From Our Blog

2020 Successes

“Last year was a tough year. I mean, it was TOUGH tough. That said, there were several areas where I believe that the Chamber overcame and succeeded although it was a difficult hand that we were dealt. Here are the top five successes that the Chamber team accomplished.” – Heidi McCutcheon, Chamber CEO Providing Critical ContentWhen the world stopped turning and we were all sent home, Chamber staff immediately dove into regulations, restrictions, and requirements that were changing on a Read more…

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Reopening Map of US

Chamber a Catalyst to Reopen Washington

The Chamber has joined in the call led by Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) for the state to reopen by June 15, calling on Governor Inslee to release a plan for reopening the state by that date, joining 48 other states that have already released reopening plans. The restaurant and hospitality industries have been the most severely impacted over the last 14 months of the pandemic, yet there has not been a statewide call for reopening until now. “It’s time,” says Read more…

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Sell More with an Engaging Email Marketing Strategy

On May 5, the Chamber hosted a livestream of Grow with Google’s Digital Partner Series workshop, “Sell More with an Engaging Marketing Strategy.” Dave from Constant Contact discussed tips for great email marketing campaigns, the basics of segmentation and automation, and how to make improvements with data and predictive analytics. Google’s Lead Trainer Anastasia (Stasia) Kudrez also provided a look at how Google Analytics can help you learn how visitors from email campaigns use your website. Click here to watch Read more…

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County Permitting Takes a Step Forward

In the midst of 2020’s pandemic restrictions, we saw many employees working remotely, doing their best to keep up with the workload as their environment and tools changed (and changed often). This, of course, caused delays, backlogs, and a fractured process for many organizations. Quite possibly, Mason County’s permitting department displayed the worst of these. The Chamber reached out to Mason County Commissioners at the beginning of 2020 to find a solution, as the inefficiencies in the building department was Read more…

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Restaurant Revitalization Fund Registration Now Open

Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) is now open at restaurants.sba.gov. If you are working with Square or Toast, you do not need to register. The online application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. Read the full press release. The $28.6 Billion RFF is designed to help restaurants, caterers, wineries and distilleries, etc. keep their doors open. This program will provide funding equal to pandemic-related revenue loss and recipients are not required to repay the funding Read more…

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Arrival Time & Important Details for Gala Guests

If you have registered to attend the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala, here is information which I hope will be helpful as you finalize your plans for the event. This year staggered arrival times have been assigned. Please help us by adhering to your prescribed time. We have determined arrival windows to ensure expedited seating and eliminate risks of gathering at the registration area. No tickets are needed, we’ll have your name at the registration area. As with all locations on Read more…

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Chamber Forms Charitable Arm

The Chamber is excited to announce the official formation of its Foundation and designated 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which will allow the Chamber to further its mission to encourage and maintain a vibrant business community, promote tourism, and to facilitate economic development. The Foundation has been established with the purpose to:  provide financial support for the beautification, educational, and community development activities and programs of the Chamber;  promote programs, events, and activities that further the quality of life;  promote and develop the economic, civic, cultural, and social welfare Read more…

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Round Two: Paycheck Protection Program

Paycheck Protection Program Act extends application date through May 31. 1. PPP Eligibility is Expanded to prioritize the smallest of small businesses. The Biden-Harris Administration and SBA announced the agency has eliminated restrictions to businesses with owners who have prior non-financial fraud felony convictions. The SBA has also eliminated the restriction on businesses owned or controlled by owners who have federal student loan debt that is currently delinquent or has defaulted.  2. There’s a new calculation for sole proprietors, independent contractors, Read more…

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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant: Applications Open April 8

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance.The American Rescue Plan Act amended the program to allow eligible businesses to apply for both a PPP loan and the SVOG program. A national information session takes place on March Read more…

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Chamber Announces Safety Protocol for Awards Gala

There are a number of safety protocols being instituted for the Awards Gala and 99th Anniversary Celebration. The Chamber is well aware of the responsibility we carry in setting the example of how to hold a safe, large, in-person event and are working hand in hand with the staff at Little Creek Casino Resort. There are several procedures that will be newly implemented for the April 16 event. Guests will arrive at a prescribed seating time and be directly escorted Read more…

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