The SelectUSA Investment Summit Spinoff Events connect companies to promising business opportunities in the United States. On May 8^th, Tacoma organizations hosted 23 international companies from seven countries: Brazil, Finland, India, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan, represented by 27 senior executives ready, willing, and able to invest in our region. Participating companies had the opportunity to explore firsthand what new and varied options are available in the S Puget Sound, helping them to make informed business decisions.

The Tacoma event was a highly collaborative effort with numerous partners involved in the planning process. While the City of Tacoma took the lead in orchestrating the event’s logistics and overall coordination, several key Pierce County organizations contributed to its success. Partners included the City of Tacoma, Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County (EDB), Pierce County, Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier Tourism and Sports, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, World Trade Center Tacoma, Port of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Utilities, Pierce County Skills Center, and the University of Washington Tacoma.

The day was packed with speakers, tours and informative panels.  Speakers included a Welcome to Pierce County from Ryan Mello, County Executive, Pierce County and remarks from City Hall by Mayor Victoria Woodard.  Tours were taken of the Pierce Skills Center, The UWT Campus, Pt Ruston and a fantastic weather boat tour of the Port of Tacoma.  Two panels were assembled of business leaders over a luncheon and a business leaders forum to showcase local developments in the area.

The highlights of the day were definitely the Pierce County Skills Center tour as well as the boat excursion around the Port of Tacoma. The sun was out and so was the mountain!