University Place Businesswoman Earns Prestigious Award For Community Efforts

Patricia Mannie, marketing manager for the Community Supported Parks and Recreation, as well as owner and proprieter of Patricia and Co.:Clever Marketing, Positive Results is the real deal. 

This local businesswoman and longtime University Place resident is the first recipient of the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber's, "You Make A Difference Award" for extraordinary community service and effort.

The funny part? Mannie didn't even know the award was coming when she attended the chamber's August Wake Up! business meeting.

"I was so shocked to receive the award and very humbled," she said. "It is a pleasure working hard in the University Place community, and I enjoy meeting and working with all the business people, planning events and raising money for a terrific organization – the University Place Community Supported Parks & Recreation."

And that she does. Mannie has raised substantial funds for the t and created, planned, and executed the first this past July. She has also helped with the planning of four other local events.

All of this has happened in less than six months.

The real deal indeed.

I had the opportunity to chat with Mannie about her service to her community and vision for our city. I walked away not only impressed, but also inspired and energized. I think you will be, too.

Patch: Congratulations on your award! How did you find out you won this award?

PM: Thank you. I attended the August Wake UP! meeting of the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber. This is the monthly meeting for the University Place/Fircrest division of the Chamber. Randy Walden, (the president of the University Place/Fircrest Chamber) presented the award to me during the meeting and I was so surprised. This was the first time the You Make A Difference award was given by the Chamber.

Patch: What does this award mean to you?

PM: Oh, I am just enamored. The award is heartfelt and I appreciate being recognized for my hard work with the University Place Community Supported Parks & Recreation.

Patch: As a business and community leader, what is your vision for University Place?

PM: My vision is to create a business friendly environment and to get more business owners and managers involved. Each month there are networking events, fundraising events or community events they can get involved in. Either monetarily through the non-profit or they can attend the many community events we host. I am positive the more they get involved; they will see business grow!

Patch: Tell us about your upcoming projects.

PM: We have a fabulous coming up on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. This is a FUN-draising event for the University Place Community Supported Parks & Recreation, supporting the youth and senior citizens in our community. We have tables available for $400.00 for a table of eight or $50.00 per person. You will not want to miss the VIP Pancake flip!

We also have a Dinner with the and the supporting the on Oct. 13 and our annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on Dec. 3. We will be hosting a Get Local vendor event (similar to the one we held this past July) as part of the Christmas tree Lighting event along with the lighted trees, choir, Santa Claus and candy for the kids.

Patch: What is the best part of living and working in University Place?

PM: The beautiful neighborhoods, the access to beachfront, the people who make a difference. I really enjoy getting to know the business owners at the stores and businesses I patronize.

Patch: What advice would you give fellow citizens on how they can make a difference in University Place?

PM: I would encourage my fellow citizens to get more involved and begin volunteering! I have many opportunities for business owners, managers and residents to participate or attend our upcoming community events. Being involved really shows the community that you care and you meet lots and lots of great people!