VOTE TODAY

VOTE TODAY. Ballots due to drop off locations or voting centers HERE by 8:00 p.m. today, or postmarked today.

Resource for you:  Tacoma-Pierce Co. Vote for Business Guide HERE.

Proposed Vapor Product Regulations

Proposed vapor product regulations and supporting documents are now available. Click on the links below to learn more.

1. Board of Health Resolution

2. Summary of Proposed Regulations
• Smoking in Public Places Regulation (Chapter 8 of the Environmental Health Code)
• Restrictions on Sale, Use and Availability of Vapor Products and Unregulated Nicotine Delivery Devices Regulation (Chapter 9 of the Environmental Health Code)

3. Fees and Fines

4. Administration Record Documentation, which includes community input and research to support regulations is available by request. Contact Shelley Wallace at or at (253) 798-3548 to request a review of record.

Direct comments regarding these documents to: Anthony L-T Chen, Director of Health, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, 3629 S. D St. Tacoma, WA 98418 or by email.

They will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. on October 19, 2015.

Select Better Choices in the Primary

Dear Chamber Member,

Time is drawing near for the deadline to return your ballot for the August 4 primary election. 

This year, many local offices and key issues are on the ballot, including seats on the Tacoma City Council, Pierce County Charter Review Commission, Port of Tacoma Commissioner and school board positions throughout the region. There are also votes for the 30^th Legislative District and the Pierce County general administration building.

CITY OF TACOMA

This election cycle, we have the rare opportunity to create and ensure the security of a prosperous and healthy city. Tacoma often sets the tone for our region when it comes to local policies, which is why the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance, a political organization of local businesses, some of which are Chamber members, has solely focused on these races.

For this year's primary, the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance has endorsed the following candidates for the Tacoma City Council primary:

·         District 1: John Hines, Tara Doyle-Enneking

·         District 3: Keith Blocker, Kris Blondin, Valentine Smith

During the Business Alliance’s interview process, the above candidates all demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities in Tacoma, particularly when it came to the issues that are important to Tacomans:

1.      Bring and keep jobs in Tacoma by installing sound economic policy, ensuring the creation of a reasonable minimum wage proposal, and working alongside business instead of against them.

2.      Fix Tacoma roads and infrastructure to help move people and goods around the city faster.

3.      Foster economic growth and sustainability by helping grow local businesses and encouraging the creation of economic policy customized to the needs of Tacoma.

These elections matter, and you can support the goals listed above by supporting the candidates endorsed by the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance. Your support can be manifested in two ways: First, by personally supporting the above candidates during the primary election. Second, by donating HERE to the Business Alliance. Donations allow the Business Alliance to strategically back candidates and issues important to Tacoma in these key races.

PIERCE COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW

Pierce County voters have the once a decade responsibility to elect freeholders to the Pierce County Charter Review Commission. The Charter Review Commission is made up of 21 elected members, with three candidates elected in each of Pierce County’s seven councilmanic districts.

The Charter Review Commission creates amendments and replacements to the County Charter, which serves as the Constitution for the County. Their recommendations will go directly to the voters without vetting by the County Council or the County Executive.

The primary serves as the only vetting process for the general election candidates. The Chamber encourages everyone to research and vote for the candidates that best serve the community and its interests. 

We encourage you to keep the above issues in mind as you fill out your ballot—our region’s continued competitiveness depends on them. Remember, you must return or mail your ballot by Tuesday, August 4.

Best Wishes,

Tom Pierson
President & CEO
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Impacts of US Open Panel on TV

A KBTC’s Northwest Now episode about the impact of the forthcoming U.S. Open tournament at Chambers Bay will air Friday at 7:30pm.

If you can’t watch Friday at 7:30 (there’s a list below this note where you can find it on various cable and satellite providers) you can watch the show online at this link after 8:00 p.m.


OFF AIR:
KBTC 28.1, 28.2, 28.3 digital channels (including K41KT-D Grays River-Lebam and K24IC-D, Bellingham and Channel 16 Digital, Seattle) KCKA 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 digital channels

CABLE:
Comcast channel 108 (HD, most areas in Western Washington)
Comcast channel 12 (most areas - in Tacoma, Comcast channel 3)
Click! (Tacoma) channel 3
Rainier Connect channel 10
Broadstripe channel 28 (varies by area)
Verizon FiOS channel 28
Frontier Cable: 528 (HD), 28 (SD), and 474 (MHz Worldview)

SATELLITE:
Dish channel 28 (may appear as 8620)
DirecTV channel 28 (may appear as 970)

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.

Chamber Hosts CEO Roundtable with Governor

A group of the Chamber's South Sound Business Leaders from a range of industries held a closed-door roundtable at IID on Monday with Governor Jay Inslee.

Participants were given an opportunity to have a frank discussion on Tacoma-Pierce County as well as our state's economic development issues.

The roundtable kicked off with Kelly Ogilvie, the Governor's Senior Policy Advisor, relaying the Governor's strategic priorities for his Working Washington Agenda.

Governor Inslee joined the roundtable, held at one of IID's new conference rooms, after finishing a site tour of IID's headquarters in Tacoma.

The Future of Regional Mass Transit

Last fall, thousands of residents expressed interest in regional mass transit as Sound Transit kicked off a process to update the Long-Range Plan, a blueprint for future mass transit expansion in Puget Sound. Those comments helped shape the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Draft SEIS), which is available for public review June 13 – July 28, 2014. The Sound Transit Board of Directors plans to update the Long-Range Plan later this year after the Final SEIS is issued. This plan will provide the framework for potential future mass transit expansion—a vital service for our growing population that is expected to grow by 30 percent by 2040.

Now is the opportunity to provide formal comments on the Draft SEIS and share your regional transit priorities – we’d encourage you to participate as a Chamber member. Sound Transit is currently on its way to completing 30 miles of light rail extensions that voters approved for funding in 2008. Your comments on the Draft SEIS will help the Sound Transit Board identify future transit expansions after the light rail extensions are complete in 2023. Comments will be shared with the Sound Transit Board and responded to in the Final SEIS.

Public involvement opportunities through July 28:

There are several methods to provide your feedback now – all details, including the full environmental document, is available at soundtransit.org/longrangeplan. Join the conversation by:
• Email: LongRangePlan@soundtransit.org
• Attending a meeting: Complete a comment form or provide verbal testimony at a public open house/hearing (see below)
• Mail: Sound Transit, Attn: Karin Ertl, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104
• Going online: take an online survey at soundtransit.org/longrangeplan

There will be open house/public hearings in July 2014. At each meeting, an open house will be held throughout, and a public hearing will begin 30 minutes after the start of the meeting for those wishing to provide testimony directly to Sound Transit.

All meetings will be held 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. with public hearing at 6:00 p.m., except for a daytime meeting in Seattle.

Tacoma – Thurs, July 10
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center |1500 Broadway

Federal Way – Wed, July 16
Truman High School | 31455 28th Ave S

DAYTIME: Seattle – Thurs, July 10
Union Station |401 S Jackson St
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. with public hearing at 12:30 p.m.

Questions? Call 206-903-7000 or email LongRangePlan@soundtransit.org

Open Houses on Pierce County Comp Plan Update

Pierce County’s unincorporated population is expected to grow by 75,000 residents by the year 2030.

The community is invited to learn how that growth will be accommodated through a series of open houses planned for May and June. The open houses, which are part of the review and update of Pierce County’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, will feature stations that address topics like land use, transportation and parks.

This is the community’s chance to learn where we are in the Comprehensive Plan update, discuss the topics with staff and provide comments, said Debby Hyde, special projects coordinator. There is no formal presentation—drop in anytime during the event.

The following open houses are open to the public, and will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

•    May 20, East County Maintenance Facility, 11711 Prairie Ridge Drive E., Bonney Lake
•    May 22, Central Maintenance Facility, 4812 196th St. E., Spanaway
•    May 29, Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road KPN, Vaughn
•    June 3, Roy Community Center, 122 3rd St. E., Roy
•    June 5, McMillin Grange, 12615 State Route 162, Puyallup
•    June 10, Pierce County Library Administrative Building, 3005 112th St., Parkland

Realize 2030: Honor the Past—Look Ahead

Pierce County’s Comprehensive Plan Update process, or “Realize 2030,” acknowledges the past 20 years of growth under the current Comprehensive Plan and eleven community plans and looks ahead to the next period of growth. The review and update of Pierce County’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations began last year and will be completed by June 2015.

Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA) requires counties to review existing plans and regulations and update them, if necessary, every 8 years.

Changes that will be addressed include new legislative requirements and recent changes in land use law. The majority of policies and directions of the county’s plans will be maintained and carried forward in the update.

Community plans form foundation for updates

The eleven community plans were adopted in Pierce County between 1999 and 2009. Each plan included public engagement that helped refine the direction of community development in Pierce County. Many of the policies have since evolved into county-wide regulations and programs and no longer need to be specified in the individual community plans.

“The community plans will be revised to remove the regulations that apply to all of Pierce County and retain only the policies and land use regulations that are unique to each community,” said Sean Gaffney, Pierce County Planning and Land Services long range planning manager.

Visit here to sign up for weekly email updates about the Comprehensive Plan update. The website also features information about upcoming community open houses and background material related to the update.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sean Gaffney, long range planning manager
Pierce County Planning and Land Services
253-798-2724

Dan Cardwell, planner
Pierce County Planning and Land Services
253-798-7039

Exporting to Expand into New Markets

UPDATE:  Cancelled for future Rescheduling.

The Pierce County Economic Development Department is hosting an EXPORT FORUM. The FORUM is for companies new to exporting and those exporting that might want to expand to new markets.

Exporting provides opportunities to broaden and deepen your customer base, taking advantage of shifting worldwide economic trends.  Washington firms have access to an array of public and private services which can help you negotiate the seemingly formidable obstacles.

REGISTRATION
Driving Directions

Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

Is the local economy bubbling over, still filling or draining? According to the 2014 survey, given at the Chamber’s annual Horizons Economic Forecast event, the glass is definitely beginning to fill.

According to respondents, none feel their company’s economic fortunes will be worse in 2014 that in 2013.  Fully two-thirds believe their company’s fortunes will be better than the previous year.  Those feeling the same about prospects are almost unchanged, but the shift has been up in those feeling that way too. That’s a ripple shift of about 5 to 9 percent, depending on category, from 2013 to 2014.
 
There is also a markedly positive feeling about the prospects for their firms hiring more employees, with those expecting more employees up 18%.  That improvement has come almost entirely from the 2013 category of those feeling they would have the same employment levels that year.

These feelings are somewhat at odds with respondents expectations for their personal economic situation.  Almost 58% feel their prospects will be the same, a slight improvement over 2013, but the upward movement in this expectation has come almost equally from 2013 of both those expecting better and worse for the coming year.

Applicants sought for Surface Water Management Advisory Board

Pierce County is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on the nine-member Surface Water Management Advisory Board.

Advisory board members will be involved in such issues as storm drainage and surface water management; water quality; storm drainage plans; rate structures; capital improvement projects; financing; and annual program goals for the Surface Water Management Division of Public Works and Utilities.

The mission of Surface Water Management is to be a responsive service organization that efficiently addresses flood control, water quality, and the preservation of natural drainage systems.

Meetings are held monthly. Advisory board members will be selected to represent each of the watersheds and preference will be given to candidates living in unincorporated Pierce County. Surface Water Management will maintain a roster of applications to fill current and future vacancies on the board. These positions are uncompensated.

To apply, the application can be obtained by calling (253) 798-2725 or downloaded  here.

Completed applications should be submitted to Harold Smelt at Pierce County Surface Water Management, 2702 S 42nd St, Ste. 201, Tacoma, WA 98409-7322

UPDATE: Applications deadline is extended until March 21.

Use Your Network to Refer a Student to YEA!

The Chamber is proud to offer a unique program in entrepreneurial education for high school students. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), now entering its 1st year in Tacoma and its tenth  year nationwide, is an intensive six-month program that teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own REAL businesses and social movements.

Students are guided through each step of starting an enterprise, from brainstorming the idea to pitching their business plan to investors. Classroom learning is anchored by real-world applications, such as submitting DBAs to the County Clerk’s Office, opening bank accounts, filing tax returns, and earning real profits at a trade show.

 

Business leaders have insights on students who are passionate about business and would excel in the YEA! program. Please consider encouraging creative, motivated students to apply. Qualified students are those who have a strong work ethic and demonstrate high levels of effort on a consistent basis. Although prior experience in business is not required, students should have a strong interest in business and/or starting their own company or social movement. We encourage you to share information about the Academy with any student that you know that might be interested.

 

You may also have friends, colleagues and staff that might know students who would be interested in applying. Please feel free to share the information with those individuals as well.

 

The deadline for returning the completed YEA! application and scholarship application is Thursday, December 5, 2013. The Academy will notify the students who are accepted into the Class of 2014 by Tuesday, December 24.

 

Please note, scholarships are available and are selected based on the student’s application, letter of recommendation, student written statement, personal interview, and financial need.

 

For questions about student eligibility or the student selection procedures, contact the Chamber’s office at 253.682.1726 or yea@tacomachamber.org. Thank you for your support.

County Council Has Final Public Comment on Budget

The Pierce County Council invites public comment on its 2014 budget.

The Pierce County Council is poised to approve a 2014 budget that strives to improve the responsiveness of local government, invests in community programs and maintains a stable financial position.

The Council approved the budget on second reading by a 7-0 vote on Nov. 12. The Council scheduled its final vote for Tuesday, Nov. 19 to give the public time to comment.

Highlights include:

•    Funding for a deputy prosecutor who will handle cases involving elder fraud and abuse.
•    Opening a new Sheriff’s precinct in the Parkland/Spanaway area, which has waited years for a more visible law enforcement presence.
•    Dedicating fees from building permits to a special fund – rather than the General Fund - so that the Planning and Land Services Department has the right amount of staff to provide timely service as applications increase.
•    Financial and performance audits of the Pierce County Jail to help identify cost savings so it can attract more contract business from other jurisdictions.
•    Money for senior centers throughout Pierce County that provide meals and other services to the elderly.

“The economic outlook for Pierce County continues to improve,” said Council Chair Joyce McDonald (District 2). “Revenues from sales and property taxes are up, thanks to an increase in construction and consumer activity. Our conservative budgeting in recent years has left us in a stable and secure financial position, particularly because our employees found innovative ways to streamline operations.”

The General Fund, which pays for most general government services, would drop from approximately $275 million this year to $271.1 million due to the transfer of building permit fees to the special revenue fund. Total spending for 2014 amounts to $978.1 million, which includes $151 million for sewer construction as the county expands the Chambers Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to accommodate growth in the region.

The budget funds 3,007 full-time equivalent positions, which is 481 fewer than in 2008. The budget includes a 1.88% cost of living adjustment for employees, the first such adjustment in three years.

There are 18 ordinances in the budget package. The main ordinance, covering the General Fund, is 2012-67s2.

The Council invites public comment by using the “contact us” link here or by calling (253) 798-7777. The Nov. 19 meeting begins at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located on the 10th floor of the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma.

Once the Council approves a budget, Executive Pat McCarthy will have 10 days to sign or veto it.

Pierce County Council Joins Opposition to Tacoma's Prop 1

The Pierce County Council joined the City Councils of University Place and Lakewood as opposed to Tacoma’s Prop 1, a ballot measure solely within Tacoma that would increase taxes on residents and businesses of their jurisdictions (outside Tacoma).

The County Council voted five in favor and one opposed (with one absent) to oppose Tacoma’s Prop 1.

The TNT quotes Councilman Dan Roach: “Prop. 1 is ‘worse than taxation without representation’ because half of Tacoma Power’s customers live outside of the city limits, cannot vote on the issue and have no legal recourse.”

E-ivote Button for Social Media

This election season you can digitally encourage friends to vote with the Pierce County Auditor’s new “I Voted” avatar. The transition from the traditional “I Voted” stickers to a digital image is both cost effective and a reflection of modern communication.

“Posting your Pierce County ‘I voted’ avatar to your social media accounts is the modern equivalent of wearing the sticker. Post it as soon as you vote to prompt your friends to vote. It’s also a good reminder that you can vote and return your ballot as soon as you’re ready,” said Auditor Julie Anderson.

The Auditor’s Office is providing images formatted for Facebook profile pictures and cover photos, and for Twitter avatars. These images can be found here or on Pierce County's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Voter turnout has improved with the shift to Vote-by-Mail, but with expected turnout for the Nov. 5 election at 46 percent, the Auditor’s Office is looking for new ways to promote voting.

“Personal outreach is the very best way to prompt participation. We want our most enthusiastic voters to promote the vote. Use your social capital and be a civic leader,” said Anderson.

Ballots will arrive on Saturday and Monday. You can vote and return your ballot as soon as you’re ready.  Ballot Drop Boxes are open now.

Pierce County Purchasing Forum

2013 Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum 

provides opportunities for businesses looking to win government contracts

Scheduled Guest Speakers:

*Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy

*Linh Thai, Office of Representative Adam Smith, Ranking Member House Armed Services Committee

Panelists and Exhibitors include:
*Pierce County             
*City of Tacoma
*Tacoma School District           
*Port of Tacoma
*Pierce Transit              
*Go Local Tacoma
*Tacoma /Pierce County Health Dept
*WA Dept. of Enterprise Services
*WA Dept. of Transportation
*U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
*Joint Base Lewis-McChord
*NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center, Puget Sound
*U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
*U.S Naval Undersea Warfare Center
*Pacific NW Defense Coalition
*Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
*Native PTAC
*U.S. Dept. of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency.

Also at the Forum, the Washington State Office of Women and Minority Owned Enterprises will conduct a workshop to assist qualified businesses procure State Certification as a bona fide minority owned business as well as a new category-Small Business Enterprise, a gender and race neutral program.

Date:                Friday, October 4, 2013            

Program:          8:30 a.m. to Noon           

Place:               Environmental Services Building
                        9850 64th Street W.
                        University Place, WA 98467

Directions:       Driving Directions to the ESB GPS Coordinates: Lon: 122° 34' 6.33” W | Lat: 47° 11' 52.8” N
Registration:    Click here to Register or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email