U S Chamber Supports TPP

Opportunities for Government Contracting

Businesses looking to win government contracts will have the opportunity at the Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St in Tacoma. Click here for map and directions.

Learn first-hand how to register and compete for contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies, meet one-on-one with purchasing agents, network with other Pierce County business owners and managers, and participate in breakout sessions.

• Panelists and exhibitors include 
• Pierce County
• City of Tacoma
• Port of Tacoma
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
• Native PTAC
• NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center-Puget Sound
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord
• Tacoma Public Schools
• Pierce Transit
• Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council
• King County Director Association (KCDA) School Purchasing Consortium
• Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

Register online or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email.

Livestream: Trans-Pacific Partnership Press Conference

The Office of the United States Trade Representative will be live streaming the Trans-Pacific Partnership Maui Ministerial Press Conference. The press conference will begin at 4:30 7:00 p.m. PDT, and is available HERE.

Register for State of the Port

Annual Port Report
State of the Port by Port Commissioner, Don Johnson

Jan 23, 2015

11:15 am - 1:00 pm
Fabulich Center, Port of Tacoma
3600  Port of Tacoma Rd, Tacoma 98424

Come and hear from Port Commission President Don Johnson.

The WTCT is excited to welcome you to a special opportunity to hear about the Port of Tacoma's key areas of success as well as some of their concerns from 2014.

A significant part of the program will include some of the Port's exciting vision for 2015.

Some time for questions will be provided toward the end of the luncheon.

Members: $30  Non-Members: $40
Register

Chamber Joins Concerns & Seeking Help

The Chamber joined numerous other organizations and companies encouraging help in ensuring the present interruptions in West Coast port terminal operations does not escalate to a complete shutdown.

Following below, please find the letter from Washington state & Pacific NW employers to President Obama, expressing our deep concerns.

 (Click on image for a larger and complete view)

Massive List Supports Extension of Tax Incentives

The Chamber has joined the initiative of the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce along with a total of 528 associations, non-profit groups and coalitions urging in a letter to the members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, to extend seamlessly, enhance or make permanent expired and expiring tax provisions to inject certainty in the economy and confidence in the employment marketplace.

Letter to the U.S. House of Representatives
Letter to the U.S. Senate

Share Your Thoughts on the Seaport Alliance

The Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle commissions welcome citizen and stakeholder comment on the proposed Seaport Alliance.  Citizens have an opportunity to communicate with their elected officials in three upcoming ways.

Townhall meetings
The port commissions have scheduled two joint town hall meetings.  Citizens and stakeholders are invited to learn about the latest developments of the announcement and to share their comments and ideas with their elected leaders.

Thursday, November 6
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Gig Harbor City Hall
3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor

Thursday, December 4
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Anderson Center, Pacific Lutheran University
112nd Street and Park Avenue South, Parkland

Commission meetings
In addition to the two town hall meetings, three regular commission meetings have been scheduled at which commissioners from both ports plan to attend.  Citizens may use these meetings as another opportunity to share their thoughts with commissioners.
   
Port of Tacoma Commission meeting
Thursday, November 6
    1:00 p.m.
    Port of Tacoma’s Fabulich Center
    3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Tacoma

Port of Seattle Commission meeting
Tuesday, November 25
1:00 p.m.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Conference Center
178014 International Boulevard, SeaTac

Port of Tacoma Commission meeting
Thursday, December 4
12:00 noon
Port of Tacoma’s Fabulich Center
3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Tacoma

Electronic comments
Citizens and stakeholders are also encouraged to submit comments electronically through either the Port of Tacoma’s or Port of Seattle’s websites.

Helping Set a State Freight Mobility Plan

The Chamber has submitted to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) its comments on the draft Washington State Freight Mobility Plan.

(Click on Image for a Larger View of the Chamber's comments.)

When adopted in its final form, the Freight Plan will be used to guide state and federal policies and investments in state freight systems. The structure and content of the Freight Plan is compliant with the federal Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act guidance for state freight plans, as well as state requirements.

The draft State Freight Plan and the Plan’s Public Comment Form may be found at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Freight/freightmobilityplan.  

The State Freight Mobility Plan applied advanced analysis and extensive public outreach to answers many important questions for the first time:
•    Where are the state’s high-value supply chains? 
•     What roads, highways, freight rail lines, waterways and intermodal facilities make up Washington State’s freight system? How do we objectively define the State’s Freight Economic Corridors?
•     What are the recommended performance goals for the State Freight Economic Corridors? What measures should we use to evaluate performance? 
•     Gauged against current performance, what locations on the Freight Economic Corridors have preservation needs and/or poor mobility performance?
•     How do we prepare for future demand on the Freight Economic Corridors?
•     How should we evaluate the economic impacts of highway projects with freight benefits?
•     What are the state’s priority freight policies, operational and capital project recommendations?
The State Freight Plan is multimodal. It includes the freight rail findings and recommendations of the Washington State Rail Plan, other state transportation plans, and many of the recommendations found in the recently published Washington Freight Advisory Committee report.

With the help of many partners and stakeholders, WSDOT has taken a big step towards a unified state freight planning process in the new State Freight Plan. For the first time WSDOT and the Washington State Freight Advisory Committee invited Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs), Tribes, and Ports to submit regional multimodal freight priority projects drawn from existing regional transportation plans and located on the State Freight Economic Corridors.  The Freight Plan, along with other modal plans, will be used to inform the new Washington Transportation Plan.

Marine Tourism Bill Levels Play Field

The Marine Tourism Bill will keep visitors' boats in our marinas longer rather than cross-border stays here being limited to 60 days, meaning more customers for our local economy.

The economic impact would be gigantic for our community. It will stabilize our recreational waterfront and help our local marinas, boatyards, electricians, welders, painters, carpenters benefit when boats are kept in our state’s waters.  Additionally, retailers, restaurants and hotels would see a more sustained market and avoid spiking.

Washington’s limit on cross-border stays contrasts sharply with the extended opportunities in Canada. Let’s finally level the playing field here in Washington State.

167 Coalition Hosts Leg Forum

Washington State
Legislative Candidate Forum on Transportation
Hosted by:
The SR-167 Completion Coalition


Please join us:

When:  6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Where: University of Washington Tacoma
Carwein Auditorium
1st floor of Keystone Building (KEY 102)
1754 Commerce Street
UPDATE: (7-25-14)
William W. Philip Hall
1918 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

For questions or to RSVP, please contact Mike Welch

Tacoma Loan Program for Commercial Property Owners

The City has announced a new loan program to help commercial and retail property owners invest in historic properties. The Historic Rehabilitation and Repair Loan Program (HRRLP) encourages rehabilitation, preservation and adaptive reuse.

“Tacoma’s historic properties give our community character and provide a lot of appeal. We want them occupied, looking good and open for business,” said Reuben McKnight, the City’s Historic Preservation Officer.

People with properties listed on Tacoma Register of Historic Places who are approved and meet underwriting criteria can use the loans to make envelope improvements, building systems and restoration or repair of exterior historic elements, so long as the projects meet historic preservation guidelines.

Interest rates will be low - based on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note, plus 1 percent. The loans, which can paid back over ten years, will range from $20,000 to $100,000 and provide up to 50 percent in gap financing in combination with the borrower's other financial resources. The City’s program protects the public’s investment by placing a temporary lien on the property that’s removed once the load is repaid.

According to McKnight, “This tool will provide a non-conventional option which can make the difference in tipping the scale towards investment.”

Exclusively residential properties, additions and routine maintenance are excluded from the program. For more details or an application, contact Jacinda Howard, in the City’s Community and Economic Development Department, or (253) 591-5221.

First 2012 Economic Census Report Released

Thank you! Last year, the Chamber encouraged you about the importance of your participation in the 2012 Economic Census. The first report is now available.

The 2012 Economic Census Advance Report is available on the Census website, and in American FactFinder.  This report highlights national-level data for over 100 industry groups, including number of establishments, revenue, payroll and number of employees. Visit the Advance Report page to view the data.

Additional releases of detailed industry and geography statistics will be released over a two-year period, through June 2016.

Thanks for Congressional Support to Fix HMT

This comprehensive Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) reform bill takes significant steps to improve American port competitiveness and protect jobs.

Passage of the bill would increase our state’s port competitiveness by directing additional federal investments into our maritime infrastructure and leveling the playing-field for U.S.-bound cargo. 

The signers of this letter believe strongly that the solutions in the Maritime Goods Movement Act strike the right balance to maintain the world-class trade gateways that support the Northwest’s economy. 

City Opens RFPs for Strategic Plan

The City of Tacoma is seeking qualified firms to contract for consulting services to guide a citywide strategic planning/visioning process and develop the City of Tacoma Strategic Visioning Plan.

Proposals will be received until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 25.

Click here for the RFP.

WA in Top 3 of 16 States with Record Exports

U.S. exports reach $2.3 Trillion, setting a new record for the fourth consecutive year.

With Washington occupying the Top 3rd spot, 16 states set new records for exports in 2013.

These achievers setting new records are:

1. Texas ($279.7 billion); 
2. California ($168.1 billion); 
3. Washington ($81.9 billion); 
4. Louisiana ($63.1 billion); 
5. Michigan ($58.5 billion); 
6. Ohio ($50.5 billion); 
7. Georgia ($37.6 billion); 
8. Tennessee ($32.4 billion); 
9. North Carolina ($29.3 billion); 
10. South Carolina ($26.1 billion); 
11. Kentucky ($25.3 billion); 
12. Connecticut ($16.5 billion); 
13. Mississippi ($12.4 billion); 
14. Maryland ($11.8 billion); 
15. Colorado ($8.7 billion);
16. Oklahoma ($6.9 billion)

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced the year end state export data showing the top16 states– with 10 additional states experiencing merchandise export growth.

In addition, the following states enjoyed growth in total merchandise exports in 2013: Alaska; Arizona; Delaware; Kansas; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; New York; Oregon; Pennsylvania; and South Dakota.

U.S. merchandise exports to countries that the United States has trade agreements with continued to be strong. This included record exports to: Canada (+2.7 percent); Mexico (+4.7 percent); Colombia (+13.8 percent); Panama (+9.6 percent); Peru (+7.6 percent); and Jordan (+18.2 percent).

Total merchandise exports from the 50 U.S. states helped contribute to the record-setting value of goods and services exports, which reached $2.3 trillion in 2013.

“These export numbers show that for more and more American companies, selling internationally is critical to growing their businesses and strengthening our economy,” said Secretary Pritzker. “We know for a fact, that for every $1 billion in exports nearly 5,000 jobs are supported across our nation, and with more than 95 percent of the world’s potential consumers residing outside our borders, exports will continue to be an important driver of the local and national economy. This important export data confirms that President Obama’s call for increasing our exports and ensuring that trade and investment become part of our economy’s DNA is the right course for America.”

More information about individual state contribution to national exports is available through the International Trade Administration’s Office of Trade and Economic Analysis web page, which includes individual fact sheets for all 50 states.



An interactive map with national and state merchandise trade data is available here.

Port Transportation & Land Use at January M-I-M

Manufacturing – Industries – Maritime (M-I-M) Meeting

January 17, 2014
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
La Quinta Inn & Suites

Featuring: Port of Tacoma’s Land Use & Transportation Plans

Kell McAboy
Port of Tacoma

Ian Munce
City of Tacoma

Two major planning documents are underway, having completed their draft phases, requiring complementary and collaborative efforts by the Port of Tacoma and the City of Tacoma. These land use and transportation plans identify policies and action strategies to support capital improvements, attract private investments and encourage economic growth.

The Port of Tacoma is preparing a land use and transportation plan that will identify policies and recommendations to support capital improvements, attract private investments and encourage economic growth.

The land use and transportation plan will build on the goals and initiatives in its Strategic Plan http://www.portoftacoma.com/strategic-plan by providing information, policies and recommendations to support capital improvements, attract private investments and encourage economic growth.
The plan will be a policy-based document that identifies and prioritizes actions needed to achieve the Port's goals. It will act as a form of communication for decision makers and be designed to guide development over a 10 to 20 year planning horizon.

The area of focus for the plan is the Port of Tacoma Manufacturing Industrial Center (MIC) as designated by the Puget Sound Regional Council. Here is the link to the DRAFT Plan.

The City of Tacoma enjoys the economic contributions of the Port of Tacoma.

In order to protect the unique and critical infrastructure and industrial node of our state’s intermodal ports, in 2009, the Washington State Legislature amended the Growth Management Act (GMA) to include a requirement for a Container Port Element (CPE) in the GMA Comprehensive Plan for cities that contain a marine container port with annual operating revenues in excess of $60 million.

The legislative intent is “… to ensure that local land use decisions are made in consideration of the long-term and widespread economic contribution of our international container ports and related industrial lands and transportation systems and to ensure that container ports continue to function effectively alongside vibrant city waterfronts.” RCW 36.70A.085

Accordingly, the City of Tacoma, in collaboration with the Port of Tacoma, has prepared a Container Port Element for public review. Consistent with state requirements, the element provides policy guidance to achieve the following:

•         Protection of core areas of container port and port-related industrial areas within the City

•         Efficient access to the core area through freight corridors within the city limits

•         Protection against potential land use conflicts along the edge of the core area

•         Identification of key transportation corridor improvements.

The text of the Proposed CPE, together with background information, can be found on the City Website. To access the webpage for the CPE visit the Planning Services Division’s homepage  and click on “Container Port Element”, or go directly here.

Join us and share mutual interests, discover upcoming legislative issues, increase business opportunities and build relationships with our M-I-M group.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

Business Census Final Days

The 2012 Economic Census, the U.S. Government's official five-year measure of American business and the economy, is entering its final days of data collection.

Many businesses have shared with them the challenges of responding with fewer resources.  They have listened, and have provided time extensions and other considerations in allowing businesses additional time to respond.  For businesses that received Economic Census forms but have not yet responded, it is very important to do so now.  (Keep in mind that the Economic Census is required by law.)

In this economic climate, it is necessary to have the most accurate measure of our economy.  Your response to the Economic Census helps provide exactly that.  They thank you very much for your participation.

To assist you, the Census Bureau is prepared to discuss your compliance via phone.  Please call them at (877) 790-1876.  Due to timing, you are also encouraged to use electronic reporting available here.

The Census Bureau looks forward to helping you respond to the Economic Census.  Your response makes a difference.

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 

Shop Small Business

Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum

Looking to do business with governments?  Meet purchasing agents from local, state, federal and other public agencies. Exhibitors include: Pierce County City of Tacoma Port of Tacoma Pierce Transit WA Dept. of Transportation U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Joint Base Lewis McChord U.S. Navy Fleet and Industrial Supply U.S. General Services Administration U.S naval Underwater Warfare Center Pacific NW Defense Coalition NW Minority Supplier Development Council Washington C.A.S.H. . . . and more.  It’s also a great opportunity to meet other business people in the region.   Friday, Oct. 12 8 a.m. - Noon Environmental Services Building 9850 64th St. West University Place, WA  98467 Map and Directions Click here to register or call Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335. (click on image for a larger view)