From Our Blog

Bayshore Preserve Fully Reopens with Improved Trails and Access – Just in Time for November’s Salmon Experience

Capitol Land Trust (CLT) is pleased to announce that the Bayshore Preserve in Shelton is once again fully open to the public. This milestone marks the completion of major improvements that make Bayshore Preserve more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable. The parking lot has been resurfaced and redesigned with space for school buses and van accessibility; a new welcoming plaza now serves as a gathering point before hitting the trails; several trails have been enhanced to improve accessibility for visitors using Read more

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Mason Health Expands Diagnostic Imaging Services with New High-Field Open MRI System

Mason Health is excited to announce the arrival of the Oasis Velocity High-Field Open MRI system by Fujifilm, a state-of-the-art imaging solution that will significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities for patients across Mason County and beyond. Installed at Mason General Hospital in September 2025, the new MRI system will be fully operational in early 2026, offering faster, more accurate imaging in a more comfortable and accessible environment. The Oasis Velocity MRI combines high-field strength with an open design, making it ideal Read more

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Chamber Champions Small Business Season 2025

The Chamber is proud to once again lead the Shop Small movement, celebrating Small Business Season from November 1 through December 31. This annual campaign highlights the vital role small businesses play in our community and renews the Chamber’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and business owners. Small Business Season is about more than just shopping; it is about supporting the dreams and livelihoods of our neighbors, friends, and community members. Each purchase at a small business creates a ripple Read more

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Education at Work: Shelton Schools Lead State in Literacy Growth, Workforce Readiness

The Chamber welcomed Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee for the October Luncheon, where he provided an update on student achievement, literacy, workforce readiness, and the district’s ongoing financial challenges. Jessee opened by highlighting Shelton’s remarkable improvement in early literacy. In just three years, third-grade reading scores have risen from 25% to 43%, earning the district the top ranking in Washington State for literacy growth. He emphasized the importance of setting students up for success early, noting that ninth-grade performance Read more

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November Business After Hours

Join us at the November Business After Hours with Our Community Credit Union on Wednesday, November 12, at their spacious Downtown Branch. Meet their CEO, Phil Prothero, enjoy light refreshments, and enter to win a door prize. Drop in anytime from 5:30 to 7:00p to connect with fellow Chamber members, local business owners, organizational leaders, elected officials, and friends. Please RSVP. Business After Hours is a monthly event hosted at member businesses on the second Wednesday of each month as a Read more

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2025 Halloween Happenings

Ghouls and Goblins, the Chamber is pleased to provide a map of Halloween activities throughout Shelton-Mason County. Look for our star Chamber members. View the map below or open the custom map in Google. Halloween Spooktacular Once again, the Chamber is partnering with Shelton Downtown Merchants to present Halloween Spooktacular. This year’s festivities will return to Railroad Ave with all activities being held outdoors. The community is invited for an evening of trick-or-treating with local businesses! The event hours are Read more

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October Brings New Rules, Big Conversation

October has arrived, and with it comes a mix of policy shifts, civic opportunities, and challenges that will shape our local economy in the weeks ahead. From new state tax rules to local elections, regional workforce discussions, and the possibility of a federal government shutdown, this month is one where staying informed matters. As always, the Chamber is here as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for our strong community. On October Read more

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Mason County 911 Launches “Eva” to Help with Non-Emergency Calls

Mason County 911 is taking another step to keep emergency lines open and help our community get the right help faster. Starting this fall, non-emergency calls will be answered by “Eva,” a virtual assistant.Our 911 center handles about 95,000 calls every year, and more than half of those are not emergencies. These are calls about things like animal complaints, abandoned vehicles, or general “411” type questions that don’t require police, fire, or medics right away. While important, these calls can Read more

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Island Enterprises Invests in New Hotel, Local Economy

The Chamber is a catalyst for business growth, connecting members with timely conversations that impact our economy and community. Our September Luncheon was designed to give attendees an inside look at how local tribal enterprises are driving change and opportunity in Mason County. We were thrilled to host Island Enterprises, Inc. (IEI), where CEO David Burnett and newly appointed COO Jennifer Hines shared insights into the Squaxin Island Tribe’s diverse economic ventures and the significant role they play in fostering Read more

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Taylor Shellfish: Local Smokehouse Brings Flavor Home

Taylor Shellfish Farms is charting a new course with the addition of a smokehouse and cannery at its Shelton headquarters. This project blends more than 130 years of aquaculture heritage with a modern “tide to table” approach. It also creates fresh opportunities to enjoy locally raised shellfish while keeping more of the value in Mason County. The company began in the 1890s when the Taylor family first farmed Olympia oysters on Puget Sound. From those beginnings, Taylor Shellfish has grown Read more

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