Tacoma Chamber and EDB

Read a joint message from the Tacoma Chamber and  Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County.

Joint Open Letter from the Chamber and EDB

Attached [Joint Open Letter EDB Chamber 060320] you will find an open letter signed by Bruce Kendall and myself, as the CEO’s of the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, we state unequivocally racism is a public health crisis, an economic crisis, and a political crisis.  Just as our communities have rallied to address the COVID-19 crisis, we need to rally to address the crisis of racism.
 
The first step in addressing a crisis is acknowledging it for what it is.  Racism is a scourge on our society, and indifference to it is not an option.  As business leaders, we want EVERYONE in our communities to enjoy basic human rights, a level playing field, and fairness in pursuit of their dreams, whether that is in business, the arts, or public service.
 
First steps, however, are not enough.  There needs to be follow through.  Our community needs to know its business leaders are fighting for their world to be more just and safe.  We do not claim to have the answers, but we have the will to engage with our fellow leaders and fellow citizens to find them.
 
We join with Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards in stating that “we are a community with heart.  We are Compassionate Tacoma, and together we can drive catalytic change.”
 
Over the past few days there have been various protests and demonstrations in the South Sound. They are more slated to continue this evening:

• 6pm there is a protest scheduled at the University of Washington Tacoma protesting Police Brutality. 
• 8pm there is a candlelight vigil planed for Manuel Ellis at 8pm at South 96th Street. The Tacoma News Tribune released an article today outlining the death of Manuel Ellis which can be seen here.  " Manuel Ellis died in handcuffs while being restrained on the ground by Tacoma Police." This was on March 3, 2020. 

Late Monday night, property damage and vandalism occurred on Pacific Avenue after a day of peaceful protests and demonstrations. Currently a handful of the businesses along the University of Washington Campus are boarded up due to the vandalism and the rest due to preventative measures.

The Tacoma News Tribune wrote an article titled “ After vandalism, Tacoma business owners say there are bigger issues than broken glass” highlighting the thoughts of some business owners along this stretch of Pacific Avenue.

This afternoon at 3:30pm, Mayor Woodards will address the city in a press conference regarding the death of Manuel Ellis. Click here to view the press conference.
We need to stand together and change needs to happen now, let’s all band together to make the South Sound the best place to do business in Washington state!
 
Best wishes,
Tom Pierson
President & CEO
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber