From Our Blog

Nominations now accepted

Local businesses are doing much more than surviving, they are inspiring! It’s time to celebrate the best in our local business community by nominating those individuals who exemplify initiative for the Annual Awards presented by the Shelton-Mason Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber celebrates businesses within Mason County each year for their unique contributions, successes, and spirit of community. There are five distinguished categories to earn accolades this year so it’s time to reflect upon 2020 in a positive light; recall Read more…

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Survey for a Little More Satisfaction

If nothing else this year, we have come to realize how much connections count in our lives as in-person interactions temporarily took a back seat. Communicating online is now a must, as is adapting to new consumer behaviors. Businesses are doing their best to modify offerings and operations to accommodate the very customers they rely upon. Customer satisfaction is crucial and if you haven’t measured it lately, a simple survey is in order. Customer opinions matter. Think Google reviews. Think word Read more…

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MTA Ribbon Cutting

You are invited to celebrate the newly completed renovations at Mason Transit Authority‘s Transit-Community Center Parking Lot Plaza.  MTA partnered with City of Shelton and Mason Conservation District to seek funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Stormwater Financial Assistance Program, in order to reduce impacts from existing infrastructure and development and enhance existing stormwater programs. The project expanded to include cleanup of contaminated soils in tandem with the construction. More than $250,000 was granted to retrofit the parking lot on the Read more…

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2020 Golf Tournament

The countdown is on to the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament. Go ahead and mark yourself ‘out of the office’ for Friday, August 21. The much-anticipated tourney will be held at the beautiful Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club. It’s going to be a great day on the greens! You get 18 holes of swinging, chipping, and putting; the course is riddled with hole sponsors giving away goodies, serving up fun, and assisting you in an assortment of prizes. The funds raised at Read more…

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Local Response Amplifies CARES Funding

The onset of the Coronavirus crisis caused Capitol Hill to take swift action and approve $2.2 trillion in emergency funding – widely discussed as the CARES Act. Businesses were promised their cut of resources to stay afloat in the form of partially forgivable, low-interest loans. Unemployed individuals were allocated an extra $600 per week in compensation for several months. So, what about the rest of the money? How is it funneled? When it comes to federal dollars, public funding trickles down Read more…

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Why Your Small Business Should Convert to Solar Sooner than Later

Of course you’ve heard of solar energy but you haven’t yet seriously considered it as a solution for your business. Perhaps it seems like a hassle to figure out? Maybe you think it is too expensive? That’s it’s easier to just keep paying the electric bill? Whatever the obstacle, now is a good time to reconsider. There are several advantages to converting to solar power, and it may be more accessible than you may think. Across America, renewable energy activity Read more…

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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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