Chamber Newsletter
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Lakewood Chamber's Core Missions Promoting the Community Providing networking opportunities Representing the interests of business with government through political action Creating a strong local economy
Check out Our New Music Video and Share!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRqD5Cuh3Zk&feature=youtu.be |
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December 2011 What's Inside... |
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Message from the Chair of the Board
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November Ambassadors of the Month
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January General Membership Luncheon
Promote Your Business to New Army Personnel
Photo Galleries
New and Renewing Members!
AM Chamber Network
Military Affairs Meeting
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110% Club
Business Bits
State Short Takes
Federal Takes
Member Testimonials
Chamber Calendar of Events
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Message from the Chair of the Board
Wow! Where has the time gone? Thanksgiving is over and it’s on to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. I hope you found much to be thankful for this year. I have ~ and you, our terrific Chamber Members, have a lot to do with it. Our Membership, a dedicated board, committee members, Ambassadors and staff make this Chamber what it is and I am proud to be part of this business community.
Speaking of the holiday season, for those who donated or participated in the Annual Christmas Dinner and Auction, thank you! This is one of two primary fundraisers for the Chamber – and the funds are used to ensure we can continue to build on our programs and services. These “fun-raisers” are another great way to network – and a terrific source of non-dues revenue. I am also proud to note that we “raised the paddle” for the Lakewood Police Guild’s food drive to honor our Fallen Four. $9,675 was raised to support them and the Emergency Food Network. Thank you all for contributing!
If you are still shopping for that perfect holiday gift, remember, Shop Members First! Our local economy is still very fragile, and every bit of support that you can provide to our local (and especially small) business is very much appreciated. Your tax dollars collected in our communities means we will have the ability to provide essential first responders, pave our roads, and much more.
As we go into the New Year, I will be working (with your help) to find ways we can more effectively promote our member businesses. Your input will be essential, so please call or email me. I really do want to hear from you. If you haven’t participated in recent Chamber activities, I urge you to get involved!
From all our board members and staff at your Chamber of Commerce, we wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and a prosperous 2012!
Shawn Gagnon, Weinand & Associates, CPA’s
Chair of the Board of Directors
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General Membership Luncheon Thursday, January 5, 2012
Program:
Everything You Wanted to Know About the Lakewood Chamber* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)
Sponsored by: |
The wrangling in the Super Committee, which failed to reach a consensus by the November 23, 2011, deadline, demonstrates the ongoing political nature of taxes. As a general rule, Republicans are against raising taxes, while Democrats want to raise taxes on the so-called wealthy (many of whom are small business owners). This acrimony is not likely to disappear.
According to one KPMG survey, tax audits of businesses have increased. Corporate executives who were surveyed reported a 61 percent increase in federal tax disputes; 37 percent reported an increase in state tax audits.
The fate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 is uncertain. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought by the NFIB and 26 state attorneys general involving the constitutionality of the law. It will hand down a decision by the end of June 2012. In the meantime, businesses must still deal with the law.
Numerous tax rules are set to expire at the end of 2011. Likely, many will be extended, at least through 2012. However, action on extension may not occur until 2012 (i.e., extension will be retroactive to the start of the year). Some of the key provisions include:
The federal government is not the only government thirsty for more revenue. Many state and local governments are in dire need and are looking for any way to raise revenue. A number of localities are turning to gambling in order to generate more revenue, and the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute reports that gambling revenue is one the rise. Many are looking to institute online gaming. A bill to make New Jersey the first state to legalize online gambling was passed in the state legislature, but vetoed by Gov. Christie. The issue may be brought up again in New Jersey and in other states. Other states are expanding gambling venues (e.g., historic Saratoga Raceway in Saratoga, New York, added slot machines).
Employers in 20 states will be paying higher federal unemployment (FUTA) taxes. The reason: Their states borrowed from the federal government to pay for unemployment benefits and have not yet repaid the borrowed sums. As a result, employers in these states cannot use the full credit state unemployment taxes when figuring their FUTA liability. In 18 states (Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and Wisconsin, the credit is reduced by 0.3 percent; in Indiana, the credit is reduced by 0.6 percent; and in Michigan, the credit is reduced by 0.9 percent.
The estate tax rules are fixed only through 2012. This means that after 2012, the rules are set to revert to pre-Bush-era rules. Instead of the $5 million exemption that applies for 2011 ($5.12 million in 2012), the exemption will be only $1 million. Many believe that estate tax is particularly harsh for small business owners. If they die with estates (including their business interests) that are valued at more than the exemption amount, their families may be forced to sell off business interests to raise the funds to pay the estate tax. Often this results in the demise of some family-owned businesses.
Starting with the 2012 tax season, paid tax return preparers are required to e-file client returns if they expect to file more than 10 forms in the 1040 series and/or 1041 (the income tax form for trusts and estates). Thus, almost all individuals who use paid preparers will have their returns filed electronically.
Due to low interest rates used by the IRS, such as for penalties for underpaying estimated taxes, there is less incentive to avoid the penalties. For example, the IRS interest rate charged on underpayments in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 is only 3 percent. Thus, an owner of pass-through entity, such as an S corporation or limited liability company, who pays income tax on his/her share of business profits on the personal return likely will be paying less estimated taxes. Even if this results in an underpayment that is subject to penalty, the amount of the penalty (3 percent) is small compared with the value of retaining the cash that could be needed for cash flow.
America has a very complex tax system for business taxes. The U.S. ranks 69th out of 183 countries in complexity; it was 23 places better as recently as 2009. While other governments continue to reform their tax systems, ours continues to grow more complex as new tax rules are added year after year. The complexity serves as a disincentive for foreign capital to invest in U.S. companies. However, referencing the first trend in this article, politics and the compromises that it demands likely will help to keep the U.S. tax system complex.
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Photo Gallery
Blue Ribbon Cutting at Vac Now, LLC.
Blue Ribbon Cutting at Heritage Bank
Blue Ribbon Cutting at Buffalo Wild Wings
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Another way to get to know fellow Chamber Members in a casual format. Bring your business cards, coupons, brochures and samples for a fun show and sell opportunity.
A terrific way to shamelessly promote your products and services before you go to your place of business! At the same time, you can learn about the many networking, marketing and educational programs the Chamber has to offer.
Military Affairs Committee Meeting
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Promote Your Business to New Military Personnel
Let us promote your business at both Newcomers Orientations at Joint Base Lewis McChord in the Chamber's Information Goodie Bags supplied to all new personnel for the Army and the Air force! This outreach program will put YOUR information into the hands of between 250 - 500 new personnel and their families each month for only $250 a year!
Increase your businesses’ foot traffic with coupons and giveaways. You are encouraged to provide items that are useful and imaginative – discount coupons, magnets, rulers, calendars, etc. will be of more interest and use than a simple brochure.
For details, contact Scott Jonson at 253-582-9400 at the Chamber.
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Business After Hours at Affairs Chocolates & Desserts
"Lakewood Salutes"
Join us after our monthly Military Affairs Meeting on the Freedom Bridge to wave flags and salute our military men and women who serve and protect!
Ambassadors Christmas Party
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Welcome Our Newest Members!
Allure Boutique
Sharon, Jessica & Stefani James, Co-Owners
7304 Lakewood Drive W #5
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-472-0141
Consignment store for high end clothing.
Ardesson Shoe Repair & New Shoes
Alex and Karen Bennett, Owners
9635 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-588-8949
Shoe and leather repair ~ We do it all! Orthopedic insoles, all shoe care needs, new shoes.
Chase Homeownership Center
Timothy Pagel
6020 Main Street, Suite C
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-582-2340
Helping Chase Mortgage holders and soldiers on JBLM with homeownership isues.
Comcast
Sierra DeKay, Business Account Executive
440 Yauger Way
Olympia, WA 98502
253-549-6598
Provider of internet and phone service
Homes & Land Magazine
Cindy Duhamel, Publisher
P.O. Box 97382
Lakewood, WA 98497
253-380-9920
Publisher of multi-media marketing for all real estate businesses - Agents, offices and all home related products.
MAXI-SPACE Storage and Business Solutions
Bruce Bodine, President
9020 Lake Steilacoom Point Rd SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
253-572-9383
We rent storage, office, ware house, outside boat and RV parking and much more! We help businesses grow.
Narrows Plaza Bowl
Lee Greenfield
2200 Mildred Street W
University Place, WA 98466
253-565-1581
Glow bowling with lights & music. Party central. Full service lounge, snack bar. Check out the specials on our web site!
Miche Bag
Lourdes Beck, Independent Representative
2520 Shirley Street SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360-438-9190
The Miche Hand Bags are not like any other bag. When a lady must change the color of her hand bag, she simply changes the outside cover without removing any of the contents. One hand bag base is needed with endless possibilities of colors.
Reliable Able Willing Computers
Robert Sorell, Owner
5512 Oxalis Dr W
University Place, WA 98467
253-777-9229
Your business relies on your computers working efficiently and reliably. Don’t waste your time dealing with computer problems or loading them up and taking them in to be looked at. We can come to you or can work remotely to make sure your computers are helping your bottom line, not hurting it.
Vac Now, LLC
Joseph & Chrystal Kingsbury, Co-Owners
9625 Gravelly Lake Dirve SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-985-7681
Vacuum sales & service, central vacuum install, sales, service, general contractor, sewing repair.
Zyggi's Auto Shop, LLC
Zyggi Pankowski, President & Jeanette Pankowski, Vice President
3912 South 56th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-475-7405
Established 1991 and in business over 20 years. From transmissions to emissions and everything in between. ASE certified, quality craftsmanship and affordable.
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Thank you for Reinvesting!
35 Years and More Harold LeMay Enterprises, Inc. Puget Sound Energy Ranger & NW Airlifter Newspapers St. Clare Hospital
25 Years and More Clover Park School District Lakewood Towne Center Sound Glass Sales, Inc.
20 Years and More Dirk's Truck Repair Merit Construction Northwest
15 Years and More Columbia Bank Edward Jones-Bart Dalton Lakewold Gardens
10 Years and More Automotive Service Association Home Street Bank Kiwanis Club of Clover Park TwinStar Credit Union
5 Years and More Clover Park Education Association GEICO Local Office Lakewood Historical Society LaPalma Restaurant Liberty Inn Senator Mike Carrell Sound Transit Wal-Mart
1-4 Years A Steve's Professional Truck Mounted Adam's DJ Service Allied American University Capitol City Press Cobalt Mortgage Design Gallery Don Anderson -City of Lakewood Getting Personal Imprinting Indian Summer Golf Jason Whalen-City of Lakewood Lakewood Hardware Mary Moss-City of Lakewood National University Occasions Catering & Special Events PI Bank Print NW TM Athletics Travel Leaders/Travel Center Tveten's Automotive
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Who Says Business is Boring? (We're Not Your Father's Chamber!) We are looking to grow our organization and could use your referrals! We'd appreciate if you would share our name with your trusted business professionals - or you can always call Mary Ann Miller at 253-582-9400 with any recommendations! We thank you for your support!
Chamber Staff - Linda Smith, Scott Jonson, Mary Ann Miller
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Local & Business Bits
Check out Our New Music Video and Share! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRqD5Cuh3Zk&feature=youtu.be
Upcoming Lakewood United Schedule The Lakewood United group meets at 7 AM every Thursday at Burs Restaurant, which is located at 6151 Steilacoom Boulevard SW in Lakewood. The events for the next few weeks are as follows: December 15, 2011 – “CPTC Salmagundi: Five Clover Park Technical College Public Speaking Students Shed New Light on Past Lakewood United Topics” December 22, 2011 – “State of the School District” – Debbie LeBeau, Clover Park School District Superintendent December 29, 2011 – No meeting – Compliments of the Season There is a minimum charge at Burs Restaurant. Please ensure that you at least order a beverage if you attend the meeting.
We’re Fishing for Ideas…YOURS
Yes! We’re interested in what’s going on with your business. And so are other Chamber Members. Please pass this along to the person who maintains your mailing list and ask that they add
lsmith@lakewood-wa.com to your mailing list for story inclusion in the Chamber Newsletter. Thank you!
State Short Takes
Special session ends with down payment The second special session of 2011 wrapped up, taking a small chunk out of the state's nearly two billion dollar shortfall. The Senate approved a new “down payment” budget plan by a 42-6 vote. The plan provides a $480 million fix through a combination of cuts, transfers and delayed payments.
The plan includes savings of $50 million by delaying school bus payments by several months. Another part will delay new rules for mental-health assessments, which were expected to increase reliance on psychiatric care, saving about $23 million.
State agencies face a variety of cuts, including a 10% reduction in funding for administration at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Department of Ecology will also lose staff positions that will total savings of $2.6 million.
Clearly, much more needs to be done before the regular session in January of 2012. The state must look at reforming the way it currently operates before slashing vital programs and services and asking taxpayers to buy back those programs. Unless the Legislature can say that fraud, waste and abuse of public funds no longer exists in state government, we’ll have our work cut out for us next session.
State changes course, decides not to boost 2012 workers’ comp insurance rates For most employers, workers’ comp insurance rates won’t be going up next year after all. The state Department of Labor & Industries reversed course last week, announcing that it will hold overall rates flat rather than go forward with a planned 2.5 percent hike. Unemployment taxes will drop in 40 rate classes, as well.
Is the Redistricting Commission hopelessly deadlocked? The News Tribune is reporting that’s a possibility based on comments from Slade Gorton, a Republican member of the commission. Actually, Gorton used the word “impasse.” Democrat Tim Ceis told the paper that might be too strong, but agreed there are areas of disagreement. If the commission can’t agree on a plan to submit to the Legislature by Jan. 1, the Supreme Court will have two months to write its own plan.
Olympia leaders eye overhaul of Wash. Initiatives Political leaders in Olympia are considering an overhaul of the state’s popular initiative system, saying Thursday that voters need to be responsible for identifying the money that will pay for the policies they approve. AP in Seattle PI
Gregoire: Reform liquor board and lottery Washington should abolish the Liquor Control Board and see if a private company can do a better job of managing the state Lottery, Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday. JIM CAMDEN in The Spokesman-Review
Gregoire looking at privatizing state lottery Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said Thursday she is exploring whether to privatize the state’s lottery and highlighted other ways that her government is outsourcing duties. AP in KING 5 News
National
Millions for JBLM in defense bill
Congress passed a massive $662 billion defense bill Thursday after months of wrangling over how to handle captured terrorist suspects without violating Americans’ constitutional rights.
A last-minute compromise produced a truce, but lawmakers said the fight’s not over. The package includes $519 million for military construction projects in Washington State with nearly $300 million of that targeted for Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The money going to the local base would pay for $82 million worth of improvements to Army aviation facilities, $21 million for a new Special Forces training site and $56 million to replace the dated headquarters of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, one of the base’s three Stryker combat brigades.
The Army has spent $1.7 billion building up Lewis-McChord over the past 10 years, and the money in the defense bill suggests the improvements will continue despite tough talk of cutting budgets on Capitol Hill. “We’d love to count on it,” said Lewis-McChord garrison Chief of Staff Tom Knight, referring to the $296 million in the defense bill. “That’s what we’re anticipating.”
The Senate voted 86-13 for the measure and will send it to President Barack Obama for his signature. The bill would authorize money for military personnel, weapons systems, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and national security programs in the Energy Department for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The legislation is $27 billion less than Obama wanted and $43 billion less than Congress gave the Pentagon this year, a reflection of deficit-driven federal budgets, the end of the Iraq war and the drawdown in Afghanistan.
In a rare show of bipartisanship, the House voted 283-136 for the measure Wednesday. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said Thursday the cooperation was a “little ray of sunshine” in a divided Washington.
Testimonials!
Mike Larson with ALLEN Realtors says: ALLEN Realtors has been a member of the Lakewood Chamber since 1971. It's a terrific way to stay connected with and to support the local business community. It's a sound business investment and a lot of fun!
Kieran & Sherri Murry, Kieranslist.com, Inc says: The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is an incredible place to connect with other business leaders and share your business with the community. The small but effective staff do a wonderful job of welcoming you to the Chamber family. I believe the Lakewood Chamber sets themselves apart from other organizations because they actively participate in making a difference in their community and the businesses they represent. Of all our affiliations I can proudly say we are "at home" with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Our involvement with the Chamber has been extremely rewarding and we look forward to being a long time member.
Mac McDonald & Pat Terry, McTerrys Creating Balance Wellness Coaching says: We operate a very successful Wellness Consulting business in Lakewood and have to attribute a lot of our success to the connections and networking the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has afforded. The Chamber is extremely proactive in their outreach programs to keep the community informed of what is happening not only in Lakewood but also with the extensive Military population. They continue to work for small businesses on the political front and are constantly vigilant on our behalf at the State Capitol in Olympia. We have never had the opportunity to work with such a positive, on purpose office as the Lakewood Chamber. The return on investment is tremendous as the financial bottom line will certainly show significant improvement with increased business. |
110% Club! Add an additional 10% of your annual dues to belong to the 110% Club. We thank the following businesses for their support!
ACC-Tech Bohns' Biz Brink & Sadler, CPAs COINFORCE.com, LLC Colonial Life - Kathryn Drake Sales Representative Columbia Bank Commercial Driver Services, Inc. Country Kennels Dirk's Truck Repair Down Under Diva Ed Selden Carpet One F. James Weinand & Associates Grand Prix Raceway Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center John Korsmo Construction Inc. Lakewood Hardware & Paint Inc Lakewood Historical Society & Museum Lakewood Professional Fire Fighters Lieutenant General (RTD) (US Army) William (Bill) H. Harrison Lobban Photography Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant - Cynthia O. Brown Mountain View Funeral Home Northwest Abatement Services, Inc. Pioneer Services, A Division of MidCountry Bank Quality 1st Pest Control Tijuana Taco Windermere Professional Partners - Jimi Couture
November Ambassadors of the Month!
Platinum
Dee Ebsen
Heritage Bank
Gold - Tied
Tandra Vandenberg Costco - Tacoma
Wild Bill Jones
USANA Health Sciences
Silver
Tammy Steele
Mary Kay Independent Sales Director
October Ambassadors of the Month!
Platinum
Vincent Trent
AFLAC
Gold
Carolyn Osborne
Creative Forces
Silver
Wild Bill Jones
USANA Health Sciences
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December Calendar
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Th 1
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5:30 pm
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Annual Christmas Auction | $25 Prepaid |
Great American Casino
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Th 8
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11 am
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Executive Committee
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Cafe Banana
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Th 8
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Noon
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Board of Directors
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Cafe Banana
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| T 13 | 7:30 am | AM Chamber Network | complimentary | Great American Casino |
| Th 16 | 5:15 pm | Blue Ribbon Cutting @ Vac Now LLC | complimentary |
9625 Gravelly Lake Drive SW |
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T 20
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8 am
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Military Affairs Meeting
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Cost of breakfast
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Burs Restaurant
- 6151 Steilacoom Blvd |
| M 26 | Chamber Office Closed | |||
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W 28
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8 am
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Ambassadors Club
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Chamber Office
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4650 Steilacoom Blvd
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January Calendar
| M 2 | Chamber Office Closed | |||
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Th 5
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11:30 am
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General Membership Luncheon
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$20 prepaid/$30 at the door
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Great American Casino
10117 South Tacoma Way
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T 10
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7:30 am
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AM Chamber Network
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complimentary
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Great American Casino
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| Th 12 | 11 am | Executive Committee | Cafe Banana | |
| Th 12 | 12 noon | Board of Directors | Cafe Banana | |
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T 17
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8 am
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Military Affairs Meeting
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Cost of Breakfast
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Burs Restaurant
6151 Steilacoom Blvd SW
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| W 25 | 8 am | Ambassadors Club | Chamber Office |