Chamber Newsletter

Newsletter for January 2009

The 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

 

 

What's Inside

Message from the Chair of the Board

 

110% Club


Short Takes on Local, State, and Federal Issues


New and Renewed Members

 

Lakewood Chamber Policy Position: 2010 Clover Park School Bond


New Year - New Budget

Ambassadors of the Month

Chamber Military Connection

Calendar of Events



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

 


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

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:

  • Level Tax Rate: The tax rate will not be increased - it will simply be a continuation of the tax rate for the next 25 years. Much needed projects will be built without raising the tax rate, which is one of the lowest in Pierce County.
  • Buildings Exceed Life Expectancy: The majority of facilities in the district have not been modernized or renovated for nearly 50 years, well beyond their projected life expectancy of 30 years. As a result, they are costly to maintain, energy inefficient and not up to current safety, electrical or building codes.
  • Saves Money: The school consolidation will save at least $300,000 in annual operational costs. That means that the district will save more than $7.5 million over the life of the project - money that could go directly back into the classroom. The district will also be eligible to receive an additional $24 million from the State to help with these projects, but only if the Bond measure passes.

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


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.

 


 

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

 

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:

  • Writing Letters
  • Exchanging of photos
  • Sending care packages


Army units will

  • Return letters
  • Exchange photos
  • Keep organizations informed about the units deployment

 

       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.

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

  • The Lakewood United group meets at 7 AM every Thursday at Burs Restaurant, located at 6151 Steilacoom Boulevard SW in Lakewood.  The events for the month is as follows:
  • January 7, 2010 – Training Police in Iraq – Colonel Larry Saunders, Chief of Training, G3 I Corps, Fort Lewis
  • January 14, 2010 - High Speed Rail Bypass through Lakewood - Andrew Wood, Deputy Director, Delivery, State Rail & Marine, Washington State Department of Transportation
  • January 21, 2010 - Suicide Awareness and Prevention – Valerie Haynes, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator
  • January 28, 2010 - Bringing USGA Championships to Pierce County - Come and hear about preparations for the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, including how you can get involved and enjoy this amazing experience - Hunter George, Director of Communications for Pierce County

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2009-2010 Board of Directors
Executive Committee Board of Directors Ex-Officios Staff

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







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

 

 


Linda K. Smith

President/CEO


Mary Ann Miller

Membership Director


Scott Jonson

Visitor Services &

Office Administration


Beth Tate

Visitor Information Services

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


January 2010 Events

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 

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 Directions

To 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
Lakewood, WA 98499


Phone:  253.582.9400
FAX:  253.581.5241
 
chamber@lakewood-wa.com
www.lakewood-wa.com


We are open 7 days a week to serve you!

9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday

10 am - 3  pm Saturday and Sunday
(excluding National Holidays)