Chamber Newsletter
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Newsletter for January 2009 The Lakewood Chamber's Core Missions: Promoting the community |
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Message from the Chair of the Board
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110% Club
Short Takes on Local, State, and Federal Issues
New and Renewed Members
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Lakewood Chamber Policy Position: 2010 Clover Park School Bond
New Year - New Budget |
Ambassadors of the Month
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Chamber Military Connection |
Calendar of Events
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Business After Hours January 20, 2010 4:30pm-6:30pm Members and their guests $5.00 - Non-Members $15.00 Please RSVP by calling 253-582-9400
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Message from the Chair of the Board
2009 has been a tough year for us nationally, and locally. We will however, persevere. Let’s call ourselves the Chamber of Courage, because that’s what it will take to get us re-set and whole again.
With our Fallen Four, as well as the tragic deaths of Officer Brenton and Detective Mundell, our region has been reeling with these senseless acts of evil. Out of these tragedies, one thing did prevail. Our communities are standing up against these criminals, surrounding and supporting our law enforcement officers and their families - and are getting involved. I hope, you too, have in some way been able to stand up and be counted.
I’m pleased to announce that the first general membership luncheon of the year will kick off with guest speaker Mayor Doug Richardson. He will address ”the State of Our City.”
Speaking of the affairs of our state … please respond when Linda forwards you action alerts. These action alerts always contain information that may impact your business directly or indirectly. Our legislators must hear from all of their constituents. We’re facing another significant deficit this year and we as business men and women must stay vigilant. If there is a piece of legislation that concerns your business, please contact the Chamber Office. The Government Affairs Committee is currently working to put together a Legislative Priorities document and could include your concerns.
I’m also looking forward to the Annual Chamber Chili Cook-Off! Each year, this highly competitive and playful scholarship fundraiser for local students draws a great crowd with lots of laughs -- all for a great cause. Local high school and college students are afforded a break in their tuitions when approved through an application process. I’m pleased that the Chamber continues to give back to the community in this program. I encourage you to enter, or at the very least, sign up to attend and bring a couple of your cohorts to this event.
Be sure to participate in the networking events created for you—Business After Hours, AM Chamber Network, General Membership Luncheons, Blue Ribbon Cuttings and our committees. We plan functions and events from early morning through evening in order to accommodate your hours of availability. So take advantage of what is being offered to you this coming year and make it a point to attend and network!
I hope this message finds you with renewed energy and commitment to your business for the advent of the New Year. As your Chamber Chair, my goal continues to bring focus on the needs of business in our community and state and to see that the Chamber supports the needs of our membership. There will be many opportunities for the Chamber to help you - and in turn to provide you with the tools to help yourself.
Have a prosperous and rewarding New Year, Rick Stevens, GEICO 2009-2010 Chair of the Board |
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Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Policy Position 2010 Clover Park School Board Recognizing that an educated workforce plays a vital role in determining a community’s future economic growth and health, the Board of Directors of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce supports the 2010 bond measure to fund improvements for Clover Park School District.
The money from the bond measure will go towards rebuilding Hudtloff Middle School, consolidating Oakwood and Southgate Elementary Schools, and building the successful Harrison Preparatory facility. Oakwood cannot be rebuilt/remodeled at its present site because it is in the flight path of McChord AFB.
The Board supports the bond measure based on the following:
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New Year - New Budget Throughout 2009, in Olympia, in municipalities across our state, and in Washington, DC, we've fought against bigger government and higher taxes.
Earlier this year, as the economy struggled and the state faced a $9 billion budget shortfall, many policymakers called for tax increases. Due to the efforts of many, the legislature did not raise taxes in 2009. But that's not the end of the story.
Because of unsustainable spending accompanied by a sour economy, the state is now facing another large deficit. Rather than fix the real problems, many policymakers, including the governor, are calling for tax increases.
Raising taxes will cost the state thousands of jobs and dramatically slow economic recovery. We will provide solid evidence of the negative impact of any tax increases and consistently promote comprehensive government and budget reform as the real solution to our budget mess. We need your support to continue this work and provide a credible voice for fiscal responsibility in Olympia.
Help us continue our work by participating in the Government Affairs Committee, sending emails, make phone calls to elected officials and participate in Chamber Day in Olympia. Olympia needs real solutions for budget savings, not tax increases. With your support and participation, our voices will be heard.
Greg Bakamis, Chair Government Affairs Committee |
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AM Chamber Network Tuesday, January 12, 2010 7:45 - 9:00 am Chamber Board Room Another way to get to know fellow Chamber Members in a casual format. Bring your business cards, coupons, brochures and samples for a fun show and sell opportunity. A terrific way to shamelessly promote your products and services before you go to your place of business! At the same time, you can learn about the many networking, marketing and educational programs the Chamber has to offer.
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Welcome Our Newest Members!
Black Angus Mike McMullin, Manager 9905 Bridgeport Way SW Lakewood, WA 98499 253-582-6900 At Black Angus Steakhouse, we take PRIDE in every steak we serve – The genuine American Steakhouse.
Candlewood Suites - Lakewood Anne Oh 10720 Pacific Highway South Lakewood, WA 98499 360-561-5535 Accommodations
Cobalt Mortgage Jaimie Garrett, Senior Loan Officer 16400 South Center Parkway #100 Tukwila, WA 98188 1-877-359-7482 Home loans financing for purchases and refinancing – Specializing in first-time home buyers and VA loans.
Mamma Mia Ristorante & Pizzeria Stanislao Riccio, Owner 3615 Steilacoom Blvd SW – 101B Lakewood, WA 98499 253-588-4131 A family tradition started with my Grandfather, passed down to my father and now to me. I offer you simple ingredients and transform them into homemade goodness. Buon Appetito.
Sentinel Pest Control, Inc. Wayne Boudreau, Sr., Owner 12605 Pacific Avenue S Tacoma, WA 98444 253-538-2576 Provide residential and commercial pest control solutions. Also provide crawl space restoration services. Serving the greater Puget Sound area.
Warrior Performance Athletics George McGuire, Owner/President P.O. Box 88628 Steilacoom, WA 98388 253-380-9759 Personal trainer/performance enhancement |
Thank You for Reinvesting in the Chamber!
35 and more years Allen Realtors Brink & Sadler Puget Sound Energy Schooner Pub
25 and more years Clover Park School District Faubion, Johnson, Reeder & Fraley P.S.
20 and more years Lakewood Towne Center
15 and more years Lakewold Gardens
10 and more years Korean Women's Association TwinStar Credit Union
5 and more years Great American Casino Inter Space Lakewood Sister Cities Liberty Inn MultiCare Lakewood Clinic Museum Antiques & Aviation Museum TRA Medical Imaging
4 years and less American Cancer Society Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar CB Bookkeeping Services, Inc. Clover Park Education Assn DuPont Heated Self Storage Lakewood Hardware & Paint Lobban Photography PI Bank Renewed Life Community Church Sullivan Painting Thornewood Castle LLC
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Military Affairs Committee Meeting Tuesday, January 19, 2010 8:00 am Burs Restaurant Update of previous meetings, time for testimonials, and a challenge for the year to really apply these meetings to your business practice, to make the Military Market a part of your Strategic Plans as it is a sure way to increase your business with a multi billion dollar market immune to the recession.
Adopt a Company with the 4th Stryker Brigade Program Continues to Grow! The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as the spearhead of the Adopt A Company Program with the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. There are 30 units that we have in the Bridge and the Chamber has recruited over 40 businesses and organizations to participate. We’ve had many small businesses step up and are adding additional business to team up so they won’t have to shoulder the project alone.
The Raider Adopt A Company Program is a volunteer-based program that connects supportive Lakewood businesses and organizations with Raider Soldiers and offers a channel by which to strengthen relationships, and improve community relations. Business volunteers are needed to support companies while deployed.
Suggests for support would be:
A reception was successfully launched where businesses and company commanders met to launch the program. Sponsoring organizations were invited to – and attended – the Deployment & Casing Ceremony, as well as the Deployment Ball. Many of the organizations have hosted events and many more are planning something special prior to the company’s deployments.
Your organization is urged to join us and support our troops! Please contact the Chamber to sign up today! Promote Your Business to New Army Personnel Let us promote your business at the Fort Lewis Newcomers orientation in the Lakewood Chamber booth, reaching over 500 new personnel and their families each month for only $200 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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Short Takes
Local Chamber Members Earn Special Recognition Mac McDonald & Pat Terry are named Nikken Consultants of the Year! Mac McDonald, USAF, Col (ret), former Western Air Defense Commander at McChord AFB, and his wife, Pat Terry, Independent Wellness Consultant for Nikken – a leading direct-sales, Total Wellness Company renowned for its innovative wellness technologies, were recognized as the North America Consultants of the Year for 2009-2010 for all of North America to include Canada. The recognition was awarded at Nikken’s annual Convention held in Dallas Texas at the luxurious Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. Over 2,500 consultants were in attendance to see this prestigious recognition bestowed on two of Nikken’s best. "We were totally surprised at the announcement of our selection as the Consultants of the Year for having the most productive team in all of North America but humbled to receive it for the work our professional team of wellness coaches has done to get more people on their own wellness journeys. What it means is we have affected more lives across North America as well as globally than any other team which is very inspiring to us to want to reach out and help more people enjoy the Quality of Life they deserve.” "These days, people are looking for balance in their busy lives," Pat added. "Nikken offers a solution incorporating better health and wellness with attention to family and finances, a dimension not currently found in the corporate work model today." Congratulations to Mac and Pat. We’re so proud of your accomplishments!
Upcoming Lakewood United Schedule
Lakewood United website:http://communities.southsound.com/main.wsi?group_id=138
We’re Fishing for Ideas…YOURS Yes! We’re interested in what’s going on with your business. And so are other Chamber Members. Please pass this along to the person who maintains your mailing list and ask that they add lsmith@lakewood-wa.com to your mailing list for story inclusion in the Chamber Newsletter. Thank you!
State Unemployment insurance tax rate goes up to 2.38 percent in 2010 Unfortunately, unemployment insurance tax rates will rise in 2010 for many employers due to their own layoffs and the significant disparity between benefits paid and taxes collected in 2009. Last week, the Employment Security Department began mailing 2010 tax-rate notices to more than 150,000 Washington businesses. The average tax rate in 2010 will be 2.38 percent, up from 1.55 percent in 2009 – but still lower than rates during the last economic recovery in 2004 (2.81 percent) and 2005 (2.78 percent), and equal to the 2006 average rate. The 2010 tax rates will range from 0.95 percent to 6 percent.
State lowers revenue forecast $760 million, raising budget woes The latest revenue forecast for Washington's 2009-11 biennium has fallen by $760 million since September. Officials now expect to collect $28.8 billion, an estimate driven down largely by a "crisis of confidence" that has consumers continuing to pay down debt and save money rather than spend it, according to Arun Raha, the state’s chief economist. The news means that lawmakers must now find a way to fill a $2.6 billion shortfall when the 2010 Legislature convenes — up from a previously estimated $2 billion shortfall, which has already prompted Governor Gregoire and majority Democrats in the Legislature to signal a willingness to look at tax increases.
Federal Issues Senate Passes Irresponsible Health Care Bill Despite numerous polls showing the majority of Americans are opposed to the Senate health care bill, sixty senators chose to ignore their objections. The business community has been consistent in calling for health care reform, but the bill that was passed by the Senate at Christmas is counterproductive, does little to lower the cost of health care, and it is not reform. It implements crippling new taxes, and hurts our ability to create jobs at the worst possible time for the economy. We recognize that the health care debate is not over yet – and are hopeful that a conference between the Senate and House can bring all stakeholders back to the table. Since employers are the ones who will be responsible for putting this reform into practice, their concerns must be addressed. It is not too late for Congress to stop this bill from becoming law and start over with the goal of truly reforming our health care system.
Who are the real fat cats? Federal employees average $30,000 more than private sector salaries According to USA Today, the number of federal workers earning six-figure salaries has expanded dramatically during the recession. Federal employees with $100,000-plus salaries spiked from 14 to 19 percent of civil servants during the first 18 months of the recession - and this was before overtime pay and bonuses are counted. Meanwhile, 7.3 million private sector jobs have disappeared in the recession. |
110% Club! Add an additional 10% of your annual dues to belong to the 110% Club. We thank the following businesses for their support!
Aamco Transmissions Adam's DJ Service American Cancer Society Bill Harrison Bohns’ Biz Bridgeport Place Assisted Living Brink & Sadler, CPA's Colonial Life Columbia Bank Dirk’s Truck Repair F. James Weinand & Associates Gary & Carol Milgard Family Hope Center HomeStreet Bank Kiwanis Club of Clover Park Lakewold Gardens Lakewood Hardware & Paint INc Lakewood Historical Society Lakewood Water District Navy Federal Credit Union Northwest Abatement Services, Inc. Pierce County Council - District 6, Councilmember Dick Muri Pioneer Services Roberta Ladd Consulting Tom Dyer Imports Westwood Apartments Windermere Real Estate – Jimi Couture
December Ambassadors of the Month
Platinum:
Kathy Drake, Colonial Life
Gold:
Tammy Steele, Mary Kay
Silver:
Geri Magee, Accountability Counseling Service
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| 2009-2010 Board of Directors | |||
| Executive Committee | Board of Directors | Ex-Officios | Staff |
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Rick Stevens, Chair GEICO Direct
Mike Block, Chair Elect Columbia Bank
Vicky Nelson, Treasurer Harborstone Credit Union
Shawn Gagnon, Secretary Weinand & Associates
Greg Bakamis, Past Chair Great American Casino
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Jim Charboneau Country Kennels
Terry Donahue Pioneer Services
Jaimie Garrett Cobalt Mortgage
Donna Haines CoinForce.com
David Lobban Lobban Photography
Charlie Maxwell Lakewood Refuse
Mike Stevenson Brink & Sadler, CPA's |
Debbie LeBeau Clover Park School District
Bret Farrar Lakewood Police Department
Ellie Chambers-Grady City of Lakewood
Hallie McCurdie Lakewood Fire Department
Tony Robinson Clover Park Technical College
Denise Yochum Pierce College
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Linda K. Smith President/CEO
Mary Ann Miller Membership Director
Scott Jonson Visitor Services & Office Administration
Beth Tate Visitor Information Services
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| January 2010 Events | |||
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Thu 7 |
11:30 am | General Membership Luncheon | Great American Casino |
| Tue 12 | 7:45 am | AM Chamber Network | Chamber Board Room |
| Thu 14 | 11:00 am | Executive Committee | Great American Casino |
| Thu 14 | 12:00 pm | Board of Directors | Great American Casino |
| Mon 18 |
Chamber Office Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
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| Tue 19 | 8:00 am | Miltary Affairs Committee | Burs Restaurant |
| Wed 20 | 4:30 pm | Business AFter Hours @ WineStyles | 2665 N Pearl St. |
| Wed 27 | 8:00 am | Ambassadors Club | Chamber Board Room |
Contact and DirectionsTo get to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce from Interstate 5, Take exit # 125 (toward Lakewood/McChord AFB exit). From south bound, turn right onto Bridgeport Way SW continue 1.8 miles From north bound, turn left onto Bridgeport Way SW continue 1.8 miles Turn right onto Gravelly Lake Drive continue 1 mile Turn right on Steilacoom Boulevard SW Turn right immediately past the fire station at the stop light. Entering Clover Park Technical College's Campus, turn left into the parking lot for Building 19. We are located in the Center for Business Development, in Suite 109. |
4650 Steilacoom Blvd
Building 19, Suite 109
We are open 7 days a week to serve you! 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday
10 am - 3 pm Saturday and Sunday |