From Our Blog

Getting Your Property Ready for Spring

As the seasons shift in Mason County, spring offers a natural opportunity to reset, not just inside your business or home, but across your entire property. From small maintenance tasks to larger clean-up projects, taking time now to prepare can help prevent costly repairs, improve safety, and create a more welcoming environment for employees, customers, and visitors. For many property owners, spring begins with a simple visual check. Winter weather can leave behind debris, clogged gutters, and wear on roofs, Read more

Addressing Childcare Access in Mason County

Across Mason County, access to childcare continues to present challenges for families, employers, and the broader workforce. In response, the Mason County Childcare Coalition has been working since October to better understand local needs and identify opportunities to expand access to care. Led by Economic Development Council of Mason County in partnership with Mason Matters, the effort is supported through funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Together, these partners have convened employers, childcare providers, early learning centers, community Read more

Green Diamond & The Future of Working Forests

For over 135 years, Green Diamond has been rooted in a tradition of responsible forest management. Founded in Mason County, the company owns and manages more than 2.2 million acres of private working forestland across the western and southern United States, maintaining a long-standing presence in the region where it began. Green Diamond grows and nurtures forests that sequester carbon as living, growing trees and continue to store carbon in the wood products used to build homes, schools, and other Read more

A Look at Mason County’s Spring Housing Market

As we head into spring, conversations about the housing market tend to pick up. Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply paying attention to what is happening locally, one of the first questions that comes up is about interest rates and where they might be headed. The honest answer is that no one knows for sure. Even economists have been cautious about making firm predictions. What we can look at, though, is where things stand today. Over the Read more

Chamber Seeks Community Support – Beautification Fundraiser Underway

Call it small town. Call it curbside appeal. Call it classy. Whatever you call it, the bright blooms that adorn city streets and gateways offer a warm welcome to visitors and enhance the thoroughfares traveled by residents daily. Now a staple of charm and hospitality, the Chamber added the flower baskets to its annual program in 1999. The hopeful, sunny days this spring seem to have many residents looking ahead to the summer season. Many have been asking the Chamber Read more

Celebrating Oyster Season on Hood Canal

Each April, Alderbrook Resort & Spa invites guests to experience one of Hood Canal’s most celebrated traditions through Oyster Month, a month-long series of events and culinary offerings that highlight the region’s deep connection to shellfish. Set along the shoreline, Alderbrook is uniquely positioned to bring this experience to life. With an oyster farm located directly on its beach, the resort offers a direct connection between the water, the harvest, and the table. That proximity creates an opportunity for guests Read more

April Business After Hours

April’s Business After Hours will be held on Wednesday, April 8. Envisioned by Nicole Frazier, Graffiti Creative Arts Center is a studio space that makes art accessible to all, with a welcoming environment for artists of all ages. Featuring multiple resident artists—including Kristi Lee Ryan of Batfish Ink—the center serves as a hub of creativity and collaboration. Drop in from 5:30-7:00p to socialize and connect with fellow Chamber members, local business owners, organizational leaders, elected officials, and friends. RSVP below. Read more

Chamber Opens Registration for 2026 Expo & Bite of Mason County

On Friday, July 17, Railroad Avenue will once again play host to a day-long street fair highlighting the best of Mason County. The largest business and restaurant event in Mason County, the Expo draws thousands of community members each year. It has the feeling of a high-energy block party, with businesses and community organizations using showmanship and flair to capture attention while sharing what makes their business so dynamic. Best known for its interactive activities, affordable food bites from local Read more

Transportation Budget Win for 35th District: Belfair Bypass on Track

Article provided by Senator Drew MacEwen (R-Shelton) The inclusion of necessary funding for the SR 3 / Belfair Freight Corridor in the newly released Senate supplemental transportation budget is a major victory for our district. For far too long, our commuters and local businesses have dealt with grueling congestion that does more than just waste time—it compromises the safety of our community. By creating a dedicated freight corridor, we are addressing critical safety concerns by reducing the potential for collisions Read more

Timber in Mason County: Green Diamond Economic Impact, Sustainable Forestry, Community Investment

The Timber in Mason County luncheon featured Green Diamond, offering members an in-depth look at sustainable forestry practices, economic contributions, wildfire readiness, and the company’s continued investment in Mason County. The update provided valuable perspective on how working forests support both local communities and long-term environmental goals. Vice President & General Manager Brian Sayler, Policy & Communications Manager Jason Callahan, and Public Affairs Coordinator Natalie Marshall shared an overview of the company’s history and current operations. Founded in 1890, Green Read more