From Our Blog

Safely Reopening Washington Discussed in Legislature

On Wednesday, January 20 a hearing was held for Senate Bill 5114 on safely reopening Washington that was co-sponsored by Senator Tim Sheldon (D- Potlatch). Nearly 1,300 individuals weighed in on the bill, with more than 1,100 of those being in favor of it. Through this bill, the legislature would immediately and safely reopen all businesses (currently specific industries such as restaurants, gyms, and theaters are closed indoors) to resume under the provisions of Phase 2 of the “Healthy Washington Read more

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Legislature Posts Remote Testimony Rules for 2021 Session

Back in 2013 we had a dream that the legislature would allow citizens to participate in the legislative debate from across the state with remote testimony. Due to 2020 events that shall not be named, that dream is now a reality across House and Senate committees for the 2021 Legislative Session. The Legislature has posted the rules for how remote testimony will work.  A few important things to remember: Testimony registration will close 1 hour before the start time of the hearing. Read more

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Chamber CEO Helps Award Community Grants

Chamber CEO Heidi McCutcheon is proud to have served on the Community Grants committee for that convened to select a broad range organizations to support in our region. Chamber member nonprofits awarded funding include: Great Bend Center for Music, Sound Learning, 4-H of Mason County (WSU Extension), Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, Senior Services for South Sound, Sound Sound YMCA, Community Lifeline, Homes First, and Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center. Click to view the full list of Community Grants Program Read more

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Registration Now Open for ‘Changes Ahead’ Webinar

Change is the only thing that’s been consistent over the past year. Sometimes change has come at the drop of the hat; sometimes we’ve seen the writing on the wall. With the hallmark of our current reality being constant change, the Chamber has invited experts at the federal and state level to clue us in on what’s happening and what they see coming down the line. To help guide you and provide insight about doing business this year, the Chamber Read more

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Governor’s Roadmap to Recovery Plan

Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery is the state’s new recovery approach that begins January 11 with all counties being moved to Phase 1. Updated guidelines and metrics for activities are contained within this plan. Additionally, Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers outline requirements for occupancy and operations according to this plan. This includes reference documents about outdoor and open-air structures.

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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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