From Our Blog

Mask rule burdensome to business, Chamber encourages understanding and kindness

Upon receiving official guidance from the state regarding the latest mandatory mask requirement on July 7, the Chamber immediately notified our members. Staff has since had conversations with numerous business owners who are, to say the least, frustrated with the additional burden of enforcing the statewide ‘No Mask, No Service’ rule. An opinion piece recently published by The Washington Policy Center seems to reflect the very sentiment of many within our local business community. Do you agree? We know that local businesses Read more…

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To Mask or Not to Mask

To mask, or not to mask, that is not the question. As of July 7, Washington extended the No Mask, No Service requirement statewide. According to the state’s Coronavirus Response website, “Any of us can carry the virus and not realize we’re spreading it when we talk, cough, or sneeze. Face coverings are required statewide in all public spaces.” To some, it’s more than a piece of cloth. It is a lifeline, a safety net that signals concern and respect for the Read more…

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Mason Lake Recreation Area

Mason Lake Recreation Area offers annual access to Chamber members and their employees. Mason Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful retreat with majestic trees towering over its campground and sunlight reflecting off the water, creating a picturesque location for outdoor fun. This gem was once designated for only Green Diamond Resource Company (formerly Simpson Timber)’s employees, retirees and guests. Happily, the privilege was extended to Chamber members and their employees in 2016. Chamber members and their employees are eligible to purchase Read more…

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Selling Your Business in a Post-Pandemic Climate

Markets are reeling coming off consecutive years of financial success across most business sectors. We were unaware at the start of 2020 that things were about to take a turn for the worse with the arrival of a global health catastrophe. Suddenly, small businesses of all sorts went from enjoying solid performance to shattering—literally overnight. The Coronavirus pandemic led to new conversations for companies that are contemplating selling. Could you sell your business now? Should you sell your business now? Read more…

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Ribbon Cutting Procedures During COVID-19

Due to public safety guidelines and health concerns, Ribbon Cuttings will look slightly different. We have implemented additional precautions to ensure safety of those in attendance. Here is what you can expect: The Ribbon Cutting must take place outside to allow adequate social distancing. If it rains, the Chamber will work with you to reschedule the Ribbon Cutting. If you request for the Chamber to provide the ribbon and scissors, they will be sanitized prior to each use. Pictures and Read more…

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Mason County Approved for Phase Three Reopening

It’s official! Mason County has been approved to move into Phase Three Reopening, effective on Monday, June 22. Here’s a quick video created by The Bellingham Herald  showing what that means. Business sectors listed in Phase Three may reopen only AFTER the state publishes its guidelines for the specific sector and an individual business can implement those guidelines. Those guidelines can be found here. As of June 8, face masks are required for all employees*. Beginning June 26, every Washingtonian* is required to wear a face covering when in an Read more…

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Father’s Day: Not Just a Second Christmas for Dads

So far this year, celebrations have taken a backseat or been bypassed altogether because of Coronavirus. Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21 and it warrants its rightful moment in the sun. Contrary to popular opinion—it isn’t just another greeting card day. It’s a sincere observation that originated in Washington out of the good intentions of a 16-year old girl trying to honor her father. At the Chamber, we thought this would be an appropriate time to share an uplifting Read more…

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Music on the Estuary

Facebook Live is new venue Closures may have compromised the location, but the highly anticipated Music on the Estuary concert will continue. This year anyone can attend the annual fundraiser from virtually anywhere. The entire event will be broadcast on Facebook Live and takes place June 12-14 and does not require advance tickets. The diversion to a digital format allows the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) to proceed with their planned event and expand its audience. Typically, the event draws a Read more…

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Crime teeming during COVID-19

Unemployment claims statewide reached 15.1% in April. Loan volume for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in Washington alone has climbed to $12.1 billion so far. With an olive branch extended, fraudsters are on the prowl. During May, both the Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) alerted the public to potential scammers who are targeting resources intended to provide financial relief in response to COVID-19. With identity theft rampant, it is imperative to be aware of how Read more…

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Face Masks Required for All Employees as of June 8

As of June 8, a cloth facial covering is required for all employees. A few exceptions are allowed according to “Safe Start Washington: Phased Reopening County-by-County” including when: Working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site Employees with hearing issues or when communicating with others that need facial cues or mouth movements as a part of communication Employees with a medical condition or disability that need accommodation with medical documentation from a healthcare provider When the job Read more…

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