From Our Blog

Chamber Board Convenes at Retreat

The Chamber staff and its Board of Trustees convened on January 31 at St. Andrew’s House in Union for a retreat to formalize board appointments and set priorities for the year. The cozy space and hospitality at the venue was ideal for the twenty Chamber leaders comprised of past and present Board members and staff. The group spend the day reflecting on prior year results and focusing upon the year ahead.  According to a survey of our membership, overall member Read more…

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UPDATE: Supreme Court Halts Biden Policy Creating COVID-19 Vaccine or Test Rules for U.S. Businesses

Read full story from PBS here. Related statement from OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (1/13/22) Remarks by President Joe Biden on the Supreme Court’s Decision OSHA’s Nationwide Vaccine Mandate on Hold (originally published 11/17/21) Employers with more than 100 nationwide workers were bracing for the impact of a federal mandate requiring vaccination or weekly COVID testing. On November 4, the Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the Administration’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Since then, a court order has temporarily Read more…

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Chamber Convenes Partners for Legislative Sendoff

On Friday, January 7, the Shelton-Mason County and North Mason Chambers of Commerce, EDC of Mason County and City of Shelton hosted a Legislative Sendoff for Senator Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch), Representative Dan Griffey (R-Belfair), and Representative Drew MacEwen (R-Union) of the 35th Legislative District. Following introductions, each legislator shared their thoughts on the previous year and what they hope for in the short, 60-day session. All three legislators acknowledged the necessity of addressing the long-term care act. Sheldon self-identified as Read more…

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New law will reduce the use of single-use utensils, condiments, straws beginning January 1

Washington’s plastic waste reduction goals begin January 1, 2022. Washington restaurants will no longer automatically include single-use food service items like utensils, condiments and straws with food orders. A new state law restricts the use of these items and prohibits packaged bundles of single-use items in order to reduce waste and litter – although customers can still request individual items if needed. Single-use food serviceware items covered by the new requirements include:– Utensils (knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks) – Cocktail picks, splash sticks, and Read more…

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2022 Legislative Sendoff

All members are encouraged to attend the 2022 Legislative Send-Off. We know it’s important to have access to your local officials. The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, the North Mason Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development Council of Mason County proudly present this opportunity to meet with your state legislators before the next legislative session. Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch), Rep. Dan Griffey (R-Allyn), and Rep. Drew MacEwen (R-Union) will speak with the group about issues and priorities expected to face Read more…

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Conversation with Shelton School District

The Chamber is a champion of education and we are proud to partner with our local schools to help students succeed and ensure a strong, skilled workforce. The business community was invited to a conversation with Shelton School District, to inform the development of the five-year strategic plan. The program offered an opportunity for businesses to provide feedback directly to district staff in a focus group format. Jessee provided an overview of the current demographics and trends as well as Read more…

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Better Beer is Here

We’ve been anxiously waiting for the official, full-blown opening of Potlatch Brewing Co. Earlier this summer, the new brewhouse premiered with a pop-up outdoor beer garden on Highway 101 in Hoodsport. Head brewer and owner, Cody Morris, deliberately reestablished his craft beer expertise in a quaint spot overlooking the Hood Canal. This proud moment didn’t happen quickly; the planning and preparations have been more than two years in the making. Finally, Morris has a brewery to boast about, and we Read more…

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Our Town is About to be Lit!

Christmas is a big deal in this town. Pretty soon, Shelton will be dazzling with lights strung across Railroad Avenue and wrapped around light poles and trees lining the street. Preparations for holiday festivities are underway and Christmas is coming! The Chamber leads the way in the annual decorations throughout town. You will soon see Tollie and the caboose draped with evergreens, bows, and bright lights. The lamp posts that held flower baskets in the summer will be adorned with Read more…

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16 Reasons to Shop Local Instead of Online

Yes, online shopping is convenient. You don’t have to change out of your PJs and it’s always open. But in the t-chart of holiday shopping options, there are a lot of reasons to shop local. Here are a few of our favorites: You’re supporting your neighbors. When you support Small Business Season and shop local, you are supporting your neighbors and they are more likely, in turn, to keep the money you spent with them local as well (for every Read more…

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