Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s New Tacoma Awards recognize businesses and individuals leading the revitalization of downtown Tacoma. Last year the Chamber recognized Hotel Murano, hello,cupcake, Gintz Group and Benjii Bittle for their commitments to downtown. A complete list of past winners is available here.
The Chamber relies on our downtown community for nominations for these awards. Nominate a community leader today!
2010 New Tacoma Award winners will be recognized at the City Center Luncheon on April 16th, 2010.
The four award categories are:
Ghillarducci Award - recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification. Past winners of this award include 505 Broadway- The Sirius Group and the Tacoma Art Museum
Union Station Award - recognizing leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization. Past winners of this award include Eric Cederstrand for sustaining momentum for revitalizations and India Mahal Restaurant for their pioneering spirit and commitment to downtown.
Popham Award, in honor of the late News Tribune Columnist Art Popham. This award recognizes the individual that has done the most to build community spirit. Past winners include Layne Alfanso of Geo Engineers and Marty Campbell of Buzzard Records and Stadium Video.
Schoenfeld Award - recognizing exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer. Past winners include Grassi’s Flowers & Gifts and Urban Exchange.
Award nominations are due no later than 4:30 on March 17th. Fill out the nomination form online on the Chamber’s website or print the form and return to Chelsea Levy, Metropolitan Development Manager, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, PO Box 1933, Tacoma WA 98401 or email: chelseal@tacomachamber.org
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
State Lottery Funds Downtown Revitalization Efforts
Governor Christine Gregoire announced at last Friday’s City Center Luncheon her commitment to follow through on $700,000 pledged from the state's Strategic Reserve Fund, funded by unclaimed state lottery winnings, to help retain and grow business in Tacoma. The money was originally committed as part of the Russell Investment Global Headquarters proposal for clean up of the Sauro Dry Cleaners site at S. 14th and Pacific Ave. in downtown. Hazardous soil and contamination on the site was removed this past fall.
The state funds will be used for additional infrastructure investments, making the Sauro site ready for redevelopment and expansion of the DaVita Inc. campus. Currently, DaVita employees are spread between the old Shoenfeld Building at S. 15th and Pacific Ave. and the Columbia Bank Building on “A” St.. DaVita is expected to add more than 350 jobs in Tacoma in the coming years.
The state funds will be used for additional infrastructure investments, making the Sauro site ready for redevelopment and expansion of the DaVita Inc. campus. Currently, DaVita employees are spread between the old Shoenfeld Building at S. 15th and Pacific Ave. and the Columbia Bank Building on “A” St.. DaVita is expected to add more than 350 jobs in Tacoma in the coming years.
Ice Skating in Tollefson Plaza?
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Downtown Merchants Group and Tacoma Art Museum have partnered to explore the possibility of a holiday ice rink in Tollefson Plaza for 2010.
The group’s vision is for a festive covered ice rink to fill the lower portion of Tollefson Plaza, the rink contractor will rent skates. Food and hot cocoa vendors will provide treats in the upper plaza and Two-Five-Trees will be welcomed back to sell Christmas trees.
Like most community events funding is the key to success. Achieving this vision will not be possible with out the financial support of the community. The group is soliciting major sponsors during the January and February feasibility period.
Sponsors will be asked to provide cash contributions and/or in-kind support. Cash sponsors will receive advertizing recognition ranging from corporate name(s) on event marketing material, inclusion in print and radio advertising and banners at the rink. In-kind sponsors will receive recognition and our most pressing need is print, television and radio advertising. The final decision for the Rink will depend on the response during this feasibility period now through February.
Help spread the word about this fantastic marketing opportunity. If you have a businesses or individual sponsor in mind the planning partners would love to hear about them. Contact Cameron Fellows at 253-272-4258 x3012 or cfellows@tacomaartmuseum.org for more information. Or visit the Downtown Merchant Group website.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Governor Gregoire to Make Special Announcement at City Center Luncheon
Governor Christine Gregoire will attend Friday’s City Center Luncheon to make a special announcement about Tacoma. To accommodate the Governor’s announcement the venue of the luncheon has been changed to the Marriott Hotel Ballroom.
Register now to find out what’s in store for downtown Tacoma in 2010!
When: Friday, Jan. 15th,
Time: 11:30 (registration) 12:00-1:15 (program)
Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott Ballroom, 1515 Commerce St., Tacoma
Validated parking is available in the Convention Center Garage
Thank you to this quarter’s City Center Luncheon sponsor Absher Construction Company
In addition to the Governor’s announcement, this quarter’s luncheon will feature:
A Community Forecast by a panel of experts from the commercial, retail and residential housing real estate markets, the hospitality industry and the cultural arts sector. Representatives from Windermere Real Estate, Colliers International, the Broadway Center and The Greater Tacoma Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others will discuss what you can expect from each of these sectors in downtown Tacoma in 2010.
The Tacoma Partnership, an effort by community leaders to dramatically upgrade the infrastructure and aesthetics of downtown; enhance the educational and cultural opportunities offered downtown; and recruit and retain high-wage primary jobs in downtown.
The Downtown: on the Go! Transportation Partnership
Learn how you and your business can join nearly 20 other businesses and organizations in advocating for commute strategies that save you money and help get you to your destination faster.
PT Tomorrow, Pierce Transit’s System Redesign
Pierce Transit is in the midst of a complete system overhaul. Come to learn how Pierce Transit is preparing for the future of transit in Pierce County.
Prices: $225 Corporate Tables of 8
$20 Ambassadors pre-paid
$25 Members pre-paid
$30 Members at the door
$35 Non-members/Walk-Ins
Register with Janice Hutchins, (253) 627.2175 or janiceh@tacomachamber.org
Register now to find out what’s in store for downtown Tacoma in 2010!
When: Friday, Jan. 15th,
Time: 11:30 (registration) 12:00-1:15 (program)
Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott Ballroom, 1515 Commerce St., Tacoma
Validated parking is available in the Convention Center Garage
Thank you to this quarter’s City Center Luncheon sponsor Absher Construction Company
In addition to the Governor’s announcement, this quarter’s luncheon will feature:
A Community Forecast by a panel of experts from the commercial, retail and residential housing real estate markets, the hospitality industry and the cultural arts sector. Representatives from Windermere Real Estate, Colliers International, the Broadway Center and The Greater Tacoma Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others will discuss what you can expect from each of these sectors in downtown Tacoma in 2010.
The Tacoma Partnership, an effort by community leaders to dramatically upgrade the infrastructure and aesthetics of downtown; enhance the educational and cultural opportunities offered downtown; and recruit and retain high-wage primary jobs in downtown.
The Downtown: on the Go! Transportation Partnership
Learn how you and your business can join nearly 20 other businesses and organizations in advocating for commute strategies that save you money and help get you to your destination faster.
PT Tomorrow, Pierce Transit’s System Redesign
Pierce Transit is in the midst of a complete system overhaul. Come to learn how Pierce Transit is preparing for the future of transit in Pierce County.
Prices: $225 Corporate Tables of 8
$20 Ambassadors pre-paid
$25 Members pre-paid
$30 Members at the door
$35 Non-members/Walk-Ins
Register with Janice Hutchins, (253) 627.2175 or janiceh@tacomachamber.org
Monday, January 11, 2010
TV Tacoma's CityScape Highlights BIA Security
The January episode of the TV Tacoma program, CityScape features the BIA Security Patrol and our services. The segment can be viewed on the TV Tacoma website, click on the January 2010 episode. The BIA segment is at minute 8:50 in the program.
BIA Security
One of the primary functions of the BIA is to provide additional security services in downtown Tacoma. For workers residents, students, shoppers and employers, the BIA Security Patrol means safety and security in downtown. The BIA Security patrols, in their yellow and black uniforms are a readily identifiable fixture in downtown Tacoma.
Working in partnership with the Tacoma Police Department, UWT Security, Pierce Transit and other security entities, via NEXTEL radios, the patrols provide a security presence and respond to calls in downtown from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
In addition to their regular patrols, BIA Security is available for security escorts within downtown anytime during operating hours.
In addition to the security patrols, the BIA hosts SecureNet, an email listserve notification system used to alert the downtown community to security incidents and suspicious persons. To be added to the SecureNet please email your contact information to chelseal@tacomachamber.org
The SecureNet supports and informs the BIA Security Advisory Committee. The Committee meets monthly to address and share security concerns within the 84-blocks of the BIA. The Security Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Security professionals, downtown business and property owners, Tacoma Police Department, Transit agencies, BIA Patrol, and concerned citizens are regular attendees of these meetings.
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Where: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Simpson Community Room, 950 Pacific Ave., third floor
To receive meeting notifications please contact Chelsea Levy, (253) 627-2175 or chelseal@tacomachamber.org
BIA Security
One of the primary functions of the BIA is to provide additional security services in downtown Tacoma. For workers residents, students, shoppers and employers, the BIA Security Patrol means safety and security in downtown. The BIA Security patrols, in their yellow and black uniforms are a readily identifiable fixture in downtown Tacoma.
Working in partnership with the Tacoma Police Department, UWT Security, Pierce Transit and other security entities, via NEXTEL radios, the patrols provide a security presence and respond to calls in downtown from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
In addition to their regular patrols, BIA Security is available for security escorts within downtown anytime during operating hours.
Useful Security Numbers:
BIA Bike Patrol: (253) 383-1131
TPD Downtown Cops: (253) 692-5891
TPD Non-Emergency: (253) 798-4721
Emergency: 911
In addition to the security patrols, the BIA hosts SecureNet, an email listserve notification system used to alert the downtown community to security incidents and suspicious persons. To be added to the SecureNet please email your contact information to chelseal@tacomachamber.org
The SecureNet supports and informs the BIA Security Advisory Committee. The Committee meets monthly to address and share security concerns within the 84-blocks of the BIA. The Security Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Security professionals, downtown business and property owners, Tacoma Police Department, Transit agencies, BIA Patrol, and concerned citizens are regular attendees of these meetings.
When: First Thursday of each month
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Where: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Simpson Community Room, 950 Pacific Ave., third floor
To receive meeting notifications please contact Chelsea Levy, (253) 627-2175 or chelseal@tacomachamber.org
Join Love Tacoma at Hotel Murano and SAVI Day Spa
What: Love Tacoma at Hotel Murano & SAVI Day Spa
When: Wednesday, January 13th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98402
Tacoma, Wash – Renew and Refresh for the New Year with Love Tacoma at the Hotel Murano Lobby Bar and SAVI Day Spa. On January 13th at 5:30 p.m. the Hotel Murano is hosting Love Tacoma with $8 Love Tacoma Martinis. Enjoy your martini in the lap of luxury with a complementary mini-spa treatment at adjacent SAVI Day Spa.
Choose from one of four spa treatments including: a hand massage, mini foot treatment, seated massage or paraffin hand treatment. Or receive 20% off any spa service during the Love Tacoma event (check www.savidayspa.com for services and call ahead to upgrade). Valet parking is available with a paid service.
Our monthly prize drawing includes a $40 gift card to BITE Restaurant from the Hotel Murano and a gift card for 2 Broadway Pedicures ($120 value) from SAVI Day Spa. Love Tacoma does not charge a membership fee and our events are open to everyone. Come Love Tacoma with us!
Visit www.lovetacoma.com for more information or contact Chelsea Levy, 253.627.2175, chelseal@tacomachamber.org.
Explore. Play. Repeat.
Love Tacoma is an informal monthly gathering of individuals who love Tacoma and enjoy exploring the city’s urban hotspots. It’s a great way to celebrate the places, people, and activities that make Tacoma great.
When: Wednesday, January 13th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98402
Tacoma, Wash – Renew and Refresh for the New Year with Love Tacoma at the Hotel Murano Lobby Bar and SAVI Day Spa. On January 13th at 5:30 p.m. the Hotel Murano is hosting Love Tacoma with $8 Love Tacoma Martinis. Enjoy your martini in the lap of luxury with a complementary mini-spa treatment at adjacent SAVI Day Spa.
Choose from one of four spa treatments including: a hand massage, mini foot treatment, seated massage or paraffin hand treatment. Or receive 20% off any spa service during the Love Tacoma event (check www.savidayspa.com for services and call ahead to upgrade). Valet parking is available with a paid service.
Our monthly prize drawing includes a $40 gift card to BITE Restaurant from the Hotel Murano and a gift card for 2 Broadway Pedicures ($120 value) from SAVI Day Spa. Love Tacoma does not charge a membership fee and our events are open to everyone. Come Love Tacoma with us!
Visit www.lovetacoma.com for more information or contact Chelsea Levy, 253.627.2175, chelseal@tacomachamber.org.
Explore. Play. Repeat.
Love Tacoma is an informal monthly gathering of individuals who love Tacoma and enjoy exploring the city’s urban hotspots. It’s a great way to celebrate the places, people, and activities that make Tacoma great.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Transportation Plan Program for Small Business
In order to further the downtown goal of at least 35% of employees using alternate commute options by 2015 (currently the rate is 23.8%), Downtown: On the Go! (DOTG) will now offer a Transportation Plan Program for Small Business. This program is focused on working with businesses with fewer than 100 FTEs and therefore unregulated by the state’s Commute Trip Reduction laws. If you or your employer are one such business, then DOTG wants to work with you!
Currently, the program is in its pilot phase, and is seeking approximately 10 downtown businesses to kick-off the New Year by taking a look at their employees’ commute habits and their transportation policies. Involvement in the program is simple: the time commitment is relatively small, DOTG staff time and expertise are free, and the outcomes – potential cost-savings, increased employee morale, reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality – are well worth the effort!
The Program has already been initiated with both the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and BLRB Architects. Although these businesses are currently at different phases in their respective processes, each would assure you of the benefits of this program. References can be provided upon request.
If you would like to guarantee your place in this pilot program, or would like DOTG staff to speak to your organization’s leadership, please contact Julia Petersen, DOTG Coordinator, or phone her at 253.627.2175.
Guest Author: Julia Petersen
Currently, the program is in its pilot phase, and is seeking approximately 10 downtown businesses to kick-off the New Year by taking a look at their employees’ commute habits and their transportation policies. Involvement in the program is simple: the time commitment is relatively small, DOTG staff time and expertise are free, and the outcomes – potential cost-savings, increased employee morale, reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality – are well worth the effort!
The Program has already been initiated with both the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and BLRB Architects. Although these businesses are currently at different phases in their respective processes, each would assure you of the benefits of this program. References can be provided upon request.
If you would like to guarantee your place in this pilot program, or would like DOTG staff to speak to your organization’s leadership, please contact Julia Petersen, DOTG Coordinator, or phone her at 253.627.2175.
Guest Author: Julia Petersen
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
City Center Luncheon Forecasts What’s in Store for 2010
Don’t be left out in the cold…the Winter City Center Luncheon, sponsored by Absher Construction Company will keep you up-to-date on what to expect in downtown in 2010.
When: Friday, Jan. 15th,
Time: 11:30 (registration) 12:00-1:15 (program)
Location: Pacific Grill Event Center, 1530 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402.
Validated parking is available in the Convention Center Garage
This quarter’s luncheon will feature:
A Community Forecast by a panel of experts from the commercial, retail and residential housing real estate markets, the hospitality industry and the cultural arts sector. Representatives from Windermere Real Estate, the Broadway Center and The Greater Tacoma Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others will discuss what you can expect from each of these sectors in downtown Tacoma in 2010.
The Tacoma Partnership, an effort by community leaders to dramatically upgrade the infrastructure and aesthetics of downtown; enhance the educational and cultural opportunities offered downtown; and recruit and retain high-wage primary jobs in downtown.
The Downtown: on the Go! Transportation Partnership
Learn how you and your business can join nearly 20 other businesses and organizations in advocating for commute strategies that save you money and help get you to your destination faster.
Prices: $225 Corporate Tables of 8
$20 Ambassadors pre-paid
$25 Members pre-paid
$30 Members at the door
$35 Non-members/Walk-Ins
Register with Janice Hutchins, (253) 627.2175 or janiceh@tacomachamber.org
When: Friday, Jan. 15th,
Time: 11:30 (registration) 12:00-1:15 (program)
Location: Pacific Grill Event Center, 1530 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402.
Validated parking is available in the Convention Center Garage
This quarter’s luncheon will feature:
A Community Forecast by a panel of experts from the commercial, retail and residential housing real estate markets, the hospitality industry and the cultural arts sector. Representatives from Windermere Real Estate, the Broadway Center and The Greater Tacoma Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others will discuss what you can expect from each of these sectors in downtown Tacoma in 2010.
The Tacoma Partnership, an effort by community leaders to dramatically upgrade the infrastructure and aesthetics of downtown; enhance the educational and cultural opportunities offered downtown; and recruit and retain high-wage primary jobs in downtown.
The Downtown: on the Go! Transportation Partnership
Learn how you and your business can join nearly 20 other businesses and organizations in advocating for commute strategies that save you money and help get you to your destination faster.
Prices: $225 Corporate Tables of 8
$20 Ambassadors pre-paid
$25 Members pre-paid
$30 Members at the door
$35 Non-members/Walk-Ins
Register with Janice Hutchins, (253) 627.2175 or janiceh@tacomachamber.org
Monday, January 04, 2010
Procession for slain sheriff’s deputy will impact Transit services
The memorial service honoring Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Kent Mundell will be held Tuesday, January 5th at the Tacoma Dome.
Those interested in attending the service at the Tacoma Dome or viewing the procession in downtown Tacoma are encouraged to utilize off-site parking at Cheney Stadium. There will be no public parking at the Tacoma Dome. Pierce Transit will operate limited free bus service to the Tacoma Dome from Cheney Stadium at 2502 S. Tyler St. Bus service will begin at 10 a.m.; the last bus will leave from Cheney Stadium at 12:30 p.m. Buses will make return trips immediately following the conclusion of the memorial service.
Beginning at 10 a.m. the memorial procession will travel north from the Puyallup Fair and Events Center along South Meridian, west on River Road, west on Puyallup Avenue, then south on D Street to the Tacoma Dome. The procession honoring Deputy Mundell will impact all traffic and travel - including Pierce Transit bus service on many bus routes, especially in the Puyallup and Tacoma Dome District areas. The Tacoma Dome Station will be closed to all bus traffic between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Please be aware that both Sound Transit and Pierce Transit plan for service modifications:
Tacoma Dome Station
Significant traffic delays and limited access are expected in the Tacoma Dome Station area between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again when the ceremony ends at approximately 4 p.m. Bus riders should expect significant service delays. Bus, Sounder, and Tacoma Link riders should plan for limited access, heavy traffic and possible delays entering and exiting the parking garage.
Tacoma Link
At approximately 10:30 a.m. during the procession, Tacoma Link will modify service to run between 25th Street Station and Theater District Station, with Tacoma Dome Station temporarily out of service. Tacoma Link will again modify service at approximately 3:30 p.m. to run between 25th Street Station and Theater District Station, with Tacoma Dome Station temporarily out of service when the memorial service concludes. The procession and the majority of exiting traffic will cross the Tacoma Link route just west of Tacoma Dome Station. Riders should expect large crowds and significant delays throughout the day from heavy traffic in the Tacoma Dome area.
Sound Transit
Express Route 574 - There will be no service to Tacoma Dome Station between 10 a.m. and noon during the procession. Passengers wanting to go to the Tacoma area will be dropped off at 10th & Commerce. Significant delays are expected in the Tacoma Dome area between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again when the ceremony ends at approximately 4 p.m.
Express Route 594 - No service at 24th & Pacific or Tacoma Dome Station between 10 a.m. and noon. Significant delays are expected in the Tacoma Dome area between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again when the ceremony ends at approximately 4 p.m.
Pierce Transit
41 -No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave.
42 - No service on Pacific Ave., Puyallup Ave. or “D”/McKinley St. from S.21st to E. 34th & McKinley
402 – No service on Meridian or 2nd/3rd St. from S. 15th to Valley Ave.
409 – No service on East Main from Meridian to 15th St.
500 – No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave.
501 – No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave.
Those interested in attending the service at the Tacoma Dome or viewing the procession in downtown Tacoma are encouraged to utilize off-site parking at Cheney Stadium. There will be no public parking at the Tacoma Dome. Pierce Transit will operate limited free bus service to the Tacoma Dome from Cheney Stadium at 2502 S. Tyler St. Bus service will begin at 10 a.m.; the last bus will leave from Cheney Stadium at 12:30 p.m. Buses will make return trips immediately following the conclusion of the memorial service.
Beginning at 10 a.m. the memorial procession will travel north from the Puyallup Fair and Events Center along South Meridian, west on River Road, west on Puyallup Avenue, then south on D Street to the Tacoma Dome. The procession honoring Deputy Mundell will impact all traffic and travel - including Pierce Transit bus service on many bus routes, especially in the Puyallup and Tacoma Dome District areas. The Tacoma Dome Station will be closed to all bus traffic between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Please be aware that both Sound Transit and Pierce Transit plan for service modifications:
Tacoma Dome Station
Significant traffic delays and limited access are expected in the Tacoma Dome Station area between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again when the ceremony ends at approximately 4 p.m. Bus riders should expect significant service delays. Bus, Sounder, and Tacoma Link riders should plan for limited access, heavy traffic and possible delays entering and exiting the parking garage.
Tacoma Link
At approximately 10:30 a.m. during the procession, Tacoma Link will modify service to run between 25th Street Station and Theater District Station, with Tacoma Dome Station temporarily out of service. Tacoma Link will again modify service at approximately 3:30 p.m. to run between 25th Street Station and Theater District Station, with Tacoma Dome Station temporarily out of service when the memorial service concludes. The procession and the majority of exiting traffic will cross the Tacoma Link route just west of Tacoma Dome Station. Riders should expect large crowds and significant delays throughout the day from heavy traffic in the Tacoma Dome area.
Sound Transit
Express Route 574 - There will be no service to Tacoma Dome Station between 10 a.m. and noon during the procession. Passengers wanting to go to the Tacoma area will be dropped off at 10th & Commerce. Significant delays are expected in the Tacoma Dome area between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again when the ceremony ends at approximately 4 p.m.
Express Route 594 - No service at 24th & Pacific or Tacoma Dome Station between 10 a.m. and noon. Significant delays are expected in the Tacoma Dome area between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again when the ceremony ends at approximately 4 p.m.
Pierce Transit
41 -No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave.
42 - No service on Pacific Ave., Puyallup Ave. or “D”/McKinley St. from S.21st to E. 34th & McKinley
402 – No service on Meridian or 2nd/3rd St. from S. 15th to Valley Ave.
409 – No service on East Main from Meridian to 15th St.
500 – No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave.
501 – No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave.
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