Public Comments on Shoreline Next Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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