Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County

07/09/2026

Maritime is a vital part of our regional economy, supporting jobs, trade, innovation, and the continued strength of our working waterfront. Keeping the sector strong requires continued investment in the people, skills, and partnerships it will need for the future.

This recent South Sound Business story looks at how Maritime|253 is bringing educators, industry leaders, and regional partners together to turn that need into action. It explores the shared vision and sustained collaboration behind this important investment in Tacoma’s maritime future.

Tacoma’s new Maritime Skills Center is increasingly being seen as a catalytic pipeline for students, the workforce, and businesses.

06/24/2026

We’re excited to welcome Gavin to the EDB team this summer through the Degrees of Change SEED Internship program.

Gavin is currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Economics at the University of Washington, where he also serves as a Resident Advisor and participates in ASUW student government. His background in community leadership, policy, and analytical problem-solving will be a great fit for the work ahead.

This summer, Gavin will focus on permitting issues and best practices, helping identify specific pain points in the permitting process and opportunities to improve efficiency. His work will support the development of a comprehensive report to help inform future improvements and strengthen the conditions for business growth across Pierce County.

We’re grateful to Degrees of Change for connecting emerging leaders with local employers and creating meaningful opportunities for hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional growth.

Welcome, Gavin!

06/11/2026

North Star Glove has been part of Tacoma’s manufacturing economy for more than a century. Today, that history is being carried forward through new ownership, expanded operations, and new product lines.

During yesterday’s tour, our team saw Singer sewing machines built in place around 1917 that are still used in production today.

Pierce County has long been a place where things are made. Companies like North Star Glove strengthen that foundation through skilled work, steady reinvestment, and a continued commitment to growing here.

Thank you to the North Star Glove team for welcoming us and sharing more about your work.

06/03/2026

The EDB is excited to welcome Meredith Neal as our new Director of Economic Development.

In this role, Meredith will help support business expansion, attract investment, and strengthen economic growth across Pierce County. She brings extensive experience in redevelopment, permitting, planning, business recruitment and retention, and regional economic strategy.

Most recently, Meredith served as Economic Development Director for the City of Federal Way. Her background also includes leadership roles with the City of Puyallup and the Manufacturing Industrial Council for the South Sound.

Meredith is passionate about fostering sustainable growth and creating vibrant communities where businesses and people can thrive. We’re grateful to have her expertise and regional perspective on the EDB team. Welcome, Meredith!

06/01/2026

Stronger communities start with education, and stronger economies do, too.

Higher education helps prepare people for careers, supports innovation, and strengthens the workforce local employers need to grow.

In celebration of National Higher Education Day on June 6, share why higher education matters to your business, your family, or your community.

Learn more: https://whycollegematters.org/

05/12/2026

Tariffs are shifting. Trade agreements are evolving. The businesses that come out ahead are the ones that know how to navigate it.

May is Global Trade Month — and Washington State Department of Commerce is hosting webinars all month to help your business stay competitive in the global market.

Three sessions still ahead:

May 12 — HTS Codes & Schedule B: A Must-Know for Importers and Exporters | 10 AM – 12 PM PDT | Register: https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ybpK6D3vTjKWnIcei6F3UQ

May 19 — SBDC's Export Marketing & Meeting Strategy | 1–2 PM PDT | Register: https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99272933

May 26 — Tap Into Online Marketplaces & Grow Your International Sales | 10–11 AM PDT | Register: https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LhHY_9A2SXiFotAKwSzXiw

Free, virtual, and open to all Washington businesses. Know a business owner who should see this? Tag them below.

05/11/2026

On Friday, EDB President & CEO Michael Catsi, CEcD, DFCP presented to the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (WEDFA) Board on the economic landscape of Pierce County.

Our region's Gross Regional Product has grown from $30.5B in 2011 to $60B in 2025. Population is on track to reach 1 million by 2035. And our labor force, nearly 500,000 strong, continues to grow, anchored by a diverse industrial base spanning manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, clean energy, and maritime.

That's the economy we're building — and the case we made.

The conversation with WEDFA isn't just about telling our story. It's about strengthening the bridge between Pierce County businesses and the financing resources they need to grow.

04/20/2026

We're pleased to welcome Betty Baublits to the EDB as our new Director of Investor Relations.

Betty brings deep regional expertise and a career built on strengthening the connection between successful businesses and thriving communities. Most recently, she served as Director of the Pierce County Economic Development Department (2018–2026). Her background also includes serving as CEO of the Bellevue and Renton Chambers of Commerce, Economic Director for the City of Renton and Assistant Director for the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

As she steps into this new chapter, Betty joins us with a clear and shared conviction: that supported businesses are the foundation of strong communities. Her commitment to strengthening communities and her deep knowledge of our region make her a natural fit for the EDB team.

We're thrilled to have Betty joining us and look forward to the expertise and relationships she brings to this work. Welcome to the EDB, Betty.

04/03/2026

Over the past five years, Tacoma-Pierce County has seen:

• 4,000+ jobs created or retained
• $252M+ in capital investment
• Nearly $1B in annual economic activity

These results reflect coordinated work across public and private partners to support business growth and strengthen our local economy.

Learn more in our 2025 Annual Report: https://bit.ly/EDB2025AR