From Our Blog

Chamber Provides Overview of New COVID-19 Funding

The Chamber presented a webinar December 23 about the latest bipartisan bill passed by Congress to provide additional COVID relief, including $325 billion dedicated to small businesses. A second round of money could make the difference between surviving and closing for a struggling business. Watch the webinar recording for the latest information about changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other emergency assistance options. The application period reopened January 11, 2021. Additional guidelines and resources:SBA guidance for new Pandemic Read more…

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Avoid Burnout

The Shelton-Mason and North Mason Chambers invited Dr. Tona McGuire from Washington’s Behavioral Health Response Team to discuss the workplace context of this pandemic—and the stress that comes along with it. This program offered techniques to avoid burnout, improve communication, understand stress responses, and keep yourself healthy and support your team. UPDATE: Pandemic fatigue affects our choices and our interactions with others. It’s normal to feel apathy right now, and there are ways to cope. For help and resources, visit Read more…

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$20K for Hospitality-Related Businesses? Yes, Please!

Chamber CEO Heidi McCutcheon sat in on Commerce’s webinar on December 2 to learn more about the Working Washington 3 grant funding available. From what she was able to ascertain, businesses in industries such as food & beverage, gyms, hospitality and more were identified as a priority who should receive priority treatment in funding opportunities of up to (and mostly, from what is understood) $20K awards. Here’s a few tidbits you should know before applying. Apply BEFORE December 11. This Read more…

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2020 Real Estate Review & Economic Forecast

Presented by the partnership of 2020 Real Estate Review Andy Conklin, RealtorThe Conklin Team at Windermere/Himlie Inc.conklin@hctc.com(360) 481-0207 cell October 2020 Economic Forecast James McCafferty, DirectorCenter for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington Universitymccaffj@wwu.edu(360) 650-2414 office Sponsored by Peninsula Credit Union, whose whose leadership on the topic of affordable and workforce housing as well as community financial education makes them the ideal partner.

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Chamber Launches Online Gift Guide Templates

This year’s holiday season is going to look a bit different. Retailers operating at reduced capacity and more and more shoppers looking for options to purchase online, shop curbside pick-up, etc. We know that it’s important for businesses to be able to showcase their products and reach consumers where they are: online. Gift guides are an incredible tool to inspire shoppers, showcase products, and generate shareable content that drives traffic to your business. Not to mention, it doesn’t cost you Read more…

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Chamber Champions Shop Small Movement

The Chamber is proud to announce that it will continue to lead the movement to Shop Small, renewing its commitment as a member of the Small Business Saturday Coalition. The Chamber has been a member of the coalition since the program’s inaugural year. Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday celebrates the impact small businesses have on communities across the country. Every time you order curbside pickup from your favorite eatery, purchase a gift from the local boutique, Read more…

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Keeping Spirits Bright

As what feels like the longest year ever comes to a close, the Chamber is working hard to keep the Christmas spirit alive. After partnering last year with Northwest Event Organizers to restore our community as Christmastown, USA and earning a Guinness Book of World Records title for the most lit Christmas trees, we look forward to both new and renewed partnerships as the holiday season quickly approaches. The interactive map is now live, giving you plenty of time to Read more…

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YMCA Inside Look

The much anticipated facility is planning its grand opening for March 2021. Donors in our area helped make this vision a reality by contributing approximately $8 million toward the capital campaign. Aubree Fudge, Senior Director of the Shelton Family YMCA branch, emphasized the center will serve as much more than a gym. She likened it to a community hub; a friendly outlet for physical, social, and financial fitness. The Y is designed to be a safe, family-friendly destination that encourages Read more…

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Halloween Happenings 2020

Ghouls and Goblins, the Chamber is pleased to provide a map of Halloween activities throughout Shelton-Mason County. Look for our star Chamber members and note that any icon styled purple is a drive-thru event. For more detail, including hours and links to events on Facebook, click on the black and purple pin drops. View the map below or open the custom map in Google. Halloween Spooktacular Once again this year, the Chamber is partnering with Shelton Downtown Merchants to present Read more…

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Tollie

The Shay locomotive invented in 1879 by Ephraim E. Shay, a bearded Michigan logger who did not have speed in mind, was patented in June of 1881. It is a gear-drive locomotive powered by three cylinders tied to a line shaft that is geared to all the wheels on the right side. At 10 mph, the staccato bark of her exhaust sounds like a high-wheeled flyer of a bygone day rolling down the high iron at 70 mph. According to Read more…

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