From Our Blog

CHAMBER AMBASSADOR: Meet Billy Thomas.

Billy Thomas has been an active member of the Mason County community since he arrived in 2018, quickly becoming an integral part of the local community. A chance meeting with Chamber leaders while photographing holiday decorations downtown sparked his involvement with the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce This connection eventually led to his role as Marketing Director at Peninsula Credit Union, where he oversees marketing, facilities, and Hispanic initiatives Passionate about supporting the community, Billy joined the Chamber’s Ambassadors Committee Read more…

Saint Andrew’s House Expands Vision with Sacred Waters Center for Restoration & Retreat.

Thanks to a generous donation, Saint Andrew’s has acquired the adjacent Harmony Hill Retreat Center, uniting their legacy of compassion with a fresh commitment to personal wellness, racial reconciliation, and environmental care. This new center aims to offer a meaningful space where guests can find renewal. “Saint Andrew’s House and Harmony Hill have been close neighbors on this sacred hill for nearly 40 years,” said Sacred Waters Interim Director Dan Oberg. The Sacred Waters Center represents a collaborative vision crafted Read more…

Four Ways to Get More Sales This Small Business Season

It doesn’t matter what kind of business you are in. People need what you make and provide. If you’re fortunate, they’ll consider you when gift-giving this holiday season, but even if you’re not in retail or food/beverage, you can still bring in holiday customers with these ideas. 4 Ways to Sell Your Products/Services During this Small Business Season To increase your holiday sales in a non-traditional holiday industry, it’s important to reposition or remarket your items/services. You need to show Read more…

Shelton Inn Welcomes New Ownership and Unveils Transformative Renovations

The Shelton Inn, a landmark at the gateway of downtown since 1965, has entered a new chapter under new ownership. Innkeepers Damon Handley and Rachel Clark are longtime Washington residents deeply rooted in the area. With a shared passion for hospitality, they are revitalizing the inn, aiming to retain its mid-century charm while upgrading to modern comforts. This renovation, which includes fresh flooring, modern heating and air conditioning, and updated in-room amenities, showcases their commitment to offering a welcoming and Read more…

Keep Customers Informed: Update Your Business’s Holiday Hours

The holiday season is a busy time for both businesses and customers. Shoppers are looking for the perfect gift, families are planning outings, and everyone is adjusting their schedules to accommodate the season. As a business owner, one of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do is ensure your customers know when you’re open. This is where updating your holiday hours comes in.  Why Updating Your Hours Matters When customers search for your business online, they rely on Read more…

Our Community Credit Union: Deepening Relationships and Supporting Our Community

Our Community Credit Union’s mission is to develop lifelong relationships by empowering our members, employees, and communities with personalized service to live their best financial lives. When we delve deeper into supporting this mission, it becomes clear that it takes a collective effort to foster trust and pool resources This collaboration creates an environment where members can not only thrive financially but also enjoy a safe and supportive community. OURCU teams actively engage in local events and causes, volunteer their Read more…

Help Brighten Our Community & Light Up The Season.

In the spirit of community, the Chamber is launching a heartfelt appeal to residents and businesses to support its annual Beautification Program. The program, a symbol of civic pride, not only transforms our city into a winter wonderland with twinkling Christmas lights but also graces our streets with vibrant summer flower baskets. As the Chamber aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our beloved city, it is calling upon the generosity of the community to ensure the program’s continued success. Read more…

Chambers, EDC Convene Legislators: Sendoff Breakfast Slated for December 4, in advance of 2025 Session.

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 The Sendoff will feature our state legislators Senator Drew MacEwen (R-Union), Representative Dan Griffey (R-Allyn), and Representative Travis Couture (R-Allyn) who will address anticipated issues Read more…

A word from the CEO : Spreading Holiday Cheer: Mason County’s Guide to Celebrating, Giving, and Shopping Local

As we step into the bustling holiday season, there’s an undeniable magic that sweeps through our community. Here in Mason County, that magic is not only visible in the festive lights and decorations but in the spirit of togetherness and generosity that defines us It’s a time to celebrate what makes our community special, and this year, we’re keeping spirits bright with opportunities to shop small, give back, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of our local businesses At the Read more…

Reminder: New Beneficial Ownership Reporting Due by January 1

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…