It has often been stated that Washington is one of the nations most trade dependent states, and that as many as 1 out of 4 Washington jobs are based on our global reach. In Tacoma-Pierce County, the activity of Boeing and the Port of Tacoma are close-up and personal.
We know how important the tens of thousands of jobs that come along with trade and transportation are to us. And we are perhaps a little more understanding of the global dynamics of competition.
Our region has benefited from the import of human intellectual capital in high tech and from the export of high tech software and equipment.
We find overseas markets for commodities, just as we help ship manufactured goods from abroad on to our nations consumers.
Unfortunately, in the highly charged 2004 pre-election rhetoric we are already hearing simplistic (facile) nostrums regarding trade and trade restrictions. The topic is often reduced to a them vs. us point of view that does not fully take into consideration the benefits of growing global capitalism.
One thing we know for certain, we must invest in critical infrastructure in our local area the security mechanisms, the rail and highway networks that enable our region to both compete and benefit.
To spotlight these issues, a special 2 -hour session on trade and transportation is being co-hosted by the U.S. Chamber, the Port of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.
The breakfast event on March 19 will bring together top experts and leaders to address key topics in the U.S. Chambers Trade and other Transportation report and current issues.
The Chamber of Commerce of the US published their excellent report Trade and Transportation A Study of North American Port and Intermodel System last year. It thoroughly reviewed critical elements of transportation and trade, but in the post 9-11 environment, it did not receive the attention it deserved. It skillfully explores the myths and realities of trade and transportation and draws on research that included our own Port of Tacoma.
If you are interested in learning more about the March 19 session, contact Gary Brackett, Chamber business and trade manager. And, if you would like more information on the US Chambers report on Trade and Transportation, an executive summary, table of contents and order forms are available at www/uschamber.com/ncf.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has long supported increased trade opportunities, transportation, investment and policy that would support economic growth in our region and globally. It is important to all of our futures.
David Graybill is president and CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. His column appears occasionally in the Index.
