East Pierce County Business Expo 2026: A Stronger Year for Local Business Connections

The second annual East Pierce County Business Expo has officially wrapped up, and this year’s event proved just how strong and connected our local business community continues to become. From entrepreneurs and service providers to families, community leaders, and residents from across East Pierce County, the Expo brought together an incredible mix of people eager to network, discover local businesses, and have some fun along the way.

With more than 45 vendors participating, attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries, services, and artists all under one roof. The Expo showcased the diversity of our local business economy, featuring everything from creative professionals and home services to wellness businesses, nonprofits, retail vendors, and interactive experiences. Whether visitors came to make new business connections, learn about local resources, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, there was truly something for everyone.

Attendees also enjoyed plenty of food, giveaways, swag, and prize opportunities throughout the event. Our featured food vendors helped with complimentary samples. Guests lined up for delicious, tender ribs from Longhorn BBQ, while Puerto Vallarta served up homemade churros along with fresh chips and salsa.

Many vendors reported meaningful conversations, new leads, and strong community engagement throughout the event. For local entrepreneurs, opportunities like this are more than just networking events, they are an investment in long-term community and economic development.

We are incredibly grateful to every vendor, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee who helped make this year’s Expo such a success. The enthusiasm, energy, and support shown throughout the event are exactly what make East Pierce County such a great place to live and do business.

If you missed the event or want to revisit some of the highlights, you can explore our full vendor list and photo gallery on our website.

Sponsored By: Pierce County Business Accelerator, Pierce County Economic Development, City of Sumner, Cascade HR, Goods Automotive, MadCap Marketing, Tarragon Property Services, Pierce Transit, Stoneking Design, Sunrise Village, South Sound Business

Special Thanks: Sarah’s Celebrations, DJ iRoc, Jeff Evans Interactive Magic, Amanda Howse Photography, Sign Dog & Knutson Farms

Main Street Is Thriving in Puyallup and Sumner: How Local Entrepreneurs Are Strengthening the Valley

By Xavier Finch, Comcast Business

There’s a quiet confidence building across the Puyallup Valley’s small business community. It shows up in the storefronts downtown, the family-owned businesses along Main Street, and the entrepreneurs choosing to invest in communities where local ownership still shapes daily life.

Both Puyallup and Sumner have true Main Streets. Downtown Puyallup, centered around Meridian and Meeker, and historic downtown Sumner, anchored by Main Street and the charming walkable business district near the Sounder station, are home to independent restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, salons, professional services, and community gathering spaces that define the region’s identity. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and events like the Washington State Fair help create the kind of foot traffic that keeps small businesses strong year-round.

Organizations like the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce continue to support that momentum through business advocacy, networking, leadership development, and local promotions that help entrepreneurs grow. In communities where relationships matter, chamber leadership plays a major role in helping small businesses succeed.

Nationally, 57% of aspiring entrepreneurs say they plan to launch a business this year, even if economic conditions aren’t perfect. Puyallup and Sumner reflect that same entrepreneurial spirit. As some of Pierce County’s fastest-growing communities, both cities continue to attract small business owners who serve residents, commuters, and the broader South Sound economy.

This new generation of entrepreneurs is reshaping what business ownership looks like. They’re opening restaurants, wellness studios, contractors’ offices, boutiques, professional services, and digital-first ventures that still depend heavily on strong community relationships. Many are first-time owners choosing to invest close to home and build something lasting.

At the same time, the reality of running a small business has changed. In 2026, success requires more than a great product or friendly service. Business owners need to be AI-ready, cybersecurity-aware, and comfortable using technology to manage operations, customer relationships, and long-term growth.

That can feel overwhelming when owners are also balancing staffing, inventory, finances, marketing, and customer experience. Technology should simplify that work, not create new barriers. When connectivity is unreliable or systems aren’t secure, growth becomes harder.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way.

With the right technology foundation in place, small businesses can spend less time worrying about infrastructure and more time focused on customers and community. Reliable internet, built-in security, and scalable solutions help businesses operate smoothly while staying ready for tomorrow.

At Comcast Business, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs across Puyallup, Sumner, and the greater South Sound. Our goal is to help businesses grow with confidence by providing technology solutions that scale alongside their ambition.

Main Street in the Puyallup Valley isn’t making a comeback; it never left. With the right support systems in place, local entrepreneurs can continue to strengthen downtown and keep these communities vibrant for years to come.

Xavier Finch is an Account Executive for Comcast Business serving Puyallup and Sumner. He may be reached at xavier_finch@comcast.com or (360) 999-8793

Adapted from a template article provided by Comcast Business.

Ribbon Cutting for Cascade HR

Wednesday evening we had the pleasure of welcoming Cascade HR as our new neighbors, as they move in to the Chamber Office building in Downtown Puyallup.

The afternoon kicked off with coffee from Hitchin’ Vibes Coffee truck, and food provided by Teresita’s Kitchen food truck. The turnout was amazing, with so many community members attending to welcome Cheyanne and her employees to the area.

Located on the other side of our building, we are happy to have such incredible new neighbors. Welcome Cheyanne and crew, we’re happy to have you!

📍323 N Meridian, Puyallup WA

May Ambassador of the Month: Jennifer Wang

We want to take a moment to highlight one of our amazing ambassadors: Jennifer Wang

Jenny is the owner and head coach of Akasha Aerial Arts, an award winning fitness and dance studio, combining strength, passion, and art. We went behind the scenes to watch their class rehearse for their recent show: Labyrinth of the Adventure, described as "a wicked twist on the classic film Labyrinth told through circus and aerial arts".

Talking with Jenny, she expressed how proud and grateful she is for the many awards she has received since opening in Spanaway 5 years ago. Such as the Best of Pierce County:

- Best Women Owned Business (2025)

- Best Fitness Center/Gym (2025)

- Best Summer Camp (2024)

"I really, really, love the awards that we have won locally, because they are community driven. It has been so amazing that we have been able to win so many awards, so thank you so much."

Jenny expressed her interest in becoming an ambassador for the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce comes from wanting to connect deeper with the people around her. To connect with others and help them grow alongside her. Giving back to her community is something that makes Jenny shine the most, when you talk to her, you can tell she has a deep rooted passion for creating opportunities for collaboration across the community.

The moment you walk into the studio, you feel right at home. Akasha Aerial arts is inclusive to all backgrounds, ages, and body types. Entering is like a portal to another world, allowing you to escape from real life just for a bit, to express yourself through dance. You truly get the sense of community and can form long lasting relationships here amongst your peers.

Thank you Jenny for helping so many of us come out of our shells, and for being an incredible ambassador.

Akasha Aerial Arts offers so many opportunities for you to get out and get moving, from aerial skills on hoops and hammocks, to yoga, mobility, and even craft activities. Visit their website to get started today.

Wake Up at the Washington State Fair Events Center

The Puyallup Sumner Chamber stopped by the Washington State Fair Events Center for Wake Up on April 16, 2026.

With the Spring Fair in full swing, we were lucky enough to be hosted in the Expo Hall, where we enjoyed some delicious Fisher Scones. The turnout for this Wake Up was incredible, with almost double the usual amount of people we see at these morning networking events!

The business card raffle was all sorts of fun, with prizes like Spring Fair tickets (includes 6 rides!) and a beautiful Washington State Fair themed gift basket, picture below.

With new and old faces alike, we appreciate the fair for hosting us. We want to thank their kind staff member, T, for directing us to the event. First thing we noticed upon entry was the brand new beautiful water feature. We know last years Spring Fair was a hassle with construction going on in the middle of it, but it looks absolutely amazing, and it was definitely worth it.

Thank you for your hospitality, here’s to 36 years of Spring Fair fun, and over 125 years of Washington State Fair fun!

wASHINGTON STATE fAIR GIFTBASKET RAFFLE PRIZE

FISHER SCONES OFFERED TO GUESTS