From Our Blog

Expanded Exclusions for Live Presentations Announced

The Washington State Department of Revenue has issued a special notice outlining changes to how certain live presentations are treated under Washington tax law. Beginning July 1, 2026, several activities will be excluded from the definition of retail sales of live presentations. The updated exclusions include before and after school care provided in person by elementary schools, presentations by nonprofit organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, music lessons regardless of the number Read more

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Raven’s Charm Blends Retail & Education

Raven’s Charm offers a different kind of retail experience, one that blends products, education, and community into a space designed for exploration and connection. Owner Stephanie envisioned the shop as more than a place to shop. After years of teaching and working with individuals, she saw the need for a welcoming environment where people could ask questions, learn at their own pace, and connect with others who share similar interests. Shelton’s creative and supportive community made it a natural place Read more

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FIFA World Cup Business Preparedness

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the largest sporting events in the world, will bring six matches to Seattle. Hosting matches in Washington is a significant milestone for the state and reflects its long history of welcoming large-scale events, cultural festivals, and major sporting competitions. The World Cup is expected to generate an estimated $929 million in regional economic impact. Organizers anticipate an additional 750,000 visitors in the Puget Sound region, many of whom will be looking to explore Read more

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Olympus Rally Weekend Set for April 17-19

Each spring, the sound of engines and the arrival of visitors signal the return of one of Mason County’s most anticipated events. The Olympus Rally takes place April 17–19, bringing drivers, crews, and spectators from across the region to Mason County. Known for its high-speed forest stages and technical driving conditions, the rally draws a dedicated following and offers a unique experience for both longtime fans and first-time spectators. With much of the action unfolding on nearby forest roads, Mason Read more

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Celebrate Earth Day in Mason County

In Mason County, the outdoors is part of the rhythm of daily life. With Earth Day observed each year on April 22, the season offers a natural opportunity to step outside, reconnect with these spaces, and take part in keeping them well cared for. As the season shifts, there is a noticeable return to outdoor routines. Trails see more activity, shoreline access points become busier, and gardens begin to take shape across the county. For many, spring is less about Read more

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May Business After Hours

Join us for our May Business After Hours at Peninsula Credit Union! Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres from From Yola, along with a variety of door prizes featuring baskets from local businesses, including a “Get Ready for Summer” grand prize raffle basket. Drop by on May 13 from 5:30-7:00p to socialize and connect with fellow Chamber members, local business owners, organizational leaders, elected officials, and friends. Business After Hours is a monthly event hosted at member businesses on the second Wednesday Read more

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Getting Your Property Ready for Spring

As the seasons shift in Mason County, spring offers a natural opportunity to reset, not just inside your business or home, but across your entire property. From small maintenance tasks to larger clean-up projects, taking time now to prepare can help prevent costly repairs, improve safety, and create a more welcoming environment for employees, customers, and visitors. For many property owners, spring begins with a simple visual check. Winter weather can leave behind debris, clogged gutters, and wear on roofs, Read more

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Addressing Childcare Access in Mason County

Across Mason County, access to childcare continues to present challenges for families, employers, and the broader workforce. In response, the Mason County Childcare Coalition has been working since October to better understand local needs and identify opportunities to expand access to care. Led by Economic Development Council of Mason County in partnership with Mason Matters, the effort is supported through funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Together, these partners have convened employers, childcare providers, early learning centers, community Read more

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Green Diamond & The Future of Working Forests

For over 135 years, Green Diamond has been rooted in a tradition of responsible forest management. Founded in Mason County, the company owns and manages more than 2.2 million acres of private working forestland across the western and southern United States, maintaining a long-standing presence in the region where it began. Green Diamond grows and nurtures forests that sequester carbon as living, growing trees and continue to store carbon in the wood products used to build homes, schools, and other Read more

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A Look at Mason County’s Spring Housing Market

As we head into spring, conversations about the housing market tend to pick up. Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply paying attention to what is happening locally, one of the first questions that comes up is about interest rates and where they might be headed. The honest answer is that no one knows for sure. Even economists have been cautious about making firm predictions. What we can look at, though, is where things stand today. Over the Read more

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