Sound Track | The Chamber Podcast

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS

Welcome to Sound Track, where we dive into the heart of Tacoma and Pierce County's business landscape. From local entrepreneurs to industry leaders, we bring you stories, insights, and strategies to help your business thrive. Tune in for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and the latest trends in Tacoma's thriving business community. Sound Track is the evolution of the Chamber's previous podcast: "Making It In the South Sound."

Episodes

  1. From Vacant Spaces to Vibrant Places: How Spaceworks Fuels the Creative Economy

    12/10/2025

    From Vacant Spaces to Vibrant Places: How Spaceworks Fuels the Creative Economy

    Check into the creative economy with Jennifer English, the Program Director and driving force behind Spaceworks Tacoma. Discover how Spaceworks has transformed Tacoma’s creative landscape and helped launched hundreds of local artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in the process. Jennifer shares the program’s unique origin story, its dual focus on public art and business incubation, and the “secret sauce” that makes its alumni community so special. Learn about the impact of Spaceworks on the region’s creative economy, the challenges of funding and sustainability, and exciting new initiatives like the upcoming Mecca building affordable artist studios. Whether you’re a maker, dreamer, or doer, this episode offers valuable insights into nurturing creativity, fostering collaboration, and building lasting community impact in Tacoma and beyond. Tune in for: The story behind Space Works and its missionHow the creative economy shapes TacomaAlumni success stories and community impactUpcoming opportunities for artists and entrepreneursHow you can support or get involved with Space Works

    36 min
  2. Cultivating Leaders: How the University of Puget Sound Connects Learning with Real-World Impact

    11/26/2025

    Cultivating Leaders: How the University of Puget Sound Connects Learning with Real-World Impact

    How do today’s students learn to lead, collaborate, and solve real-world problems before they graduate? In this episode of Sound Track, we explore how the University of Puget Sound is preparing the next generation of South Sound leaders through experiential learning so that classroom concepts are able to come alive in the community. We sit down with: Professor Lynette Claire, Director of University of Puget Sound's School of Business and LeadershipThaedra Brondum, UPS alumna and owner of SereniteaStudents Holly Zipay and Zoe Libner, student business consultants and changemakersNicole Kendrick is a leader in the university’s Experiential Learning Program and joined by and Dora Williams, a student who recently completed an experiential internship with the United Way of Pierce County.Together, they share how the university’s School of Business and Leadership and Experiential Learning Program are empowering students to think critically, act boldly, and learn by doing. From consulting with local entrepreneurs to interning with nonprofits, Puget Sound students are turning classroom learning into community impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: How entrepreneurial thinking and real-world projects prepare students for successThe story behind SereniTea and its partnership with Business & Leadership seniorsWhat makes experiential learning a cornerstone of the Puget Sound educationWhy Tacoma’s business community plays a key role in student developmentHow employers and organizations can partner with the university🎧 Tune in to learn how education and enterprise are working hand-in-hand to strengthen the South Sound economy.

    30 min
  3. Modernizing Healthcare: Prior Authorization, Access, and Equity with Dr. Romilla Batra

    11/12/2025

    Modernizing Healthcare: Prior Authorization, Access, and Equity with Dr. Romilla Batra

    How can healthcare become simpler, faster, and fairer for everyone? In this episode of Sound Track, Dr. Romilla Batra, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross, joins us to discuss how technology and collaboration are transforming the way patients, providers, and health plans work together. Dr. Batra, a board-certified internist and former chief medical officer at SCAN Health Plan, leads clinical strategy, quality, and equity initiatives that serve over 2.5 million Premera members across the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, we'll explore: Why prior authorization became such a critical topic in healthcare and how it’s being reimaginedThe voluntary AHIP pledge to simplify care approval and reduce delaysHow automation and AI are helping Premera say “yes” faster—20% of authorizations now happen in real timeWhat streamlined systems mean for small businesses and employeesHow these innovations support health equity, reduce costs, and improve outcomesDr. Batra also shares lessons from her 20-year journey in medicine and leadership—from the exam room to the executive suite—and why she believes compassion and evidence must always guide innovation. 🎙️ This episode is proudly sponsored by Premera Blue Cross — always in your corner.

    26 min
  4. Hunting the Hidden Threats: Renée Burton on Cybersecurity, AI, and Protecting Your Business

    10/29/2025

    Hunting the Hidden Threats: Renée Burton on Cybersecurity, AI, and Protecting Your Business

    Cybercrime isn’t just a problem for big corporations—it’s something every business needs to understand. In this episode of Sound Track, we talk with Dr. Renée Burton, Vice President of Threat Intelligence at Infoblox. Burton spent 23 years at the National Security Agency before joining Infoblox, where she now leads teams tracking and stopping cyber threats before they reach businesses and customers. Together, they explore how cybercriminals operate, why small and midsized businesses are especially vulnerable, and what steps you can take—no matter your tech background—to protect your organization. 🔍 In this episode: Who the “bad guys” really are in today’s cyber landscapeHow phishing, fake texts, and even online ads can be attack vectorsWhy hybrid work has changed the risk equationSimple, low‑cost steps to build a culture of cybersecurityHow AI is creating new risks (and new defenses)Real‑world stories from inside the fight against cybercrimeWhether you’re a small business owner, a team leader, or someone who simply wants to understand how to stay safe online, this episode offers clear, practical advice to help you protect what you’ve built.

    26 min
  5. Empowering Small Businesses: Andrew Parks on Community, Capital, and Collaboration

    10/08/2025

    Empowering Small Businesses: Andrew Parks on Community, Capital, and Collaboration

    Join a down-to-earth conversation with Andrew Parks, Technical Assistant and Program Coordinator at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. Andrew shares his journey from intellectual property law to championing small businesses across Pierce County. Learn how programs—like the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) and Kiva loan hub—are reshaping the local entrepreneurial landscape and supporting small businesses in need of support. In this episode, Andrew dives into: The mission and impact of the PCBA and Kiva programsKey challenges facing small businesses, from financial literacy to capital accessWhy intentional relationships and community collaboration matterReal success stories from local entrepreneursPractical advice for new business owners and young professionalsThe Chamber’s evolving role in building an inclusive, thriving economyWhether you're a small business owner, a community advocate, or just curious about what makes Tacoma tick, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

    46 min
  6. Gateway to Growth: Innovation, Trade, and Sustainability at The Northwest Seaport Alliance

    09/24/2025

    Gateway to Growth: Innovation, Trade, and Sustainability at The Northwest Seaport Alliance

    Join guest host Mike Fowler, Executive Director & Senior Trade Consultant at the World Trade Center Tacoma, for a conversation with Steve Balaski, Director of Business Development at The Northwest Seaport Alliance. The Northwest Seaport Alliance, formed by the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle, drives regional economic growth, supports more than 58,000 jobs, and serves as a critical gateway for global trade. In this episode, Steve explains how the Alliance is: Responding to shifting tariffs and trade dynamicsInvesting hundreds of millions in infrastructure modernizationAdvancing environmental leadership through shore power and a green shipping corridor to KoreaBuilding strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agenciesDelivering customer service and technology that make the ports the easiest to do business withThis episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies and innovations shaping the Pacific Northwest’s maritime industry. Tune in to this special episode and gain practical insights into trade, sustainability, and the future of logistics in the Pacific Northwest.

    23 min
  7. Westbrook: A Wrestler’s Story and Tacoma’s Resilient Spirit with Gregory Marks

    09/10/2025

    Westbrook: A Wrestler’s Story and Tacoma’s Resilient Spirit with Gregory Marks

    Step into the heart of Tacoma with this episode of Sound Track, where host Andrea Reay sits down with filmmaker and community leader Gregory Marks from Right Now Today Films. Gregory shares the powerful story behind Westbrook: A Wrestler’s Story, his debut feature film that celebrates grit, family, and the unbreakable spirit of the South Sound. From overcoming addiction to becoming a voice for hope and creativity, Gregory’s personal journey is as compelling as the film itself. Listen and hear about: How real wrestlers and authentic voices brought the story to lifeThe challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking in TacomaWhy investing in local creative economies mattersThe transformative power of resilience, belief, and community supportWhether you’re passionate about underdog stories, the arts, or Tacoma’s future, this episode offers inspiration and a reminder of what makes our region strong.

    21 min
  8. The Future of the South Sound Economy with Aaron Terrazas

    08/27/2025

    The Future of the South Sound Economy with Aaron Terrazas

    Join host Andrea Reay, President & CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, for a conversation with Independent economist Aaron Terrazas on the future of the South Sound economy. Aaron’s experience spans the U.S. Treasury and leadership roles in economic research at major organizations including Zillow, Convoy, and Glassdoor. He's also a guest faculty member at the University of Washington. He currently serves on the National Association for Business Economics' Data Analytics and Statistics Roundtable, and is a LinkedIn TopVoice in Economics. His labor market and macroeconomic analysis is regularly cited in national media . In this episode, he explores: How global trade uncertainty is shaping local opportunityThe role of generative AI in transforming business and workThe importance of connecting education with industryWhy Pierce County is uniquely positioned for growthWhether you're a business leader, policymaker, or community member, this episode reveals practical insights on navigating volatility, adapting to rapid change, and building resilience in a dynamic economy.

    28 min
  9. Part 2 | Bridging the Nursing Gap: Creating Pathways for Licensed Practical Nursing

    08/06/2025

    Part 2 | Bridging the Nursing Gap: Creating Pathways for Licensed Practical Nursing

    In this episode of Sound Track, we step into part 2 of our conversation with Kitti Cramer, Executive VP and Chief Legal Officer at Premera Blue Cross and Dr. Kara LaValley, Associate Dean of Nursing at Green River College, to explore how they are reshaping nursing education in Washington State! In this episode, you’ll hear about how a unique LPN-to-BSN program is opening doors for working adults, first-generation college students, and aspiring nurses from diverse backgrounds. You'll discover how the program’s holistic admissions process looks beyond grades to value each student’s lived experience, and how flexible, hybrid learning options and dedicated faculty advisors help students balance work, family, and school. Learn about the real-world challenges of clinical placements and faculty shortages, and how creative solutions—like stipends for preceptors and sharing curriculum models nationwide—are making a difference. If you’re interested in how public and private partnerships can drive health equity, support local communities, and create sustainable change, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories.

    26 min
  10. Part 1 | Bridging the Nursing Gap: Creating Pathways for Licensed Practical Nursing

    07/22/2025

    Part 1 | Bridging the Nursing Gap: Creating Pathways for Licensed Practical Nursing

    In this episode of Sound Track, we explore an innovative public-private solution to one of healthcare’s most urgent challenges: the nursing shortage. With the U.S. projected to need 1 million new Registered Nurses by 2030, the current system is hampered by limited faculty, clinical placements, and funding. To tackle this, Premera Blue Cross and four Washington colleges, including Green River College, launched a first-of-its-kind LPN-to-BSN pathway that allows working nurses to earn their bachelor's degrees without stepping away from their jobs or families. We are joined by: Kitti Cramer, Executive VP and Chief Legal Officer at Premera Blue CrossDr. Kara LaValley, Associate Dean of Nursing at Green River CollegeTogether, they share how this partnership came to life, why it matters, and what it’s already achieving—from higher enrollment and increased diversity in the nursing workforce to stronger clinical training networks and improved health equity. They also discuss lessons learned, the role of flexible curriculum design, and how other businesses and institutions can replicate this transformative model.

    27 min
  11. Shaping Tacoma’s Future: From Tideflats Redevelopment to Manufacturing Incubators

    05/13/2025

    Shaping Tacoma’s Future: From Tideflats Redevelopment to Manufacturing Incubators

    In this episode of Sound Track, we sit down with Ryan Spence, Program Director of the Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC) at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. Spence unpacks how the MIC is reshaping the region’s manufacturing landscape, from covering the preparations for of the Tideflats Subarea Plan, supporting the Maritime | 253 Skills Center partnership, and piloting a new manufacturing incubator. He highlights key strategies for coalition-building, environmental restoration projects, and workforce development initiatives that are creating resilient, high-wage pathways. Tune in to discover how public–private collaboration and targeted advocacy are driving innovation and economic growth across the South Sound.

    32 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Welcome to Sound Track, where we dive into the heart of Tacoma and Pierce County's business landscape. From local entrepreneurs to industry leaders, we bring you stories, insights, and strategies to help your business thrive. Tune in for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and the latest trends in Tacoma's thriving business community. Sound Track is the evolution of the Chamber's previous podcast: "Making It In the South Sound."

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