Pierce County Economic Development Department and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce were each presented with a Golden Shovel Award at the EDB 2022 Annual Meeting for their work to create and administer the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program. Pierce County Economic Development Director Betty Capestany and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce CEO Andrea Reay accepted the Golden Shovels. They were joined on stage by representatives of the PCBA’s partners, including City of Lakewood (municipal partner), Asia Pacific Cultural Center, The Black Collective, Mi Centro, Tacoma Urban League and Korean Women’s Association.
Capestany also took the opportunity to reveal some impressive results. “Of the 200 participants who completed the program, 146 have accepted awards totaling more than $3 million,” she said.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of this important work,” Reay said. “Equitable economic development doesn’t just happen. This program shows that there’s nothing we can’t do together as a community.” Capestany said the County is taking steps to help more business owners and encouraged meeting attendees to come along for the ride. “We want to continue the PCBA program,” she said. “I welcome more people to become mentors and be part of these amazing stories and partnerships.”