The 2017 Leadership Institute kicks off with opening remarks from guest speaker, Jamie Gregory, MGO Wesley Homes, about how leaders can impact a community. A big thank you to Marty Cavalluzzi, President of Pierce College Puyallup, for facilitating this year's class program. The Chamber welcomes the 2017 class participants:
Molen Orthodontics has announced the groundbreaking of their new office location near the Gordon Family YMCA in Sumner. The event will take place Saturday, January 28th, 10:00am and is open to the public.
NEW PERFORMANCE-BASED STATEWIDE TOURISM MARKETING PROGRAM
READY FOR LEGISLATORS
STATE SENATE AND HOUSE LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN 2017 SESSION
(Olympia) --- Washington would no longer be the only state in the nation without a statewide tourism marketing program under legislation introduced in both the state House and Senate this week. The legislation would create an industry-led Tourism Marketing Authority and provide performance-based industry funding mechanisms without additional taxes. Both HB1123 and SB 5251 (the same legislation but entered in both the Senate and House) have bipartisan support from legislators representing urban and rural districts throughout the state.
“This legislation has strong support from the tourism industry,” said Cheryl Kilday, chair of the board of the Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA). “We want to thank the sponsors who have worked so hard to find a solution that will provide for more economic development and jobs as well as state and local tax revenue from increasing tourism to Washington.” Washington State closed its tourism office in 2011 and while visitors to the Greater Seattle area have continued to be strong, many of our smaller and rural communities have struggled to keep vital tourism dollars (and the resulting jobs and tax revenue) flowing to their businesses. Tourism is Washington’s 4th largest industry and impacts more than hotels, restaurants and destinations. It benefits retailers, outdoor recreation, state parks, ports and cities - and ultimately the taxpayers of Washington. More than $1.8 billion in local and state tax revenues are generated directly from tourism. It’s the largest employer of women and minorities and is responsible for more than 170,500 jobs. “Washington is the only state in the union that does not have a statewide tourism program. With this legislation a small investment by the state should see double or even triple the return from the tourism industry. It is a great way to raise revenue without raising taxes,” said Rep. Cary Condotta, R-Wenatchee. “We should see a boost to our tourism industry and economy. It is time to get the word out about our great tourist destinations.” “We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so it only makes sense to encourage more economic growth by attracting more tourism in Washington state,” said Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline. “This is especially in rural areas, where we have such natural beauty and a need for new jobs. So I want to thank everyone who visits our state and all those who work to make those visits a memory they will treasure forever.” The measure also has bipartisan sponsorship and support in the Washington Senate. “The true wonder of Washington is that with just a two-hour drive in any direction, you can find yourself in a completely different natural ecosystem,” said Sen. Dean Takko, D-Longview. “Establishing a Washington Tourism Marketing Program is win-win, benefitting our small business owners on the shores of coastal towns and expanding our ability to share our distinct cultures and environments with the world.” “We need these kinds of creative solutions to expand and promote the tourism opportunities in our state,” said Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “The tourism industry is such a large part of our economy and these are wise investments that the state should make to promote all we have to offer. My district is so geographically diverse, spanning from the Cascades to desert areas in the East - I want to showcase this beauty as much as possible. ” A tourism working group of legislators met with industry leaders over the 2016 interim to create the new legislation which contains the following key provisions:
Independent oversight of the industry-run program by a board of tourism industry representatives and a legislator from each of the four political caucuses. There will also be some non-voting representatives from relevant state agencies including the Department of Commerce, Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Revenue.
A marketing plan and campaign that focuses on bringing more tourists to Washington and out to rural and tourism-dependent counties, emphasizing outdoor recreation opportunities and designed to attract international tourists, crafted by a non-profit entity representing the geographic and cultural diversity of the state.
A funding mechanism for a Tourism Marketing Account: Beginning July 1, 2017, 0.1 percent of general sales taxes collected on retails sales of lodging, restaurants and rental cars will be deposited into the Statewide Tourism Marketing Account. Deposits are limited to $5 million per biennium (every two year state budget cycle) and are subject to private matching funds prior to expenditure. The plan offers the potential for a maximum of $15 million per biennium to be spent on the tourism marketing program.
There will be a hearing on HB 1123 on January 25th before the House Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee. Senate consideration of the legislation is being scheduled. Other House and Senate Sponsors include: Rep. Andrew Barkis R-Olympia, Rep. Steve Kirby D-Tacoma, Rep. J.T. Wilcox R-Yelm, Rep. Gael Tarleton D-Seattle, Rep. Gina McBride R-Goldendale, Rep. Norma Smith R-Clinton, Rep. Dick Muri R-Steilacoom, Rep. Noel Frame D-Seattle, Rep. Steve Tharinger D-Dungeness, Rep. Jeff Morris D-Anacortes, Rep. Jim Walsh R-Aberdeen Sen. Maralyn Chase D-Edmonds, Sen. Christine Rolfes D-Bainbridge Island, Sen. John McCoy D-Tulalip, Sen. Hans Zeiger R-Puyallup. The WTA has launched a statewide grassroots effort to support the legislation to rally support. The “It’s a Great Return – Tourism Works for Washington” campaign showcases how tourism benefits every community throughout the state. Links to more information are found here: http://watourismalliance.com/tourismworks/ https://twitter.com/WTAlliance https://www.facebook.com/Washington-Tourism-Alliance-197125650316989/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzh8CjNQt-6hmYv0px96RpA #tourismworksforwa
About the Washington Tourism Alliance The Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) is a 501[c]6 organization established by industry stakeholders with the sole mission of sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. The WTA procures and administers funds for state destination tourism marketing activities and creates and implements a strategic statewide destination marketing plan. www.watourismalliance.com
More than 220 people gathered in the Pioneer Park Pavilion last week to learn about technology, data centers, retail trends, new county permit processes and upcoming development projects in Pierce County, Sumner and Puyallup. The speaker's panel included:
Simon Lee, Director, Centeris Data
Center
Jerome O’Leary, VP,
Kidder Mathews
Denise Dyer, Director, Pierce County Economic
Development Department
Tom Utterback,
Development Services Director, City of Puyallup
Ryan Windish,
Community Development Director, City of Sumner.
The Chamber's annual award presentations were also announced at the event and the Chamber would like to congratulate all of our award recipients and all of the businesses which were nominated. A thank you to all of our members who submitted nomination forms acknowledging the work and contributions our businesses and local leaders who make our communities a great place to live, work and play. 2017 Rising Star Award Recipients:
•Pierce
College – Recognition of 50 years of Education in the Puget Sound Region
•Small
Business of the Year: Smiles
Orthodontics
•Medium
Business of the Year: Evergreen Ground Works
•Large
Business of the Year: Dillanos
Coffee Roasters
In our sister cities of Puyallup and Sumner, we have a diverse group of businesses that drive our local economy and truly make this a special place to live and work. I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors at the Chamber of Commerce, which represents this business community. As a member, Ambassador and Director I see the value every day that our Chamber adds to owning or managing a company. Whether it’s making connections here in town, or raising awareness for us at the government level, the Chamber is always at work. As incoming Chair, I hope to lead the organization in a direction that stays true to that mission: being a complete business resource. I am optimistic about the coming year, and excited for the opportunities it holds for us. Here’s to a successful 2017! 2017 Board of Directors Rob Lewis, Chair, VP Manager, Columbia Bank, Patty Denny, Chair elect, Owner, Fix Auto
Puyallup Kyle Hardtke, Sec/Treas, Owner, Evergreen Ground Works Tracey Pidge, Past Chair, VP, Coleman
American Moving Services Charla
Neuman, Principal, Neuman Navigations Chris
Bredeson, President East Pierce Region MultiCare Health System Renee
McClain, CFO, Washington State Fair Shaun
Brobak, Owner, Crockett’s Public House & Trackside Pizza Garrick
Sturgill, DNS, Centeris Data
Centers Marty
Cavalluzzi, President, Pierce College Puyallup
