From Our Blog

Chamber Meets with Partners, Discusses Rural Development

The Chamber met with Congressman Derek Kilmer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small during the duo’s tour of the Olympic Peninsula to visit with elected leaders and economic development professionals. The February 14 meeting was held at Little Creek Casino Resort and highlighted issues such as capacity and technical assistance; workforce housing and inventory limits; infrastructure serving residential and commercial purposes, childcare, and more. There was some conversation about opportunities to identify and seek Read more…

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Drive Traffic to Your Website with SEO

Anyone with a website or business presence online can benefit from search engine optimization (SEO), the process of helping search engines find and display your site in search results. Hosted by Jason, one of Google’s internal SEO experts, this workshop gives a behind-the-scenes view into how Google approaches SEO for its own sites. Learn practical strategies to help drive traffic from Google Search to your site. The video is now available on-demand (registration required). SEO Resources:Google Ads Keyword PlannerGoogle TrendsGoogle Read more…

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WA Cares Act Delayed 18 Months

The long-term WA Cares Act is delayed and premium collection won’t begin until July 2023. On January 27, Gov. Inslee signed bill 1732 to postpone collection of a new worker payroll tax for now. He says this pause allows the State to get the program right. Updated program information and guidance is available on the WA Cares website. For now, employers should: Stop withholding WA Cares premiums from employee earnings. Reimburse employees for WA Cares premiums within 120 days of Read more…

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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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