From Our Blog

New Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements: Essential Information for Your Business

Effective January 1, 2025, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) mandates that many businesses in the United States report specific information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This initiative aims to enhance corporate transparency and combat illicit financial activities. Businesses registered before January 2024 must file by January 1, 2025. Newly established businesses are required to file within 30 to 90 days of obtaining their business license. Who Must File? The CTA’s reporting requirements apply to: Read more…

The Power of Partnership: How the Chamber Helps Members Thrive with Google Tools

The Chamber is honored to be a certified partner of Google and the Grow with Google initiative, a program dedicated to providing access to training and tools that empower individuals to advance their careers and businesses. This partnership reflects the Chamber’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the business community. Recognized as a high-impact partner, the Chamber continues to leverage its resources and expertise to support local businesses and professionals in navigating the challenges of an ever-evolving economy. As Read more…

December Business After Hours

Santa’s Shipping Depot (AKA Zeppelin Shipping & Technology Center) will host Business After Hours on Wednesday, December 11 for a Grinchmas filled with networking fun, food, and prize giveaways! Drop in from 5:30-7:00p to socialize and connect with fellow Chamber members, local business owners, organizational leaders, elected officials, and friends. RSVP below. Business After Hours is a monthly event hosted at member businesses on the second Wednesday of each month as a complimentary member benefit. It’s designed to bring together local Read more…

Healing at Harmony Hill: A Community Retreat Center’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

For over 38 years, Harmony Hill Retreat Center has been a beacon of hope and healing along the quiet waterfront in Union It is a haven for people suffering from cancer – a place where those battling cancer, along with their family members, seek solace in nature, rediscover their identity, and find space to heal Many consider Harmony Hill much more than just a retreat center; it’s a lifeline when life has some of its most trying moments Harmony Hill Read more…

Unwrap the Magic: Using Nostalgia to Boost Holiday Sales This Small Business Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Cozy lights, warm smells, family nearby, and cheap gifts from big box stores, right? Not so fast! While the convenience of online giants can’t be denied, small businesses have a secret weapon: the power of nostalgia, tradition, and beloved memories. This holiday season, you can tap into those warm, fuzzy feelings to create a marketing campaign that truly resonates with your customers and beats big every time. Here’s how: Evoke the Spirit of Read more…

Andreas Mueller-Schubert presents AI for Business Webinar

On November 5, Andreas Mueller-Schubert, CEO & Chief Strategist of WSI Next Gen Marketing, presented an insightful and approachable Zoom webinar on AI and its far-reaching effects to Chamber and EDC members. Throughout his career, Andreas has focused on driving business innovations powered by the Internet. He strongly believes that making Gen AI accessible to all will transform how we work and enhance our quality of life. In this engaging session, attendees received answers to key questions about AI: Attendees, Read more…

Business Navigator: Meet Juanita Brown

The Chamber is excited to work with Juanita Brown, Business Navigator for Mason County. Juanita is excited to engage with the Mason County community, where she plans to support local businesses and schools. Her initial strategy involves meeting with every business and educational institution to understand their priorities and explore partnerships focused on workforce development. As a Business Navigator, Juanita aims to assist businesses in creating sustainable workforce pathways like On-The-Job training (OJT) and the UpSkill Initiative She believes this Read more…

Legislative Sendoff Set for December 4

The Shelton-Mason County Chamber, North Mason Chamber, and Economic Development Council of Mason County will host a Legislative Sendoff on December 4 at Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club. This annual event provides community members with an invaluable opportunity to connect with local officials and engage in discussions on key legislative priorities for the upcoming year. Our thanks goes out to Green Diamond Resource Company for sponsoring this event. The Sendoff will feature our state legislators—Senator Drew MacEwen (R-Union), Representative Dan Read more…

Holiday Gift Card Strategiesfor SmallBusiness Season

Gift cards are the ideal gift during the holiday season. They’re a convenient go-to for customers. They always fit, are always in the right color, and they are an ideal gift for people you know well and people you’re just getting to know. Gift cards also make terrific employee gifts, thank yous, and bonuses. If you have a small business, you should look at gift cards as a strategic tool—not just for boosting holiday revenue. Gift cards can also help Read more…

10 Reasons to Shop Local this Holiday Season

As the holiday season draws near, there’s no better time to support our local businesses. Shopping locally not only brings unique, heartfelt gifts to your loved ones but also strengthens our community. Below are ten reasons you should shop local this holiday season. We encourage shoppers to pledge their support by using #ShopSmall on social media and following the Chamber on Facebook for updates. To find local retailers, explore the searchable Chamber Member Directory. This holiday season let’s show our Read more…