Revalesio is scaling the future of neurology. They’ve doubled their sterile manufacturing space and partnered with local experts AST to install a cutting-edge isolator filling system. This upgrade fuels their critical stroke trials and establishes Pierce County’s only GMP-compliant drug manufacturing hub. By merging fluid physics with regional engineering, Revalesio is enhancing safety, efficiency, and supply-chain resilience. They’re not just treating ALS and stroke; they’re anchoring a South Sound medtech revolution to improve lives everywhere.   

Visit their website to learn more: Revalesio

UW Tacoma, Aquagga, ECT2, and the City of Tacoma have joined forces to eliminate “forever chemicals.” Their pilot at Tacoma’s Central WWTP used a “separate and destroy” method: foam fractionation followed by Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT). The results? Over 75% of PFAS was captured, and more than 99% of that was destroyed. This success proves that PFAS destruction in municipal wastewater is a reality, not just a theory. The team is now optimizing the process to scale this breakthrough and safeguard our water resources for the future.   

Learn more about their work: Aquagga

UW Tacoma’s new Strickland Fellowship for Career Pathways honors Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s legacy of workforce development. Partnering with Tacoma Public Utilities, City of Tacoma Environmental Services, and Degrees of Change, the program embeds engineering students in city departments for hands-on experience. This initiative transforms Strickland’s vision of a diverse workforce into reality, offering students paths into public works and utilities. Starting with civil engineering, the fellowship will soon expand across tech fields to cultivate home-grown talent and drive Tacoma’s future.   

Visit UW Tacoma’s website to learn more about this program: Strickland Fellowship for Career Pathways

Once a titan of coal and sandstone, Wilkeson is a gateway to Mt. Rainier defined by grit. When the historic Fairfax Bridge failed in April 2025, severing a vital highway, the town didn’t falter. They did not wait for help from outside; they joined together and got on with it. Led by Mayor Jayme Peloli, Wilkeson launched an initiative to revitalize the Carbon Canyon community. This isn’t just a recovery plan; it’s a bold investment in a resilient future, proving Wilkeson’s spirit is unshakeable.   

Visit the Wilkeson Historical District for more information on this campaign: Wilkeson’s Way Forward Campaign

Commencement Bank’s 4th-floor remodel of Commencement Bank Plaza is a masterclass in downtown investment. This expansion signals unwavering confidence in Tacoma’s urban core. By partnering with local powerhouses like JC Richards Construction, Ferguson Architecture, Patriot Fire, and X2 Capital, the Bank didn’t just build an office; it fueled a neighborhood. This project proves that building local drives prosperity. It’s a bold reinvestment in the South Sound’s vitality and a powerful testament to the thriving future of downtown Tacoma.   

Visit Commencement Bank’s website for more information: Commencement Bank

United Way, Sound Credit Union, and TAPCO brought the spirit of Jamie Strayers PBS’s Opportunity Knocks to life, empowering 500+ neighbors with vital financial tools. From eviction prevention to career coaching, the event provided immediate relief and lasting hope. One highlight: a widowed attendee refinanced an auto loan, slashing their rate by 5% and charting a new course toward homeownership. By bridging the gap between families and tailored resources, this partnership is doing more than balancing books, it’s building a more resilient, financially confident community for the long haul.   

For more on this initiative, visit Opportunity Knocks LIVE.

Washington Trust Bank is planting deep roots in the South Sound. With the 2024 opening of our Tacoma Financial Center and the acquisition of 1102 Commerce Street, they are transforming a 30,000-square-foot downtown landmark into a hub for commercial and private banking. While others consolidate or close, their investment signals unwavering confidence in Tacoma’s revitalization. By remodeling in the heart of the city, they’re turning 25 years of regional service into a permanent, physical commitment to the individuals and businesses driving Pierce County’s incredible future.   

Visit Washington Trust Bank for more information: Washington Trust Bank

Floor & Décor’s Frederickson Materials Distribution Center, opened in 2025 at Fred 310, marks a bold West Coast debut for this national leader. Spanning 1.1 million square feet with over 80 employees and growing, the facility is a powerhouse of regional commerce. Most impressively, it is the company’s first to pivot to green hydrogen. Through a partnership with Plug Power, the center uses zero-emission technology to fuel its warehouse operations. This investment isn’t just about logistics; it’s about setting a sustainable gold standard for industrial growth in the South Sound.   

For more information on Floor & Décor , visit their website: Floor & Decor

Headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, Kowa Company, Ltd. is a large, privately held Japanese multinational corporation founded in 1894. Operating across diverse industries including pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, and high-quality precision optics, Kowa expanded into Pierce County in 2025. The 317,000 sq, ft. operations in Fredrickson will include manufacturing and warehousing capacities that enhance its US presence. The successful recruitment of Kowa was the result of close collaboration among several regional partners who worked together to support site selection, permitting, utilities coordination, and international engagement. Kowa is currently recruiting workers.   

The Pierce County Mural Project turns blighted walls into vibrant landmarks. By transforming graffiti-prone county properties into canvases for local talent, this initiative fosters community pride while slashing maintenance costs. From the Sprinker Recreation Center Skate Park to the Election Center, four artists, selected by neighbors and the Arts Commission, have reimagined public spaces through cultural expression. These murals do more than deter vandalism; they anchor the neighborhood’s identity.  

Learn more about this initative at Pierce County Mural Project