Data Breech

The WA state auditor has announced a data breech that could have exposed 1.6 million Washingtonian’s personal information. If you applied for unemployment between Jan 1 and Dec 10 last year, then your info may have been exposed. The ESD struggled with fraud during the pandemic. This breech is in addition to the nearly 400,000…

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New Dashboard

A new dashboard has been released and with it, we are finally getting some better news. As of Monday, our community gets to move into Phase 2. The chamber let you know about the roadmap to recovery at the beginning of the month. Changes included moving from a county based plan to a regional plan.…

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Unemployment Taxes

Do you worry about unemployment taxes, especially after the roller coaster ride in 2020? As members of the Grassroots Alliance, the Chamber brings you opportunities to participate in their efforts. In November, the alliance advocated for local businesses. This week, we were sent the following invitation to us. We are extending it to you… We…

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Legislative Day & Hill Climb

Legislative Day & Hill Climb with AWB

The FME Chamber invites you to join us on a Legislative Day and Hill Climb with AWB. The event will be held virtually this year. While we are all tired of virtual meetings, this does make it easier to attend the event! Perhaps you have concerns about the climate package introduced by Governor Inslee or…

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Economic Horizons

The Tacoma Pierce County Chamber has asked us to share their Economic Horizons event with our members. This will be full of information beneficial to businesses throughout our community. Get the info you need for planning in 2021 at Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s virtual Horizons Economic Forecast ​Jan 27 • 9:00am-11:00am – Regional info on income,…

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Tacoma Maritime Innovation Incubator

A new organization, Tacoma Maritime Innovation Incubator, is great news for any local business involved in the blue economy. It could benefit not only the environment, but economic growth as well in our community. According to worldbank.org, the blue economy has the following definition. The Blue Economy is sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved…

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Free PPP Webinars

The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is providing both live virtual webinars and recordings of free PPP webinars. Funding is provided by funded by SBA and Washington State University. Live webinars will be held biweekly, as needed and recordings can be accessed at the WSBDC website. The next live virtual webinar will be on…

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Road to Recovery

Governor Jay Inslee announced a NEW Healthy Washington plan for the road to recovery. This new plan removes the old Phases of Reopening established back in May. Phased re-openings will no longer be done county-by-county. Instead, 4 healthcare metrics will determine the reopening for 8 regions. These metrics include: Infections decreased by 10% for 14…

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Understanding Newest Corona Relief Package – Two Webinars

Two webinars are happening this week to help with understanding the newest corona relief package. If you are wondering what the package means for your business, then tune in! The first is from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Join U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, Neil Bradley, and CO— Content Director, Jeanette…

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Minimum Wages 2021

With the new year, there are new minimum wages for 2021. According to Labor and Industries, the new minimum wage is $13.69 for hourly employees. Download L&I’s minimum wage workplace poster here. Future Minimum Wage Future minimum wage will be based on the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).…

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Rollback Extension (again)

The State rollback extension again has been extended and now lasts through January 11th. Read the full proclamation here. 

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New Stimulus Bill – PPP changes

Good news for small businesses with changes to PPP loans with the new stimulus bill. A $900 billion stimulus bill is now law. This stimulus bill includes significant updates to the Paycheck Protection Program. These changes apply to existing or new PPP loans. While the past changes were helpful, this makes the loan more beneficial to more…

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US Chamber: State of American Business

US Chamber: State of American Business webinar series

As members of the US Chamber, FME Chamber invites you to an exciting series titled State of American Business. During the 2nd full week of January, the US Chamber has a series of free webinars. Over the past year, our country has been challenged in ways few could have planned for, or even imagined. From…

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NFIB PPP and Covid 19 Webinar

Join NFIB’s PPP and COVID-19 experts, Beth Milito and Holly Wade, as they answer questions about: PPP forgiveness, including the latest from banks on the timing of application and acceptance COVID-19 updates and compliance resources for small business owners Congressional outlook for 2021, including 2nd PPP and extended COVID-19 paid leave CDC updates and state…

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No L&I Increase for 2021

Despite the havoc that Covid has unleashed, Washington Labor and Industries announced no L&I Increase for 2021. However, rate changes may apply, depending on the type of industry and the employer. This is the 4th consecutive year in which rates have stayed the same or actually decreased. Though projections for next year’s claims suggest rate…

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Sharing: Campaign from WA Retail Association

Contact Congress today     Retailers need federal stimulus NOW! Contact Congress today!       As the pandemic wages on, retailers need Congress to break through partisan gridlock before adjourning for the Holidays.    Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) calls it “inexcusable” for Congress to leave town without providing more relief. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said…

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