Smith will address the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's Military Affairs committee on Feb. 23rd.  The details are here at C-9

 We have 400 single soldiers returning from the war zone really soon and we want to place welcome baskets in each of their barracks rooms.  Can you help with snack donations or cash?  Chips. Pop.  Toiletries. Call Ken Swarner (253) 584-1212, or drop off at any Harborstone Credit Union.  Thanks!!

Although this story from Military.com is mostly a political report, the fact remains that military personnel are paid more than civilian federal workers. Here, at JBLM, 30% of paychecks in Pierce County belong to our servicemembers.  If you aren't doing everything to connect with military customers, then, why not?  Need ideas and inspiration, take a look at Swarner PR's Military Marketing 101 site.

A new award is potentially in the works to honor those businesses that create an environment of flexibility for military spouses or disabled vets in the workplace. Details of the plan are here at Army Times.

Gary Brackett gave a nice plug to Operation Baby Shower taking place Feb 13th in Lacey.  See the story here.  The event is in response to the huge baby boom taking place here this winter and spring.  Last year, 18,000 troops returned from the warzone, so Madigan Army Medical Center has turned into a baby factory.  The Tacoma Sub-Chapter of the Capt. Meriwether Lewis Chapter of AUSA is getting in on the gig, too.  See that story here.

  Do you have any idea the buying power a single soldier at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has?  
  First, take a look at the pay chart.
  Any where from $1645 to $2231 depending on rank and how long they've been in (between 2-4 years).  Now, consider this — no rent, no food costs, no medical.  It's practically pure spending cash.  How many 20 years do you know with that much cash inter pockets?
   Thirty-percent of all paychecks cashed in Pierce County come from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  
   Start connecting with single soldiers today in your business.  

 The Ranger newspaper's Ken Swarner, publisher, has been named the new DuPont Sub-chapter President for the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
   "I am inviting all DuPont businesses and residents to join me in getting this sub-chapter off the ground.  We will actively support the 62nd Medical Brigade, as well as be the point team for the Chapter's Single Soldier Barracks program," Swarner said.  "You can reach me atpublisher@ftlewisranger.com."

Here is a copy of the new Growth study on JBLM.  It may answer questions for business about the future o the military bases.  Also look to the Ranger and NW Airlifter newspapers for the next several weeks as we pick through the study and present the information to the general public.

Follow our report also online at www.northwestmilitary.com.

The local Association of the United States Army has a new Facebook fan page.  Stay abreast of what local business leaders are doing to support the troops right HERE.