2014 Women of Influence

resented byP

Women of InfluenceJean 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

Rising StarRosie Martinson,

Creator of TacomaWorkingMom.com

Lifetime Achievement AwardLois Bernstein,

Senior Vice President of MultiCare Health System

Jean CarrPrincipal of SCJ Alliance

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Jean Carr is one of three partners who start-ed Thurston County professional services firm SCJ Alliance, now headquartered in Lacey. De-spite 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 atmo-sphere as a great place to work.

SCJ co-principal and nominator Amy Head lauded Carr as “a force” in all respects: in busi-ness, 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 through-out 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 econ-omy and taxes ... I love being a part of creative visions through conversations and in helping translate those visions into reality.”

Robin LucasFounder/CEO of ShowCase Magazine

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

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, cui-sine and lifestyle scene in South Puget Sound. “I never planned all the great things that have hap-pened 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 multime-dia company, with a print magazine, website, email news blasts, and a team of 11 women pull-ing 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 com-munity.

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 exem-plary 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, Scout-ing, 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,” an-swered 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.

Mary Pontarolo Executive Director of SafePlace

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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 or-ganization’s accomplishments the creation of ser-vices 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 Span-ish for the Spanish speaking community,” Pon-tarolo explained.

Her list of individual accomplishments is equal-ly impressive; among them is her part in helping found the Washington State Coalition Against Do-mestic 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 ca-reer 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, so-cial 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.”

Julie TapperoFounder/CEO of West Sound Workforce

From your team at

West Sound

Workforce

Congratulations, Julie!

Proudly supporting the Puget

Sound Business Community since

1998 -‐ Celebrating 6000 successful

job placements!

Certified

Pierce County Office(253) 853-3633

www.westsoundworkforce.com

Quality Staffing Firm, proudly supporting the

Puget Sound Business Community since 1998-

Celebrating 6000 successful job placements!

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

West Sound Workforce, a state and feder-ally 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 Tap-pero 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 entrepre-neurs?

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

women I knew owned their own businesses, in-vited 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 Tappe-ro’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 Bro-kaw 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.”

Meetings & ConferencesAwards Shows

Benefit Auctions and more...

[email protected]

IF YOU CAN THINK IT,

WE CAN DO IT!

Lois BernsteinSenior Vice President of MultiCare

With a passion for her community, Lois Ber-nstein 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 profes-sional 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 Cen-ter and Tree House. Beyond her employment, she volunteers on the board for Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Broadway Center for the Per-forming 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,” Bern-stein said, “so I would describe myself as a per-son 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 ac-complishments.

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for receiving the 2014 Rising Star Women of Influence Award!Thank you for making a difference in our community.You make us proud!

Rosie Martinson

Sound Physicianswould like to congratulate colleague

Rosie MartinsonCreator of TacomaWorkingMom.com

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 cer-tainly not lacking on credentials. You can find Martinson, the creator of TacomaWorking-Mom.com, on her blog, at her day job, orga-nizing and running half-marathons or leading a PTA committee.

By trade, she is an employee of Sound Phy-sicians. But she also counts among her du-ties 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 col-lege degree when she became a single mother. When the child was six months old, she re-turned 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 oth-er 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 di-rector for Tacoma Undy 5000, a fun run and 5k race on behalf of Colon Cancer Alliance.

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

Rail Tra�c in Tons (millions)Terminated in WA, 2010

56%

17%

5% Farm Products

All Other10% Cement & Coal

8% Food Products

Chemicals

Intermodal4%

$7 billion

$6 billion

$5 billion

$4 billion

$3 billion

$2 billion

$1 billion

$0

AgriculturalProducts

Computer andElectrical Products

Waste and Scrap Primary MetalManufacturing

TransportationEquipment

201220112010

Top 5 Exports WA to China55% change from

2010-2012

25%

47%

14% 40%

*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 only are not available.

Top 5 Washington Waterborne Trade by Port

Seattle

43,157.4

27,945.7

20,243.1

19,793.6

Tacoma

Sea-Tac Int’l Airport

Blaine

Everett 11,156.6

33,880.4

25,268.5

18,556.0

17,925.713,067.3

42,442.1

35,354.8

19,689.0

21,966.4

10,667.7

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

20102009

2008

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

11%

Rail Tra�c in Tons (millions)Originating in WA, 2010

31%

28%

13%

7%

10%

Intermodal

All Other

Waste & Scrap

Lumber & Wood

Farm Products

Pulp & Paper

Export & Import Market Facts

ASSOCIATIONSRanked by number of members. Figures as of September 2013.Rank2012Rank Association

Phone | FaxWeb siteGen Co Email

MembersYear Est

Employees Mission StatementProducts

Top Exec(s), Title

1 2 Back Country Horsemen of AmericaPO Box 1367Graham, WA 98338-1367

(360) 832-2461 | (360) [email protected]

13,0001973

0

To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment ofhorses in American back country and wilderness areas andto work to ensure public lands remain open to recreationstock use.

Government advocacy, Leave No Traceeducation, volunteer work on trails.Peg Greiwe, ExecutiveSecretary

2 4 Association of Washington BusinessPO Box 658Olympia, WA 98507

(360) 943-1600 | (360) [email protected]

8,100190436

To create an economic climate in which private sectoremployers, the people they employ, & citizens can besuccessfulAdvocacy

Don Brunell, Pres3 5 Washington Restaurant Association510 Plum St SE Ste 200Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 956-7279 | (360) [email protected]

5,500192930

Helping our members succeed. Leading business association representing thestates hospitality industry. Anthony Anton, Pres/CEO

4 7 American Institute of Architects WACouncil724 Columbia St NW Ste 120Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 943-6012 | (360) [email protected]

2,3001894

6

AIA|WA serves our members through influencing stategovernment with regard to issues that impact the practiceof architecture.Advocacy before the state government, AIAcontract documents, health insurance group

Stan Bowman,Executive Director

5 8 WA Fire Commissioners AssociationPO Box 134Olympia, WA 98507

(360) 943-3880 | (360) 664-0415Wfca.wa.gov 1,8001948

5

To inform, educate, represent, lead and serve fire districtsof Washington state in the preservation and protection oflife and property.Education for elected officials & fire districtadministrative personnel, legislativerepresentation, information resource

Roger Ferris,Executive Secretary

6 11 Tahoma Audubon Society2917 Morrison Road WestUniversity Place, WA 98466

(253) [email protected]

1,5001969

2

To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing onbirds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit ofhumanity and the earth's biological diversity.

Educational programing, conservationadvocacy, recreational bird watchingKrystal Kyer,Executive Director

7 10 Tacoma-Pierce County Association ofRealtors2550 South Yakima Ave Ste CTacoma, WA 98405

(253) 473-0232 | (253) 473-0535TPCAR.org 1,1001906

4

To serve as a resource center and local political advocatefor the mutual benefit of real estate agents and their clients.Education, legal hotline, tech helpline,mediation, govt affairs advocacy, news,special events

Wanda Coats,Executive Officer

8 NR WA Association of RealtorsPO Box 719Olympia, WA 98507

(800) 562-6024 | (360) [email protected]

1,1004

To serve as a resource center & local political advocate forthe mutual benefit of Realtors & their clients Jan Ellingson, Pres9 14 WA State Society for HealthcareEngineering

PO Box 6906Tacoma, WA 98417

(253) 265-3042 | (253) [email protected]

7161988

Dedicated to serving and promoting the health careengineering profession. Quality education Lianna Collinge, CAE,CEO10 12 Master Builders Association of PierceCounty

1120 Pacific Ave Ste 301Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 272-2112 | (253) [email protected]

7001945

6

Promote the interest of home building industry throughmembership involvement, legislative action, networking andeducation while striving to maintain the highest ethicalstandards.

Trade Association - Home Bldg Industry.Community involvement, health insurance,government advocacyTiffany Spiers, ExecOfficer

11 13 WA Chapter American College ofCardiologyPO Box 6906Tacoma, WA 98417

(253) 265-3042 | (253) [email protected]

6011993

Advocate for quality cardiovascular care 14througheducation, research promotion, development andapplication of standards and guidelines.

Advocacy, tools & resources, education,workforce, health information technologyLianna Collinge, CAE,CEO

12 17 WA Food Industry AssnPO Box 706Olympia, WA 98507

(360) 753-5177 | (866) [email protected]

5501899

4

Dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests of theindependent grocery industry in Washington state througheffective legislative and regulatory advocacy before stategovernment.

Workers' Comp Retrospective RatingProgram; Monthly Workplace Safety TrainingWebinars and Workshops; Monthly Newsletter& Regulatory Alert

Jan Gee, Pres & CEO13 21 WA State Assoc of Broadcasters724 Columbia St NW Ste 310Olympia, WA 98501(360) 705-0774 | (360) [email protected]

5501935

5

To advance the interests of the broadcasting industry andto enhance the ability of stations to serve their communitiesLegislative & congressional advocacy,professional education seminars andconferences

Mark Allen, Pres &CEO

14 16 Olympia Master Builders1211 State Ave NEOlympia, WA 98506

(360) 754-0912 | (360) [email protected]

5501959

5

To improve the construction industry and the businessclimate in which it operates. Home shows, Tour of Homes, governmentaffairs representation, networking events,health insurance program, etc.

Laura Worf, ExecutiveOfficer

15 15 Automotive Service Association of WA7403 Lakewood Dr W Ste 7Lakewood, WA 98499(253) 473-6970 | (253) [email protected]

5451984

5

Dedicated to improving the automotive service industry andthe success of its members Medical and Garage Keeper Insurance, Retro& Safety Program, Diagnostic, ManagementConsulting, Website & Business Technology,Attorney Services

Jeff Lovell, Pres16 NR Thurston Co Realtors Assoc510 Stoll Rd SEOlympia, WA 98501

(360) 491-3910 | (360) 491-1347ThurstonCountyRealtors.orgtcr@thurston countyrealtors.org

4651948

2

Serve as a resource center and local political advocate forthe mutual benefit of real estate agents and their clientsReal estate items and tools of trade education.Service to members Rebecca Jarvela,

Executive Officer

17 20 Greater Seattle Chapter Int'l FacilityMgrs AssociationPO Box 6906Tacoma, WA 98417

(253) 265-3042 | (253) [email protected]

2901994

To create an environment that supports the diversemembership of IFMA and encourages each members'growth in the areas of facility management most importantto them as an individual.

Meetings and events to educate and network Lianna Collinge, CAE,CEO18 23 World Trade Center Tacoma950 Pacific Ave Ste 310Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 396-1022 | (253) [email protected]

1871987

4

Programs designed to stimulate international trade. Events, networking, trade research, technicalassistance Anthony Hemstad,Pres/CEO

19 26 Community Bankers of Washington504 14th Ave SE Ste 100Olympia, WA 98501(360) 754-5138 | (360) [email protected]

1351989

2

To be the unified resource exclusively for the independentcommunity banks in Washington State. Advocacy for banks at State legislature;provides members with professionaleducation opportunities, access to productsand services at favorable pricing.

John Collins, Pres/Exec Director

20 27 Fairweather Lodge No. 825001 S "I" StTacoma, WA 98408

(253) 476-4368 | (253) [email protected]

821892

2

To be recognized as a relevant and respected fraternity,committed to attracting and retaining all men of high qualitywho strive for self improvement and the opportunity tomake a positive difference in their community.

Freemasons of Washington fraternalorganization Kevin Gent, Secretary21 28 Commercial Relocation networkPO Box 6906Tacoma, WA 98417

(253) 265-3042 | (253) 265-3043Officemovingcrn.com/[email protected]

2003To create a network of leading Office & Industrial relocationexperts that deliver best in class corporate relocationservices worldwide. We are focused on building referralcustomers by delivering high quality cost effectivecommercial relocation solutions

Business referrals in USA; education of bestpractices. Lianna Collinge, CAE,CEO22 29 Graham Business AssociationPO Box 163Graham, WA 98338

(360) 832-2451 | (360) [email protected]

651975

0

Better businesses make a better community. Monthly meetings with business speakers. 3rdWed / month @ 7 a.m. Peg Greiwe, ExecutiveSecretary

23 NR BOMA South Puget Sound5727 Baker Way NW Ste 200Gig Harbor, WA 98332

(253) 265-3042 | (253) [email protected]

19400

To represent and promote the interests of BOMA membersthrough leadership, advocacy and professionaldevelopment. This chapter is about building success forowners and commercial property managers.

Advocacy, member firm cross promotion andnetworking for building owners and managers.Lianna Collinge, CAE,CEO

24 NR Tacoma Executives Association5727 Baker Way NW Suite 200Gig Harbor, WA 98417

(253) 265-3042 | (253) [email protected]

561917

0

Pierce County's premier networking organization. To strengthen each member firm bypurchasing from and referring new customersto them.Lianna Collinge, CAE,CEO

25 NR WA Independent Telecommuniations AssnPO Box 2473Olympia, WA 98507

(360) 352-5453 | (360) [email protected]

171915

2

Advance and promote an environment that enables itsmembers to provide high quality services in response to theneeds of all their customers in an evolving communicationsmarketplace.

Non-profit trade association representing theindependent telecommunications companiesin the State of Washington.

Betty Buckley,Executive Director

26 NR EWIPO Box 112332Tacoma, WA 98411

(253) 404-0891 ext 11 | (253) [email protected]

151986

0

EWI brings together key individuals from diversebusinesses for the purpose of promoting member firms,enhancing personal and professional development, andencouraging community involvement.

To be a professional organization that createsvalue for its member firms and theirrepresentatives through career development,business connectivity

Debra Padden, Pres27 NR WA Association of Area Agencies OnAging4419 Harrison Ave NWOlympia, WA 98502

(360) 485-9761 | (206) 842-3518AgingWashington.org 131988

1

Create communities supporting people as they age.Enhance the effectiveness of each AAA through a strongagenda of information, debate, advocacy and education.

Public Information and Education andLegislative Advocacy Lori Brown28 NR Foss Waterway Owners Association5727 Baker Way NW Ste 200Gig Harbor, WA 98332

(253) 265-3042 | (253) [email protected] 102002

0

N/ACare for city owned property Lianna Collinge, CAE,Executive Director

Ranked by number of members then by year established.Information is based on data provided by a representative of each company or respective Web site. PCBE Inc. dba Business Examiner makes every attempt to publish accurate and factual information on its lists, however, accuracy can not be guaranteed. It is not the intent of this list to endorse the participants,

companies, or individuals or to imply a specific level of quality in the companies listed. Please send any updates, additions, corrections, or deletions to [email protected].

2 0 1 4

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2014 Women of Influence