From Our Blog

Scholarships Available to Support Mason County Businesses

The Mason County Economic Development Council (MasonEDC) is offering scholarship opportunities for two business training programs designed to support entrepreneurs in launching and expanding their businesses. The Business Enterprise Startup Training (BEST) program provides new entrepreneurs with essential knowledge on business planning, structuring and licensing, branding and marketing, intellectual property protection, and basic accounting principles. This self-paced, online program equips participants with the foundational tools needed to build a successful business from the ground up. Whether you’re formalizing a side Read more

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Housing Market Adjusting To Seasonal Norms

As we move into spring and summer, the housing market is experiencing a return to more typical seasonal trends. Home inventory is increasing, price growth is stabilizing, and mortgage rates have eased slightly from early 2025 levels. While price cuts are happening, they reflect a return to normal pricing strategies rather than a market downturn. Buyer activity is on the rise, with more mortgage applications and home showings indicating strong demand. Experts predict mortgage rates will stabilize around 6.5% by Read more

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Do You Want to Run for Public Office?

The Chamber serves as a voice for business and we make it a point to be at the heart of important issues like workforce development, quality of life, and civic engagement. That said, we are not political action committees and do not endorse candidates; we are an independent organization led by the private sector. We do provide nonpartisan information and host community education and outreach events. Local government plays a vital role in shaping the day-to-day quality of life in Read more

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Chamber Seeks Community Support: Beautification Fundraiser Underway

Since 1999, the Chamber has helped brighten downtown Shelton with the installation of its annual hanging flower baskets. These vibrant blooms bring color and warmth to our streets throughout the summer months, enhancing the charm of our community and serving as a cheerful reminder of the pride we share in our hometown. Over the years, the baskets have become a beloved tradition—one that signals the start of the season and draws admiration from residents and visitors alike. We need to Read more

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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