From Our Blog

March Business After Hours

Want a behind-the-scenes look at Skookum Creek Tobacco Company? Join us for our March Business After Hours as General Manager Mike Araiza welcomes Chamber members to their impressive manufacturing facility for an evening of networking and light refreshments. Drop by anytime from 5:30-7:00p to socialize and connect with fellow Chamber members, local business owners, organizational leaders, elected officials, and friends. While you’re there, be sure to join the Skookum Creek Tobacco Team for tours of their facility throughout the night. Read more

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From the Desk of the CEO – February 2026

As the Chamber moves into the early months of the year, our focus is on continuity. We will be carrying forward the work, priorities, and commitments established in 2025. I will be out on maternity leave as my husband and I welcome our first child, but the Chamber’s work continues without interruption. Our staff, board of directors, and volunteer leaders are well positioned to guide the organization during this time, ensuring members continue to receive consistent support, advocacy, and engagement. Read more

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February Business After Hours

Join us for the first Business After Hours of the year on Wednesday, February 11, at Maple Glen Assisted Living! Executive Director Jamie and her team will open their doors for an evening of networking and light refreshments. RSVP requested. Business After Hours is a monthly event hosted at member businesses on the second Wednesday of each month as a complimentary member benefit. It’s designed to bring together local professionals looking to develop new business relationships. If you are not a Read more

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Award Winners Announced at January 16 Annual Awards Gala

Nearly 250 Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce members, community stakeholders, awards finalists, and their supporters filled the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek Casino Resort on Friday, January 16, for the Chamber’s 104th Annual Meeting & Awards Gala. The evening brought the business community together to celebrate accomplishments from the past year, witness the installation of the Chamber Board of Directors, honor award finalists, and announce this year’s award recipients. Welcoming attendees, Chamber President & CEO Deidre Peterson invited Read more

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Education-Business Partnerships Aid our Economy

This op-ed, co-written by Deidre Peterson, CEO of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber, and Kevin Shutty, Executive Director of Mason EDC, appeared in the January 15, 2026 Shelton-Mason County Journal. As leaders of Shelton and Mason County’s businesses support and development organizations, we rely on strong partnerships to sustain and grow our local economy. Without good partners, our work would be more challenging and less impactful. This is especially true when it comes to our work with the Shelton School District Read more

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Chamber Work That Matters

Each January, we take a moment to reflect—not to start over, but to build on what we’ve learned and accomplished alongside you. If you haven’t had the chance yet, I encourage you to pause and celebrate the good that came out of last year. One place to start: take a look at the impressive slate of finalists who will be recognized at next week’s Gala. Chamber work doesn’t begin fresh with each calendar year. It carries forward, informed by your Read more

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Meet LuWana Hawley: Chamber Ambassador

When LuWana Hawley was invited to join the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee in March 2022, she was both new to the area and to her role as General Manager at Lucky Dog Casino. Having recently relocated from Tumwater to Hoodsport, she was eager to connect with others and establish a sense of belonging. Joining the Ambassador Committee offered the perfect opportunity to immerse herself in the community while learning more about the people and businesses that make Mason County thrive. LuWana Read more

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Holiday Drives Help Neighbors

Our community continues to come together time and time again to help neighbors in need. The holiday season offers a meaningful opportunity to support causes close to your heart. Many area nonprofits are seeking donations to continue their work serving local individuals and families. In addition, several local businesses are hosting giving trees and independent drives for those who wish to contribute items directly. For those able to give, the Chamber has compiled a list of local opportunities to support Read more

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Make the Most of Year-End Giving for Local Impact

As the year draws to a close, many businesses take time to review their budgets and look for meaningful ways to give back while making the most of available tax deductions. Strategic charitable giving can provide financial advantages, but it also creates a lasting impact by supporting the local organizations that strengthen Mason County. For business owners, year-end giving can take many forms. Monetary donations to qualified nonprofits are the most common, but contributions of goods, services, or sponsorships may Read more

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Chamber, Partners Convene Legislators for Annual Legislative Sendoff

The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, the North Mason Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Council of Mason County convened nearly 60 business, government, and nonprofit leaders on Monday, December 1, for the annual Legislative Sendoff at Alderbrook Resort & Spa. The county-wide forum provided a focused opportunity for the business community to hear directly from Senator Drew MacEwen and Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture as they prepare for Washington’s 2026 short legislative session. Organizers opened by emphasizing Read more

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