Community
New Standards for State Airports
Governor Inslee announced new standards for all commercial airports in Washington state. The governor also issued recommendations for airlines flying into our state. These measures were put into place to protect the health and safety of employees and passengers who must travel during the pandemic. However, the approach is not all that different from what…
Read MoreCommercial Rent and Mortgage Assistance
Limited funding is available, as with other programs. In this case, $7.75 million is available for rental and mortgage assistance. According to Tacoma Weekly, the demand will be higher than the allotted funding. Qualifications As with the forgivable loans for small businesses in Pierce County, businesses must meet certain qualifications including: Being physically located in…
Read MoreWildfires Temporary Assistance
While my biggest complaint is a bit of a sore throat from the smoky air, there are those who are dealing with so much more from the wildfires. Thursday, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation for DSHS to expand temporary assistance. The Department of Social and Health Services will be expanding benefits in response to damage from…
Read MoreAir Quality Poor Due to Fires
Unhealthy air quality means suggestions for staying inside this weekend. If Covid and wild fires were not enough for Pierce County businesses and residents to handle, now their air quality adds another layer to already trying times. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency recommends the community stay inside this weekend. Air quality is not suitable…
Read MoreGradual Return to In-Person Learning
Dr. Chen, director of health at Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, has introduced discussions with school officials about the gradual return to in-person learning for students. The Director of Health for Pierce County spoke with schools on Sept. 3, 2020. As a result, a letter was sent to school officials. Topics included: Access the full…
Read MoreLong Term Care Act
Washington is the first state to sign a Long Term Care Act into law. Governor Inslee has signed the LTC Trust Act into law, following approval in the House (55-41) and Senate (26-22). While there are certainly benefits to the idea of long term care insurance, since estimates say 70% of us will need it, this program…
Read MoreFree Covid Testing
Pierce County is bringing COVID-19 mobile testing to Fife on Tuesday, Sept 2. The testing is free and identification is not required. While on-site staff can help you register, filling out this form ahead of time can make things go faster. The free covid testing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday …
Read MoreI-5 Total Lane Closure Fife
The city of Fife has asked the Chamber to help spread the news. Plan a detour ahead of time so you can avoid the complete I-5 lane closure in Fife this weekend. While closed lanes, both north and southbound are not likely to make motorists happy, notable progress will be completed on the State Route…
Read MoreUnemployment/Lost Wages Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that Washington has been approved for a grant under a lost wages assistance program. For a quick summary, read the details below. For greater details on the LWA, visit FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance page. Update 8/24 Published 8/21: Unemployment continues to be a concern for Washingtonians. That’s no…
Read MoreChildcare Panel – Virtual
After our Zoom call with Kevin Alfano, Superintendent with Fife Schools, we decided on our next topic. Since the decision to operate schools remotely affects the whole community, our next focus is childcare. What are parents to do while working if their children are too young to be left alone? Childcare has always been a concern…
Read MoreCommunity Resource Guide & Directory
The 2020 Directory and Community Resource Guide is finally here. Best of all, it’s available, whether you want it digitally and/or in print! Of course, you’ll find some quick facts about our 3 communities and see information at a glance. Then you’ll find information on employment, education and housing. And even more important, you’ll have…
Read MoreZoom Call with Superintendent of Fife Public Schools
Who could have predicted that a global pandemic would mean a complete overhaul of how students are educated in our schools? To this end, who thought twice about the massive implications of what this new “home schooling” would bring? The Fife superintendent, Kevin Alfano, spent an hour with the Fife Milton Edgewood Chamber to answer…
Read MorePort of Tacoma Strategic Plan
Published Aug 4. Updated Aug 12 When you think of the Port of Tacoma, do you just think of the cargo that moves in and out of Tacoma, gigantic cranes, and the large shipping containers that you see on the back of trucks on I-5? The Port is so much more than that. They invest…
Read MoreGuidance for Long Term Care Facilities
The state has offered more guidance to anyone who has a loved one in long term care. Family members know the challenges of not spending time with that person. While it may be hard on visitors, the emotional strain on the resident is tremendous. Though social isolation leads to a mental health issue for many,…
Read MoreSchool Recommendations from Inslee
While educators and students are wondering what school recommendations will look like this year, the entire community wonders as well. What will happen with the schools with Covid? Previously, the Chamber brought Dr. Chen to a Zoom call after his recommendation that Pierce County schools operate remotely. Now Governor Inslee has offered his recommendations for…
Read MoreFME Community Schools Will Be Thru Remote Education this Fall
Update: Aug 6. Governor Inslee has announced a statewide plan for remote education in schools this fall. His decision reiterates Dr. Chen’s decision from a few days ago. No one seems particularly excited about the idea of remote, virtual learning for students in schools this fall. It’ll be hard on students, teachers, parents, employees and…
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