From Our Blog

Housing Issues Briefing Connects State Policy, Local Market Trends, and Future Growth

The Chamber’s annual Housing Issues Briefing, presented in partnership with the Mason County Association of REALTORS®, brought together business leaders, housing professionals, policymakers, and community members for a closer look at the policies, market conditions, and development activity shaping housing in Mason County. The annual program provides an opportunity to connect perspectives from across the community around one of the issues most directly affecting the county’s future growth and vitality. Housing availability and affordability affect far more than the real Read more

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November Business After Hours

Join us for our November Business After Hours at Bradley Air Company’s spacious shop on Johns Prairie Road! Connect with fellow Chamber members, local business owners, organizational leaders, elected officials, and friends while getting to know the Bradley Air Company team. Stop by between 5:30-7:00p on Wednesday, November 18 and meet the Bradley Air Company team. Bradley Air Company is located at 1142 E Johns Prairie Rd, Shelton. Please note that this month’s Business After Hours is scheduled one week Read more

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45 Years & Counting: OysterFest Continues to Bring Visitors, Support Community

For 45 years, OysterFest has brought people to Mason County each fall for a weekend centered around oysters, seafood, live music, family activities and community. The 45th annual OysterFest returns October 3 & 4, but for many visitors, the weekend starts a night earlier with OysterFunk. Together, the two events bring visitors into Shelton, fill festival camping and local lodging, create opportunities for local nonprofits to raise money, and give businesses throughout the county a boost during the fall shoulder Read more

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Education at Work: Local Schools Preparing Mason County’s Next Generation

The Chamber’s September luncheon brought together Olympic College, Shelton School District, and Hood Canal Schools for a look at how local education is preparing students for future careers and strengthening the connection between schools, employers, and the Mason County workforce. Dr. Chantae Recasner, new president of Olympic College, opened the program by sharing her vision for a resilient and sustainable college, with a particular focus on strengthening Olympic College’s presence in Shelton. She described resilience as the ability to recognize Read more

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Meet Darren Eisele: Chamber Ambassador

Darren Eisele first joined the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee in 2014 and served in the role for five years. After taking a break, he was excited to return to the Ambassador program in 2026. As Customer Experience & Marketing Director for Hood Canal Communications, Darren has spent years building relationships throughout Mason County. Helping people feel welcome and connecting them with the right people and resources comes naturally to him, which made returning to the Ambassador program an easy decision. Darren Read more

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Building For the Next Generation: Hood Canal School District’s $23 Million Modernization Project Expands Learning Spaces

The Hood Canal School District is undertaking a multiyear modernization and expansion project that will add new learning spaces, update facilities, and provide additional room for programs serving students and families. The project is supported by a six-year capital levy approved by district voters in February 2025. The levy will provide approximately $19.1 million between 2026 and 2031, including about $17 million for capital improvements and $2.1 million for technology needs. With additional state funding, including two grants totaling $350,000 Read more

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Wilde Irish Pub: Local Roots, Irish Spirit

A great local restaurant can become more than a place to grab a meal. It can be where friends meet after work, families celebrate milestones, and a regular Wednesday night turns into a memorable evening. That sense of connection is what Jim and Nikki hoped to create when they opened Wilde Irish Pub in downtown Shelton. From the beginning, their vision was to build a welcoming gathering place centered around good food, handcrafted drinks, Irish hospitality, and plenty of personality. Read more

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Bauer Puts People, Experience at Center Stage

As one of Mason County’s largest employers and most recognizable destinations, Little Creek Casino Resort has long had an impact that extends beyond the gaming floor. With Jef Bauer now at the helm, the resort is looking to build on that reach by investing in its workforce, enhancing the guest experience, and introducing Little Creek to new audiences. Bauer joined Little Creek earlier this year with more than 30 years of leadership experience in gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and resort operations. Read more

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Staircase Welcomes Visitors Again

After more than a year of closure, the Staircase developed area of Olympic National Park reopened to visitors on July 8, along with Forest Service Road 24 and several recreation sites around Lake Cushman. The area had been closed since the Bear Gulch Fire ignited in the Olympic National Forest on July 6, 2025. Since reopening, visitors have been accessing Staircase Campground, the Staircase Ranger Station, Rapids Loop Trail, Mt. Rose Trail, Mildred Lakes Trail, Dry Creek East Trailhead, and Read more

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November 3 Election Will Shape Policy Close to Home

Mason County voters will have plenty to consider in the November 3 General Election, with races for local, county, utility, and state offices, along with measures that will shape our communities in the years ahead. In the seven-way primary for Mason County Commissioner District 3, Miguel Gutierrez and George Blush advanced with 39.66% and 17.02% of the vote, respectively. The winner will succeed Commissioner Sharon Trask. The Chamber will host a candidate forum this fall featuring candidates for County Commissioner, Read more

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