Globe Awards Next Week

Register online HERE, or EMAIL or phone: 253-396-1022

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Your Invite to POHR 2015

This reception is to honor public officials' service, to establish and enhance our relationships, and to provide you with the opportunity to meet your elected and appointed representatives.

Please confirm your attendance at your earliest convenience by clicking HERE.

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's First 2015 Leg Day Set

Invitation to attend the Chamber's 1st 2015 Leg Day:

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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Ensuring JBLM & Communities Thrive

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is changing, and so are the communities in the south Puget Sound region.

Now, the organization that’s working to ensure effective communication and collaboration between the base and its neighbors is looking to engage the community in planning for the areas surrounding the base.  The project, called the JBLM Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), focuses on the region’s long-term land use plans, with goals of supporting the military mission at JBLM, ensuring public health and safety throughout the region, and protecting the neighboring communities’ abilities to plan for development.

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The JLUS project team is seeking public input from military and non-military members of the community, and invites you to attend an upcoming public meeting to learn about the project’s process and timeline; review issues that have already been identified as needing further study; talk with the people directly involved in the study; and provide comment at this early stage.



Get into the action early at an upcoming public meeting: 
Wednesday, June 25 5:00–7:30 pm DuPont City Hall, 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont



A special website for the JBLM JLUS has been created and is now live: www.jblm-jlus.com  As the project progresses, study summaries and preliminary findings will be posted on the website, as will notices for future public meetings and working group and oversight committee meetings.  Individuals can sign up on the website to be notified by email when new information is posted.   Computers available for community use may be found at public libraries throughout the region.

The South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, or SSMCP, is coordinating the JLUS for its partner communities and organizations in Pierce and Thurston Counties, with financial and technical assistance from the Department of Defense.  The SSMCP’s mission is to foster effective communication, understanding, and mutual support around issues that transcend the specific interests of the military and civilian communities of the JBLM region.

Press Release - South Sound Military & Communities Partnership

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

Joint Base Open House Saturday

JBLM is open to the public for Armed Forces Day, this Saturday,, May 17, 10;00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

#AFD2014    @JBLMMWR

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Chamber Announces Tahoma Business Environmental Award Nominees

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.

The 12^th Tahoma Business Environmental Award, sponsored by Taylor-Thomason Insurance, will be presented at the Chamber Luncheon Featuring Tahoma BusinessEnvironmental Award event on April 11, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Allenmore Public Golf Course, 2125 S Cedar Street.

Nominees for the award are:

• Cartridge World
• Earthwise Architectural Salvage
• The Harmon Brewing Company
• J.L. Darling Company
• Kirmac Collision Services
• Light Dental Studios
• NW Furniture Bank
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Regence BlueShield
• Sperry Ocean Dock
• Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
• University of Puget Sound

In addition to the award presentation, the Luncheon will feature speakers representing the intersection of business and the environment. The Prairie Line Trail at UWT Station, presented by Milt Tremblay and Lorna Mauren, University of Washington Tacoma and Metal Recycling & the Environment, presented by Louise Bray, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

Top 10 "Voice" Featured at Horizons

From the rural town of Duvall, Washington comes the voice of an honest soul.

Austin Jenckes is by definition a singer/songwriter.  A Top 10 finalist on Season 5 of "The Voice," Austin has shared his story and his voice with an audience of over 15 million.

He's a 25 year old believer in the universal language of music that spills his heart into every word, with lyrical roots in country and folk, and an unmistakably unique vocal style.

Free: Stormwater Management Workshop

“Stormwater Management & Compliance Strategies”

Free Workshop for Tacoma Businesses

Learn how your business can protect Commencement Bay from polluted runoff.  Hear about free, confidential assistance available from Citizens for a Healthy Bay.  Find out how to avoid legal problems from representatives of McGavick Graves and Coastline law firms.  Hear from leading Tacoma businesses about their challenges and successes in meeting stormwater regulations.  Explore treatment options with an expert from GeoEngineers.

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28th
at the Center for Urban Waters at 326 E. D Street in Tacoma

To register, call Citizens for a Healthy Bay at (253) 383-2429 or send an
email to chb@healthybay.org.  Free lunch is included.

The Voice Singer Opens Horizons

Stephanie Anne Johnson, will open the Chamber’s Horizons economic forecast event.

Fresh off this season of The Voice, this Voice Top 20 award-winning indie blues singer/songwriter was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington.

Her soulful sound combines elements of blues, folk and rock, and she is constantly refining her favorite instrument, her voice.

Guided by a killer musical instinct, her rich, melodic soundscapes surround her audience and inspire her listeners into a depth of emotional possibility.

2014 Leg Agenda Unveiled

With the second half of the legislative biennium set to begin just past the holidays, the Chamber’s 2014 Legislative Agenda was unveiled earlier this week.

Chamber members, Government Affairs Committee members and Advocacy Sponsors invited legislators from Pierce County to the Unveiling event, preceding the Chamber’s annual Public Officials Holiday Reception.

Pictured: Sen. Steve Conway, 29th District, reviews the 2014 Legislative Agenda.

The Chamber’s 2014 Legislative Agenda, as a continuation of the 2013-2014 legislative biennium, was refined by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee after input from a Chamber members survey.

Remaining at the top of the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda is completion of SR 167.  Although opportunities may realize the adoption of a state-wide transportation package, including funding for completion of 167, before the 2014 short legislative session begins, the Chamber is poised to continue its advocacy for completion of 167 into the new year.

Other notable refinements in the 2014 Legislative Agenda include parity of policies for electric and natural gas fuel in transportation, the JBLM/I-5 Corridor and an East Pierce-SR 162/410 corridor study. 

Another emphasis area, Workforce Development, received refinements, principally with legislative advocacy for transitioning veterans to realize their opportunities in the civilian economy.

The Chamber maintains its advocacy for the creation and retention of private sector jobs and the success of local businesses.  You may review the entire 2014 Legislative Agenda here.

Invitation to Public Officials Holiday Reception

You're invited to the annual Public Officials Holiday Reception

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Public Officials Holiday Reception Invitation

Chamber members are invited via the below invitation to the annual Public Officials Reception. The link below directs you to the registration page which includes the public officials that have so far confirmed their attendance. 

REGISTER HERE

 

Coal Trains Debate

Bob Watters of SSA Marine and Mike Elliott, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen will be representing the "pro" side of this debate. Environmentalists from Climate Solutions and other environmental groups will be on the "con" side.  Mike expects a hostile environmental crowd and will appreciate any support that can turn out at this event.

ESGR Event Hosts Employers

M-I-M Examines Tacoma Prop. 1: Where's the Nexus?

The Manufacturing-Industries-Maritime group for the Chamber will examine the ballot issue Tacoma Prop. 1, imposing an additional2% tax on electricity, natural gas and telephone land line and cell phone service. See below meeting notice for more info and to register.

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"Pass It Now" Password for 167

The SR-167 Completion Coalition says “Pass it Now” in a Special Session for Transportation.

Members of the SR-167 Completion Coalition comprised of business, labor, environmental and a group of bipartisan elected leaders plan to continue their push on Olympia lawmakers to pass a Transportation Revenue Package in a special session suggested for November.  Falling just short in the Senate at the end of the last special session, the Coalition is encouraged by recent actions by lawmakers and the Governor to address infrastructure needs that are critical to our State’s economy.  

Congressman Denny Heck recently led a meeting of Coalition leaders and reiterated that there is no more important time for this effort than right now.  He went on to say that, “Lawmakers need to hear from us all.  Our message is that there is no bigger priority in the State of Washington right now than a Transportation Funding Package.  Senate leaders will be in Tacoma on October 9th for a listening session and I call upon every member of this Coalition to be there.” 

A bipartisan group of Senate leaders will be holding listening sessions across the state over the next month to receive feedback on a potential Transportation Revenue Package.  The remaining schedule of events is below and Coalition members are encouraged to attend as many of these sessions as possible to voice support for SR-167 completion. Coalition members are also encouraged to reach out to colleagues and contacts throughout the state and encourage them to attend their local sessions to express support of SR-167 completion.  It is absolutely imperative that anyone available to attend the October 9th event in Tacoma does so. “We need you!”

Oct. 9 – Tacoma (Olympic Region) 6-9 p.m
Evergreen Tacoma Campus, Lyceum Hall, 1210 6th Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405

John Parrott, President of Totem Ocean Trailer Express Inc. expressed his ongoing support for a package when he said, “we can make no better investment in our economy than transportation infrastructure which is why it is imperative that our legislators come together and pass a Transportation Revenue package in November. We cannot ignore or delay the potential creation of 80,000 jobs in our region alone.  We must act now."

“The strength of this effort has been a direct result of the cooperation between business and labor and we continue to stand together in our support of the Transportation Revenue Package,” said Scott Mason, President of the ILWU Local 23.  He went on to say, “I know that our members will be there alongside business leaders on October 9th with the same message, your job is not done this year, pass a package in November.”

In Washington State, four out of every ten jobs are trade dependent. It’s for this reason that so many disparate groups continue to come together to show that there is no time to waste in modernizing our infrastructure for 21st-century global trade. Our leaders in Olympia must act now and vote to approve the Transportation Revenue Package.

Should you choose to attend any of the remaining listening sessions beyond Tacoma on the 9th the schedule is below:

•    Sept. 26 – Tri-Cities 6-9 p.m.
Columbia Basin College, Gjerde Center, 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301
•    Oct. 2 – Spokane (Eastern Region) 6-9 p.m.
Central Valley High School theater, 821 S Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99037
•    Oct. 7 – Vancouver (Southwest Region) 6-9 p.m.
Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St., Vancouver, WA 98660
•    Oct. 9 – Tacoma (Olympic Region) 6-9 p.m.
Evergreen Tacoma Campus, Lyceum Hall, 1210 6th Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405
•    Oct. 14 – Seattle 6-9 p.m.
King County Courthouse, Room 1001, 516 3rd Avenue, 10th Floor , Seattle, WA 98104
•    Oct. 15 – Bellingham 6-9 p.m.
Port of Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

Transpo Listening Session for Tacoma

Call to Action

State Senate Transportation Listening Session
October 9th, 2013
6:00pm-9:00pm

Evergreen Tacoma Campus, Lyceum Hall, 1210 6th Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405

Come and bring as many people as you can to urge the Senate Leadership to get the Transportation Revenue Funding Package approved in a November Special Session.  This is too critical for our region for us not to be present in mass.  We cannot ignore the potential for 80,000 jobs!

Please feel free to email Mike Welch if you plan to attend or have questions