Last month’s Tacoma Boating Industry Legislative Reception inside Foss Landing Marina’s dry storage facility, and co-hosted with NMMA, was a resounding success. It was well attended by members who got to hear from and mingle with House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, Representative Jake Fey, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Councilmember Dave Morell and Port of Tacoma Commissioner Deanna Keller. Both the Speaker and Rep. Fey acknowledged the importance of our industry to the state and the challenges we are facing. Dammeier spoke about the industry’s importance to the community as well as the impact of jobs we provide. Commissioner Keller shared exciting plans she is spearheading for a maritime skills academy. It is a partnership between the Port of Tacoma and Tacoma School District to develop and build a public school for maritime trades on the edge of the Port.
Special thanks to members Tarin Todd, Foss Harbor Marina and Shari Hall, Delin Docks and Dock Street Marina, for coordinating all the details and serving as emcees during the 3-hour event. A big thank you goes as well to Johnny Capshaw and his crew at Foss Landing who worked all day prepping the boathouse for the event.
