Chamber, Partners Convene Legislators for Annual Legislative Sendoff
The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, the North Mason Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Council of Mason County convened nearly 60 business, government, and nonprofit leaders on Monday, December 1, for the annual Legislative Sendoff at Alderbrook Resort & Spa. The county-wide forum provided a focused opportunity for the business community to hear directly from Senator Drew MacEwen and Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture as they prepare for Washington’s 2026 short legislative session.
Organizers opened by emphasizing why short sessions matter. Washington operates on a two-year budget cycle, and even-numbered years bring a 60-day session dedicated to supplemental adjustments rather than rewriting full biennial budgets. Short sessions move quickly and tend to focus on refining existing policies, advancing bills carried over from the prior year, and responding to timely needs in communities and industries, changes that can directly affect permitting timelines, workforce availability, infrastructure funding, and the cost of doing business.
The Chambers and Mason EDC then presented a unified set of 2026 legislative priorities designed to strengthen Mason County’s competitiveness. They emphasized the importance of a predictable tax and regulatory environment, robust investments in infrastructure that enable economic development, and workforce programs aligned with high-demand careers. Four priority projects were highlighted for their potential to unlock job growth: the SR 3 Freight Corridor in Belfair, Mason Lake Recreation Area acquisition, the Mountainview Pressure Zone Reservoir in Shelton, and grid resilience improvements for Mason PUD 1.
With the regional framework established, KMAS Radio’s Jeff Slakey moderated a discussion that walked through several topics central to Mason County’s economic success. Legislators began by acknowledging the pressures employers experience amid persistently high business costs. Speaking from firsthand experience, Representative Travis Couture described the challenges of Washington’s current business and occupation tax structure, remarking, “It is tough out there, and we have to think about the little guy.”
Senator Drew MacEwen noted that rising operating costs put continued pressure on companies to stay and grow in Washington. “When costs keep rising, it becomes harder for businesses to stay and grow in Washington,” he said, adding that fewer lawmakers today have experience running or managing a business, experience that helps ensure policy keeps economic realities in view.
Infrastructure and site readiness were also central points of discussion. Representative Dan Griffey underscored the importance of improving freight mobility, power distribution, broadband capacity, and reliable water service to support job-creating expansion. “When businesses say they need to move goods faster and more economically, we have to listen,” Griffey said. He added that renewed site-readiness grants and ongoing planning with local utilities improve Mason County’s ability to compete for large projects. Griffey also shared his intent to reintroduce legislation addressing copper theft, an increasingly costly challenge for utilities working to deliver essential power and communications infrastructure.
Workforce and education alignment remains a continuing focus for employers. Couture emphasized the value of career and technical education that equips graduates with job-ready skills, while Griffey encouraged ongoing collaboration between industry, community colleges, and regional partners to expand access to local, family-wage jobs more quickly.
Housing supply and permitting capacity were discussed as critical to supporting workforce retention and business growth. MacEwen and Couture noted that the cumulative impact of fees, regulations, and lengthy permitting processes can make it harder to build new housing and commercial space, particularly in rural areas. Legislators stressed the importance of transparent and predictable permitting to ensure communities are prepared for growth tied to major regional investments, including those bringing additional workers to Mason County in the years ahead.
As the short session begins, the delegation shared that several carryover proposals are expected to return, including bills related to retail theft that focus on concealment; legislation addressing the growing issue of copper theft; efforts to improve permitting efficiency and timelines; and supplemental budget decisions tied to statewide fiscal planning.
The business community is encouraged to stay engaged throughout the session by sharing perspectives with lawmakers early and often. Contact information for the 35th District delegation will be available for those who wish to follow up or offer input on issues affecting their business or neighborhood. Advocacy is a collective effort, and a unified voice from Mason County’s employers helps ensure local priorities are heard in Olympia.
The Legislative Sendoff was made possible with support from Green Diamond and Alderbrook Resort & Spa.
Together, the Shelton-Mason County Chamber, the North Mason Chamber, and the Mason EDC serve as the collective voice of the business community. At the Chamber, we make it a point to be at the heart of issues that shape our region’s economic future, including workforce development, quality of life, and civic engagement.
Download the 2026 Joint Legislative Priorities presented to the 35th District delegation.
Contact and Information About the Legislators
Senator Drew MacEwen
(R-Shelton)
(360) 786-7668
drew.macewen@leg.wa.gov
Senator Drew MacEwen has served in the Washington State Legislature since 2012, spending a decade in the House before transitioning to the Senate in 2023. He now serves as the Senate Deputy Republican Leader and sits on the Senate committees on Environment, Energy and Technology, Transportation, Labor and Commerce, and Rules. His legislative work centers on public safety, education reform, economic growth, tax relief, and government accountability.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Drew completed five submarine patrols aboard the USS Nevada and developed a strong connection to the region while stationed at Naval Base Kitsap. After completing his service, he settled in Mason County, where he founded Falcon Financial, Inc. and became managing partner of Mountain Lakes Capital Management LLC. His business experience also includes local investments such as The Dock in Port Orchard and 1889 Prime Steakhouse in Olympia.
Drew has long been active in the community. He is a former president of the Shelton Mason Chamber of Commerce and has participated in organizations including the Rotary Club of Shelton, the Mason General Hospital Foundation, Kitsap Medical Society, Love Inc., and St. David’s Parish. His advocacy on behalf of employers has earned recognition from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Association of Washington Business.
A graduate of Excelsior College and the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program, Drew lives in Shelton with his wife, Danelle. They have two grown children, both serving as Marines, and five grandchildren.
Representative Dan Griffey
(R-Allyn)
(360) 786-7966
dan.griffey@leg.wa.gov
Representative Dan Griffey is committed to advancing practical solutions that improve quality of life for the communities he serves. He currently serves as House Republican Whip and sits on three House committees: Community Safety, Justice and Reentry, where he is the assistant ranking member; Local Government; and Transportation. Through his work on these committees, he advocates for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and supports policies that strengthen public safety and promote accountability.
A lifelong Allyn resident, Dan began his career in public service as a volunteer firefighter at age 16 and was one of the youngest EMTs in Washington state at the time. He joined Central Mason as a professional firefighter in 1992 and served the community for 30 years before retiring in June 2022. He remains active in the community through continued volunteer service.
Dan and his wife, Dinah, have four children and five grandchildren.
Representative Travis Couture
(R-Allyn)
(360) 786-7902 travis.couture@leg.wa.gov
Representative Travis Couture brings a strong background in service, leadership, and public administration to his role in the Washington State Legislature. A U.S. Navy veteran, he patrolled the Pacific as a submariner aboard the USS Alabama and USS Nebraska, completing multiple strategic deterrence patrols before being honorably discharged in 2011 with numerous honors and awards. Following his military service, Travis worked as a program manager for a Fortune 500 company overseeing billions of dollars in assets and supporting operations at Naval Base Kitsap, and later served as Director of Operations for a nonprofit serving people with disabilities in Kitsap County, where he led more than 100 employees.
First sworn in as a state representative in 2023, he serves on the House Education Committee and as ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University and brings a personal perspective as a father of four to the challenges facing Washington families.
Travis and his wife, Julie, live in Allyn with their four children.
