From Our Blog

When to Pull the Plug on Events

Large-scale event cancellations across the United States are mounting due to COVID-19 concerns—from conferences and concerts to trade shows and sporting events. Many local events have been put on the back burner too. Weighing the potential health risk of an event with its economic consequence isn’t clear cut. It’s even less obvious if the event will be well attended.  So, is the best course of action to postpone, reschedule, or cancel? After scouring dozens of articles written by event industry experts, the Chamber Read more…

ago

Grab Attention Online with Social Media Strategy

Welcome to a crash course in the theory of adapt and survive. Since the Coronavirus struck, businesses are facing an unwelcome ‘survival of the fittest’ battle. But, what should small business owners do next – if anything – during these uncertain times? Well, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce suggests you start with the Coronavirus Small Business Guide. Here you will find a collection of finance, human resources, marketing and operational strategies to finesse. No matter where you search for advice, the Read more…

ago

April 15 COVID-19 Webinar

On Video Employment Security Department’s Adjudication Manager Kevin Dinnen discussed traditional unemployment benefits, the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and the system upgrade to allow newly eligible parties to apply for benefits. Note: Video is no longer available Shared Links Eligibility Checklist Application Checklist Sign up for a SAW account How to apply for benefits  How to file your weekly claim  Weekly benefit calculator Partial earnings deduction chart Other Items Peninsula Credit Union now an approved PPP lender; email sba@pcfcu.org to request an Read more…

ago

April 8 COVID-19 Webinar

Hosts contact information Heidi McCutcheon, Shelton-Mason County Chamber(360) 490-3741 direct Pam Volz, North Mason Chamber(360) 710-0689 direct Shared Resources Unemployment Information for EmployersDept. of Treasury FAQ on Paycheck Protection ProgramUS Chamber FMLA three-page guide SBA Office of Disaster Assistance (800) 659-2955

ago

SharedWork Program

SharedWork makes the Dream Work With the extension of a statewide stay-home order across Washington through May 6, many of us are becoming a bit apprehensive. Employers, in particular, are scrambling to figure out ways to stay afloat and keep employees. To that end, the WA Employment Security Department is touting an alternative called Shared Work that allows companies to keep employees working reduced hours as the worker collects partial unemployment benefits. Though it’s been in place since 1983, SharedWork isn’t widely known. Read more…

ago

April 3 COVID-19 Webinar

Recorded on Friday, April 3, 2020 This event was hosted by the Shelton-Mason County and North Mason Chambers, in partnership with the US Chamber, PacMountain Workforce, and the EDC of Mason County. Below you’ll find the recording of the webinar as well as the slide deck presented.

ago

Distillery makes sanitizer

The Hardware Distillery Co. helps meet desperate demand for hand sanitizer It’s anything but typical for a distillery known for tasty spirits to start making something unpalatable; yet, that is exactly what The Hardware Distillery Co. in Hoodsport is doing. Between batches of their hand-crafted distilled recipes, they are now mixing up high-alcohol sanitizing solutions. The Coronavirus has caused a supply shortage of sanitizing products and alcoholic beverage makers throughout the country are offering to fill the void by retooling to produce Read more…

ago

March 19 COVID-19 Webinar

Speaker Contact Information and Resources Heidi McCutcheon, Executive Director, Shelton-Mason County Chamber(360) 490-3741heidi@masonchamber.commasonchamber.com/recovery Pam Volz, President/CEO, North Mason Chamberpvolz@northmasonchamber.com(360) 701-0689northmasonchamber.com Rep. Drew MacEwen, 35th Legislative Districtmacewen@leg.wa.gov(360) 786-7902drewmacewen.houserepublicans.wa.gov Kerrie Hurd, District Director, Seattle Districtkerrie.hurd@sba.govsba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance Lynn Longan, Rural Strategies Manager, WA Department of Commercelynn.longan@commerce.wa.gov(360) 490-1950commerce.wa.gov Megan Fiess, Workforce Development Project Manager, Pac Mountainmfiess@thurstonchamber.com(360) 357-3362esd.wa.gov Rose Gunderson, VP of Operations & Retail Services, Washington Retail Associationrgundersen@washingtonretail.org(360) 200-6452washingtonretail.orgRunning your Business in Response to COVID-19 webinars can be found at waretailservices.com/eventsWashington Retail COVID-19 Resource page has resources for employees, Read more…

ago

COVID-19 Information and Response

These are strange and unprecedented times. We understand our member’s concerns and are looking for ways to support our business community. We’ll be updating our website at masonchamber.com/covid-19 with resources as they become available. In the meantime, here are some informational resources as well as current closures and altered schedules. News and InformationCOVID-19 State & Federal Business Resources Conference Call hosted by Congressman Derek Kilmer is on Wednesday, March 18 at 10:30 AM via Zoom. Experts will discuss the new WA Commerce and SBA resources available to Read more…

ago