Chambers Support Federal Permitting Reform

Today, with the support of the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber, the US Chamber of Commerce delivered to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Government Affairs in support of S. 280, the Federal Permitting Improvement Act of 2015 a letter was signed over 300 state and local chambers and associations throughout the country urging Congressional leaders to act to fix the broken federal permitting process.

Additionally, today, US Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue published commentary in The Examiner regarding the broken federal permitting process for critical energy and infrastructure projects.  The piece included an infographic showing the wide variations between past and present permitting delays.  Citing the Project No Project study (2010), the Chamber found over 350 projects that were cancelled, delayed, or litigated indefinitely during the permitting process.

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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

Gaining Customers & Profit in Trade

The Washington Export Outreach Team - Export 101: From Your Door to the World Seminar event is unique as it walks companies through the exporting process.

It introduces the Local, State and Federal resources to assist them with this process.  These resources can help companies in all stages of the export business continuum including New to Business (NTBs), New-To Export (NTEs), New-To-Market (NTMs), and Expanding Market (EMs) companies.  The companies will also have the opportunity for one-on-one networking with the Local, State and Federal resources at the end of the event.     

What: Export 101: From Your Door to the World Seminar

When: Thursday, August 7, 2014 – From: 8:30 am – To: 5:00 pm
Where: The Rainier Room at the Truitt Building, 102 West Main St. Auburn, WA 98001

Cost: $75.00 per person

Materials and lunch will be provided

Register here as Space is limited.

Individual counseling sessions are available. Contact Zara Castillo for more details

Did you know 95% of potential customers live outside of the U.S.? It’s time to learn how to connect with them.

Attend the Export 101: From Your Door to the World, to access local resources to help your small business expand globally at this full day seminar covering:

Presented by the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT): Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW), Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Export Readiness Center, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Washington State Department of Commerce.

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. will be providing a logistics presentation.

The workshop will feature presentations on the following topics:

•  Developing an export business plan

•  Determining appropriate international markets

•  Finding qualified buyers, agents, and distributors

•  Determining pricing and methods of payment

•  Mitigating non-payment risks and financing export transactions

•  Shipping your product overseas

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Grants for "Made in America" Firms

Do you know of Washington companies with products or services that are “Made in America”?

Many U.S. companies are eligible to receive up to $75,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program, to help fund projects of their choice.

I have attached information on this program that I hope you will share.  If you are interested in discussing our program or if you know of any companies that might qualify, please feel free to contact:

Patrick Meuleman, Client Development Manager, NW Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
Phone:  208-343-6855; www.nwtaac.org, Fax:  208-343-6856
223 North 6th St, Suite 300, Boise, ID 83702

WA Governor Heads Ex-Im Bank Advisory Committee

Former Gov. Christine Gregoire, has been reappointed and designated as Chair, Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), also representing State/Local Government.

The Ex-Im Bank will hold the first meeting of its Fiscal Year on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Ex-Im Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C.Now in its 31st year, the Congressionally-established Advisory Committee advises Ex-Im Bank on its policies and programs, in particular on the extent to which the Bank provides competitive financing to support American jobs through exports.

The Board of Directors appointed 16 members to the Bank's Advisory Committee for 2014. This year's Committee has seven new members and nine returning members. Returning member Christine Gregoire will chair the Committee.

Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg said, "their (2014 Advisory Committee) experience and diverse perspectives will be vital as we work together to find new ways to increase U.S. exports and create U.S. jobs through exports."

The Committee will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, December 18th at 9:30 A.M. in Room 327 of the Bank. The meeting is open to the public.

The Ex-Im Bank Board of Directors appointed the Advisory Committee after an open nomination process that considered the candidates' business experiences and qualifications, and created a balance in perspectives. The Advisory Committee represents an array of business sectors and stakeholder groups, including small business, manufacturing, labor, services, finance and environmental organizations.

"Made in America" Grants Available

Is your company or another you know of Washington companies with products or services that are “Made in America”?

Many U.S. companies are eligible to receive up to $75,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program, to help fund projects of their choice.

If you are interested in discussing the program or if you know of any companies that might qualify, please feel free to contact:





Patrick Meuleman,
Client Development Manager
NW Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
Phone:  208-343-6855
223 North 6th St, Suite 300
Boise, ID 83702
Fax:  208-343-6856

Serving: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington State

Businesses Speak to Congress on Budget Dance

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber joined nearly 240 now 251 groups rallied by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, signing a letter this Friday afternoon pushing Congress to avoid a government shutdown and to move fast to raise the debt ceiling.

 “It is not in the best interest of the employers, employees or the American people to risk a government shutdown that will be economically disruptive and create even more uncertainties for the U.S. economy,” the groups wrote. In addition to the Chamber, Airlines for America, Business Roundtable, Consumer Bankers Association, Edison Electric Institute, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the Real Estate Roundtable, U.S. Travel Association and United States Telecom Association were among the large trade associations signing the letter.

The call for action comes as the Senate voted to send back a $986 billion spending bill, after stripping out language that defunds Obamacare. It’s unclear how the House will move next. Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) struggled to get enough votes to pass a bill that would raise the debt ceiling and Republican leadership has not yet laid out a path forward on the spending bill. Unless Congress acts, government funding ends Sept. 30, which would force a shutdown.

The business groups’ letter also offers a counter narrative to the pressure outside conservative groups like Senate Conservative Fund and Heritage Action are putting on members to defund Obamacare even if it causes a government shutdown.

“We appreciate fully the importance of restraining federal spending, both discretionary spending and mandatory spending, to reduce federal budget deficits, contain the growth of federal debt, and thereby re-establish fiscal discipline in the near-term and for the long haul,” the groups wrote. “However, with the U.S. economy continuing to under perform, the federal government needs to maintain its normal operations pending a successful outcome of broader budgetary reforms.

They also called for government to overhaul entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

“Congress cannot continue ‘kicking the can down the road;’ it’s time to take corrective action to address the unaffordable path of entitlement spending, to stabilize federal finances and to undertake fundamental tax reform to strengthen the American economy,” they wrote.

UPDATE (Sept. 30, 2013):  Now totaling 251 organizations, these signing organizations are added to the multi-industry coalition letter sent to Congress last Friday include:

Agricultural Retailers Association

Air Conditioning Contractors of America

California Chamber of Commerce

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce - IL

Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce – CA

Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce – FL

Greater North Dakota Chamber

Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce – PA

Maui Chamber of Commerce – HI

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce – AL
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce – IL

National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA)

North Carolina Chamber

Northwest Food Processors Association

Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association (OPEESA)

Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce – CA

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 

Chamber Shares ACA Employer Notice Requirements Resource

At the West Side Branch’s August 30 Wake Up! event, sponsor Brown & Brown shared information on the new health insurance marketplace as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

 

Attendees were provided a resource on the requirements of the employer notice and sample notices for both employers that provide medical benefits and those that do not. 

Given the relevance and timeliness of this major change to employer healthcare the Chamber wanted to share this message with the entire membership and provide a resource to employers and employees.

Below are informational flyers from Brown & Brown's Wake Up! presentation:

• Click here for the Employer Notice Requirements.
• Click here for FLSA with plans
• Click here for FLSA without plans

Economic Census of Businesses Still Due

RESPONSE TO THE 2012 ECONOMIC CENSUS IS PAST DUE…

but it’s not too late for businesses to respond! Businesses that were mailed a form, but have not responded to this mandatory survey, will be receiving a letter or phone call from the U.S. Census Bureau in the days and weeks ahead. This is not a follow-up with your organization, but rather a courtesy email to help you answer questions. 

Here’s some important information for the Chamber's members and other businesses:
•    It’s not too late to respond
•    Get help with forms and report online at: econhelp.census.gov
•    Learn more about the Economic Census: business.census.gov

Thanks again for helping us know more about local businesses - your response really does make a difference.

$ for Made in America

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Grant Saves Jobs and Businesses

Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson participated in a press conference today where Senator Maria Cantwell announced that Tacoma's Fire Department has won a $7.7 million FEMA SAFER grant. The grant will save 37 firefighter jobs and give some breathing room for this year's city budget.

Tom had this to say at the conference:

Good fire service is good for business. Here in Tacoma we have great fire service.

Senator Cantwell and all Pierce County leaders are focused on investments that show we are 'open for business.' This grant keeps business overhead low, creating an attractive market to keep and bring new businesses and more jobs into our community.Today’s announcement keeps firefighters on the job and serving businesses in our community boosts the business-friendly environment here in Tacoma and Pierce County.

Business dependence on good infrastructure of roads, power and utilities is complimented with a healthy fire department. Every community is evaluated for its fire services. A robust fire department means lower costs for fire insurance premiums and doing business, which saves money for every business in our community and in turn, creates new jobs.

A lower cost of doing business aids in the continuing retention of jobs by our businesses and creates an attractive market to bring new businesses and more jobs into our community.

We are proud of the Tacoma Fire Department, for the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day!

Verify Employee Eligibility for Hire

Formerly referred to as the Basic Pilot Program, E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

E-Verify is currently free to employers. E-Verify provides an automated link to Federal databases to help employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.

Employers should consider participating in E-Verify as it is currently the best means available for employers to verify electronically the employment eligibility for their newly hired employees. E-Verify virtually eliminates Social Security mismatch letters, improves accuracy of wage and tax reporting, protects jobs for authorized U.S. workers and helps U.S. employers maintain a legal workforce.

To register online for E-Verify click here for the start page.

For more information about E-Verify, click here for a copy of their customer guide.

ESA Suit Threatens Flood Insurance

As suspected, the National Wildlife Federation has filed suit against FEMA.

Today, NWF moved for a preliminary injunction against the sale of flood insurance in the Puget Sound region pending the outcome of the lawsuit

FEMA may be prevented from issuing FLOOD INSURANCE .  This could have severe impacts on all types of real estate and countless businesses that operate in any floodplain in the Puget Sound region.

Why:  Because the suit against FEMA seeks an injunction to prohibit the sale of flood insurance policies in Washington State .

Immediate action needed:

Support a coalition of real estate organizations, owners, property professionals and businesses who have organized as “Property Owners for Sensible Floodplain Regulation” (POSFR) in an effort to Protect Property Rights in the Floodplain.

On November 30, 2011, Property Owners for Sensible Floodplain Regulation (POSFR) held a meeting at Renton City Hall to discuss pending changes to the floodplain maps and development regulations applicable to floodplains in the Puget Sound region.  During that meeting, it was  highlighted that the National Wildlife Federation had submitted a 60-day Notice of Intent to sue to FEMA in September 2011, asserting that FEMA has not done enough to enforce the very restrictive development standards set forth in the Biological Opinion issued by NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service to FEMA in September 2008 regarding FEMA’s operation of the National Flood Insurance Program in the Puget Sound region.

On December 8, the National Wildlife Federation filed their lawsuit against FEMA.  They assert that FEMA has violated several sections of the Endangered Species Act by failing to require the 122 Puget Sound jurisdictions participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to enforce the most restrictive provisions of the Biological Opinion.  Those restrictive provisions include, but are not limited to:

§         A 150-250 foot “no adverse affects” buffer around all rivers and streams in the region;

§         A restriction on new impervious surface to no more than 10% of the lot area;

§         A requirement to provide compensatory storage to offset any floodplain fill;

And there is more …..

The impacts to ongoing property operations and future development could be severe.

The National Wildlife Federation has filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction.  They are asking the federal court to suspend the sale of flood insurance for any new development or substantial redevelopment until FEMA implements the Biological Opinion as the National Wildlife Federation would like.  If the Court issues the injunction – which could occur as soon as February 2012 – it will halt most development and substantial redevelopment in the floodplain areas of our region for several months, if not years.  The NWF was successful in getting an injunction against the sale of flood insurance in Monroe County, Florida – which has been in effect since 2005.

Over the past year, POSFR has attempted to focus property owners and businesses located in and near the floodplain on the substantial risks facing their properties and business operations from the Biological Opinion and corresponding changes to local floodplain development regulations.  POSFR’s efforts have also included a parallel FEMA project, floodplain remapping, that in many cases is resulting in expanded floodplain area encompassing properties never before shown in the floodplain.  With the filing of this lawsuit by the National Wildlife Federation, the risks to real property in the floodplain have become very real.  You may not be able to buy flood insurance when you most need it.  And you may have no voice in the design and imposition of extreme restrictions on development and redevelopment in the floodplains going forward.

Your help is needed.  Your participation and financial support are critical to enable POSFR to continue working to protect the property rights and development potential for properties in the floodplain or at risk of being mapped into the floodplain. 

In the next month, POSFR would like to file an amicus brief to counter the National Wildlife Federation’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction.  Our brief would highlight the vast development regulations that already exist in the region and that protect endangered species, and also the enormous economic harm that would result from a ban on the sale of flood insurance for new development or substantial redevelopment in the region.  You may support its efforts by becoming a member of POSFR (see attached) and also by making a contribution to its litigation efforts.  If POSFR does not participate in this suit, property owners will not have a voice when it is needed most – and they cannot file unless your support it.

You may send the attached Commitment Form (click on image for a larger view) and your contribution made out to GordonDerr to:

Molly Lawrence

GordonDerr, LLP

2025 First Ave., Ste. 500

Seattle, WA 98121

Please note in the “RE” line for any check:  Deposit in trust for POSFR. 

This issue is truly urgent.  POSFR needs to raise funds NOW to ensure a defense against the National Wildlife Federation’s request for a preliminary injunction.  POSFR is the only entity prepared to make some of the key arguments that should stave off the injunction on the sale of flood insurance.  If POSFR does not participate, many of the key arguments simply will not be made.

POSFR is supported by real estate owners, managers, management companies, business owners, trade associations such as BOMA, Washington REALTORS, Master Builders, Association of Washington Business, Etc.

GUEST Blogger: Molly A. Lawrence |  GordonDerr LLP | 2025 First Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA  98121-3140 | mlawrence@GordonDerr.com | Phone: 206-382-9540 | Fax: 206-626-0675 | www.GordonDerr.com

Senator Cantwell Advocacy Breakfast Highlights

On August 15th, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell stopped by Tacoma to have breakfast with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and about 100 of its members. The chamber hosted the advocacy breakfast as part of its continuing representation of businesses with government at all levels. For members, it was a great opportunity to hear from the Senator as well as ask some questions about the state of the economy and how to protect the variety of investments in our region.

The Senator highlighted some of the key benefits of federal funds in the Tacoma area including the clean-up of two superfund sites – the Foss Waterway and the Asarco Smelter – both of which are now becoming desirable mixed use areas capitalizing on Tacoma’s waterfront. She also noted the additional funding provided for law enforcement and the success it has had in reducing gang activity.

Moving forward, Senator Cantwell is focused on maintaining infrastructure investments while continuing to encourage the growth of small business. This means improving access to capital through the approval of the Small Business Jobs Act. Expanding opportunities for small businesses to borrow will allow them room to grow and create more jobs.

One example of her commitment to small business growth has been her continued support of the biofuels innovation occurring here in Washington State. With Senator Cantwell’s support of the BCAP (Biomass Crop Assistance Program), state farmers have the opportunity to receive federal assistance to grow camelina. Through additional investment in production facilities, camelina has the potential to become a “green” alternative to traditional aviation fuels. Senator Cantwell noted that this type of investment builds on the Puget Sound’s long-standing involvement in the aviation industry.

After taking questions from the attendees, Senator Cantwell stuck around to chat with a number of local business owners. The Chamber looks forward to hosting future events with the Senator as we strengthen business ties within Pierce County.

By Guest blogger David Schroedel

Two in One Day

Today the Chamber provided opportunities for businesses to speak with two United States Senators in one day—a historic event that highlights an important Chamber service: representing business interests with the government.

“We are honored to host both U.S. Senators here in Pierce County - meeting with businesses and looking at how we can work together to create jobs,” said Tom Pierson, Chamber President & CEO.

The Chamber hosted an advocacy breakfast held at the Pacific Grill Events Center with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and then an afternoon session for a small group of business leaders with U.S. Senator Patty Murray at the Chamber office.

At the advocacy breakfast attended by about one hundred people, Senator Cantwell spoke on priorities such as access to capital under the Small Business Jobs Acts and expanding infrastructure improvement lending for roads and freight while highlighting accomplishments like the Asarco cleanup and airborne tanker jobs. Sen. Cantwell also took questions from the audience.

During the Q & A portion of the breakfast, Linda Remsberg, CEO of NoteWorld, asked about the regulatory burdens of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act bill. Sen. Cantwell responded that she felt Congress needed to focus on solving the actual problem rather than creating hundreds of pages of new, complex regulations. She looked forward to discussing the detailed impacts to Remsberg’s company later.

At the Chamber’s afternoon advocacy session, Senator Murray largely listened to comments from a group of business representatives. Sen. Murray asked about the business climate. Points raised included not losing sight of the multiple deficits in education and a skilled workforce while working on options for people who have lost jobs but are starting new businesses.

As President of Go Local, a local business advocacy group, Patricia Lecy-Davis pointed out that there are over 5,000 locally owned businesses in Tacoma. “Many new local startups are people who recently lost their jobs. As new business owners, many don’t know what tools are available to them.”

Senator Murray, a recent appointee to chair the U.S. Congress’ Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, looked forward to having a comprehensive discussion with other legislators on how best to put people to work and support businesses of all sizes.

View photos from today’s advocacy events at the Chamber’s facebook page.