Chamber Newsletter
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Lakewood Chamber's Core Missions Promoting the Community Providing networking opportunities Representing the interests of business with government through political action Creating a strong local economy
Check out Our Music Video and Share!
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April 2013 What's Inside... |
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Message from the Chair of the Board
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March Ambassadors of the Month
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We're Looking for Volunteers
Another Bloomin' Trade Show!
Photo Gallery
AM Chamber Network
Military Affairs Meeting
Promote your Business to new
Army and Air Force Personnel
Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting at RMG Club
Blue Ribbon Cutting at Davinci Salon & Spa
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Thank You New & Renewing Members!
Brown Bag Bizness Improvement Series
Cash Mob
2013 Chamber-St. Clare Golf Classic
110% Club
Short Takes
Member Testimonials
Chamber Calendar of Events
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Message from the Chair of the Board
The longer days are definitely boosting my energy - and your Chamber is no exception. Chamber Staff, Board and Ambassadors are revving up for a spring and summer full of opportunities.
Although the legislative session has yet to be wrapped up, we will continue to actively monitor and talk with our elected officials to position the business agenda of the greater Lakewood area with our lawmakers. As business owners, managers and decision makers, we must stay vigilant and let our elected officials know that their votes are being carefully scrutinized.
In these times of budget crunches, we endeavor to provide as many cost-effective networking, marketing and advertising opportunities to our members. One of those opportunities is Showcase Lakewood. Hosted by the Great American Casino, this is an event for networking and learning about our Member vendors. The theme for ShowCase on April 17th is “Another Bloomin’ Trade Show.” I encourage you to attend, and to bring a cohort. This casual networking opportunity affords our members to show and sell their products and services. And you can’t beat the fun and camaraderie as you find out about your business neighbors. Admission is free of charge, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a no-host bar and the door prizes will be fantastic! Look for FYI’s and your monthly newsletter to identify other activities and events to attend.
As we go into summer it is time to think GOLF! (I know some of you think GOLF year round—making up for others who don’t think of it at all). The Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic is just around the corner. I challenge you, golfer or not, to see how you can turn this event into a marketing tool for your company. Consider one of the following:
Put together a 4-person team for: potential clients, thanking existing clients, an incentive for your staff.
Be a sponsor: Set up a table at a hole and greet golfers, give away prizes or treats with your name and business card, or give a devoted staff person a chance to network for you. We thank St. Clare Hospital for stepping up again to be our major sponsor! We also thank PGA Championship Sponsors Columbia Bank and Puget Sound Orthopaedics. Hole Sponsors include Harborstone Credit Union, LeMay Pierce County Refuse and TwinStar Credit Union. Thank you all.
Let’s look forward to what new opportunities we can take advantage together. Looking forward to seeing you at our next event.
Jim Charboneau, Owner, Country Kennels
Chair of the Board of Directors
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Photo Gallery
March AM Chamber Network!
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Military Affairs Committee Meeting
Military Partners Update
John Simpson, Ft. Lewis Ranger, is going to give his perspective as a 60+ civilian that completed I Corps' CSM Troxell's (grueling) Mungadai
ESGR Statement of Support
Tacoma Rainiers and National Alliance to End Veteran Suicide
M & M's - Military Marketing Strategies - 2013 list
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Promote Your Business to New Military Personnel
Let us promote your business at both Newcomers Orientations at Joint Base Lewis McChord in the Chamber's Information Goodie Bags supplied to all new personnel for the Army and the Air Force! This outreach program will put YOUR information into the hands of between 250 - 500 new personnel and their families each month for only $250 a year!
Increase your businesses’ foot traffic with coupons and giveaways. You are encouraged to provide items that are useful and imaginative – discount coupons, magnets, rulers, calendars, etc. will be of more interest and use than a simple brochure.
For details, contact Scott Jonson at 253-582-9400 at the Chamber.
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March Military Affairs Meeting
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Welcome our Newest Members!
Autolube Tire & Automotive
Dave Runkel, Owner
10514 Bridgeport Way SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-582-4800
Veteran-Family Owned. Full service automotive maintenance and repair. ASE certified. Certified emissions repair. Dealership service without the cost.
Bright Now! Dental
Carrie Magnuson, Account Executive
10321 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-405-4547
Quality, convenient and affordable dentistry is right around the corner at Bright Now! Dental in Lakewood. Call today and ask about our exclusive Chamber Member Discount!
Durham’s Board Shop
Katie and Nancy Durham
4425 – 100th Street SW #4
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-588-5395
Unique blend of manufacturing and sporting goods retail.
Modern Woodmen of America
Chris Wolpert, Financial Advisor
12303 Meridian E #103
Puyallup, WA 98373
253-228-8336
Through one-on-one visits, we help members with key areas of life planning, including protection, savings, retirement and business/estate planning.
PNC Mortgage
Mel Schuckenbrock, Mortgage Loan Officer
12815 Canyon Road E, Suite H
Puyallup, WA 98373
253-548-2647
Guaranteed on-time closing, work with us on your terms, simplified approval service. We are with you every step of the way. Purchase and Refinance.
Scentsy Family Independent Directory
Patrick & Suzanne Clark, Directors
Lacey, WA 98513
253-375-3271
Scentsy Family Brands offer a wide variety of products that enhance your life. Scentsy Fragrance, Fondue and Fashion Handbags/Jewelry.
Sonitrol Pacific – Sound Security
Paul Marshall, Regional Sales Manager
2115 S 56th Street, Suite 308
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-383-5051
With early and verified detection of threats to our clients, Sonitrol Pacific’s security systems help law enforcement agencies catch criminals. Our apprehension record can’t be matched by traditional burglar alarm companies.
Take Shape for Life – Team Yeatman
Dr. Gentry & Janet Yeatman, Certified Health Coaches
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-229-9193
We provide free coaching for clients using Medifast meal-replacement plan to attain optimal weight and health goals.
West Coast Publishing
Deanna Simons, Office Manager
P.O. Box 97327
Lakewood, WA 98497
253-984-7928
We publish the Washington Military Resource Directory. It is a free publication that highlights all Washington Military Installation phone numbers, as well as local advertising.
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Thank you for Reinvesting!
30 years and more
Crane's Creations, Inc
25 years and more
Costco Wholesale - Tacoma
Harborstone Credit Union
20 years and more
America's Credit Union
Video Management
15 years and more
Emergency Food Network Northwest Abatement Services, Inc.
5 years and more
Carr’s Restaurant Port of Tacoma Tacoma South Sound Sports Warfield Creative
1 to 4 years
APH Law
Fantasy World Hobbies Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation Wells Fargo Business Banking Group |
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Who Says Business Isn't Fun? (We're Not Your Father's Chamber!) We are looking to grow our organization and could use your referrals! We'd appreciate if you would share our name with your trusted business professionals - or you can always call Mary Ann Miller at 253-582-9400 with any recommendations! We thank you for your support!
Chamber Staff - Linda Smith, Scott Jonson, Mary Ann Miller
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Short Takes
Need A Place to Meet Your Client?
If you operate your business from home and need a meeting room withoutthe distractions of a coffee shop or similar venue, we can help! Chamber Members can use our small meeting room free of charge 9-5 Monday through Friday! It will hold 4 people comfortably - and as many as 6 can fit. Just call Scott at 253-582-9400 to book your next meeting. It's on us!
Thinking About Starting Your Own Business?
Ask SCORE
Are you thinking about starting a business of your own or need assistance in management for your existing business?
You can get FREE professional and CONFIDENTIAL advice from a SCORE mentor.
Please go to http://tacoma.score.orgto view several options to find a mentor to suit your needs.
What Do You Want to Hear?
In 2013, our aim is focused specifically on events and content that will help lead YOUR business to THRIVE!
One of the most dynamic opportunities the Chamber can offer your business is being featured as an Expert Guest Speaker! Throughout the year at our Brown Bag Bizness Builder lunches, Members offer their expertise and present a topic.
In order to get and give the most out of this experience, we look for these
specific requirements:
· A topic with a broad range of appeal to business owners
· A topic that is relevant and timely
· A message that supports a thriving business community
· A credible, reliable, expert speaker
· 60 minutes of dynamic content or less if we have a panel of speakers
Contact us at 253-582-9400 or email in order to submit a speaker/topic for consideration.
Senate approves tax plan that pays for schools without
raising taxes
The state Senate voted 30-18 Friday to approve a 2013-15 state operating
budget that uses spending cuts and fund transfers to increase funding for education without raising taxes. The proposal differs significantly from thebudget ideas Gov. Jay Inslee announced a week before, which included $1.2 billion in new or extended taxes. Senate budget writers said they identified more than $1 billion in savings, including $65 million in “government efficiencies,” a claim that OFM Director David Schumacher questioned as unrealistic. Despite the criticism from Democrats, seven members of the their caucus voted for the budget, in addition to Sens. Rodney Tom and Tim Sheldon, the two Democrats in the Majority Coalition Caucus. A roll call of the votes is
available here. A House budget proposal is expected Wednesday.
Senate budget, like Inslee proposal, would restore state
worker pay
The proposed Senate budget is similar to Gov. Jay Inslee’s budget proposal in at least one way: It would restore pay for state government workers, university employees and K-12 school workers and teachers who underwent temporary 3 percent pay cuts in 2011. The News Tribune also notes that the Senate budget fully funds two dozen labor contracts negotiated by former Governor Gregoire.
State parks vulnerable under Senate budget plan, official says
A state parks official warned lawmakers last week that some of Washington’s 117 state parks may close if lawmakers adopt the spending plan proposed by Senate leaders. “I can’t sit here and tell you, in our centennial year, we can keep all of our parks open. Rather, it is almost certain to result in park closure,” Roger Schmitt, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said during a hearing Wednesday. Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, scoffed at the warning, saying the
Senate proposal increases parks funding.
Inslee budget proposal draws new critic over rental income tax
Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal to raise more than $1.2 billion in new taxes drew a quick response from some of the groups he targeted, including auto dealers, bottled water and beer companies and certain professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and accountants. But a week after it came out, the plan continued to find opposition, this time from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. The Puget
Sound Business Journal reportsthat the group representing commercial real estate interests is vowing to fight Inslee’s plan to tax rental income properties ranging from mini-storage lockers to high-rise office space and apartments.
Senate unveils ‘bare-bones’ transportation budget, House scales back proposal
In addition to an operating budget proposal, a bipartisan group of state Senators unveiled a transportation spending plan last week that was widely described as “modest.” The $8.7 billion budget includes money for road improvements and maintenance and the Columbia River Crossing, but the $81.8 million set aside for the Interstate 5 bridge crossing is not enough to trigger federal matching funds. It also leaves out many large projects including work on Highway 167 and 509 and North Spokane Corridor. A day later, House members released a scaled-back“no frills” transportation budget proposal. House Transportation Committee Chairwoman plans to announce a new revenue planin the
range of $8-9 billion, down from the $9.8 billion package she proposed in February.
Survey: 80 percent of small businesses back tax reform
A majority (79 percent) of small business owners support comprehensive tax reform and 54 percent strongly support it, according to a new Small Business Outlook Survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “That’s the same kind of support for popular stuff like grandma, apple pie and puppies,” the Chamber said. The survey also found that 52 percent of respondents believe the tax code needs to be less complex, and 84 percent said regulations, restrictions and taxes negatively impact their ability to do business.
Report finds 25,000 high-skill jobs unfilled in Washington
Washington state would gain 160,000 jobs spread across many sectors of the economy if it provided better education and closed the job skills gap. That’s one of the findings from a new report released last week by the Washington Roundtable and The Boston Consulting Group, Inc.
The report, titled “Great Jobs Within Our Reach” also found there are 25,000 “acute” unfilled jobs in the state today; the gap is projected to grow by 5,000 jobs per year, reaching 50,000 by 2017; and 90 percent of those openings will be in health care and STEM roles. To address
the problem, the report calls for more STEM education in K-12 classrooms, and better alignment in community colleges of technical degrees and certificate curricular with employer demands.
Annual tax incentive survey and report due April 30 to Department of Revenue — must file to keep
Businesses that take advantage of a state tax incentive must file an electronic survey or report with the Department of Revenue. Failure to file the proper document will result in a loss of the tax exemption. Submissions are due by April 30, but filing extensions may be requested (by calling 360.570.3265, press 6) prior to the due date. For more information, click on the following links:
Carrell to receive bone marrow transplant
Senator Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, is resting at home awaiting a bone marrow transplant, after being hospitalized for a high fever and intense pain. In February, Carrell announced he was diagnosed with a condition known as MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome, a precursor to leukemia.
Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, told the Seattle Times, Carrell will continue to recuperate at home and will only be called back to the Legislature for crucial votes.
Testimonials!
We are so fortunate to be part of a Chamber of Commerce that actually is and does what a Chamber is supposed to do. Strong leadership; an extraordinary, savvy staff; and a membership sincerely interested in doing business with other members. Membership in the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is a genuine investment in one's own success.
The Lakewood Chamber has exceeded my expectations in many ways! The networking opportunities have enhanced my business while having fun at the same time.The chamber staff is always helpful, professional and a pleasure to work with.I strongly recommend anybusiness to join and get involved in this great organization!Thanks for everything!
We treasure our membership in the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. The chamber staff manages to balance business and fun so that all the events and activities not only serve the needs of its members but also are enjoyable. As a small business owner I appreciate that the Lakewood Chamber recognizes the value of small business in our community. The board of the Lakewood Chamber includes many small business owners and that's not something you see often with other Chambers of Commerce.
I belong to many organizations, but the best business organization is the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. We have a lot of fun, we share a lot of information, and the Lakewood Chamber is not afraid to promote a business friendly tax and regulatory climate. Which is very important
as we have some local, state and national elected officials who often are promoting big government at the expense of small business.
One of the best moves I have made in my business was to join the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Fantastic support, useful and fun events, great networking opportunities, plus real business growth opportunties.
If you’re looking for a great way to grow your business and meet some wonderful people, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is the place to go and join. While a member for just under one year, from the first event I attended I knew I made the right choice. The business connections
I've made, the people I've met and the Chamber Staff have all made it seem I've been a member for years. Definitely worth the investment and time. I'm looking forward to my second year as a member and many more.
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110% Club! Add an additional 10% of your annual dues to belong to the 110% Club. We thank the following businesses for their support! Bohns' Biz Columbia Bank James E. Curley Laura Eskew Weinand & Associates, CPAs Getting Personal Imprinting Lakes Body Shop Lakewood Hardware & Paint Inc Lakewood Historical Society & Museum Lieutenant General (RTD) (US Army) William (Bill) H. Harrison Lobban Photography, Inc Northwest Abatement Services, Inc. Pioneer Services, A Division of MidCountry Bank Roto-Rooter Plumbing Team Beach Body Tveten's Auto Clinic
March Ambassadors
of the Month!
Platinum
Wild Bill Jones
USANA Life Sciences
Gold
Tandra Vandenberg
Costco Wholesale-Tacoma
Silver
Autumn Shuffield
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April Calendar
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Wed 3
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5:30 pm | Blue Ribbon Cutting at Davinci Salon & Spa | 6501 Motor Avenue SW | |
| Th 4 | 11:30 am | General Membership Luncheon | $20 prepaid | Great American Casino |
| Tue 9 | 7:30 am | AM Chamber Network | Great American Casino | |
| Wed 10 | 5:15 pm | Blue Ribbon Cutting at Eagles Restaurant | 8736 S Hosmer | |
| Th 11 | 11:00 am | Executive Committee | Lakewood Chamber Offices | |
| Th 11 | noon | Board of Directors | Lakewood Chamber Offices | |
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Tue 16
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8 am
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Military Affairs Meeting
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Burs Restaurant
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| Tue 16 | 9:30 am | Lakewood Salutes! | Freedom Bridge | |
| W 17 | 4:30 pm | Another Bloomin' Trade Show! | Great American Casino | |
| W 24 | 8:00 am | Ambassadors Club | Chamber Offices | |
| Th 25 | 5:30 pm | Dish Mob | TBA | |
| Tue 30 | 11:30 am | Brown Bag Bizness Building Series | Chamber Office |