From Our Blog

Henry, Mershon, and Himlie Join Ranks as CRS Designees at Windermere Real Estate/Himlie Inc.

Krisy Henry, Laura Mershon, and Michelle Himlie recently earned their Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)® designation. These three join Keith Fuller, Jef Conklin, Andy Conklin, and Jeanne Blanton (alongside a now-retired Vince Himlie). With their addition, an impressive 50% of the Brokers at Windmere Real Estate/Himlie Inc. now hold the CRS Designation, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to excellence in real estate. What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Residential Specialist®? In a sea of REALTOR® Designations, the Certified Residential Specialist Read more

Early Schools in Mason County Exhibit Open Mason County Historical Society Museum

Now open, Mason County Historical Society Museum presents “More Than a Building: Early Schools in Mason County,” an exhibit focusing on the role of early schoolhouses in local communities. As settlers moved west in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many small schools were established to educate children throughout Mason County. These schools were crucial in building the communities around them. This exhibit showcases a small portion of the museum’s collection on these schools and their impact. Through photos, Read more

Work Experience Program Resource for Businesses and Youth

Looking to build your workforce while making a difference in the lives of young professionals? The Work Experience Program (WEX) is a chance to connect with eager job seekers and shape the next generation of employees—all at no cost to you! The WEX program, coordinated by WorkSource, provides employers with direct access to motivated young adults seeking employment and work experience opportunities. You’ll have the chance to interview candidates and hire youth for a Work Experience Program—fully supported through WorkSource’s strategic workforce initiatives. Read more

Your Business Needs a Library Card: February Luncheon Showcases Free Resources

The Chamber’s February luncheon, hosted at Mason PUD 3, featured guest speaker Cheryl Heywood, Executive Director of Timberland Regional Library. Cheryl explored the vast business resources available through the library system and talked about why having a library card is an essential tool for business owners and professionals. Libraries are no longer just for books. In today’s digital world, they serve as powerful business hubs, offering invaluable tools and resources—many of which are free with a library card. Cheryl detailed Read more

Registration Now Open to Employers for March 14 Young Adult Hiring Event – Work Experience

Looking to build your workforce while making a difference in the lives of young professionals? The upcoming Young Adult Hiring Event is your chance to connect with eager job seekers and shape the next generation of employees—all at no cost to you! This in-person event, coordinated by WorkSource, provides employers with direct access to motivated young adults seeking employment and work experience opportunities. You’ll have the chance to interview candidates on-site and hire youth for a Work Experience Program—fully supported through WorkSource’s strategic workforce Read more

Green Diamond

Green Diamond Resource Company Announces Indefinite Closure of Mason Lake Recreation Area

Green Diamond Resource Company, the sixth-generation, family-owned forestland owner and management company, announced the indefinite closure of Mason Lake Recreation Area beginning immediately. The park and recreation area has been part of the company’s portfolio for over 70 years, with its roots dating back to the original Simpson Timber Company. Since then, the company’s staffing has substantially decreased and, in 2003, the company changed its name to Green Diamond Resource Company. “We’re excellent at land management, but managing and taking Read more

Award Winners Named at Stunning January 17 Awards Gala

Nearly 350 Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce members, community stakeholders, awards finalists, and their supporters filled the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek Casino Resort on Friday, January 17, for the Chamber’s 103rd Annual Meeting & Awards Gala. The crowd gathered to recognize excellence, celebrate the successes of the past year, witness the installation of the Chamber board, honor the award finalists, and await the announcement of the Annual Award winners. In her welcoming remarks, Chamber President & CEO Read more

Beneficial Ownership Reporting: New Deadlines, Requirements, and Compliance Updates

In light of a December 23, 2024 Cout of Appeals decision, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) still 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 13, 2025. Newly established businesses are required to file within 30 days of obtaining their business license. Who Must File? Read more

Intro to Google AI for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs – Grow with Google

As a Grow with Google Partner, The Chamber was excited to host an intro to Google AI for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs live-stream event. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a potent tool that can streamline business operations and unlock new avenues for small businesses and entrepreneurs. While harnessing AI may appear daunting, this workshop, presented by Google experts, demystifies AI fundamentals and explores how Google’s AI-powered tools can boost efficiency, elevate customer experiences, and stimulate growth for small businesses. Exclusive Partner 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