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Business After Hours November 18, 2009 4:30 - 6:30 pm Arthur Murray School of Dance 5849 Tacoma Mall Blvd Ste B Members and their guests $5.00 - Non-Members $15.00 Please RSVP by calling 253-582-9400 Join us for a casual networking event, tour the facilities, enjoy refreshments and perhaps learn a few steps!
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Message from the Chair of the Board
I hear that BOO Bash was phenomenal. Probably my favorite event of the year, and I was unfortunately out of town. We had a huge turn out this year (double the participation) and lots of people came in costume. Great music, great food and high spirited networking - our Chamber knows how to put on a party! Kudos to our staff for another successful event.
The November General Membership Luncheon was “Speed Sales,” where YOU were the program. Members prepared 1-minute elevator speeches to promote their products and services to all in attendance at this fast-paced and popular event.
Speaking of the holidays – it is galloping towards us at warp speed. Mark your calendar for the Annual Christmas Luncheon and Auction on December 3rd. You can donate your products or services and gain more visibility for your business or organization. It’s just another cost-effective way of marketing yourself and your business. If you have an item or service to donate, please call the Chamber 582-9400 for a donation form. I hope to see you there, bidding frequently, having a great time networking and enjoying the advent of the holiday season!
Many of us are looking forward to spending time with family at Thanksgiving, and I find this to be a good time to give thanks to many people. I want to thank the volunteers of the Lakewood Chamber for donating their time to support the Chamber and the surrounding community. We would be hard pressed without Linda Smith and her friendly and dedicated staff. Thank you Linda, Mary Ann and Scott for all your energies you expend -- and talents you demonstrate on a daily basis. Finally, you as members of the Lakewood Chamber set the tone and success of this organization. Thank you for being an active part of the organization and caring about your community and its economic success.
Rick Stevens, GEICO 2009-2010 Chair of the Board
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Welcome Our Newest Members!
A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning Steve Short 4711 39th Avenue SE Lacey, WA 98509 253-691-3150 I clean all carpet: Oriental, nylon, wool, plastic carpets & vinyl, tile, cement & scottard & microban for a cleaner, fresher, healthier!
BN Expo Haejin Lee 8720 South Tacoma Way Lakewood, WA 98499 Finished Building Materials. Kitchen, bathroom, home and business remodel and/or consultation.
The Down Under Diva Mary Backous 8701 Dresden Lane SW Lakewood, WA 98498 253-584-0920 Aussie Specialist Premier Agent. New Zealand (Aussie) Specialist – South Pacific Travel Specialist – Cruising.
I.M.P.A.C.T. Marketing Terry Hayes P.O. Box 436 Tacoma, WA 98401 253-961-9576 Financial Education & Cash Flow Management.
Queen’s Closet Sandy Alonzo 9614 40th Avenue SW Lakewood, WA 98499 253-475-9576 Queen’s Closet is a consignment boutique for women, sizes 12-6/7X. We specialize in plus sizes.
Retirement Plan Counseling Derek Dee Sanders 1145 Broadway, Ste. 1330 Tacoma, WA 98402 253-779-9265 I help individuals and business owners establish a set of goals for their retirement and a plan for how they are going to get there.
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Thank You for Reinvesting in the Chamber!
35 & more years Chambers Creek Veterinary Hospital Harold LeMay Enterprises, Inc. St. Clare Hospital
15 & more years Merit Construction Northwest
10 & more years Automotive Service Association Pollard Group Rainier Connect
5 & more years AIM Mail Center Lakewood Historical Society Sound Transit
1 to 4 years FMWR Fort Lewis Getting Personal Imprinting Northwest Skin Center Rainier Welding Supplies Sage Terrace Apartments Westwood Apartments
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We thank the following businesses/organizations for donating to the Chamber’s Annual Christmas Auction on December 3rd:
A Fine Design ACC Tech A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning Accountability Counseling Services Affairs After Life Planning America’s Credit Union Aploz!, LLC Arthur Murray School of Dance Balloon Masters Bank of America Home Loans BLZ Interior Designs Bowlero Lanes Cerello’s Pizza Classy Chassis Car Wash Clover Park School District Clover Park Technical College Cobalt Mortgage Columbia Bank Commercial Driver Services Costco Courtyard by Marriott Diamond Designs Unlimited El Gaucho Tacoma Famous Dave's Barbecue Gene’s Towing Getting Personal Imprinting Goodfella’s Steak House Great Promotions! Greater Tacoma Convention Center Hampton Inn & Suites Harborstone Credit Union Heritage Bank Horizon Bank Interspace, Inc. Janet OBrian Kieranslist.com King Oscar Lakes Body Shop/Lakewood Towing Lakewood Chamber Ambassadors Lakewood Chamber Board Lakewood Fire District Lakewood Police Department Liberty Inn Lobban Photography Mary Kay Cosmetics McTerry’s Creating Balance Northwest Merchant Services Northwest Skin Center Patriot’s Landing Pierce College Pioneer Services Queen’s Closet Red Wind Casino Roberta Ladd Consulting Scott Jonson Shilo Inn Silpada Designs South Sound Inspections St. Clare Hospital St. Mary’s Christian School Starbucks/Towne Center TAGRO – City of Tacoma Thornewood Castle Tranquility Massage Twin Star Credit Union Weinand & Associates Wine Shop at Home Your Administrative Assistant
Please consider donating your products/services to the Chamber's major fundraiser. Call us at 253-582-9400 to request your donation form today! Donation Ideas: Art for home or office Auto Details Bowling Party Carpeting/Rugs Computer Games Fishing Gear Home/Office Furniture Garden Supplies Gift Baskets Gift Certificates Gift Cards Golf Foursome High tech “toys” Holiday candies/cookies Holiday Decorations Jewelry Outdoor Gear Patio Furniture Pet Related Gifts Professional Services Professional Development Romantic Weekend Sports Event Tickets Ski Vacation Weekend Sports memorabilia Theater Tickets Time Share Use Tools Weekend at a hotel Whale Watching Tour Wine, Beer, Liquor
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Military Affairs Committee MEETING Tuesday, November 17, 2009 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. Program: Military Partners Updates Sponsorships at Military Installations Budgeting for 2010 programs Pierce Military Business Alliance Checks Presentation to Military Partners Washington National Guard Food Drive Member Testimonial
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. -Sending care packages
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.
Thank You Letter from 446th AW
Harborstone Credit Union and PMBA members,
As you can see from the attached photo, the Mariner Moose even showed up.
The Airmen of this wing often perform their duties away from home, and away from public notice, and they cannot be as aware as Col Flanigan and I of the wonderful community support this wing enjoys. Each and every one of them was delighted by the opportunity and they will never forget the event.
Please pass along our heartfelt appreciation for your recognition for these citizen Airmen.
Lt Col Anna Sullivan, for Col William N. Flanigan, 446th Airlift Wing Commander.
Thank You to Swarner Communications & PMBA!
The Chamber salutes all involved in the Children’s Deployment Fair. Special thanks to Ken Swarner for brainstorming and executing this great event to keep our military families and deployed troops in touch.
“This morning started quite early for me today, but it was an excellent way to be woke up; my Husband called me from Afghanistan. We talked until that horribly melodic voice announced we had two minutes remaining. Considering the time difference, I wished him sweet dreams and got out of bed to start my day.
Guardian Angel Stryker Pins
Special thanks go to CoinForce.com who donated these beautiful guardian angel Stryker pins to assist the Association of the US Army to support their efforts. Please make all checks out to: AUSA.
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Quick Takes
Check Out Chamber Membership Benefit!
LOCAL
3/50 Project As you drive to work and home, you're seeing it more frequently ... stores closing. The 3/50 project (pick 3 spend 50) encourages you to shop locally. Please go to http://www.the350project.net/home.html to find out how we can save our traditional bricks & mortar businesses in our community!
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:
November 12 - LeMay Museum Update – Stacy Vogel, Event Coordinator
November 19 – Clover Park School District Bond Proposal – Keith Rittel, Deputy Superintendent
November 26, 2009 – No meeting – Happy Thanksgiving December 3, 2009 - Rebuilding Together South Sound - Rehabilitating Communities With Free Home Repairs and Modifications – Drew Carrigan, Community Outreach Coordinator, AmeriCorps Member 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!
NATIONAL
Boeing's decision and what it says about Washington's Competitiveness There's been a lot said over the past few days about Boeing's decision to open its second 787 line in Charleston. Naturally, finger-pointing comes next. The Governor is dismayed, senators and representatives are now chiming in. This sure isn't pretty; hanging out in the loser's circle never is.
But OK, what now? Policymakers just got slapped upside the head by a corporation based out of Chicago. Boeing officials looked at Washington and sized us up and looked at Charleston and sized them up. They made a business decision and we lost. That should say something about what we are offering the business community.
Of course there is an internal labor/management dynamic that the state can't influence. Or can it? South Carolina is a right-to-work state, where workers do not have to be members of a union as a condition for employment (a novel concept). Of course, this will never fly in Washington state -- just as long as we're prepared to lose business over it apparently. Should we have the discussion on mandatory unionization if that is truly one of the big causes for Boeing's decision yesterday? If so, then the question really is, why shouldn't we discuss it?
There are many reasons why some states are more competitive than others. Some reasons cannot be helped -- natural resources and open-water access are some of the reasons why Washington is more competitive in lumber, shipping, and agriculture than, say, a Midwest state. Likewise, it would be a bit of a challenge for Washington to compete with Florida over oranges, or Alaska for oil or Louisiana for catfish.
However, beyond natural resource advantages, policymakers and entrepreneurs can make a difference in how a state is perceived viz a viz business friendliness or an infrastructure for innovation. Those are intangibles not decided upon by nature. Microsoft didn't grow and succeed here because of the air, water or lumber. Neither did Boeing, Amazon, T-Mobile, Costco, UPS or most of the other of hundreds of thousands of businesses that were founded in this state.
This is just the type of issue we'll talk about at Washington Policy Center's 2009 Statewide Small Business Conference. We'll talk about the things that policymakers can control and can improve upon to make our state more attractive to people. Because that seems to be getting lost in the discussion. Businesses don't make these decisions, people make these decisions, often based upon what's best for the company so that it can continue to offer goods or services to its customers -- who just happen to be people as well.
NATIONAL
House approves historically costly new $1.2 trillion healthcare bill, a step backwards on reformThe "Affordable Health Care for America Act" was narrowly approved bythe House of Representatives on Saturday by a 220-215 vote. It now goesto the Senate where it faces tough opposition. The Chamber supportshealth care reforms that lower cost and increase coverage, such as medical malpractice reform and government incentives rather than mandates. Unfortunately, this bill doesn’t accomplish any of these objectives, and it will have significant negative impacts on businesses of all sizes in our state and nation at a time we can least afford it. Washington’s delegation voted 5-4 in favor of the bill. U.S. Representative Brian Baird, (D)Vancouver, joined Republicans Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Doc Hastings and Dave Reichert in voting against it. Below are links to your representatives. Please contact them to let them know your thoughts on the passage of the House Bill.
1st District: U.S. Representative Jay Inslee 2nd District: U.S. Representative Rick Larsen 3rd District: U.S. Representative Brian Baird 4th District: U.S. Representative Doc Hastings 5th District: U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris 6th District: U.S. Representative Norm Dicks 7th District: U.S. Representative Jim McDermott 8th District: U.S. Representative Dave Reichert 9th District: U.S. Representative Adam Smith
Game isn’t over – just starting Now that the House barely passed its 2,000 page bill, lawmakers must figure out the details of it and the Senate has to chart its course. The pitched battle centers over abortion, costs and whether or not that will be a public option – government financed health insurance plan to compete against private insurers. Independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.) vows to join Republicans in filibustering any plan with the government-run insurance program. Without Lieberman, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) does not have the votes to end debate or a filibuster as long as the Republicans hold together.
Unemployment rate is highest in 26 years reaching 10.2 percent The U.S. unemployment rate jumped to 10.2 percent in October, the Labor Department reported Friday. This is the highest level of joblessness in 26 years, reflecting the loss of another 190,000 jobs. The jump into double-digit unemployment — from 9.8 percent in September — shows that, despite the apparent end of the Great Recession, economic expansion has yet to generate jobs, leaving tens of millions of people out of work. “The guy on the street is going to ask, ‘What recovery?’” Stuart G. Hoffman, chief economist at the PNC Financial Services Group told The New York Times. “The job market is still in reverse.”
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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
Did you know? The Chamber is open 7 days a week (excluding Federal Holidays)? Weekend hours of operation are 10 am - 3 pm.
Quote of the Month: Anyone who says businessmen only deal in facts, not fiction, has never read old five year projections. Malcolm Forbes - Forbes Magazine
October Ambassadors of the Month
Platinum
Kathy Drake Colonial Life
Gold
Neitha Wilkey James Guerrero Architects
Silver
Geri Magee, Accountability Counseling Services
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Photo Gallery
General Membership Luncheon - Speed Sales
BOO Bash - ShowCase Lakewood
Blue Ribbon at Charles Wright Academy
November Events Calendar
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