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Hearty welcome from the community

Two chambers and a business offer military support

Photography by Bill Timnick

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Local businesses and their chambers of commerce strengthen the relationship between Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.

“The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates all that our troops and their families sacrifice to keep us from harm’s way and to protect our way of life,” wrote Linda Smith, president and Chief Executive Officer, in an email.

Not to be outdone, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce also extends a warm welcome to the military.

The committee maintains relations with local community members, business and the installations wrote Gary Brackett, president of the chamber.

Of note, both chambers host a Military Affairs Committee, where businesses and military counterparts meet and discuss specific needs and programs to ensure the health and welfare of all involved.

On a bit more local level, the Lakewood Chamber is working to ensure that the families of the deployed soldiers are supported.

For example, the chamber and the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), 2nd Infantry Division, worked together to create an Adopt-A-Company Program to bring the brigade and the city closer together.

“We spearheaded this adoption project and had a successful evening at City Hall,” wrote Smith.

On a large scale, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has for the past 20 consecutive years has visited the Pentagon and Congressional offices to discuss military and community issues.

For more information on the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s work, visit www.c-9blog.blogspot.com.

And speaking of community, the Lakewood chamber will sponsor its first ever Honoring Our Military Event (HOME) celebration during the afternoon of Saturday, September 5.
“Many of our troops are looking at deployment this summer and fall – and their families need all the extra support our community can offer,” continued Smith.
The program will feature music and dance entertainment, live radio promotions, interactive booths with games, displays, a bounce house.

Of special note is that chalk artist Steve Platt will design a military themed piece of art.

The chamber also works closely with officials at McChord Air Force Base.
It sponsored the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Rodeo’s icebreaker event several weeks ago.

Over 2,000 rodeo competitors attended an evening of “cold beer, hot cars, good food and great music – an all-American events that was a huge success,” said Smith.
While the two chambers are steadfast in the support, a number of local businesses do so as well.

Of note is Leroy Surveying & Engineers Incorporated.

“We are very strong supporters of the military and what it does for us,” said Bill Creveling, principal engineer, during a telephone interview.

A full-service, multi-disciplinary firm recognized as one of the Northwest’s most efficient, expert providers of private and public development services.

“We’ve just begun to work with Fort Lewis officials,” continued Creveling.

“We also look forward to working with the leadership at McChord.”

Lakewood and Tacoma – as well as other localities – extend the hand of welcome to the soldiers and airmen who serve this country.

For more information about the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, call 253.582.9400; the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 253.627.2175.

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