From Our Blog

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

ago

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

ago

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

ago

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

ago

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

ago

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

ago

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

ago

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

ago

Chamber Joins Mason County Stands Together Against Domestic Violence

This October, the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce will join organizations throughout the county in taking a visible stand against domestic violence. The Chamber has signed on as a Founding Community Partner of Mason County Stands Together Against Domestic Violence, a community-wide Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign coordinated by Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center and Mason Matters. The campaign brings together businesses, tribal nations, schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, law enforcement, faith communities, nonprofits, and community members around one clear Read more

ago

October Business After Hours

The Chamber invites you to join us on October 14 sponsored by Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center, hosted at the Colonial House. The Turning Pointe team will share the nonprofit’s impactful work and present ongoing opportunities to support survivors—during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and all year long! This year, Turning Pointe is launching Mason County Stands Together Against Domestic Violence, a campaign bringing businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, nonprofits, and community members together to show their support for survivors Read more

ago