From Our Blog

What You Can Do to Avoid Employee Retention Credit Scams

As published in IRS e-News for Small Business, Issue 2023-13 The IRS shared new steps the agency is taking to prevent honest taxpayers from falling victim to Employee Retention Credit (ERC) scams. The IRS continues to warn small businesses about aggressive promoters encouraging filing potentially ineligible claims. The IRS urges small businesses to check with a trusted tax professional about ERC instead of relying on a promotion company. The steps include a moratorium on processing new ERC claims through at Read more

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State Sets New Policy on Tips, Gratuities, and Service Charges

As Washington Hospitality Association points out, “Service charges can be complicated. You may hear them referred to as service fees, booking fees, or customer service fees. And once you have decided what to call them, they don’t always get easier to understand. Washington state’s rules regarding tips and service charges can be hard to navigate and federal rules add another layer of complexity to the requirements for employers.” As of September 7, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries released Read more

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Halloween Spooktacular 2023

Once again, the Chamber is partnering with Shelton Downtown Merchants to present Halloween Spooktacular. The community is invited for an evening of trick-or-treating with local businesses! The event hours are 4:00-6:00p on Friday, October 27. Railroad Ave will be closed from First to Fifth, beginning at 1:00p. Local businesses and organizations are invited to pop up a tent or open their trunk to the community trick-or-treaters. This will be set-up similar to the Chamber’s Expo & Bite of Mason County: Read more

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Swinging Success at Networking on the Greens Annual Golf Tournament

Golf enthusiasts and businesses alike gathered for an incredible day on the greens at the 13th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament, held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club. With warm weather and gorgeous greens, the stage was set for a remarkable event that combined a passion for golf with a commitment to making a positive impact on our community. The tournament was not just about teeing off and sinking putts; it was a powerful demonstration of Read more

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WSDOT Plans Closures for State Route 108

WSDOT will begin two fish barrier removal projects that will require highway closures on State Route 108 between McCleary & Kamilche. Construction work at MP 5.5 will start in early August and an around-the-clock total road closure will be in place September 5-19. Another total closure is planned for October at MP 9.47. During each closure, travelers will detour via US 101, SR 8 and SR 108. Construction is weather-dependent and subject to change. Before and after each total closure, Read more

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City Council Candidates Answer Questions from the Chamber

The Chamber makes it a point to be at the heart of important issues like workforce development, quality of life, and civic engagement. That said, the Chamber is not a political action committee and does not endorse candidates. The Chamber is an independent organization led by the private sector. We provide nonpartisan information and host community education and outreach opportunities because we believe people have a right to know what candidates for public office believe about issues that affect our Read more

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Community Grants – Soon to Be Available for Local Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound (CFSPS) will soon launch its 2023 grants cycle. Their grants program aims to strengthen our communities through broad, diverse, and flexible funding. Grants support a wide range of nonprofit organizations contributing to the region’s overall social, health, and environmental well-being across a broad range of focus areas. Are you Eligible? Grant Cycle Timeline There will be two information sessions that will take place on Friday June 23rd. The first session will run from Read more

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2023 Expo & Bite of Mason County Vendor Guidelines

The Chamber reserves the right to change, in part or in whole, the event details (including location, times, guidelines, etc. without notice or consideration. General Set-Up Tear Down Food Vendors Each food vendor/booth must secure a separate permit. Mason County does not offer blanket permits or coordinator permits. Some foods are exempt from permits; see details. Food vendors that will be operating directly outside of their permanent establishments will not need a temporary permit. A handwashing station must be easily Read more

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Expanded Polystyrene Ban Now in Effect

As of June 1, 2023, the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene void filling packaging products, which means loose fill packaging material, also referred to as packing peanuts, in or into Washington state is prohibited. It is the first step the state’s government has taken in a broader crusade to ban the sale and distribution of several types of expanded polystyrene within the states borders. This ban applies to all manufacturers and distributors of EPS in or into Washington. Manufacturers Read more

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City Police Chief Addresses Business Community

The Chamber convened a conversation on community safety , which we know is critical to creating a healthy economy and a vibrant community. For the May 18 luncheon, City of Shelton Police Chief Carole Beason was invited to discuss the department’s community safety efforts, challenges, and current issues. Among the topics she covered were environmental design, no trespass and rights of property owners, code enforcement, reporting, and how to partner with SPD. The program was sponsored by Our Community Credit Read more

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