Making It in the South Sound The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.