From Our Blog

Healing at Harmony Hill: A Community Retreat Center’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

For over 38 years, Harmony Hill Retreat Center has been a beacon of hope and healing along the quiet waterfront in Union It is a haven for people suffering from cancer – a place where those battling cancer, along with their family members, seek solace in nature, rediscover their identity, and find space to heal Many consider Harmony Hill much more than just a retreat center; it’s a lifeline when life has some of its most trying moments Harmony Hill Read more

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Unwrap the Magic: Using Nostalgia to Boost Holiday Sales This Small Business Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Cozy lights, warm smells, family nearby, and cheap gifts from big box stores, right? Not so fast! While the convenience of online giants can’t be denied, small businesses have a secret weapon: the power of nostalgia, tradition, and beloved memories. This holiday season, you can tap into those warm, fuzzy feelings to create a marketing campaign that truly resonates with your customers and beats big every time. Here’s how: Evoke the Spirit of Read more

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Andreas Mueller-Schubert Presents AI for Business Webinar

On November 5, Andreas Mueller-Schubert, CEO & Chief Strategist of WSI Next Gen Marketing, presented an insightful and approachable Zoom webinar on AI and its far-reaching effects to Chamber and EDC members. Throughout his career, Andreas has focused on driving business innovations powered by the Internet. He strongly believes that making Gen AI accessible to all will transform how we work and enhance our quality of life. In this engaging session, attendees received answers to key questions about AI: Attendees, Read more

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Business Navigator: Meet Juanita Brown

The Chamber is excited to work with Juanita Brown, Business Navigator for Mason County. Juanita is excited to engage with the Mason County community, where she plans to support local businesses and schools. Her initial strategy involves meeting with every business and educational institution to understand their priorities and explore partnerships focused on workforce development. As a Business Navigator, Juanita aims to assist businesses in creating sustainable workforce pathways like On-The-Job training (OJT) and the UpSkill Initiative She believes this Read more

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Legislative Sendoff Set for December 4

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. Our thanks goes out to Green Diamond Resource Company for sponsoring this event. The Sendoff will feature our state legislators—Senator Drew MacEwen (R-Union), Representative Dan Read more

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Holiday Gift Card Strategiesfor SmallBusiness Season

Gift cards are the ideal gift during the holiday season. They’re a convenient go-to for customers. They always fit, are always in the right color, and they are an ideal gift for people you know well and people you’re just getting to know. Gift cards also make terrific employee gifts, thank yous, and bonuses. If you have a small business, you should look at gift cards as a strategic tool—not just for boosting holiday revenue. Gift cards can also help Read more

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10 Reasons to Shop Local this Holiday Season

As the holiday season draws near, there’s no better time to support our local businesses. Shopping locally not only brings unique, heartfelt gifts to your loved ones but also strengthens our community. Below are ten reasons you should shop local this holiday season. We encourage shoppers to pledge their support by using #ShopSmall on social media and following the Chamber on Facebook for updates. To find local retailers, explore the searchable Chamber Member Directory. This holiday season let’s show our Read more

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State of the Community Luncheon

As part of its State of the Community series, the Chamber has invited several community partners to share their insights with the local community. In this segment, Mason County, City of Shelton, Port of Shelton, and Mason PUD 3 will speak to the biggest wins of 2024, what challenges lie ahead, what’s new and next, as well as how these organizations are driving economic growth in the community. This luncheon will be held in person; registration cost is dependent upon Read more

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Chamber Champions Small Business Season

The Chamber is excited to lead the Shop Small movement again, celebrating Small Business Season from November 1 to December 31. This annual campaign highlights the impact of our local small businesses. It renews the Chamber’s commitment to the Small Business Saturday Coalition, a partnership that began with the first Small Business Saturday in 2010. This year’s Small Business Saturday falls on November 30, 2024. From the beginning of November through the end of December, we celebrate the heart and Read more

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The Business of Giving: Building a Thriving Community Through Stewardship

The Chamber’s October luncheon at Olympic College focused on “The Business of Giving: Building a Thriving Community Through Stewardship.” The event featured guest speakers Mindi Reule, CEO of The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, and Matthew Melendez, founder of the Great Bend Center for Music. Mindi Reule outlined the Foundation’s three key priorities: engaging communities, mobilizing resources, and advancing well-being. She discussed various types of funds available, including unrestricted funds, scholarships, donor-advised funds, agency funds, and endowments. Mindi emphasized Read more

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