Vintage Cars and Poodle Skirts Visit the Fairgrounds

It's that time of year again when the City of Puyallup starts to look like an episode of Happy Days.  Yes, the Good Guys Car Show is back in town and event organizers are anticipating 3,000 registered cars in the show, and another 25,000 to 30,000 visiting the event to see all those great vintage cars.  The Chamber will be at the registration area handing out Visitor and Restaurant Guides to each of the 3,000 registered car owners, as well as those visiting the events.  So if you've advertised in our marketing materials they'll be seeing your name and contact information.  And if you attend the event, come say hi at the registration area.  I'll be there handing out directories and helping visitors navigate our Fair City
.

  

Blue Review Invades Sorci's in Sumner

Mama Mia!  It was great to see the former owner of Sorci's Italian Cafe, Jeremy Annillo, at the July 23rd Blue Review.  Jeremy is continuing to work in the restaurant to help with the transition and the new owner was truly friendly and provided helpful hints when ordering from the new and delicious menu.  The ambassador's in blue ordered appetizers that were delectable and we sampled adult beverages and recommended wines that were the perfect accompaniment to a wonderfully sunny evening in downtown Sumner.  The seating area is expanded from the last time I visited the restaurant so it would be a great place for friends to visit for a glass of wine after work with some antipasto.  The food and service were excellent so we'd definitely recommend future visits.

South Sound Running Opening Downtown This Week

If you drive downtown Meridian in Puyallup everyday like I do, then you've probably noticed the activity at 115 S. Meridian this past week or so.  South Sound Running is just putting the finishing touches on their newest location and plan to be open by this Friday, if not sooner.  Many who know me well know that I am passionate about historic preservation of our wonderful downtown buildings.  South Sound has artfully incorporated their company branding with the existing building architecture.  They've updated and restored the vintage rooftop sign and created a fun entry way using period mosiac tiles and inlay designs to include the business name, South Sound Running.  I especially love the new sign because I remember the original sign from when my mom would take me to that building as a child to buy tubes of paint when it was the Burr Gregory Paint Store.  Back then it was blue with gold, but the new sign design is great as well.  It was fun to talk to manager, Rick Bogatay, an Emerald Ridge High School graduate and 2011 Sound to Narrows champion, as well as Ben Crabtree from South Sound Running corporate.  I originally met Rick at the Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event at Meeker Days last month so it was a treat to be able to talk to him about their progress.  Welcome to your new location in downtown Puyallup and we look forward to your success.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/06/30/2659634/south-sound-running-opening-puyallup.html#storylink=cpy

Washington State Fair Sees Green for WSDOT

I made a split second decision while driving Tuesday when I noticed a new HUGE freeway sign for the Washington State Fair strapped to the side of a WSDOT truck.  I quickly pulled off to the side of the road on SR 512 and snapped this photo of the unusual site.  It seems all kinds of new things are happening at the Washington State Fair this year starting with new branding, removal of the Gold Gate (which I kind of like because we get a nice view of the fountain), and a new show called Luminasia which I've heard is larger than life and definitely worth seeing.  We've also just set the date for our annual After Hours at the Fair event for September 19th, 6pm, which will be free to our Chamber members and spouses/partners.  Members just need to pre-register in order to receive free admittance to the event at the VIP tent.  Last year we had about 100 people attend, and Fair CEO and Chamber Executive Board Member, Mr. Kent Hojem, just yesterday issued me a challenge that he'd like to see attendance increased to 200 people at this year's event.  So if you have employees you'd like to invite to come with you, they are welcome this year as well.  I'm determined that our Chamber can rise to the challenge of increased attendance this year.  Look for more event details about registration later in August.......and check out the new sign on the freeway.

  

Chamber "Welcome Home" Green Bags Take a Road Trip

Our ever popular Chamber "Welcome Home" relocation bags are taking a road trip this week as we work with the Tacoma Pierce County EDB, Benaroya and the City of Puyallup to assist with the recruitment of a new company to So. Hill which will be bringing approximately 200 employees with them.  Tom Utterback, Puyallup Development Services Director and I will be narrating a tour of the Puyallup area for 50 of their employees this Thursday to learn more about the community.  Our peppy lime green bags will include all of our Chamber member information as printed in our directories, restaurant guides, maps and Ambassador Directories.  This is just one example of how your advertising in our community marketing materials really gets noticed.  A big thank you to our Chamber members who participated in the project:  Best Western Park Plaza, Fairfield Marriott, Holiday Inn Express Puyallup, So. Hill Mall, Costco, Kelloggs and Mt. Rainier Coffee Company.  

Thank You from the Port of Tacoma

Our Chamber received a great letter from John Wolfe, CEO of the Port of Tacoma, thanking our members for all the work done in support of SR-167 transportation project. Click here to read the letter.

A big thank you to our members who took the time to submit letters in support of the transportation project, Congressman Denny Heck, Senator Bruce Dammeier, Representative Hans Zeiger and Representative Dawn Morrell who supported the legislation.  Our Chamber continues to work with the South Sound Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coalition to move this project forward for completion.  If you would like to attend our Government Affairs Committee meetings to learn more or stay informed, please contact our office to be added to our email notification list for upcoming meeting schedules.

History Repeating Itself?

Since 1892, the businesses of Puyallup and Sumner have been participating in local contests to promote community spirit.  More than 120 years later, it seems the cities are still at it and now they've included our friends and military connector units at JBLM.  Local cities and electeds, AUSA, the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce and Puyallup's connector unit, the 2nd Stryker Brigade plus Sumner's connector unit, 593rd Sustainment Brigade are all coming together for the inaugural Great American Picnic this weekend, July 20th, at the Daffodil Sports Complex in Sumner.  It's Sumner vs Puyallup at 11:00a.m. as history repeats itself.  Don't miss the fun.  Come and cheer on your favorite community representatives and keep this time honored inter-city tradition alive.   Click here for schedule of events.

2nd Stryker Brigade: Hampton Deployment

Deployment took on a whole new meaning this past Thursday at our July Chamber Luncheon.  Our inagural "Host a Troop" event for the 2nd Stryker Brigade was a fun social setting where local businesses could interact and learn firsthand about the activities performed by Puyallup's military connector unit in Afghanistan this past year and how the military presence of troops stationed at JBLM impacts our local economy.  Of the soldiers present at the lunch, we learned that the majority of them lived off base, including in Puyallup and Sumner, which reinforces the message that JBLM is indeed an economic engine for our region.  There have even been reports that 1 in 6 jobs in Pierce County is somehow related to Joint Base Lewis McChord influence.  Attendees also learned that JBLM is considered a preferred base by many in the military because of climate, landscape, medical facilities and quality of life.  Also good for our local economy.  If you are not attending our Military Affairs Committee meetings or partnering with AUSA to interact with our local troops, you could be missing out on opportunities to grow your business and support our military.  The good news is that you can begin interacting with our military activities as soon as July 25th when the Chamber hosts it's Mornings with the Military event at the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse from 8 to 9am.  Join us to learn how to sign your business up for opportunities to contract with the federal government, learn about what's happening at JBLM and what's coming up in the future.  A big thank you to Lt. Col. Richard Edwards who spoke at our luncheon, to Harborstone Credit Union for being such a passionate military sponsor, and to the Hampton Inn & Suites for providing the meeting space.
  

"Trails" to Economic Development

The Pacific Northwest is known for its scenic views and diverse landscapes.  Our local trail systems capitalize on those majestic views and contribute to quality of life for our residents by providing multiple modes of access to our valley cities.  Many have also touted these trail systems as economic development assets for our region.  Such is the example of the 100 Miles for One Mind event that will be utilizing our local trail systems with a run starting at Leschi Marina on Lake Washington, traveling through Enumclaw, Orting, Sumner, Auburn and back to the Seattle Center.  On the morning of August 10th, 2013 a group of Marines, accompanied by Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, family and friends, will run 100 mile ultra run in Seattle, WA to honor the fallen U.S. service men and women from the state of Washington and to raise money for One Mind for Research. For more information about the event and route details or to determine if your business can can benefit by supporting the event, go to www.alwaysbrothers.org.  

Photo courtesy of alwaysbrothers.org

Sen. Dammeier and Rep. Morrell talk transportation

A big thank you to Senator Bruce Dammeier and Representative Dawn Morrell for sharing their comments about the transportation package that failed during the last legislative session.  While the lack of funding for completing SR-167 was a disappointment, our Chamber can be proud of the advocacy work done to support local legislators and moving this transportation project to the top of our state's Transportation Project List.  Our work with the South Sound Legislative Coalition, our lobbyist and various Chambers throughout the state helped to build credibility for the project and ensure that our business interests were represented.  Our Chamber will continue its advocacy for this project and we thank each of our 109 members who stepped up and participated in our letter campaign in support of SR-167.

.   

Rocket Men

I think Elton John would have enjoyed seeing our Chamber Ambassadors in blue present the Ambassador Rocket to Epic Donuts for display on their Rocket Wall.  Big thanks to Rob Lewis, Troy Haueter, Laura Davis' daughter who painted the rocket and Epic co-owner, Tom Dobrinski for the great spaceship photo.

Heck of a Good Time on the 4th

Though I am partial to the fireworks display at the Old Cannery Bridge Lighting Ceremony that kicks off the holiday season in Sumner, I have to admit to a grand ole time in Tumwater on the 4th of July this year.  I started my day by picking up a spiffy 2013 jet black Camaro RS convertible at Sunset Chevrolet because I was asked to chauffeur Congressman Denny Heck and his wife, Paula, through the Tumwater 4th of July Parade.  To my surprise, I also got to step out and give Col. Ken Kamper, 17 Fires Brigade Commander and Parade Grand Marshal, a big hug.  Col. Kamper is transferring to another command later this month and I know lots of us here in the Pacific Northwest are going to miss him.  Then I hopped back into the car with Congressman Heck and his wife and followed Col. Kamper through the mile and a half long parade route.  I believe I heard the phrase "Give 'em Heck" several hundred times from local bystanders who support and appreciate the congressman's work representing the 10th District.  It was a true pleasure to participate in the parade and attend the fireworks show at the golf course later in the evening.   Many thanks to Sunset Chevrolet for letting me borrow a super hot car for the day and to Tumwater City Administrator and friend, John Doan, for the invitation to their holiday festivities.  I had a Heck of a good time.

Photo courtesy of the the Olympian

Employer health care mandate delayed one year

The Obama Administration announced this week that the employer mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act will be delayed for another year.  Our Chamber has scheduled an Employer Health Care Workshop for September 25th, 8:00 to 10:00am, which is prior to October's open enrollment.  We will provide more information as it becomes available and we encourage our members to attend our workshop.  

Roller Coaster for Transportation

While Puyallup is home to the Washington State Fair and a really great roller coaster, sometimes roller coaster rides are not so enjoyable.  Such is the fate of our local transportation legislation which experienced its own type of roller coaster ride during the recent special session.  Initially the Transportation Revenue package coming out of the house did not pass it's first vote.  However after a motion to reconsider was granted, HB 1954 Transportation Revenue package did pass the House last Thursday, 51-41.  And then it was off to the Senate.  Unfortunately, the 2nd legislative special session adjourned on Saturday evening with no action being taken on the Transportation legislation.  A disagreement over the controversial Columbia River Crossing was at the heart of the issue.  The failure of the Transportation Package is definitely a disappointment to our local business community  because the completion of SR167 would mean 80,000 good paying jobs and that translates to a boost in our local economy as well as keeping our local ports competitive in the global markets.  Our Chamber has worked diligently with our legislators to support the business interests of our communities and specifically the completion of SR 167 for the past six months.  In the coming weeks we will be meeting with our regional partners to consider how we can best utilize our resources to continue advocating for this critical transportation project. 

Our Chamber would like to thank Congressman Denny Heck, Senator Bruce Dammeier and Representatives Hans Zeiger and Dawn Morrell for their leadership on this issue.  

The Mod Squad comes to Sunrise

There's lots of new things going on at Sunrise Village and our Chamber was pleased to welcome MOD Pizza to their new location on Monday.  If you haven't eaten MOD Pizza at any of their other locations up north, including downtown Seattle, U District or Bellevue, you need to stop in and find out what all the Buzz is about.  I love the retro branding and they've even included photo murals of some of our local iconic landmarks like the roller coaster at the Washington State Fair and Meeker Mansion.  Very cool and their pizza is very good.  Stop by on your way home and be sure to say the Chamber sent you.  A big thanks to all our Amassadors for making the ribbon cutting another fun event.  Blue Rocks!