The Scoop!

Get the lowdown on what's happening in Tacoma...on The Scoop! (December 21-31, 2011)

UWT Hood Corridor Project Community Forum, Jan 30

Join the University of Washington Tacoma for a conversation about the Hood Corridor Project. Guided by student and community input, landscape architects Atelier Dreiseitl have developed a preliminary plan that transforms the 80ft wide rail corridor through campus into a vibrant new open space. The plan celebrates and leverages opportunities provided by community connections while honoring the industrial past of the surrounding area. The community forum for the UWT Hood Corridor Project starts at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30 in William Philip Hall.

South Downtown Subarea Plan public meeting scheduled for Dec. 15

The City of Tacoma is preparing a South Downtown Subarea Plan to set a vision for growth and development in the south downtown area of Tacoma (south of South 15th Street). As part of the plan, the City, in partnership with the University of Washington-Tacoma (UWT), is preparing a non-project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate how implementation of the subarea plan might impact environmental and infrastructure resources in the area, as well as how those impacts might be mitigated.

One of the first steps in preparing an EIS is to conduct a scoping process to ask citizens and organizations for their concerns, comments and ideas. The City is hosting a public scoping period and a public scoping meeting on Dec. 15, 2011, to gather public comments on the issues and opportunities that should be the focus of the EIS. The public meeting is scheduled from 4 -7 p.m. at the Carwein Auditorium on the UWT campus located at 1900 Commerce St. in the Keystone Building, Room 102.

The public scoping comment period will last through Jan. 10, 2012. Comments are welcome at the public scoping meeting on Dec. 15, 2011, or anytime during the comment period through email at planning@cityoftacoma.org or by mail: Community and Economic Development Department, c/o Brian Boudet, 747 Market St., Room 1036, Tacoma, WA 98402.

For additional information visit the project website: www.cityoftacoma.org/planning.

Spaceworks Tacoma is looking for energetic projects for 2012

Spaceworks Tacoma is seeking artists, artist groups and creative entrepreneurs to energize empty spaces in downtown Tacoma. The goal is to transform empty storefronts with artistic enterprise in an effort to make Tacoma a stronger, more vibrant City. There are three opportunities currently available. For more information, visit www.SpaceWorksTacoma.com or email rsolverson@cityoftacoma.org

New indoor sports center coming soon

A new, 52,000-square-foot sports facility, big enough to house two indoor soccer fields, is now under construction in South Tacoma. The Pacific Sports Center plans to open its doors in February. The new facility will be located at South 80th and Pine streets.

Help plan for growth & development

The City of Tacoma will host a community meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1 beginning at 4 p.m. to gather ideas from the community about the future of south downtown Tacoma. The meeting will kick off the South Downtown Subarea Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, which covers an area including the Dome District, Brewery District, Thea Foss Waterway and University of Washington-Tacoma (UWT).

The City is looking to citizens and property owners to help develop an inclusive plan that complements the needs of current residents and property owners, while integrating these planning decisions to promote a healthy environment and a healthy economy in the decades to come. The community meeting is scheduled from 4 -7 p.m. at the Carwein Auditorium on the UWT campus located at 1900 Commerce St. in the Keystone Building, Room 102.

For more information, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/planning and click on “Dome/Brewery District Subarea Plan & EIS.”

What's all the STINK about Füdie?

Füdie, right next door to the über deli, STINK Cheese & Meat, is open for bizz. This gourmet kitchen and food store is the latest addition to the St. Helens neighborhood in downtown Tacoma. You will be impressed with Füdie's intriguing selection of gourmet food products, top-of-the-line kitchen tools, wine and hard to find beers. And, if you have yet to try STINK, there is no better time than now! While grabbing lunch or dinner, you can skip over to Füdie or vice versa —they blew a hole through the wall. Read more... Füdie, Sixth and Soot. Helens Ave., 253.426.1347

Tacoma has a gem of a jeweler

A pendant created by Tacoma’s LeRoy Jewelers has won a national recognition from the American Gem Trade Association. LeRoy’s pendant, created from tourmalinated quartz, rainbow moonstone and platinum, won the award in the Classic Platinum Design – Innovation category. Read more...

UW Tacoma continues to grow

Students turned out in record numbers again at the traditional start of the school year at UW Tacoma. This autumn, enrollment rose by almost 10 percent over 2010, with a new headcount of 3,662 students, compared to last year’s headcount of 3,331.The enrollment increase followed a 23 percent increase in freshman applications and a 16 percent increase in transfer applications.

Mortenson Construction receives national Design-Build Award for Cheney Stadium

Mortenson Construction has received a national design-build award from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) for the renovation of Cheney Stadium. The National Design-Build Awards recognize outstanding projects that demonstrate successful application of design-build strategies resulting in a superior facility that exceeds the owner’s needs.

Cheney Stadium, home to the Tacoma Rainiers – the Triple-A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, was built in 1960 in approximately 100 days. This $30 million renovation, the first full renovation in 52 seasons, was also fast-tracked. It was completed in seven months – from the final home game on Sept. 2, 2010, to substantial completion on April 1, 2011, prior to the start of the new season. Visit http://www.mortenson.com/ to learn more.

Pacific Avenue streetscape wayfinding open house scheduled for Nov. 9

On Nov. 9, the City of Tacoma, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and Go Local will co-host a Pacific Avenue wayfinding update and idea gathering open house from 5 to 6 p.m. The open house will be held to present the wayfinding conceptual design and gather input on destination listings and information to be provided on kiosks.

What: Wayfinding open house
Where: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, 950 Pacific Ave., 3rd Floor
When: Nov. 9, anytime between 5 and 6 p.m.
Why: To gather feedback on key visitor destinations/information for wayfinding signage and kiosks.

For more information about the Pacific Avenue streetscape project, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/pacave. If you would like more information about this meeting, contact Sue O’Neill at (253) 591-5789 or email her at soneill@cityoftacoma.org.

Tacoma celebrates 10 years of arts and culture this November

November 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month – a community celebration of the arts that includes more than 250 community-hosted arts and culture events, exhibits and workshops for all ages taking place every day throughout the month. Programming includes music, theater and dance performances; visual art exhibits; film screenings; literary readings; lectures; and workshops. All events are open to the public and many activities are free. Information about programming for the entire month is available at www.ArtAtWorkTacoma.com.

IID receives Online Trust award

Tacoma-based Internet Identity (IID) has received the Online Trust Alliance's online trust leadership award. IID was recognized in the "excellence in business solutions" category for its ActiveTrust Resolver product. IID has been providing technology and services that secure the Internet presence for an organization and its extended enterprise since the company was founded in 1996. www.internetidentity.com

Hotel Murano wins accolades from Conde Nast Magazine

Hotel Murano ranked 17th best hotel in the country, right between the Carlyle in New York and the Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. Read more:
http://blog.thenewstribune.com/business/2011/10/12/once-again-downtown-tacoma-hotel-murano-wins-accolades-from-readers-of-conde-nast-magazine/

Three Tacoma employers win Governor’s Commute Smart Awards

Two decades of saving commuters money, curbing air pollution, conserving fuel and easing traffic congestion was celebrated yesterday at the 2011 Governor’s Commute Smart Awards. Among the recipients of this year’s awards were three Tacoma employers.

- Todd Badham and Nicole Mulhausen, employee transportation coordinators (ETC) at the University of Puget Sound, received the Commute Smart ETC Leadership Award.
- Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community was recognized with a Commute Smart Employer Champion Award.
- And Gordon Thomas Honeywell, an active participant in the Pierce Trips program for small employers since 2001, was presented with a Commute Smart Employer Champion Award for Voluntary Employers.

The Commute Smart Awards recognize innovation and dedication by communities, businesses, agencies and workplace transportation coordinators as they promote transit, biking, walking, ridesharing and other smart transportation options.

More details about the Governor’s Commute Smart Awards and the list of winners are posted online at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Transit/PT_Features.htm#CSA.
For more information about Commute Trip Reduction in Pierce County, visit www.piercetrips.com

Business Leaders Gather Locally to Talk Bizz

About 15 Northwest credit union leaders, some of them small business owners, will gather in Tacoma's Hotel Murano to talk about ways they can boost business lending, in hopes of adding more jobs to the region. Read more...

Dome District launches new website

Check out the Dome District's new website. This new website will promote all the Dome District has to offer from business services and eating establishments to excursions and attractions. It’s also a great way to stay connected to the Dome District community through news updates and business district information. Visit www.tacomadomedistrict.com.

Construction on South 9th Street scheduled to start on Sept. 12

The South 9th Street Improvement Project, which runs between Commerce Street and Market Street in Downtown Tacoma is scheduled to start Sept. 12. The project includes removing and replacing the concrete panels in the street and sidewalk as well as construction of bulb outs and crosswalks.

Construction will require the contractor to close two of the four lanes on 9th Street. The remaining two lanes will provide one-lane of travel in each direction.

Pedestrian safety and mobility will be improved with new ramps and bulb outs at Court C, between Broadway and Market Street, and at South 9th Street. These improvements will require a change in traffic direction on Court C from one-way southbound to one-way northbound between South 9th and South 11th streets.

Work in this area will take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The project is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 10, 2011. Weather and unknown site conditions may impact the schedule. For more information, visit the project website at www.cityoftacoma.org/South9thStreet.

New Alliance Aims to Help Businesses Become Green

The Environmental Business Alliance (EB Alliance) of Tacoma-Pierce County has been formed to help businesses become green in two ways: by improving their environmental performance and increasing their profitability.

The EB Alliance is a partnership of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, Go Local and the City of Tacoma. The alliance provides businesses with access to resources and information about environmentally sustainable practices.

Membership is free. Businesses that join the alliance will help the environment, enhance the community, and improve their own bottom line by saving utility resources and reaching more customers. For more information, visit www.eb-alliance.org.

Attention Foodies: Restaurant Watch 2011

A lot of restaurants have opened up since June in Tacoma! Keep in the know at blog.the newstribune.com/tntdiner

Super Best of Tacoma 2011

Check out the Weekly Volcano's super best of Tacoma list!

Fire Safety Loan Program now available for business and property owners in Tacoma

Small business and commercial property owners required to make unanticipated, costly upgrades to structures to meet the fire and building codes now have some help available. In an effort to assist with fire and life safety requirements, City Council and the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority have established a Fire Safety Loan Program (FSLP).

The FSLP loan is available to any business owner or property owner within Tacoma city limits to upgrade an existing retail, office or mixed-use building to adhere to current fire safety codes. Residential units are not eligible under this program.

Funds can be used for:

• Fire detection systems

• Fire suppression systems

• Improve or add means of egress

• Fire-related mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems

• Kitchen hoods

• Other fire and life safety code requirements

For more information about FSLP criteria, terms and conditions, contact Genal Gavaldon with Community and Economic Development at (253) 591-5213 or by email at g.gavaldon@cityoftacoma.org.

Four Ways to Grow Your Bizz Workshop

You are invited to attend the City of Tacoma’s upcoming July Economic Gardening Business Workshop: Four Ways to Grow your Business.

In this fast-paced workshop, you will learn about the four cornerstones of growing your business. Speaker Audrey Godwin, CPA will share the secrets of creating long-term success for your business. The workshop will focus on developing a selling strategy and pricing your product appropriately.

Economic Gardening workshops are FREE to any business that is located within the City of Tacoma limits.

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 13th, 2011,Choose a morning or evening session, 8am – 10am or 5:30 – 7:30pm

Location: Family Investment Center – Salishan, 1724 East 44th Street, Room 104, Tacoma, WA, 98404

To Register Online:
Morning Session (8 - 10 am): http://july13morningsession.eventbrite.com/

Evening Session (5:30 – 7:30pm): http://july13eveningsession.eventbrite.com/

For questions or to reserve by phone, please contact Christine Clifford at 253.573.2435 or cclifford@cityoftacoma.org.

2011 Summer Events Calendar now available

The City decided to produce the very popular 2011 Summer Events calendar only in a PDF this year in an effort to reduce cost and waste. Please share, post, print and distribute the 2011 Summer Event calendar freely. http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/CRO/summerevents2011.pdf

Need some spice in your life?

Organic Spice Traders just opened! Their selection of organic products are of the highest standards of freshness, purity and quality. Organic Spice Traders is located at 1127 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma. http://www.organicspicetraders.com/index.cfm

BCRA is all a Twitter

Apple is using BCRA as their Design Firm case study and coming to do a photo shoot in their Tacoma office on the use of their iPads in marketing. For the latest, follow: @BCRADESIGN

On par for the U.S. Open

Reflect on the success of the U.S. Amateur and build on the excitement about the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay! Watch the video: http://rainiercountry.s3.amazonaws.com/rc_pc_amateur.wmv

Tacoma selected to participate in Creative Vitality Study

The City of Tacoma, led by the Tacoma Arts Commission, was one of five groups throughout Washington selected through a competitive application process to participate in a Creative Vitality Index (CVI) study led by the Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC) and WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation). The study is intended to explore how the CVI can inform and advance local efforts to define, support and advance the creative economy in communities across the state. http://www.arts.wa.gov/resources/creative-vitality-index.shtml.

Cool news!

Our very own Mayor Strickland is one of 15 individuals from across the country to have been appointed to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Council on Underserved Communities. Check it out... http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/strickland-appointed-to-national-sba/

Seitel Systems branches out to Tacoma

Seitel Systems, an IT solutions company, recently opened a Tacoma branch on Pacific Ave. Seitel provides network, server, telecommunications, and desktop services that include system design, implementation and support. Welcome to Tacoma! Stay tuned for info about an open house. http://seitelsystems.com/

Wingman Brewers now at Red Hot

Wingman Brewers, a niche brewery located on the edge of Tacoma's Historic Brewery District, just held their first public tap! After a release party on April 21, Wingman beer is now available at the Red Hot.

Local businesses can learn how to build/maintain a website

At the April 28 Economic Gardening Workshop, local business owners can learn how to create a website quickly and inexpensively. This workshop is also helpful for those businesses that have an existing website but are having difficulty managing it.

The City’s Community and Economic Development Department will host the upcoming free Economic Gardening Workshop – “Build a Website with Ease” on April 28 at Evergreen State College – Tacoma Branch, 1210 Sixth Ave., Room 104.

Robbin Block, a 25 year marketing strategist and corporate renegade, will lead the session. She’s given hundreds of engaging presentations and is the author of “Social Persuasion: Making Sense of Social Media for Small Business.”

Tacoma business owners can choose between two free sessions and can register online:

• Morning Session (8:00-10:00am): http://buildwebsiteamsession.eventbrite.com


• Lunch Session (12:00– 2:00pm): http://buildwebsitelunchsession.eventbrite.com
  

For questions or to reserve a space by phone, please contact Christine Clifford at
253.573.2435 or cclifford@cityoftacoma.org.

New grocer coming to South Tacoma

Discount grocer WinCo Foods will open its South Tacoma store in just over a week. The employee-owned, Boise-based company has been renovating a former furniture store at 1913 S. 72nd St. for several months and will open its doors on April 17 at 9 a.m.

Opportunity for Tacoma bizz owners to plug-in

In response to the growing electric vehicle market, Federal stimulus grant funds are available to local business owners to install public customer charging stations. The Puget Sound area is one of a handful of regions that can take advantage of this opportunity. Businesses have until September 2011 to pursue the available grant funds to help the Puget Sound area plug-in to a new era of transportation innovation and reduce the fossil fuel costs and emissions. For more information, visit http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=16469

Gibson's Frozen Yogurt Opens in Stadium District

Have the winter blahs? Go get some yogurt at the newly opened, self-serve Gibson Yogurt Shoppe. They use only YoCream® Frozen Yogurt, the healthful frozen yogurt with live and active cultures, produced locally here in the Pacific Northwest. New flavors and toppings change each week. The shop is just a block from Stadium High School in North Tacoma. http://gibsonsyogurt.com/

Wedding bells in your future?

Then don't miss the inaugural Wedding Walk this Sunday, Feb. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. Wedding Walk Tacoma is a one day event that will introduce prospective brides, grooms, wedding attendants and their family and friends to Tacoma, as a one-stop shopping destination for weddings, while sampling excellent food, wonderful beverages and touring Tacoma’s most beautiful places to get married.

Brides, grooms, friends and family are invited to walk the Downtown Tacoma Business District, stopping at the Marriott and Pacific Grill Event Center, then walking down Pacific Avenue to the Tacoma Art Museum, Union Station, and the History Museum before crossing the Chihuly Bridge to the Museum of Glass on the water.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit http://www.weddingwalktacoma.com/Purchase_Tickets.html.

Live, work and buy groceries downtown!

A lease has been signed and a date has been set: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/business/2011/02/15/its-official-grocery-store-will-open-this-summer-on-pacific-avenue-in-tacoma/

Yelp is loving Tacoma!

According to Yelp, Tacoma is the most romantic city in its database. http://bit.ly/YelpCupid

BE Green South Sound/ Shift Happens, Jan. 31

Like many business people, you may be intrigued by sustainability. You may be enticed by the savings offered by lean operations. You may want to know why your clients or customers are spending their money on green products and services. Maybe you want to save the planet. Maybe you plan to start small, and see where it goes from there.

Whatever compels you, this event will provide you with all the tools, information, free and low-costs resources, connections, and inspiration needed to propel your own sustainable business initiatives. This event is in collaboration with the Business Examiner Group, Pecha Kucha, ISIRIS, Go Local, The City of Tacoma and TacomaACTS.

Visit www.begreensouthsound.com for event details, speakers and to register.

Take Part in the Urban University

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
William W. Philip Hall
University of Washington Tacoma campus

This dynamic forum will examine the role of urban universities, offering insights into how communities and universities interact, work together, and enable social and economic change. All events are free and open to the public; however advance registration is required. For a detailed schedule and to register go to: tacoma.uw.edu/events/urban

Free local government education sessions

For the seventh consecutive year, the City of Tacoma’s Neighborhood Council Office, in cooperation with the University of Washington Tacoma’s Urban Studies Program, is offering six free public sessions of the Government Leadership Institute (GLI) on Mondays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the UWT campus, Keystone Building Auditorium, 1900 Commerce St. No registration is required.

This year the GLI will focus on the theme: Planning the Economic Future of Tacoma. The purpose of these sessions is to provide an opportunity for the general public and students to share time in the classroom and educate each other about the impacts of various municipalities on the development of the city. It will also provide an opportunity for both citizens and students to consider real-life perspectives rather than hypothetical situations.

The following sessions will be provided, and will include presenters from various agencies and organizations:

• Jan. 24: Financing Development in Tacoma
• Jan. 31: Strengthening and Expanding the Local Labor Market
• Feb. 7: Human Capital Development in Tacoma
• Feb. 14: The Port and the City
• Feb. 28: Land Use Politics and Real Estate Development
• March 7: Urban Power and Decision-Making

For detailed information about each of these sessions, call Elton Gatewood at (253) 591-5229 or visit the Neighborhood Council's website.

New Tenant Downtown

Medical Imaging Northwest (MINW) and Diagnostic Imaging Northwest (DINW) corporate operations, currently housed in Lakewood, will soon move to a new downtown address in the Wells Fargo Building on Pacific Avenue. The MINW/DINW operations team supports 25 fellowship-trained, board-certified radiologists who provide sub-specialty professional services and onsite coverage in radiology departments. DINW represents the three joint-ventured, outpatient imaging centers under the name Diagnostic Imaging Northwest. For more information visit, http://www.minw.com/ or http://www.mydinw.com/

Microenterprise Community Forum

February 11, 2011 from 1 – 5 pm

Microenterprises can generate economic opportunity in the U.S. even during tough times. But to thrive, entrepreneurs and very small businesses often need support in the form of training, technical assistance and capital. This community forum will bring together people and organizations to explore support for microenterprise in Pierce County.

For registration and more information, visit: tacoma.uw.edu/clsr/microenterprise

Hilltop gets a new hot spot

Check out what's new in the Hilltop neighborhood: 1022 South, http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/a-hilltop-apothecary-1022-south/

Big win for Tacoma!

Full-service grocery store coming to downtown Tacoma's Pacific Plaza
Read more: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/business/2011/01/04/full-service-grocery-store-coming-to-downtown-tacomas-pacific-plaza/#ixzz1AIYES8kz

What's brewing on 6th

According to a post on the Seattle P.I. blog, the Liquor Control Board recently received a Microbrewery license application from the Old Mill House Micro Brew for a commercial location on 6th Avenue.