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.

Welcome Figure celebration, Sept. 18

You're invited to a celebratory event hosted by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Art Museum at Tollefson Plaza (17th Street and Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma), Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. - noon, as a Welcome Figure designed and carved by Shaun Peterson (Qwalsius) is blessed and raised. Call (253) 591-5192 for more information.

September Economic Gardening Business Workshop: A Financial Check-up for your Business

This workshop will teach the fundamentals of financial statements and explain how businesses can use this information to ensure positive cash flow...and profitability. Economic Gardening workshops are FREE to any business that is located in Tacoma.

Date/Time:
Thursday, Sept. 16 , 2010

Location: Evergreen State College – Tacoma Branch (1210 Sixth Avenue, Room 105) Refreshments and light snacks will be served and there is free parking in campus parking lot.

To Register Online:
Morning Session (8-10a): http://www.eventbrite.com/event/779170520
Lunch Session (12– 2p): http://www.eventbrite.com/event/779186568

Tacoma kudos!

Special thanks to PubliCola for some serious Tacoma love in "Oh, Les Elites de Tacoma": http://bit.ly/c5APOd

Final opportunity to give parking pay station feedback, Sept. 2

Learn more about the status of on-street parking pay stations in Tacoma at a public meeting this Thursday, Sept. 2 starting at 5 p.m. at the Pantages Theater (9th Street and Broadway). This is the last public meeting before the pay stations are operational on Sept. 20, 2010. For more information about the pay stations, visit www.downtowntacomaparking.com.

“Seaside Opera” to inhabit Tollefson Plaza

On Monday Aug. 16 at 2p.m., A.K. Mimi Allin will introduce her site-specific performance piece created for the plaza - 10 to 15 minute performances will occur on the half-hour from 2–7p.m. each day through Aug. 21. The piece was inspired by the physical space of Tollefson Plaza, its proximity to water and Allin's passion for sailing on Puget Sound.

Audience members may watch from the steps beside the plaza’s cascading pools where an array of wind-up water toys, miniature sampans, water guns and fishing rods invite play. Seaside Opera is funded by Tacoma Arts Commission as part of Spaceworks Tacoma.

Spanish Steps are getting a makeover

On Aug. 2, rehabilitation of the Spanish Steps started. While construction is underway, the stairs will not be accessible. The scope of work includes:

· Rehabilitation of urns, baluster, newels, post and railing
· Installation of pedestrian furnishings and signage
· Installation of a new retaining wall to support the steps
· Streetlights and landscaping

The Spanish Steps are on the National Historic Register and are modeled after the famous steps in Rome. The steps are used as a pedestrian connection between major roadways in Tacoma and also serve as an elegant backdrop for celebrations held by residents and visitors.

The project is scheduled to be complete in November 2010.

Spaceworks Tacoma block party, July 29

Celebrate artists and arts organizations using their creativity to liven up vacant spaces on July 29 at the Spaceworks Tacoma block party. The event marks the program’s official opening and will be held at 9th Street and Broadway in downtown Tacoma and at the participating venues.

The festivities will run from 5 to 8 p.m. and will celebrate the artists, their work and active life in downtown. The party will include guided walking tours, theatrical performances, live dance performances, an ongoing screening of short films and a season preview for the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. For more information about Spaceworks Tacoma, artists and activities, visit spaceworkstacoma.com.

Spaceworks Tacoma takes shape, opening set for July 29

Artists and arts organizations have started to inhabit formerly vacant spaces in downtown Tacoma as the Artscapes component of Spaceworks Tacoma. Spaceworks Tacoma is a joint initiative of the City of Tacoma, Shunpike, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce to activate empty spaces with creative use.

On July 29, Spaceworks Tacoma will host a ‘block party’ style opening at the Theater on the Square and at the participating venues to celebrate the artists, their work and active life in downtown Tacoma.

Site specific art installations are at 906 Broadway across from the Pantages Theater, the Woolworth Windows, Commerce and 11th streets and in the corner of the windows at 950 Pacific Ave. Look for many more installations throughout downtown Tacoma in the coming months. For more information about Spaceworks Tacoma, visit spaceworkstacoma.com.

Brewery District gets new art foundry

Up from the ashes, Tacoma’s new art foundry, Two Ravens Studio, recently opened in Tacoma’s Brewery District. Two Ravens can do everything from conceptualizing a sculpture to finishing it and everything in between. Artists who work in any sculptural medium can have molds created and their works cast in bronze, aluminum or resin. Or if you have never created a sculpture but would like to design one, they can help. Two Ravens worked with the City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development Department through their Economic Gardening and Arts programs to gain assistance in establishing themselves. For more information, check out www.2RavensStudio.com.

Gritty City Gets Pretty

Great Tacoma write up in the Vancouver Sun: Tacoma - treasures beyond the Dome.

Safeway Grand Re-opening Events in Hilltop

Hilltop Safeway, Preview party: Friday, June 11 from 4 to 8 p.m.
All are welcome to attend a community preview party at the store with a variety of entertainment, food and product demonstrations, promotional discounts, customer and employee recognitions and some welcoming comments from Safeway store manager Chris Smith and Council member Lauren Walker.

Hilltop Safeway, Ribbon cutting ceremony: Saturday, June 12 at 8 a.m
Regional Safeway corporate executives and Council member Lauren Walker will speak and there will be in-store special promotions and demonstrations throughout the day.

Come celebrate a win for the Hilltop!

3rd annual Pacific Ave Spring Festival & Car Show, June 12

The newly designated Pacific Avenue Business District will host the third annual spring festival and car show on Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stewart Middle School, 5010 Pacific Ave. Don’t miss the arts, crafts, plants, food and cars galore!

Buzz about Tacoma’s Business Districts

Read more about the good work of Tacoma’s Business Districts in a recent article the Business Examiner published… http://www.businessexaminer.com/databank.php?djoPage=article_details&djoId=51818

Pacific Plaza awarded LEED platinum rating

Tacoma's first LEED platinum rating was recently awarded to the Pacific Plaza building. LEED Platinum certification is the highest rating possible from the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Pacific Plaza , which was developed through a unique public-private partnership between the City of Tacoma and Pacific Plaza Development, LLC, is the only core and shell design project in Washington, and one of only 21 such projects worldwide, to achieve platinum certification.

Pacific Plaza has also received other awards for its design and dedication to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability since 2009, including a Ghilarducci Award from the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and a Build Washington Award for Green Building from the Associated General Contractors of Washington.

Vroom! LeMay car museum to break ground June 10

After nearly a decade in development, the LeMay Museum recently announced that it will break ground on the long anticipated automotive museum in Tacoma, on June 10! Once construction is underway, the museum will begin to focus on the “Race to the Finish” campaign which will focus on exhibit and educational program development in preparation for the museum’s grand opening in summer 2011.

UWT continues to grow!

The University of Washington Tacoma will start construction this summer on a $24 million building that expands the library and provides more classrooms. The new building will be four stories with a basement. Check out the News Tribune story...

Proctor Farmers Market unveils market mural, May 15

The Proctor Farmers Market is pleased to announce the unveiling of a market-themed mural at the market site, North 27th and Proctor streets in Tacoma. The unveiling will take place on Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m. The mural consists of four, 4 x 10 panels that reference the Art Nouveau period. www.proctorfarmersmarket.com

Developers tour the South Sound’s Downtown

On Friday, April 30, local real estate and industry leaders gathered together to learn more about Tacoma’s vibrant downtown districts and opportunities for development from the City's Community and Economic Development Department and the Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board. Attendees toured the area and heard more about the City’s plan to continue public investment into downtown and plans to use efficiency, creativity, incentives and partnership to spark future investment from around the region.

Tacoma's SiteCrafting Inc. named to fastest-growing list

SiteCrafting, a website design and web application development company here in Tacoma, made the Bloomberg BusinessWeek's list of the 100 fastest-growing inner city companies in the country. Read more!

Silver Cloud Inn -Tacoma is a 2010 Best of Northwest Escape

Silver Cloud Inn - Tacoma, located along Ruston Way, was recently voted one of the top four romantic hotels in the northwest from King 5 Evening Magazine as part of the 2010 Best of Northwest Escapes!

Giddy-up! Farmers Market Rodeo Barn Dance, May 8

For a mere $25 you can attend the first-ever Farmers Market Rodeo Barn Dance! Your ticket includes a live auction, music by the Oly Mountain Boys, a free drink ticket and all night access to the mechanical bull. YeeeHaw! Show your pride for Tacoma and local farmers by attending on Saturday, May 8 at Freighthouse Square. Line dancing, good eating and hearty fun to be had by all at this country casual Ho-Down! For more information, visit http://www.tacomafarmersmarket.com/.

Congrats to the New Tacoma Award winners!

The New Tacoma Awards recognize businesses and individuals making oustanding contributions to downtown Tacoma. The 2010 winners are:

Schoenfeld Award: Recognizing exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer or restaurateur (Two Winners)

• Dragonfly
• Doyle’s Public House

Ghillarducci Award: Recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification

• Pacific Plaza LLC

Union Station Award: Recognizing leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization (Two Winners)

• Tacoma Farmers Market
• Stan Selden

Popham Award: Recognizing the individual that has done the most to build “community spirit”

• Derek Young – Exit133, Suite133, Seasonal View

Hughes Group gets loan and plans to expand

Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority (TCRA) recently provided a loan to Hughes Group, LLC to assist with the acquisition of a building located on South 37th & Lawrence streets. The total project is just over $1.2 million. The Hughes Group is a logistics company providing facility management with the majority of its business generated from military contracts. The company is relocating from Lakewood and expects to create about 15 new jobs! Hughes Group was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as the 7th fastest-growing minority-owned business in Washington State in 2008.

Tacoma puts the class in glass

A writer for the Oregonian newspaper highlights Tacoma's glass art in an article posted today. Read more... http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2010/04/tacomas_trail_of_glass_leaves.html

Murray Morgan Bridge ribbon cutting, March 31

Rain or shine, the Murray Morgan Bridge ribbon cutting will take place on Wednesday, March 31, at 9 a.m. on the west side of the bridge (near the intersection of A and 11th streets). The celebration will commemorate the completion of the re-cabling work and the turnback agreement. All are welcome to attend!

Pacific Avenue Business District is official

After applying for recognition from the Cross District Association and meeting the necessary requirements of the Neighborhood Business District Program, the Pacific Avenue Business District is the newest member of the 15-recognized business districts in Tacoma. The new district is located between South 46th and 56th streets along the main corridor of Pacific Avenue. It's in both the East Side and South End neighborhoods .

Eat fresh. Buy local. Sustain community.

Every Saturday from now until November, you can hit the Proctors Farmer's Market for fresh, local goods. When you come to the market, you can expect to find: local and organic vegetables and fruits, plants for your garden, cut flowers, grass-fed meat, fresh salmon, musicians, cooking demos and more! The market runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. along North 27 Street and Proctor.

WANTED: Creative Pierce County high school students

Ethnic Fest 2010 is drawing near... With that, all Pierce County high school students are invited to participate in the Ethnic Fest Poster Contest. Winning artwork will be used on posters, t-shirts, and promotional materials as well as in advertising and public service announcements for Ethnic Fest 2010. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three student artist winners. The poster contest is open to all Pierce County high school students. Entry deadline is Friday, April 23, 2010. Visit www.EthnicFestTacoma.com for complete contest rules and entry materials.

Go Tacoma! Real Estate Price Forecast: City by City

Interesting read by moneywatch.com - When will the value of your house finally start climbing again? This article has exclusive forecasts compiled by financial services company Fiserv for 384 real estate markets across the United States. How does Tacoma rate? Read more...

Mortenson Construction wins Cheney Stadium contract

By a 7-1 vote, Tacoma City Council approved a $26.5 million contract with Mortenson Construction for a major renovation of Cheney Stadium on March 9. A selection committee A selection committee considered bids from three teams and recommended the one led by Mortenson Construction.

Artists for bike-themed temporary artwork needed

In recognition of National Bike Month, the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Art Museum invite artists and/or artist teams from Pierce and Thurston counties to get into gear and submit proposals for the creation of a piece of temporary artwork for the 4th annual Zeit-Bike exhibit at the Tacoma Art Museum. Deadline for submissions is March 19, 2010. Artists interested in applying may download the Call to Artists at www.tacomaculture.org/arts/Esubmit.asp. Calls to Artists are also available by calling (253) 591-5191 or by e-mailing nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org.

Design-build team selected for public garage

The City announced today that it has selected an award winning design-build team for the public garage which will be constructed on property adjacent to the historic Elks Temple building in downtown Tacoma. GLY Construction and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects (ZGF) was the team selected for the public garage project. ZGF will design the project and GLY Construction will provide general contracting and construction services. Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2010 with an opening scheduled for the spring of 2012. Read more in the News Tribune...

Free foreclosure information workshop, Feb. 20

Individual help with foreclosure issues will be available to the public at an upcoming free foreclosure workshop on Feb. 20 starting at 10 a.m. The workshop is being held to help those who are overwhelmed by their home mortgage payments to learn more about the foreclosure process and what options there are available. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Evergreen College Tacoma Campus located at 1210 6th Ave. More information is available at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov and www.mortgagehelpnow.org.

Sister City Film Festival sells out, gets rave reviews

The 8th annual, 10-week long International Film Festival held at the Blue Mouse Theater every Thursday night has sold out!

“I am from San Francisco – this was the best $10 I have ever spent in all my 44 years on this earth.” - Kitakyushu film night patron

Each week during the festival, one of Tacoma’s Sister Cities features a film that was produced in that particular country, and to add to the festive nature of each week’s film presentation, an authentic cultural presentation from the country starts off each night.

McKinley neighborhood to be featured as best place to buy an old house

The McKinley Hill neighborhood will be featured in an upcoming issue of the This Old House magazine’s “The Best Places to Buy an Old House."

The qualities which distinguish McKinley Hill as a neighborhood to be considered lie in its location, the relatively low price of entry into the housing market for first time buyers and investors, the vistas from the perimeter and knolls of the hill, and a support for preservation of historic structures through advocacy groups like Historic Tacoma, its neighborhood council and at the community level with financial incentives for rehabilitation and restoration.

Calling all South Sound techies

South Sound techies now have a new award to strive for! SiteCrafting, a local website design and web application development company, recently developed the the SHIFT Awards, an event which will recognize and honor technology application and innovation in the South Sound. Award winners may be nominated by the public and will be chosen by an advisory panel of South Sound professionals. Winners will create and share a brief presentation about their company and/or technology related innovation. For more information, visit www.theshiftawards.com.

Dock Street Marina named 2009 Marina of the Year

Congratulations to Tacoma's own Dock Street Marina - the winner of Marina Dock Age magazine’s Marina of the Year award in the small category. Each year, Marina Dock Age honors two marinas for their spectacular facilities and dedication to customer service, as well as a continued commitment in areas such as environmental responsibility, advertising and marketing, industry and community involvement and facility improvements. Located in the heart of Puget Sound, the award winning Dock Street marina opened as an integral part of Tacoma’s economic revitalization project.

Traylor Bros. pre-cast plant to open in Tacoma

Old plant, gets new life. Traylor Bros. which is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, recently selected a former pre-cast site to open operations here in Tacoma at 6801 South Adams. Traylor Bros., is a family-owned construction company that builds tunnels, bridges, dams, wharfs, ports and more. The plant in Tacoma will be providing the tunnel liners for the UW to downtown Seattle light rail link. Traylor expects to hire 25-30 employees to start with potential to grow up to 40.

Tacoma's Goodwill garden gets good press

The Tacoma Goodwill-Milgard Work Opportunity Center's vertical gardens were recently highlighted in The Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Section. The new center was unveiled in September and the lush garden graces the entrance of an imposing new building designed by BCRA Architects, and is large enough to be clearly visible from busy Tacoma Avenue. Read more...

Satellite Coffee, Smooth and Juicey take up residence on Market St.

Espresso drinks. French-press coffee. Whole beans.... smoothies and juices now available at Satellite Coffee and Smooth and Juicey's newly renovated space on the Market Street side of the Embellish Salon building next to the downtown YMCA, 1122 Market St. This is the 3rd Tacoma location (Division and 6th and Pine are the other 2) for Satellite.

Novelties, assorted oddities and a precious pup

The St. Helens neighborhood has a new neighbor! The Brownie Morrison boutique just moved in at 711 St. Helens #104. If you're looking for that perfect gift or something sassy for yourself, check it out and be sure to say hello to April - the mastiff rescue.

Tacoma Arts Commission keeps community art alive

The Tacoma Arts Commission recently awarded $45,000 in 2010 Arts Projects funding to 19 different Tacoma organizations in support of public outreach projects in the fields of music, dance, film, theater, literary and visual arts. The awards range in value from $1,000 to $4,000 and serve a cross-section of Tacoma’s community. For a complete listing of funding programs, publicly accessible funded projects and information about the Tacoma Arts Commission, visit www.tacomaculture.org.

McMenamins sets tentative opening date

The countdown can begin! McMenamins, the Oregon-based hotel and entertainment company, has tentatively set an opening date of St. Patrick's Day 2012 for its new restaurant and entertainment venue in the old Elks Temple. McMenamins plans restaurants, a brew pub, an entertainment venue and hotel rooms in the 93-year-old temple. Read more...

Local bizz is finalist for Inner City 100 list

SiteCrafting, a website design and web application development company with 24 employees, is a finalist for the Inner City 100 list of fastest growing inner city companies in America. The growing company has been headquartered in the Tacoma since 1998 and operating in Spokane since July 2009.

The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is a national not-for-profit organization founded. ICIC's mission is to promote economic prosperity in America's inner cities through private sector engagement that leads to job, income and wealth creation for local residents.

Out with the old, in with the new with Tacoma’s First Night

Roar! Meet the New Year like a tiger, with dance, sculpture, music, drums, theater, nonsense, fire, and a tiger named Komandu at Tacoma’s First Night. First Night – Tacoma’s New Year’s Eve celebration – is an opportunity for friends and families to say farewell to the old year and hello to the new. For more information, visit the First Night Web site at http://www.firstnighttacoma.org/.

Save the date: City's MLK Day celebration, Jan. 18

Be sure to mark your calendar for the City of Tacoma’s 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration! The annual event is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. This year’s theme is “Unity in the Community.” For more information, contact the Human Rights and Human Services Department at (253) 591-5151 or www.cityoftacoma.org/hrhs.

A unique boutique has a new home on 6th Ave

Annette B., which started in 2003, recently moved to a new space at 2611 6th Ave. This unique boutique offers apparel, home, accessories and maternity clothes. The staff are dedicated to featuring designers who use their creativity to make beautiful and one-of-a-kind items. For store hours, more information or to shop, visit Annette B online at www.annetteb.com.

All a buzz… Vanilla Bean Cafe now open

Muffins, pastries, coffee and more are now available at the Vanilla Bean Café, 743 St Helens Ave. Making a move from 64th Street and Waller, the owner is excited to have a bigger, better space to serve customers on St. Helens across from City Hall. This is a “soft” open for the café a grand opening is scheduled for the first of the year. Hours of operation are Monday thru Saturday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Lecture on sustainability, economics and historic preservation, Dec. 7

You won’t want to miss a free presentation, Dec. 7, by Donovan Rypkema – a leading national figure in the field of historic preservation, economic revitalization and real estate market analysis. As a part of the City’s Historic Preservation Plan and Policy update project, Rypkema will discuss sustainability, economics and historic preservation, focusing on the importance of linking preservation strategies with community-wide goals for sustainability and economic development. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at the Carwein Auditorium, University of Washington Tacoma, Keystone Building Room 102.

Tacoma's Everest College branch grows

Everest College, a branch of Corinthian Colleges, expanded into approximately 29,000 square feet in two buildings, 2112 Pacific Ave. and the adjacent 2106-2108 Pacific Ave. Move-in is expected to be completed by January 1. The leases expands the college into 8,400-square-feet and 20,700-square-feet on Pacific Avenue.

All signs point to Tacoma

A local business is benefiting from our neighbors to the north. Canada's provincial government is paying Zumar Industries here in Tacoma to make road signs with Canadian stimulus spending. Zumar Industries has received more than $1 million in work from the B.C. government in the last four years. Read more...

Learn the nuts and bolts of art

A free, two-day arts symposium for artists and arts organizations is scheduled Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Nov.15 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on the University of Puget Sound campus. Sessions will include information on copyrights, marketing, fundraising, financial management, using the internet for promotion, public art and portfolio building. An arts legal clinic, offered by Washington Lawyers for the Arts, will offer artists and arts organizations low-cost, private legal consultations with a lawyer. Pre-registration for all sessions is required, as space is limited. To register, contact Naomi Strom-Avila at (253) 591-5191 or nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org.

It's official!

As of Friday, McMenamins now owns the Elks Temple, and the City owns the adjoining vacant land to the north. Ownership of the downtown Elks Temple and the adjacent property has officially changed hands. Read more from The News Tribune.

Take a studio tour

Get a look inside the working studios of 75 local artists and collaborative studios this coming weekend. This free, self-guided tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. The tour covers 39 locations throughout Tacoma. Attendees can meet the artists at work in their studios, see how art is created, purchase one-of-a-kind items and even create their own masterpiece. Visit www.ArtAtWorkTacoma.com for a complete list of studio locations and a map.

The Cinderella story

Read two refreshing blog posts on Tacoma...

• Tacoma: A weekend of glass appreciation and great cuisine
  by Suzanne Wright
• Destination: Tacoma, A West Coast diamond in the not-so-rough
  by Craig S. Bower
  

2009 Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice award winners announced

Gov. Chris Gregoire recently announced the 2009 Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice award winners. Five projects were recognized as models of success in creating jobs, building a skilled workforce and enhancing the economy in communities around the state. This year's Best Practice Awards recognize leadership and exemplary accomplishment in a project, program or initiative.

Don't miss Art at Work Month's opening celebration, Oct. 29

As part of Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month, the public is invited to attend a free celebration Oct. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave. The event will include an award ceremony, live music by the Tacoma Youth Symphony, poetry readings, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, a no-host bar and the museum galleries will be open for viewing. For more information about Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month, go to http://www.artatworktacoma.com/ or contact Naomi Strom-Avila at nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5191. Read the Tacoma Weekly article.

Hotel Murano ranks 6th in the U.S.

Tacoma's very own Hotel Murano just made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler: 2009 Readers' Choice Awards list. Ranking #6 in the U.S , the award-winning boutique hotel showcases the city’s local art and culture. Read more from The News Tribune...

Evergreen Tacoma Initiative will enable reinvestment, protect Puget Sound

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the City of Tacoma, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the Washington State Department of Ecology and the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) held a joint news conference to announce and explain a proposed national model called the Evergreen Tacoma Initiative.

The Evergreen Tacoma Initiative takes a systematic approach to environmental cleanup by considering an entire area affected by soil and groundwater pollution, rather than by tackling the problem one parcel at a time. A team of representatives from state, county and local governments, private property owners, environmental consultants and other business professionals as well as non-profit organizations will work together to identify the system-wide sources of contamination and develop a cleanup and sustainable re-use plan to prevent re-contamination and enable reinvestment. This initiative will also help to protect Puget Sound. Learn more about it...

Tacoma tops the list

After a sharp decline in property values, the Tacoma housing forecast looks promising. Here is some good news for Tacoma homeowners: 10 Hard-Hit Housing Markets That Are Ready to Rebound.

McMenamins coming to Tacoma

Tacoma City Council unanimously approved three resolutions last night at the Council meeting that will pave the way for the restoration of the Elks Building on Broadway. When it's redeveloped the Portland-based McMenamins – a place for family and friends – has plans to move in. When the much anticipated McMenamins arrives, guests will be able to swim on the first floor, dance on the second floor, eat and drink on the third floor and sleep on the fourth floor!

Learn how to get free publicity at Sept. 23 Economic Gardening Workshop

At the Sept. 23 Economic Gardening Workshop, learn to create news the media can use to help you enhance your business. The City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department will host the upcoming Economic Gardening Workshop - Free Publicity: How to Share your News to the Media on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Tacoma business owners can choose between two free sessions – 8-10 a.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the University of Puget Sound, Collins Library in McCormick Room #303 located at 1500 N. Warner St.

For more information or to reserve your spot by phone, contact Christine Clifford at (253) 573-2435 or cclifford@cityoftacoma.org.

Penuel Cafe now OPEN near City Hall

A new deli, grill and coffee café is now open for business at 744 Market St. across from the Tacoma Municipal Building (the space formerly occupied by the Java Bean coffee shop). They have an expansive breakfast and lunch menu including Belgian waffles, soups, salads, sandwiches and more. For more information, visit www.penuelcafe.com.

Successful 10th annual Bank to Bay

Whatever distance, whatever their reason for participating, whatever their age, over 2,000 people took to the streets of downtown Tacoma on Sunday, Sept. 13, for the 10th annual Bank to Bay 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids’ Run which started with a horn blow at 9 a.m.

“We are glad to be able to continue our partnership with KeyBank for the 10th consecutive year as a sponsor for this fun, family event,” said Tacoma City Manager Eric Anderson. “This is one of our many efforts to bring people into of our City so they can witness all of the growth and charm our community has to offer.”

Bank to Bay is co-sponsored by KeyBank and the City of Tacoma and has grown from an idea that developed in the year 2000 to promote Tacoma’s downtown revitalization efforts to become a popular community event that attracts runners and walkers from around the Puget Sound region.

Russell bids farewell to Tacoma

Russell announced last Wednesday it would move its headquarters and 900 local employees from Tacoma to the tower at 1301 Second Ave. in Seattle in 2010. President and CEO Andrew Doman said in a prepared statement that "the unique conditions of the commercial real estate market in Seattle" were a factor in the decision.

Russell Investments' parent company paid $115 million for the 42-story downtown Seattle tower known until recently as the WaMu Center, according to a document filed Thursday with King County.

City staff will continue to work with partners in the Tacoma Partnership to fill the current Russell headquarters building and to attract additional businesses to downtown Tacoma.

A new eatery and coffee shop near City Hall

A sign across Market Street from the Tacoma Municipal Building touts a new cafe, grill and coffee shop that promises to open soon in the space formerly occupied by the Java Bean coffee shop. Signage refers onlookers to check www.744MarketSt.com for information, and that link refers to the Penuel Cafe. No details yet on when the new eatery and coffee shop is scheduled to open.

New life for the 96-year-old Tacoma Elks building?

The News Tribune and Exit133 both offer stories today about potential new development that would make a major addition to the north end of downtown Tacoma, including the restoration of the Elks Temple building at 565 Broadway. Visit each site to join in the conversation about the potential project.