The onset of the Coronavirus crisis caused Capitol Hill to take swift action and approve $2.2 trillion in emergency funding – widely discussed as the CARES Act. Businesses were promised their cut of resources to stay afloat in the form of partially forgivable, low-interest loans. Unemployed individuals were allocated an extra Read more…
Of course you’ve heard of solar energy but you haven’t yet seriously considered it as a solution for your business. Perhaps it seems like a hassle to figure out? Maybe you think it is too expensive? That’s it’s easier to just keep paying the electric bill? Whatever the obstacle, now Read more…
Upon receiving official guidance from the state regarding the latest mandatory mask requirement on July 7, the Chamber immediately notified our members. Staff has since had conversations with numerous business owners who are, to say the least, frustrated with the additional burden of enforcing the statewide ‘No Mask, No Service’ Read more…
To mask, or not to mask, that is not the question. As of July 7, Washington extended the No Mask, No Service requirement statewide. According to the state’s Coronavirus Response website, “Any of us can carry the virus and not realize we’re spreading it when we talk, cough, or sneeze. Face coverings Read more…
Mason Lake Recreation Area offers annual access to Chamber members and their employees. Mason Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful retreat with majestic trees towering over its campground and sunlight reflecting off the water, creating a picturesque location for outdoor fun. This gem was once designated for only Green Diamond Resource Read more…
It’s official! Mason County has been approved to move into Phase Three Reopening, effective on Monday, June 22. Here’s a quick video created by The Bellingham Herald showing what that means. Business sectors listed in Phase Three may reopen only AFTER the state publishes its guidelines for the specific sector and an individual business can Read more…
So far this year, celebrations have taken a backseat or been bypassed altogether because of Coronavirus. Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21 and it warrants its rightful moment in the sun. Contrary to popular opinion—it isn’t just another greeting card day. It’s a sincere observation that originated in Washington Read more…
Facebook Live is new venue Closures may have compromised the location, but the highly anticipated Music on the Estuary concert will continue. This year anyone can attend the annual fundraiser from virtually anywhere. The entire event will be broadcast on Facebook Live and takes place June 12-14 and does not require advance Read more…
Unemployment claims statewide reached 15.1% in April. Loan volume for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in Washington alone has climbed to $12.1 billion so far. With an olive branch extended, fraudsters are on the prowl. During May, both the Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) alerted Read more…
Recreation abounds with daycation options Memorial Day typically marks the beginning of a whirlwind summer season, packed with activities around the Olympic Peninsula. This year is admittedly different. Social distancing rules have forced closures and cancellations of events and locations alike. People are living in limbo waiting to find out Read more…