2014 Women of Influence

Women of Influence Jean Carr, Principal of SCJ Alliance Robin Lucas, Founder/CEO ShowCase Magazine Denise McCluskey, Mayor, City of University Place & West Coast Regional Manager, Milburn Academy Mary Pontarolo, Executive Director of SafePlace Julie Tappero, Founder/CEO of West Sound Workforce

Lifetime Achievement Award Lois Bernstein, Senior Vice President of MultiCare Health System

Rising Star Rosie Martinson,

Presented by

Creator of TacomaWorkingMom.com

Jean Carr is one of three partners who started Thurston County professional services firm SCJ Alliance, now headquartered in Lacey. Despite forging through the depths of the recent recession, SCJ has grown from a firm of three employees to a firm with nearly 60 workers in three offices, with a stable of awards to its credit — both for its portfolio and for its atmosphere as a great place to work.

SCJ co-principal and nominator Amy Head lauded Carr as “a force” in all respects: in business, family and the community. Not bad at all, considering that, according to Carr herself, she didn’t pursue her original career goal.

“I wanted to be a doctor,” Carr said. “For a long time, I thought the only wat to really make a difference was to be a doctor and help people heal and stay well. Unfortunately, I didn’t have

the confidence when I was in college to even try for that dream.

“I don’t regret my decisions or where I have ended up,” she continued. “I know now that I can make a difference for people in lots of ways — creating a place to work and working on projects that positively impact communities are just a few of the great ways I get to do that.”

And with SCJ’s handiwork visible throughout the region, Carr finds great fulfillment in having a hand in the growth around her.

“When I drive through Thurston County, it gives me great satisfaction to see many projects where I’ve been a part of the progress in my community,” she said. “Creating connections, providing a platform for jobs, helping our economy and taxes ... I love being a part of creative visions through conversations and in helping translate those visions into reality.”

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Congratulations to all of the nominees and finalists who represent the finest professionals in our community.

Asked if she ever thought she’d be doing what she does now, Robin Lucas said no.

“It is a great question,” said Robin Lucas, founder and CEO of Edgewood-based ShowCase Magazine, which offers insights on the art, cuisine and lifestyle scene in South Puget Sound. “I never planned all the great things that have happened in my life. I just have taken time to invest in a life that is balanced and, therefore, offers me time and space to give back.”

Certainly, the path Lucas took to her current career hasn’t been direct. Starting out in human resources and staffing after working two jobs to put herself through college, she said that, while she kept earning promotions, the field wasn’t a fulfilling one.

Fortunately for her, a fateful phone call changed her trajectory.

“I took time off and literally fell into the pub-

lishing world 17 years ago,” Lucas recounted, “when I called a magazine for a subscription.

And the lady that answered said, ‘You have a nice phone voice. Do you have a degree?’

“I answered, “Yes,” and she told me that she was being transferred and that I should apply for her job in sales. I started a week later on a path that has become my passion.”

That passion has blossomed into a multimedia company, with a print magazine, website, email news blasts, and a team of 11 women pulling it all together. Nominator Rachael Costner, herself a Women of Influence nominee in 2012, called Lucas an “icon” in the South Sound, noting not only her drive and professionalism, but also her sincerity and generosity — both of which, Costner wrote, Lucas is known within her community.

Robin Lucas Founder/CEO of ShowCase Magazine

Denise McCluskey knows all about helping a community grow.

Regional manager at the Foreign Language Training Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord by trade, McCluskey is also mayor of the City of University Place, where she’s noted as a collaborative leader who inspires others to achieve.

“Her passion for leading is evident through contributions in volunteering and giving back to communities,” wrote a deuo of nominators about McCluskey. “She is a strong advocate for women’s leadership, soldier and veteran appreciation, the growth of businesses, and local economic development ... She motivates entire communities through her own exemplary leadership combined with expertise in project management and human resource de-

velopment.”

McCluskey is also a tireless volunteer and supporter of groups that better the places where she lives and works. Besides her work with America’s warriors, she also supports the local historical society, UP for Arts, Scouting, Association of the U.S. Army and other groups in the community.

And while the avenues McCluskey found herself taking weren’t necessarily the ones she’d envisioned herself on before her career took shape, she has embraced every challenge with open arms, fueled by a mantra that has driven her to keep achieving.

“Dream, envision, plan and do it,” answered an enthusiastic McCluskey when asked for her advice for others.

Oh, and in case the collaborative model breaks down, she’s a black belt in karate, too.

Denise McCluskey Mayor, City of University Place & West Coast Regional Manager, Milburn Academy

Mary Pontarolo is a respected leader in the South Sound as the executive director of Olympia nonprofit SafePlace. Crusading against sexual and domestic violence, Pontarolo lists among her organization’s accomplishments the creation of services geared toward minorities and non-English speakers in the area.

“SafePlace is the only agency of its type in Washington state that provides state certified and accredited community empowerment education training on sexual and domestic violence in Spanish for the Spanish speaking community,” Pontarolo explained.

Her list of individual accomplishments is equally impressive; among them is her part in helping found the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and her service for a decade as its executive director. She was one of the architects

of the “Refuse to Abuse” educational campaign against domestic violence that the Seattle Mariners continue to use in conjunction with the Coalition.

Surprisingly, though, Pontarolo began her career battling a different sort of threat.

“I started my professional work with the U.S. Forest Service as a firefighter and then as a public information officer,” Pontarolo said.

“It was my experience in working side by side with the Native American women of Okanogan County that sparked my interest in civil rights, social justice and equality that led me to work in the field of sexual and domestic violence.”

She may not have initialy stepped into the cause she now champions, but according to Pontarolo, it’s never too late to find the career you’re meant for.

“Find your passion,” she said. “Stick with it and learn from your mistakes — no matter what comes your way.”

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Julie Tappero, president and CEO of West Sound Workforce, founded and built her enterprise from the ground up.

West Sound Workforce, a state and federally certified staffing company that has put well over 5,000 people to work in Pierce and Kitsap Counties, has called Gig Harbor home since the company’s inception in 1998. West Sound’s longevity and success are both milestones Tappero cherishes, as is her hand in helping form the Alliance of Women Owned Businesses in the South Sound.

“Several years ago, I became aware of the Women Business Owners in Seattle,” Tappero said. “And (I) thought to myself, wouldn’t it be great if there was a group like that in this part of the Puget Sound to support women entrepreneurs?

“So in February 2010, I sent an email to some

women I knew owned their own businesses, invited them to a meeting to explore the idea, held my breath and hoped, not knowing if anyone at all would show up.”

Fifteen women took her up on her offer, and seven of them volunteered at that first meeting to “help move the ball down the field,” in Tappero’s words. Months later, when AWOB held its first official meeting — with Sleep Country USA founder Sunny Kobe Cook as keynote speaker — 75 women showed up to participate. AWOB continues to flourish today, thanks in large part to Tappero’s guidance and leadership.

She credits television news anchor Tom Brokaw for an inspirational quote that keeps her compass pointed the right direction: “It’s easy to make a buck,” Brokaw said. “It’s a lot harder to make a difference.”

Julie Tappero Founder/CEO of West Sound Workforce

From your team at West Sound Workforce Congratulations, Julie!

Proudly supporting the Puget

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With a passion for her community, Lois Bernstein is motivated by a mission to help others.

That combination has played out in the South Sound for more than 16 years, both in her professional role as senior vice president of MultiCare Health System and as a tireless volunteer.

A judging panel named her 2014 Woman of Influence, Lifetime Achievement. But when she was notified of the honor, Berstein said, “I hope this doesn’t mean I have to retire now.”

Clearly, she has much more on her to-do list — and many nonprofit agencies, as well as her employer, would be just fine with that outlook.

Bernstein’s MultiCare responsibilities include marketing, communications, philanthropy and government affairs, as well as direct supervision of several services like Center for Healthy Living,

Adult Day Health, Adventures Children’s Center and Tree House. Beyond her employment, she volunteers on the board for Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts and Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, where she is the only non-governmental representative.

“I’ve always felt that it is important to give back to the community where you live,” Bernstein said, “so I would describe myself as a person committed to making things better.” As for challenges that she has faced, “my height” is her answer. And she went on to tell of a fellow board member who once said, “Wow, I didn’t realize how short you are. You come across as a much taller person,” considering her energy and accomplishments.

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A dedicated entrepreneur who says she “was born to help people,” Rosie Martinson is the 2014 Rising Star Woman of Influence.

As busy a woman as you’re ever going to find in the South Sound, Martinson is certainly not lacking on credentials. You can find Martinson, the creator of TacomaWorkingMom.com, on her blog, at her day job, organizing and running half-marathons or leading a PTA committee.

By trade, she is an employee of Sound Physicians. But she also counts among her duties and passions an active volunteering slate for local charity events, as well as her role as mother to four boys in a blended family.

She admits she is driven, hard-working and proactive, using her positive attitude to never lose hope.

Martinson was three years into her drive to become the first in her family to earn a college degree when she became a single mother.

When the child was six months old, she returned to full-time work and night school classes to achieve that goal.

And somewhat ironically, her unplanned status as a parent became the core of her blog that shares local events, tips, recipes and other items about motherhood.

This Rising Star has also volunteered with Gilda’s Club to support patients and families dealing with cancer, including chairing the upcoming annual luncheon in Tacoma Nov. 5.

Martinson has also been volunteer race director for Tacoma Undy 5000, a fun run and 5k race on behalf of Colon Cancer Alliance.

Rosie Martinson Creator of TacomaWorkingMom.com

Sound Physicians would like to congratulate colleague

Rosie Martinson

for receiving the 2014 Rising Star Women of Influence Award!

Thank you for making a difference in our community.

You make us proud!

Hospital Medicine - the way it should be

South Sound Source for Business, known as the Book of Lists, is the definitive resource guide for professionals and includes more than 75 lists from a variety of industries updated throughout the year.

ASSOCIATIONS

2012 Rank Rank Association 1 2 Back Country Horsemen of America PO Box 1367 Graham, WA 98338-1367 2

2

0

1

Phone | Fax Web site Gen Co Email

Ranked by number of members.

(360) 832-2461 | (360) 832-1564 BackCountryHorse.com ExecSecretary@backcountryhorse.c om

Association of Washington Business (360) 943-1600 | (360) 943-5811 PO Box 658 AWB.org Olympia, WA 98507 members@awb.org 3 5 Washington Restaurant Association (360) 956-7279 | (360) 357-9232 510 Plum St SE Ste 200 WArestaurant.org Olympia, WA 98501 news@warestaurant.org 4 7 American Institute of Architects WA (360) 943-6012 | (360) 352-1870 Council AIAwa.org 724 Columbia St NW Ste 120 info@aiawa.org Olympia, WA 98501 5 8 WA Fire Commissioners Association (360) 943-3880 | (360) 664-0415 PO Box 134 Wfca.wa.gov Olympia, WA 98507 6 11 Tahoma Audubon Society (253) 565-9278 2917 Morrison Road West TahomaAudubon.org University Place, WA 98466 Contact@TahomaAudubon.org 7 10 Tacoma-Pierce County Association of (253) 473-0232 | (253) 473-0535 Realtors TPCAR.org 2550 South Yakima Ave Ste C Tacoma, WA 98405 8 NR WA Association of Realtors (800) 562-6024 | (360) 357-6627 PO Box 719 WARealtor.org Olympia, WA 98507 comment@warealtor.org 9 14 WA State Society for Healthcare (253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043 Engineering WSSHE.org PO Box 6906 aminc2@comcast.net Tacoma, WA 98417 10 12 Master Builders Association of Pierce (253) 272-2112 | (253) 383-1047 County MBAPierce.com 1120 Pacific Ave Ste 301 info@mbapierce.com Tacoma, WA 98402 11 13 WA Chapter American College of (253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043 Cardiology ACCWA.org PO Box 6906 aminc1@comcast.net Tacoma, WA 98417 12 17 WA Food Industry Assn (360) 753-5177 | (866) 478-2696 PO Box 706 WA-food-ind.org Olympia, WA 98507 info@wa-food-ind.org 13 21 WA State Assoc of Broadcasters (360) 705-0774 | (360) 705-0873 724 Columbia St NW Ste 310 WSAB.org Olympia, WA 98501 wa-broadcasters@earthlink.net 14 16 Olympia Master Builders (360) 754-0912 | (360) 754-7448 1211 State Ave NE OMB.org Olympia, WA 98506 info@omb.org 15 15 Automotive Service Association of WA (253) 473-6970 | (253) 473-6940 7403 Lakewood Dr W Ste 7 Asawa.com Lakewood, WA 98499 jeff@asawa.com 16 NR Thurston Co Realtors Assoc (360) 491-3910 | (360) 491-1347 510 Stoll Rd SE ThurstonCountyRealtors.org Olympia, WA 98501 tcr@thurston countyrealtors.org 17 20 Greater Seattle Chapter Int'l Facility (253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043 Mgrs Association IFMASeattle.org PO Box 6906 aminc2@comcast.net Tacoma, WA 98417 18 23 World Trade Center Tacoma (253) 396-1022 | (253) 396-1033 950 Pacific Ave Ste 310 WTCTA.org Tacoma, WA 98402 info@wtcta.org 19 26 Community Bankers of Washington (360) 754-5138 | (360) 754-2517 504 14th Ave SE Ste 100 CommunityBankers-WA.org Olympia, WA 98501 brad@communitybankers-wa.org 20 27 Fairweather Lodge No. 82 (253) 476-4368 | (253) 476-4368 5001 S "I" St Fairweather82.com Tacoma, WA 98408 genty@nventure.com 21 28 Commercial Relocation network (253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043 PO Box 6906 Officemovingcrn.com/ Tacoma, WA 98417 aminc3@comcast.net

4

22 23

24 25

4

29 Graham Business Association PO Box 163 Graham, WA 98338 NR BOMA South Puget Sound 5727 Baker Way NW Ste 200 Gig Harbor, WA 98332

NR Tacoma Executives Association (253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043 5727 Baker Way NW Suite 200 TacomaExec.com Gig Harbor, WA 98417 laura@aminc.org NR WA Independent Telecommuniatio ns Assn (360) 352-5453 | PO Box 2473 (360) 352-8886 WITA-Tel.org Olympia, WA 98507 wita@wita-tel.org

26

NR EWI PO Box 112332 Tacoma, WA 98411

27

NR WA Association of Area Agencies Aging

28

(360) 832-2451 | (360) 832-1564 GrahamBusiness.org peg2@mashell.com (253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043 BOMASouthPugetSound.org becky@aminc.org

(253) 404-0891 ext 11 | (253) 404-0892 EWI-tacoma.org ewitacoma@gmail.com On

4419 Harrison Ave NW Olympia, WA 98502 NR Foss Waterway Owners Association 5727 Baker Way NW Ste 200 Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Ranked by number of members Information is based on data

then by year established.

provided by a representative

(360) 485-9761 | (206) 842-3518 AgingWashington.org (253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043 Katie@AMInc.org

Figures as of September

2013.

Members Year Est Employees Mission Statement Products 13,000 To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of Top Exec(s), Title 1973 horses in American back country Government advocacy, 0 to work to ensure public lands and wilderness areas and education, volunteer Leave No Trace Peg Greiwe, Executive work on trails. remain open to recreation stock use.

Secretary 8,100 To create an economic climate in which private sector 1904 employers, the people they Advocacy employ, & citizens can be 36 successful Don Brunell, Pres 5,500 Helping our members succeed.

1929 Leading business association 30 states hospitality industry. representing the Anthony Anton, Pres/ 2,300 CEO AIA|WA serves our members 1894 government with regard to through influencing state issues that impact the practice Advocacy before the state government, AIA 6 of architecture.

Stan Bowman, contract documents, health insurance group Executive Director 1,800 To inform, educate, represent, lead and serve fire districts 1948 of Washington state in the Education for elected officials preservation and protection & fire district 5 life and property. of administrative personnel, Roger Ferris, legislative 1,500 Executive Secretary representation, information To conserve and restore natural resource 1969 birds, other wildlife and their ecosystems, focusing on Educational programing, habitats for the benefit of conservation 2 humanity and the earth's biological Krystal Kyer, advocacy, recreational bird watching diversity.

1,100 Executive Director To serve as a resource center 1906 for the mutual benefit of real and local political advocate Education, legal hotline, estate tech agents and their clients. mediation, helpline, 4 Wanda Coats, govt affairs advocacy, news, Executive Officer special events 1,100 To serve as a resource center 4 the mutual benefit of Realtors & local political advocate for & their clients Jan Ellingson, Pres $7 billion 716 Dedicated to serving and promoting the health care 1988 engineering profession.

Quality education Lianna Collinge, CAE, CEO $6 billion 700 Promote the interest of home building industry through 1945 membership involvement, Trade Association - Home Bldg Industry.

6 education while striving to legislative action, networking and Community involvement, Tiffany Spiers, Exec maintain the highest ethical health insurance, standards.

Officer government advocacy $5 billion 601 Advocate for quality cardiovascular care 14through 1993 education, research promotion, Advocacy, tools & resources, application of standards and development and Lianna Collinge, CAE, workforce, health information education, guidelines. technology CEO

Export & Import Market 55% change from 2010-2012

2010

Dedicated to protecting and independent grocery industrypromoting the interests of the Workers' Comp Retrospective in Washington state through effective legislative and regulatory Jan Gee, Pres & CEO Program; Monthly Workplace Rating advocacy before state $3 billion government.

Webinars and Workshops; Safety Training Monthly Newsletter & Regulatory Alert To advance the interests of the broadcasting industry and to enhance the ability of stations to serve their communities Legislative & congressional advocacy, Mark Allen, Pres$2 professional education seminars & billion and CEO conferences To improve the construction climate in which it operates. industry and the business Home shows, Tour of Homes, government Laura Worf, Executive affairs representation, networking events, Officer $1 billion health insurance program, Dedicated to improving the etc. the success of its members automotive service industry and Medical and Garage Keeper Insurance, Retro Jeff Lovell, Pres & Safety Program, Diagnostic, Consulting, Website & BusinessManagement Technology, 465 $0 Attorney Services Serve as a resource center and local political 1948 advocate the mutual benefit of real estate for Real estate items and tools of trade education. Rebecca agents and their clients 2 Service to members Jarvela, 290 Executive Officer To create an environment that supports the diverse 1994 membership of IFMA and encourages Meetings and events to educate each members' and network Lianna Collinge, growth in the areas of facility CAE, management most important to them as an individual.

CEO 187 Programs designed to stimulate international trade.

1987 Events, networking, trade research, technical Anthony Hemstad, 4 assistance 135 Pres/CEO To be the unified resource exclusively for the independent 1989 community banks in Washington Advocacy for banks at State State. legislature; 2 John Collins, Pres/ provides members with professional Exec Director education opportunities, access 82 and services at favorable pricing.to products To be recognized as a relevant 1892 committed to attracting and and respected fraternity, retaining all men of high quality Freemasons of Washington fraternal 2 who strive for self improvement Kevin Gent, Secretary organization and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community.

70 To create a network of leading Office & Industrial relocation 2003 experts that deliver best in Business referrals in USA; education of best Lianna services worldwide. We areclass corporate relocation practices.

Collinge, CAE, customers by delivering highfocused on building referral CEO quality cost effective commercial relocation solutions 65 Better businesses make a better community.

1975 Monthly meetings with business speakers. 3rd Peg Greiwe, 0 Wed / month @ 7 a.m.

Executive 57 Secretary To represent and promote the interests of BOMA members 1940 through leadership, advocacy Advocacy, member firm cross promotion and Lianna Collinge, 0 development. This chapter and professional networking CAE, for building owners and managers. is about building success for owners and commercial property CEO managers.

56 Pierce County's premier networking organization.

1917 To strengthen each member 0 Lianna Collinge, CAE, purchasing from and referringfirm by new customers CEO 17 to them.

Advance and promote an environment that enables its 1915 members to provide high quality services in response to the Non-profit trade association representing the Betty 2 needs of all their customers independent telecommunicatio Buckley, in an evolving communications marketplace. in the State of Washington. ns companies Executive Director 15 EWI brings together key individuals from diverse 1986 businesses for the purpose To be a professional organization of promoting member firms, that creates Debra Padden, 0 enhancing personal and professional value for its member firms Pres and their encouraging community involvement.development, and representatives through career development, 13 business connectivity Create communities supporting 1988 Enhance the effectiveness of people as they age.

Public Information and Education each AAA through a strong and 1 agenda of information, debate, Lori Brown Legislative Advocacy advocacy and education.

550 1935 5 550 1959 5 545 1984 5

2012

47%

14%

Agricultural Products

7%

Pulp & Paper

Waste & Scrap

All Other

28%

8%

Cement & Coal

For more information visit www.BusinessExaminer.com/BookofLists or call 253-404-0891.

31%

All Other

17%

Food Products

5% Intermodal

42,442.1 35,354.8 19,689.0 21,966.4 10,667.7

2008

Total tons in millions: 59.1 Source: Association of American Railroads

13% 10%

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2009

Rail Traffic in Tons (million s) Terminated in WA, 2010

Total tons in millions: 18.5 Source: Association of American Railroads

Lumber & Wood

Farm Products

18,556.0 17,925.7 13,067.3

2010

Blaine

Rail Traffic in Tons (million s) Originating in WA, 2010

10%

33,880.4 25,268.5

20,243.1 19,793.6 11,156.6

Lianna Collinge, CAE,

11%

Primary Metal Manufacturing

orne Trade by Port

27,945.7

Everett

BOOK OF LISTS

40%

/databook/ *Total imports and exports Note: All data is based on goods loaded or unloaded in Washington regardless of goods origin or destination.

Data for Washington goods 43,157.4 only are not available.

Tacoma

Care for city owned property

Computer and Waste and Scrap Electrical Products

Source: http://www.ofm.wa.gov

Sea-Tac Int’l Airport

Executive Director of each company or respective Web site. PCBE Inc. dba Business Examiner makes every attempt companies, or individuals or to imply a specific level of to publish accurate and factual quality in the companies listed.

Please send any updates, additions, information on its lists, however, accuracy can not be guaranteed. It is not the intent corrections, or deletions to of this list to endorse the participants, subscribe@businessexaminer.com.

Transportation Equipment

Top 5 Washington Waterb

Seattle

N/A

2011

25%

$4 billion

550 1899 4

10 2002 0

Facts

Top 5 Exports WA to China

4%

Chemicals

Intermodal

Farm Products

56%