All Episodes - Making It in the South Sound
Making it in the South Sound will introduce you to some of the most innovative and exciting South Sound businesses, large and small. We'll find out who they are, the challenges they face, and the success they achieved. You will hear from South Sound business leaders to get insights into their experiences working with some of the most dynamic local organizations. And we will bring you important, current information that may affect your business and the greater South Sound business community.
View Podcast Details33 Episodes
The NW Seaport Alliance: An Update on the South Sound's Economic Giant
Join us as Mike Fowler, Executive Director of the World Trade Center Tacoma, talks with John Tullis, Sr. Business Development Director at the NW Seaport Alliance. John gives us insights into how things are going with the Ports since the disruptions caused by COVID, what changes the ports have been seeing in supply chain and demand over the past few months, and what trends we should expect as we move forward.The NW Seaport Alliance is a crucial marine operating partnership of the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, the first of its kind in North America.This strategic partnership is a perfect example of how we truly are stronger together presenting a unified and competitive advantage securing more economic opportunities for Tacoma and the region.The Chamber is proud to have the NW Seaport Alliance as a member of our business community. Partnerships like this are the key to success in making the South Sound the most equitable, inclusive, and thriving place to do business.
MagnumOpus: Bringing LA Movie Making to the South Sound
In this episode, Derek Nunn, founder of MagnumOpus Productions, tells us about his film-making journey, from Tacoma, to LA, and back to Tacoma. Even though there may be challenges, Derek is clear about why he finds the South Sound a great place to launch a creative business. Join guest hosts Raf Bah of Bahlake Family Group and Shonta Riles of Poppin Notary as they welcome Derek to the microphone.
Ocean5: Entertainment with an Eye on the Environment
From their building, to their product sourcing, to the food they serve, Ocean5 is thoughtful and intentional in considering their environmental impact. Find out what's going on at this one-of-a-kind Gig Harbor fun and events space. And learn what advice they have for other businesses who want to be improve their environmental footprint.Join guest host, Jon Rossman, Chair Elect of the Chamber Board and President & Owner of Chuckals Office Products, and Sarah Michael, General Manager at Ocean5 for this captivating episode.
Dishing Up Business at Al's Hot Chicken
Even though he's only a 20-something, Burhan Saleh is already a serial entrepreneur with a history of business experience and a vault of good habits and wise advice that we all can learn from. Al's Hot Chicken is just his latest project. Join Raf Bah of Bahlake Family Group and Shonta Riles of Poppin Notary as welcome Burhan to the microphone. Find out how he got to where he is, learn about where he's going, and grab some important take-aways along the way.
Cute Teacher Things: An Entrepreneur's Celebration of Teachers
Join Raf Bah of Bahlake Family Group and Shonta Riles of Poppin Notary as they learn about Aviance Tate's passion business, Cute Teacher Things - making it easy to celebrate all school staff all year long. In the short year she's been in business, Aviance has encountered both victories and obstacles, and through it all has learned how to find balance, how to stay focused, how to move forward, and how to plan for success - lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear.You can visit Cute Teacher Things at https://cuteteacherthings.com
WA Cares Fund: Long-Term Care for Working Washingtonians
The WA Cares Fund begins in July of 2023 and will have an impact on Washington businesses. Andrea Reay, the Chamber's President & CEO, talks with Ben Veghte, Washington Cares Fund's Director at the Department of Social and Health Services, to find out what exactly the WA Cares Fund is, how it works, and what it means for Washington employers, large and small, as well as Washington employees.
Knew Radical - Making Tacoma Feel Like Royalty
Guest hosts Raf Bah of Bahlake Family Group and Shonta Riles of Poppin Notary dig deep into what drives the entrepreneurial spirit of LJ Hampton, the owner of Knew Radical, a Tacoma fashion studio that empowers you to freely express yourself and step into royalty with hope, confidence, and style. You can check out Knew Radical at https://knewradical.com.
Velvets Big Easy - Louisiana Food & Culture Making An Impact On the South Sound
Guest hosts Raf Bah of Bahlake Family Group and Shonta Riles of Poppin Notary get to know Brenda Miller whose catering business and food truck - Velvets Big Easy - is bringing the taste of New Orleans right here to the South Sound. Find out what got her here, what challenges she's faced, and what keeps her going on her road to success.
Making it in the South Sound: Effective Marketing Solutions with effectv
Effectv is Comcast’s advertising division that helps local, regional, and national advertisers connect with their desired audiences on every screen, from streaming, to TV, to Live Sports. Andrea Reay, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's President and CEO talks with Darin Robb, effectv's Sales Manager to learn about viewership trends and ideas for businesses to get the most bang for their marketing bucks.
Making it in the South Sound: Legislative Update
The 2023 Washington State Legislative session recently drew to a close, and we're here to share the important information you need to know. Our Chamber was hard at work the entire session advocating for business in Pierce County. Advocacy plays a major role in our vision to make the South Sound the most equitable, inclusive, and thriving place to do business in Washington State.Tune in to hear our Chamber lobbyist Michael Transue and President/CEO Andrea Reay discuss the advocacy work we took part in this session, the major victories we won, and the important work still to be done.
Making it in the South Sound: Building Community at Court House Square
Jessica Johnston has been bringing new life to a historic feature of Downtown Tacoma as the director of Court House Square. Learn about her work running this one-of-a-kind business and community space and how she creates important space for women in business in the City of Destiny.
Making it in the South Sound: Marketing the South Sound with Madcap Marketing
Stephanie Schramm, the CEO and Fearless Leader of Madcap Marketing, has been a prominent fixture of the South Sound business community for more than 20 years. Find out how she got started, what makes her tick, and what advice she has for creating a successful, sustainable business, here in the South Sound.
Hiring Our Heroes: Connecting Our Military and Business Communities
Join AJ Gordon, Vice President at Banner Bank, and Sonia Garza, Program Manager for the Military Spouse Fellowship Program at Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) in an in-depth discussion about what HOH is, how they help the business community, and how businesses, large and small, can benefit from their services. They may just help you find your next, best employee!
The Northwest Seaport Alliance - A Profitable Partnership for South Puget Sound
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is an important partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, yet many of us don't know what it does, how it operates, or how it benefits the South Sound economy and business community. In this episode, Mike Fowler, Executive Director of the World Trade Center Tacoma, takes a deep dive into these questions with Larry Kvidera, the Sr. Manager of Marketing and Business Services for the NWSA.
The Port of Tacoma: At the Forefront of Environmental Leadership
We don't often think about the Port and environmental stewardship. The Port of Tacoma is trying to change that. In this episode you will learn about the many steps the Port of Tacoma is taking to reduce air emissions, improve water quality, protect and enhance wildlife, and implement environmentally sustainable practices throughout the Port. Join Chamber CEO, Andrea Reay, Port Commissioner Keller, and Port Director of Environmental Planning Services, Jason Jordan, for an enlightening discussion.
Washington's New Pay Transparency Law
Washington's new Pay Transparency law goes into effect on January 1, 2023 and will affect many of the Chamber's member businesses. Monique Valenzuela, the Chamber Board's Chair Elect and the Tacoma Youth Marine Foundation's Exec. Director, talks with Kellis Borek, the Vice President of Labor and Legal Services, and General Counsel at Archbright to take a deep dive into the meaning of the new law and how its requirements will affect you.
Tacoma Trophy: Succeeding in Business and Supporting the Community
Chamber board member and Banner Bank VP, AJ Gordon, talks with Judi Brown, owner of Tacoma Trophy, to find out the secrets of their success. Find out the magic sauce that's kept Tacoma Trophy profitable for 16 years, and positioned them for recognition from the US Chamber. It's a story of small business strategy, flexibility, and dedication.
Safe and Accurate Elections: Voting with Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor
Tuesday, November 8 is the last day to get your ballots in. And, because it is not a presidential year, there are likely going to be fewer people voting. This means every vote carries even more weight. All the mailings, ads, and text messages have made clear what's at stake in this election – so, this is your chance to shape the future on these issues. In this episode, David Schroedel, the Chamber's Vice President, talks with Julie Anderson, the Pierce County Auditor, to find out what this November election is going to look like.After you listen, if you still have questions about the vote, call the Auditor's office at (253) 798-VOTE, go to their website www.piercecountyelections.org, or check out Elections at a Glance.
Tools for Workforce Success: A Talk with Workforce Central COO, Deborah Howell
Workforce challenges are some of the top concerns for business owners in 2022. Staffing shortages, healthcare and benefits, and diversity and equity are just some of the many variables businesses must consider for their recruitment, hiring, and employee retention efforts. Hear Deborah Howell, COO of WorkForce Central, sit down with Chamber board member AJ Gordon to share insights, trends, and advice for business owners looking to take their workforce to the next level!
It's Happening at the Washington State Fair: A Talk with WSF CEO Renee McClain
It's the height of the fair season and AJ Gordon, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board Chair, sits down for a talk with Renee McClain, the new, and first female, CEO of the Washington State Fair. Find out all the great things that are happening at the Fair, and the exciting plans for the future. Listen to this episode, and then head on down to the fair grounds!Check out the Fair's website, https://www.thefair.com, to get event and schedule information.
Port Commissioner Keller: An Introduction to the Port of Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma is one of the South Sounds largest economic drivers. In this episode, Tacoma-Pierce County President and CEO, Andrea Reay, talks with Port of Tacoma Commissioner, Deanna Keller about the Port of Tacoma – what the Port is, what the Port does, and how the Port impacts so much of what we do and have in Pierce County. You’ll also get insight into how the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle work together, how the Port fared during the pandemic, and how the Port is innovating to stay competitive into the future.
Working Washington Grants: Helping Small Businesses Survive
The Washington Department of Commerce is issuing Round 5 of the Working Washington Grants for small business. Find out what the grants are, who is eligible, and how you can apply. Andrea Reay, the Chamber's President and CEO gets the story from Shannon Halberstadt, the Creative Economy Sector Lead in the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness at the Washington State Department of Commerce. Listen now! Applications are open August 17 through September 9, 2022.More info at https://commercegrants.comGet your UEI (unique entity identifier) at https://sam.gov/content/home
Wade Stewart: Advice for Small Businesses and Small Business Owners
As a small business owner, Wade Stewart has been through it all - from start-up challenges, to down-turns, to expansion, to burnout, to success. And he's got a lot of wisdom to impart, not only about his business, Tech Masters, but about small business ownership in general. Enjoy this conversation between Wade and Andrea Reay, the Chamber's CEO, find out what you can do to more clearly define your goals, and, for a deeper dive, check out Wade's book, Personal Retreat, Helping You Define Your Success. https://www.personalretreat.trainingLearn more about Tech Masters at https://www.yourtechmasters.com
Acts Pharmacy: Keeping the "Care" in Healthcare
Meet Jazel and Wilbur Bautista, the husband and wife team who own and operate Acts Pharmacy and Healthcare Services, one of the only independently and locally owned pharmacies here in the South Sound. Find why they decided to open their own pharmacy, what they offer that you can't get at the big box pharmacies, the challenges they faced as new small business owners, and their advice for others who want to start their own business. You can visit Acts Pharmacy at www.actspharmacy.com
The World Trade Center Tacoma: Bringing South Sound Businesses to World Markets
Michael Fowler, Director of the World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCT), wants to help you grow your business by getting you connected to world markets. Find out who the the WTCT is, what they do, how they do it, and how they can help you reach a whole new audience. The WTCT - another great business-building program managed by the Chamber.
Spaceworks: Creating Opportunities
In this episode, Chamber CEO Andrea Reay sits down with Michael Liang, the director of Spaceworks Tacoma. Discover who Spaceworks is, the programs they offer, how they help entrepreneurs and the local business community, and how you can make a difference in their work.
Tacoma Youth Marine Foundation: Producing Future Leaders
Monique Valenzuela, Executive Director of the Tacoma Youth Marine Foundation (TYMF). is determined to spread the word about the amazing organization she leads. In this episode of Making it in the South Sound, Andrea Reay, President & CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber sits down Monique, and finds out why Monique is so excited about the TYMF, what they do, who they serve, how they're building tomorrow's workforce and developing our future leaders, why they're important for our community, and how you can get involved.
36 Years of Washington to Washington DC: Extending the Chamber's Voice
For the past 36 years, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has been taking a delegation of Chamber members to Washington DC. Andrea Reay sat down with Tim Thompson from the Thompson Consulting Group to talk about this annual leadership trip. Find out why they go, who they meet with, what the take-away's from the latest trip this past April were, why the event is important for all members, and when the next excursion will be. Plus so much more.
Nallayer Studios: Making the South Sound Look Great
Join AJ Gordon, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board Chair, in a discussion with Chamber member and entrepreneur Rey Thompson of Nallayer Photography Studios. Find out how Rey got started, where his inspiration comes from, who his supporters have been, and the resources he's been able to access here in the South Sound that make it possible for him to create a better community one picture at a time.
Let's Meet Andrea Reay, Our New Chamber CEO
In this special episode, AJ Gordon, Chamber Board Chair, talks with our new Chamber CEO, Andrea Raey! Learn about her family’s history here in Pierce County. Find out about her background and what led her to this point in her career. And get some insight into the energy, intellect, and enthusiasm we have in store for us as she leads the South Sound business community into the future!
Pierce County Data Centers - Infrastructure for the Future
In this episode, Chamber Board Chair, AJ Gordon, talks with Michael Transue, the Chamber’s State lobbyist, about House Bill 1846, better known as the Data Center Bill. Find out what it is, why we want data centers here in Pierce County, and how the Chamber helped make this bill a reality.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame with the Tacoma Rainiers
Join AJ Gordon, Chair of the Tacoma Board of Directors, and Kevin Drugge, Senior Corporate Sales Manager for the Tacoma Rainiers, as they talk baseball. Get a bit of Rainiers history, how the team navigated the pandemic, the excitement of finally having an opening day after two years, and what’s in store for the future.
The Past 10 Years with Tom
For our inaugural episode, AJ Gordon, Chamber Board Chair, talks with Tom Pierson, the Chamber's outgoing CEO. They discuss the progress the Chamber has made in the past 10 years, Tom's accomplishments, how he views the Chamber now, his hopes for the Chamber's future, and what's next for him. It's a great conversation between friends.