From Our Blog

Celebrate Local Excellence: Nominations Now Open for Annual Awards

For decades, the Chamber has honored outstanding businesses, individuals, and organizations through its annual awards program. The entire community is encouraged to submit nominations online at masonchamber.com/nominate through September 30, 2025. Details on each award category, nomination criteria, and a full archive of past recipients can also be found online. This year, five categories are open for nominations. Business of the Year is awarded to a business that has made a meaningful impact on the Mason County community over the Read more

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WSDOT Lane Closures on US 101 in Thurston and Mason counties Start August 4

Starting Monday, August 4, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will replace asphalt on sections of the highway. What to expect 7p to 5a, weeknights, Monday, August 4 through Thursday, August 28: Crews expect to complete paving work by the end of August. Travelers will see lane reductions again at the end of September. After a curing time, crews will return to apply permanent pavement markings and complete the project. Whenever near work zones please: WSDOT Read more

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Harmonizing The Future

Hoodstock: The Hood Canal Music & Arts Festival Has Incredible Impact on Youth Music Education in Mason County Since its inception in 2018, the Hood Canal Music & Arts Festival (Hoodstock) has been more than just a weekend of melodies and masterpieces. Nestled in the heart of Mason County, this festival has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for youth music education, transforming the local community and enriching the lives of young aspiring musicians. The festival, renowned for its Read more

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Chamber Seeks Community Support

Help us Meet $20,000 Goal There’s something special about driving through downtown Shelton on a summer morning and spotting the vibrant flower baskets that brighten key corridors. These bursts of color are more than seasonal décor. They are a symbol of community pride and a warm welcome to all who live, work, and visit here. Since 1999, the Shelton-Mason County Chamber has helped bring these blooms to life through its annual beautification program. Each summer, the flower baskets return as Read more

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Outdoor Recreation Abounds in Summer

Summer brings a noticeable increase in visitors to Mason County, as travelers and locals take advantage of longer days and outdoor opportunities. Many begin their adventure at the Hoodsport Visitor Information Center, which is open year-round and staffed by the Chamber’s volunteers. The center provides trail maps, area guides, and recommendations for everything from day hikes to restaurants, serving as a helpful resource for those exploring the Hood Canal region. Located just outside Hoodsport, the Staircase area of Olympic National Read more

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Chamber Showcases Best of Mason County

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Save the date for Friday, July 18 to enjoy the Chamber’s annual Expo & Bite of Mason County in downtown Shelton. The event runs from 11:30a to 6:30p and offers a full afternoon of food, local vendors, and community connection. Admission and parking are free. Visitors can expect a variety of booths featuring local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and service providers. Restaurants and food trucks will offer small bites priced between $1 and $6, Read more

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20 Cents Makes a Big Difference to Shelton Roads

This August, Shelton residents will be asked to vote on the renewal of the city’s Transportation Benefit District (TBD). First approved by voters in 2015, the TBD has funded a wide range of street maintenance and safety improvements over the past decade. Renewal would not raise taxes—it would simply continue the existing 0.2% sales tax for another ten years. If the measure does not pass, the City stands to lose a reliable and flexible funding source at a time when Read more

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Explore More With Mason Transit

Fare-Free Access to Trails & Outdoor Recreation Mason Transit Authority is making it easier to reach some of Mason County’s most popular outdoor areas. With free fixed-route buses, Dial-A-Ride service, and seasonal trailhead access, MTA gives riders a way to get outside without needing a car. Trail users can catch a bus or schedule a pickup to places like Lower Lena Lake and nearby Olympic National Forest access points. The service helps reduce congestion at trailheads and makes it easier Read more

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The Glen Resort Enhances Guest Experience While Strengthening Local Connections

The Glen Resort, a long-standing destination on Hood Canal, has recently completed a series of renovations aimed at elevating the guest experience and supporting the region’s growing tourism economy. The updates reflect a commitment to thoughtful reinvestment, regional partnerships, and a deeper connection to the unique character of Mason County. Upgrades began with amenities designed to meet the needs of today’s travelers. High-speed wifi, complimentary coffee, and a new camp store stocked with snacks, drinks, merchandise, and essentials have improved Read more

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Occupational Fraud 101

As a catalyst for business growth, the Chamber is committed to equipping members with tools to protect their organizations and strengthen internal practices. June’s luncheon provided a practical, eye-opening look at occupational fraud, including what it is, how it happens, and how to prevent it. Dawn Myers of Myers Forensic Accounting Services drew from her experience as a Certified Fraud Examiner to explain how fraud schemes develop and why they are often difficult to detect. She shared that organizations lose Read more

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