farm but...the number of private-sector green jobs in 2009 was substantially higher than in 2008. Find out why this is when our breakfast speaker, Dr. Alan Hardcastle, provides focus about the green economy in Pierce County and Washington state.

Dr. Hardcastle is the lead author for the just released 2009 Washington State Green Economy Jobs study. He has over 20 years of research and consulting experience through a broad range of public and private-sector clients in industry, organized labor, education, workforce and economic development. Dr. Hardcastle has studied production systems, organizational culture and education/training systems at companies that include Toyota-GM (NUMMI), Hewlett-Packard and McDonnell Douglas.

2010 Tahoma Business Environmental Award nominees are:
 NuStar Energy L.P. Tacoma Community College
 Walsh Construction Company
 Washington United Terminals

Date: Tues., April 27, 2010
Time: 7:30 to 9 a.m.
What: Environmental Awards Breakfast
Place: Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel
2611 East E Street Tacoma 98421
Register online at the Chamber's website

Tahoma Business Environmental Award Nominations Open

Earth Day is near and appropriately, the Chamber recognizes that there are many outstanding businesses in our community working hard to protect the environment and preserve our quality of life. Do you know of a business that deserves recognition for surface water protection or restoration achievements? How about a deserving business that has achieved exemplary results in reducing waste dumped into area streams? Who has the best air quality results?

The Chamber is accepting nominations of businesses that deserve recognition for their exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts. The selected nominee will receive a business environmental award to be presented by Taylor-Thomason Insurance at a special Earth Day themed, Good Afternoon! Tacoma Business Breakfast.

Nominations will be accepted no later than April 5. Please submit your nomination(s) by downloading the form or online here.

For more information about nomination criteria, contact Gary Brackett or to participate in the Chamber’s Earth Day event  on April 27, contact Judy Singley or 253-627-2175.

CERB Pierce's Grant

The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today announced a $25,000 grant to Pierce County for an economic development study identifying potential business development on the Tacoma Narrows Airport properties. This project would allow for an intensification of use of existing industrial land.


As Washington’s strategic economic development resource, CERB is focused on creating private sector jobs in partnership with local governments by financing infrastructure improvements. These improvements encourage new business development and expansion. In addition to funding construction projects, CERB provides limited funding for studies that evaluate high-priority economic development projects. Learn more about CERB.