Bight | February 2013

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

In ThE loop

Chamber award Winners announced Celebrate amazing people in our community! – 8

FEBRUARY 2013

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

February 2013

Message from Chamber President

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY Board of Trustees President Melanie Bakala State Farm Insurance Past President Drew MacEwen Falcon Financial, Inc. Vice President of Marketing Kelley Crabtree Maple Glen Senior Living Vice President of Member Services Janene Bandes Pier 101 Gift Shop & Boutique Treasurer Rick Verbarendse Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club Steve Andrewski CareerQuest Herb Baze Black Star, The Strip Steakhouse Russ Denney Pantorium Cleaners Jill Himlie Windermere Real Estate/Himlie Inc. Rod Olsen, Jr. Olsen Furniture Company Jennifer Owens Peninsula Federal Credit Union Shaun Tucker Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Produced by Rachel Hansen, Image In Action Design and the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce All rights reserved.

Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce Box 2389 |215 W Railroad Avenue Shelton, WA 98584 426-2021 • (800) 576-2021• FAX 426-8678 www.sheltonchamber.org February 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

We definitely started off 2013 in style. An amazing meal provided by Little Creek Casino, a review of the past year, and a great night of recognition.

Congratulations to all the winners – you are certainly deserving!

As I said at the Gala - being a part of the Chamber is about synergy. As business owners, we want to network, and we want to understand what’s going on in the city, county, state, and nationally that affects us. We want to be able to connect with the partners who are working to make our community better. But just running our business is more than a full-time job. Finding time to do these things falls low on the list.

This is where the Chamber comes in. Your Chamber is working for you every day.

There are four regularly scheduled events each month at a variety of times to fit every person’s schedule. You can participate in a lunch time Business Builder Workshop, a Good Morning Mason County breakfast meeting, or evening Business After Hours and monthly business meeting. Whichever time of day works for you, I encourage you take advantage of an event in the next month.

The benefits of belonging to the Chamber go far beyond networking opportunities.

Our Government Affairs Committee - comprised of Chamber members - works

on issues that affect our community. For example, we are tracking the progress of the Shoreline Management Plan update to make sure we provide input on issues that can affect our businesses. We put together our legislative priorities and share them with our elected leaders. A few items we are asking them to do: stabilize Unemployment Insurance Taxes, focus on reforming our Workers Compensation system, and focus on making State Government as efficient as possible before asking for revenue from taxpayers.

Our SAVER committee was created to develop a relationship with our local government in order to get community projects done. An example of this partnership is the 1st & Railroad project – where diseased, overgrown trees were removed and are being replaced with a beautiful corner that will welcome visitors to Shelton. We are also working closely with the city officials to address safety in our town. Recently, these efforts resulted in the police department conducting foot patrols in the downtown area.

The Marketing Committee’s efforts to promote shopping

local, and the creation of Local Buck$ continues to keep the important message of shopping local in front of the community. The Member Services Committee reached out to you in a survey last year, and you told us you wanted a partnership with the education system in Mason County.

We are partnering with Mason Matters on an exciting High School and Beyond Grant program that will focus on 4-8th graders in all Mason County schools. Make sure to attend the February 21st Monthly Meeting for more information on this great program.

Your Chamber is working for you every day – thanks to the members who volunteer on the committees, the Board of Trustees, and our Chamber staff. This is your Chamber, and we look forward to continuing the work to help our members thrive in 2013.

Melanie Bakala 2013 President of the Board

Snapshots of history

Justin Cowling, Executive Director | Mason County Historical Society This photo is of the Lilliwaup Motel after a blizzard in 1950.

This storm started on a Friday the 13th, lasted nine hours, with 25 to 35 mile per hour winds and covering the county in 1 to 5 feet of snow – in Matlock alone 7 barns were knocked down. The storm continued the following day, snowing another 3 to 6 inches. The snow and ice stuck around for quite some time afterwards, leaving residents chilly from Saturday through Tuesday, with the temperatures never climbing out the 30s. To learn more about MCHS please contact Justin Cowling at (360) 426-1020 or email cowlingjustin@hotmail.com.

Cover Photo credit: George Stenberg - this is a Bight, by the way!

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Message from Chamber Executive Director I am so pleased with our exceptional Annual Awards Gala at Little Creek Casino Resort.

I truly believe it is the biggest and best event that the Mason County business community has ever seen. We had 248 people in attendance and enjoyed an extravagant event (nine courses with wine pairings!) celebrating the accomplishments of the past year. This was a wonderful opportunity to recognize our accomplishments and extend our gratitude to those who served on committees or as Board Members.

Our award winners, Volunteer Allison Wagner, Citizen Matthew Blegen, Business Bakala State Farm, and President’s Choice United Way of Mason County, all graciously and humbly accepted their well-deserved awards. In 2012 they set the bar high, and they continue their generosity in 2013. The time that they volunteer, the needs that they meet and the attitude with which they carry out their efforts are what make me proud to be part of this community. Their humility in receiving these awards is remarkable in the sense that they don’t see themselves as any more deserving than the rest of us. But truly, Mason County is a better place to live, work and play because of them.

The State of the Chamber Address surprised even me with the amazing array of accomplishments we achieved. The Beautification committee raised over $17,000 to pay for 75 flower baskets. Business Expo & Bite of Shelton had more attendees then ever and for the second year in a row, we had a waiting list of businesses who wanted to participate – this year’s reservation form is on our website, so make yours right away!

Member Services custom tailored the workshops and speakers for the past year based on the feedback you gave us in our survey last April; marketing assistance, partnership with

schools, and networking opportunities topped your priorities. Our Ambassadors’ ranks continue to grow, which is a great thing, seeing as our membership is growing by leaps and bounds!

Our golf tournament doubled the teams we had participating last year and the auction was a hit with twice the participants as well. These two events alone raised more than $21,000 for the Chamber and our programs. Marketing committee grew our Shop Local campaigns, increasing participation by 25%, and has sold more than $8,600 of LOCAL BUCK$ to date.

Tourism this year had a late start, as our contract wasn’t approved until March, but we got SO much done this year. We created three 30-second commercials (one of which made its debut during UW’s Las Vegas Bowl football game) that showcase all that we have to offer to families, couples & singles and outdoor adventure seekers in Mason County.

We revamped explorehoodcanal.com to make it more attractive and user-friendly (check it out if you haven’t seen it yet!) and we served nearly 20,000 visitors in our visitor centers and answered more than 2,500 phone calls.

We also added two people to our staff; Pat Binion is our new Volunteer Coordinator at our Hoodsport Information Center and Janelle

Rutter compliments Deidre Eaton in our Shelton administrative office.

Let me take a quick moment to tell you how blessed I am to have such an exceptional team.

They move mountains for me and work their tails off for you too. Deidre, Janelle and Pat – I appreciate you so very much! Thank you for all your hard work.

With that said, I’d be remiss to not express my gratitude to the Chamber Board of Trustees.

They have a strong vision of what the Chamber should be and what we need to do to improve the business climate in our community. I believe they are a great reflection of our membership at large and I thank each of you for being active, interested and involved with the Chamber. We would not be such a dynamic organization without you. Here’s to all we accomplished in 2012 and for an even more successful 2013!

Sincerely, Heidi McCutcheon Executive Director

LIVE WORK PLAY Do you LIVE in your books? The William G. Reed Library offers a variety of adult, teen, and children’s reading programs including a monthly “Taking Care of Business” book club. Call (360) 426-1362 or visit events.trlib.org for more information.

If you love to PLAY in our beautiful outdoors, you will be excited to know that Washington State Parks has announced “free days” for 2013. On “free days” the Discover Pass will not be required to access lands managed by the Washington State Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife.

Before you hire someone to WORK for you, do your research. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great consumer resource.

See BBB’s 2012 Top Industry Complaints and Inquiries on their website now.

For more ways to PLAY, check out City of Shelton’s Parks and Recreation spring programs.Visit ci.shelton.wa.us or call (360) 426-4491 for details.

Get ready to WORK in your garden. Master Gardeners is offering “Through the Garden Gate” workshops twice monthly through March 2013. Topics are offered for all skill levels and interests. For pre-registration or details, call (360) 427-9670 Ext. 680.

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

February 2013

Business After Hours

Everett Hughes hosted January Networking Event SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Adopt-A-Pet 940 E Jensen Rd, Shelton (360) 432-3091 adoptapet-wa.org Non-Profit/Pet Services Auntie Em’s Pet Grooming 66 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton (360) 426-9200 auntieemspet.com Pet Services Bright Tomorrows Hypnotherapy 221 W Railroad Ave, Ste 21, Shelton (360) 463-1840 brighttomorrows.net Health & Wellness Cruisingrivers.com PO Box 2117, Shelton (360) 589-3344 cruisingrivers.com Recreation Dogwood Construction, Inc. 320 E Dalby Rd, Union (360) 898-6100 dogwoodconstruction.com General Contracting Hood Canal Kiwanis PO Box 133, Hoodsport (208) 596-2008 hckiwanis.org Service Club Kurt Lenhoff Friend of the Chamber Mason Community Land Trust Belfair (360) 801-9998 mtclt.org Non-Profit Non-Profit Organization

February 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

On January 9, 2013 Everett L. Hughes, EA hosted the monthly Business After Hours member networking social – a grand kick-off to the new year!

More than 40 Chamber members and guests gathered for the event which took place in the tidily appointed office in downtown Shelton.

Owner Everett Hughes, his staff, and colleagues hosted in fine style with a delightful spread from Osaka Sushi & Asian Bistro, complete with specialty beverages.

Looking for a respected, knowledgeable tax representative? As a licensed representative, Everett Hughes offers tax preparation and representation as well as offer in compromise, accounting payroll, financial statements and more.

Jaron Garza Named Domino’s Puget-Sound Area Manager of the Year Domino’s Pizza recently awarded Jaron Garza with the esteemed title of Puget-Sound Area Manager of the Year during the company’s regional awards ceremony in Seattle. This award qualifies Jaron Garza to compete for the prestigious title of U.S. Manager of the Year, which will be awarded at the company’s Global Awards Ceremony later this year.

The Manager of the Year award recognizes exceptional store managers who live the company’s mission and guiding principles. Garza has been a full-time Domino’s Pizza manager for one year and currently runs a store in the town of Shelton, owned by franchisees Jeff and Gina Farmer, who have operated Domino’s Pizza stores for 26 years.

“Jaron is an unbelievable store operator who has proven time and again an outstanding commitment to making his customers happy,” said Tom Curtis, Domino’s vice president of franchise operations – west region. “We are blessed to have such a positive leader who places so much value in his customers and team members. This is a great testimony to Jaron, his team and work ethic and I can’t congratulate him enough.”

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Garza has worked in the Shelton store for the last six years. He started as a “doorhanger” distributing flyers, worked his way up to assistant manager, a job he had for three years. In May 2012, he became manager of the store.

Since his promotion he has increased sales and improved service metrics measured by the company. Garza’s in-store efficiency resulted in 91.5 percent of delivery orders on their way to customers within 15 minutes of the time they place their order.

“Gina and I are extremely proud of this award that Jaron has received,” said franchise owner Jeff Farmer. “There are some extremely talented managers that he competed with to receive this prestigious award.”

Climbers Choose the Healthy Life at Shelton High School The Shelton High School is a healthier campus, thanks to the efforts of three students, Michael Johnson, Josh Priest, and Alan Hanson. These students have made efforts to replace unhealthy beverages, such as soda, with a selection of juices and waters and they have added more healthy food options like smoked turkey wraps, chicken tacos and health breakfast choices.

But these three students didn’t just stop there. Michael, Alan, and Josh are not only focusing on advertising their efforts on campus, but to the community as well. To let our community know the action they have taken, the three have interviewed with KMAS 1030 AM radio, been featured in the Shelton Life, and are working with the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce in order to promote the project and gain support from local businesses.

All three students are participants of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), an association of marketing students who are exposed to different opportunities and are able to gain various leadership and communication skills. As DECA members, they have the choice to compete by choosing a project in one of many different skill sets. They have chosen this DECA project specifically because they wanted to make a difference in the student’s dietary decisions.

To introduce these efforts to the student body, the three have created an advertising campaign for the high school’s student store under the slogan “Climbers Choose the Healthy Life.” The advertising efforts on campus include poster ads in the student store displaying some of the healthy food options, school-wide announcements and emails, and a canned-food drive/raffle that was held in the student store.

These students hope to make the Shelton High School and the greater community aware that the school now offers more healthy food options for students on-campus. This is a lifestyle change they hope will last for years to come and benefit the lives of the students.

Living United Never Tasted So Good!

United Way of Mason County will be hosting its Annual Valentine Dessert & Gift Auction on Wednesday, February 13 from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at the Shelton Civic Center. The event is sure to be enjoyable with a tantalizing, delicious display of locally made desserts ranging from salty and sweet to decadent. Entertainment will be a fast, frenzied, and friendly bidding process facilitated by Dale Hubbard of KMAS. In addition, amazing gift baskets will be raffled off just in time for last minute Valentine’s Day gifting!

All proceeds from the event benefit United Way of Mason County’s Community Fund. The Fund reinvests in our shared communities via Community Impact Grants for programs – especially those with a focus on Education, Income & Basic Needs, and Health.

Mike Oliver – Mutual of Omaha 291 SE Homeport Ln, Shelton (360) 463-4765 mutualofomaha.com Financial Investments Puget Sound Senior Games PO Box 1487, Olympia (360) 754-4937 pugetsoundgames.com Non-Profit Relay for Life Shelton PO Box 2150, Shelton relay.acsevents.org Salish Cliffs 91 W State Route 108, Shelton (360) 462-3673 salish-cliffs.com Golf Course Seven Inlets Spa 91 W State Route 108, Shelton (360) 462-1772 seveninletsspa.com Spa & Massage The Grill Restaurant 116 W Railroad Ave, Ste 100 PO Box 91, Shelton (360) 427-2393 thegrillsteakhouse.com Restaurant

Join the Chamber!

If you or someone you know could benefit from being a member of the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce, give Heidi, Deidre or Janelle a call now at (360) 426-2021!

The cost to attend is $15.00 per person and tickets may be purchased online at uwmc-valentineauction.brownpapertickets.com or by calling United Way at (360) 426-4999.

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Correction: Heilig’s phone number listed incorrectly in January edition – the correct number is (360) 259-1342.

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

February 2013

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

A Toast to 2012!

We live and play in this amazing place Each year passes quicker than the last Let’s take a moment to reflect On the experiences we have amassed

Shelton Cinemas served Sushi galore AmFam showed off their business gem We started Good Morning Mason County For members to gather in the AM

We celebrated the season in Hama Hama and tasted what Hood Canal does best we witnessed the Paddle to Squaxin and gathered together at OysterFest

SAVER’s first & Railroad efforts Decked out the corner in style For help with the extra mud, A thank you to our friends at Miles

PUD 3 opened at John’s Prairie Mason General added new surgical space The Journal brought home awards At the Ridge the cars came to race

We need people ready To welcome Visitors on a Hood Canal quest Pat signed on to coordinate The volunteers who welcome our guests

Flower Baskets adorned our streets Bands entertained us with Music in the Park Families gathered for Pancakes in the summer And Smoking Mo’s returned downtown to make their mark

Jennifer, Shaun, Kelley, Janene, and Rod Joined us as board members anew These five great additions Rounded out the Chamber Directors crew

Sound Learning & Love Inc. brought on new mentors

Many new businesses have joined our group, those here we’d like show: We welcome each one of you- and look forward to seeing your businesses grow.

(10 new members in attendance were named)

Tonight we say adieu to Kevin, Kathryn & Patti Thank you from this entire crowd Drew, we are grateful for your leadership Now go to the Hill and make us proud We welcome two more members to our leadership team this year Russ Denney & Jill Himlie Joins the Chamber group that steers

We gathered at Grove Street To build our business skills At the Expo and Bite of Shelton The Strip’s food gave the audience thrills

Last but not least is the amazing Chamber crew Heidi, Deidre & Janelle, From the board and our members – a big thank you

We shopped with LOCAL BUCK$ And mobbed businesses with cash We golfed at Alderbrook And the annual auction made a green splash

Now pick up your glass and raise it to honor the accomplishments that we’ve seen And let us toast to our future Here’s to great success for all of us in 2013

February 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

February 1

Business Builder Workshop

by Melanie Bakala, State Farm Insurance

Anna’s Bay awoke our Children’s Voices And performed in New York’s Lincoln Center Peninsula and Little Creek brought on new CEOs

FeBRuary Chamberevents

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“How Secure Is YOUR Business?”

12:00 – 1:00 PM Grove Street Brewhouse 233 S First St, Shelton

February 12 Good Morning Mason County!

7:30 – 8:30 AM Roosters Restaurant 3001 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton

February 13 Business After Hours

presented and sponsored by Pier 101 Gift Shop & Boutique

 5:30 – 7:00 PM 24180 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport February 21 Monthly Membership Meeting 6:00 – 8:00 PM Sponsored by Sound Learning

 The Pavilion at Sentry Park 190 W Sentry Dr, Shelton

President’s Circle

Cruise with the Chamber

Western Mediterranean Next Destination

Platinum Members

This autumn, the Chamber is proud to provide another exciting cultural immersion trip. October 11-21, 2013 a group from Mason County will fly to Barcelona, Spain and board Norwegian Cruise Lines Epic to sail the Western Mediterranean – visiting Naples, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Provence and Marseille.

This amazing, ten day trip costs just $3,200 pp and includes round trip airfare from SeaTac Airport, port fees, taxes, fuel surcharges, lodging and transfers, plus all your meals aboard the ship (you must supply your own passport).

Not included in this price: Passport fee and/or travel insurance.

About the Ship: It all began with Freestyle Cruising® where Norwegian Cruise Line reinvented the way people cruise by giving them the freedom to do whatever.

Now we'd like to welcome you to Norwegian Epic: Norwegian Cruise Line's incredible new ship that reinvents cruising once again.

Be one of the first to experience the many exciting, new entertainment options along with an amazing nightlife, including the first true ice bar at sea. Norwegian Epic also has some of the most innovative and flexible accommodations ever -add 20 different dining options, a bowling alley, waterslides and a huge outdoor television

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” - Seneca screen - you'll see why we say this is Freestyle Cruising on a truly grand scale.

Save $100 when you make your $450 deposit on or before April 15, 2013.

For more information about the trip, visit sheltonchamber.org/travel, check out our Facebook page, or call (360) 4262021.

Gold Members

Silver Members

A Lighthouse on Hammersley Bed & Breakfast Community Financial Center Maple Glen Senior Living Ear, Nose & Throat Associates SW Skokomish Farms, Inc. Smart Meme Studios

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

February 2013

Chamber Announces Award Winners, Celebrates Accomplishments Each year the Chamber’s membership votes to award the Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year awards. Due to the high caliber of this year’s nominees, the results have been much-anticipated.

The Annual Awards Gala, which was held at Little Creek Casino Resort on Friday, January 18, featured the State of the Chamber Address, a Toast to 2012, and the installation of the 2013 Board of Trustees in addition to the award announcements.

Thank you to Premier Sponsor Little Creek Casino Resort for providing a spectacular nine-course menu, Awards Sponsor Bakala State Farm and Media Sponsor The Shopper’s Weekly for providing outstanding support for this year’s event.

The Chamber’s executive director Heidi McCutcheon says, “It is truly a blessing that we, as a Chamber, are able to gather together each year and celebrate the community-minded businesses and extraordinary individuals who serve Mason County. I am so pleased for both the nominees and the award winners that we have honored this year.”

Business of the Year honors the business that made the most significant contribution benefiting the Shelton and Mason County business community over the past year. This year, the award went to Bakala State Farm Insurance.

photos courtesy of Cooper Studio

Bakala State Farm has served the Mason County community since April 2010. Owned and operated by Melanie Bakala, her office strives to provide its customers with exceptional experiences, gaining acknowledgment both regionally and nationwide. Her nominator says, “Melanie is generous with her time to many organizations in Mason County… her spirit is so positive.”

Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1989 and since that time, she and her husband Jim and their children have lived in the South Sound area. She has more than 17 years experience in marketing, sales, and sales management in the banking and insurance industries and has consistently participated in the local community. In addition to her service as the Chamber’s 2012 Vice President of Member Services, Melanie is a Board Member of the Shelton Skookum Rotary and has contributed her time and energies to Sound Learning, Friends of the Library, and countless non-profit efforts.

February 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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Matthew Blegen of Anna’s Bay Center for Music was elected the Citizen of the Year, an award given to the individual who has made the most outstanding contributions to enhance the business community and the community at large and who have given freely of their time, talent, energy and expertise.

Matthew Blegen once made his living singing the praises of others. His nomination now sings praises to him for installing a passion for the arts in the students and residents of Mason County.

After years in the corporate world, Matthew moved to Mason County and founded Anna’s Bay Center for music in 2006.

This fall he returned to the University of Washington to begin work on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting – all while running Anna’s Bay Center for Music and showcasing their talent at an unprecedented performance at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

Matthew is also a member of the Skookum Rotary, a co-founder of the Union Tourism Association, and lives in Union with his partner Eric, their son August, and Chocolate Labrador, Finnegan.

photos courtesy of Cooper Studio

The Chamber also recognizes its volunteers for their contributions to the Chamber’s programs and activities.

From a long list of valued people who give their time, talents, energies and expertise to enhance the business community and the community at large, this year’s recipient is Allison Wagner of Falcon Financial, Inc.

Allison Wagner, who studied at Central Washington University and has spent more than 15 years in customer service.

Her expertise ultimately afforded her a Vice President position the local investment firm Falcon Financial, Inc. Allison is currently Chairperson of the Ambassadors Committee has served on Chamber program and event committees for many years.

Weaving a strong business foundation for the Squaxin Island Tribe’s Future Unitd Way of Mason County

Often, Allison is the first friendly face our members see at Chamber and community events. She volunteers countless hours and is well-known for her professional demeanor, incredible work ethic, and willingness to help.

Additionally, Allison maintains an active role in community organizations, including the Union Tourism Association, the Mason General Hospital Foundation, and the Shelton Rotary Club for whom she is secretary.

This year also introduced a President’s Choice award, presented to United Way of Mason County. The Chamber’s 2012 Board of Trustees president Drew MacEwen said, “We are so fortunate to have an abundance of businesses and organizations who strive to make Mason County a better place to live, work and play. I believe the first recipient of our inaugural President’s Choice Award truly reflects this character and goes to great lengths to further enhance our community.”

United Way of Mason County strives to mobilize the power of our local community to help neighbors in need and advance the common good.

Their Board of Trustees and Executive Director Tamra Ingwaldson spend countless hours supporting that mission, particularly through coalitions and partnerships and the Mason County “Day of Caring”.

Last year, the Board named Tamra the non-profit’s new executive director. Tamra brought with her a wealth of experience and during her short time at the helm, Tamra has made a huge impact in the local community.

In addition to her dynamic service to United Way, she is actively involved in Kiwanis and sits on several Chamber committees.

Overall, the Annual Awards Gala was a brilliant celebration of the amazing individuals and businesses who support the Chamber and Mason County. With 250 guests attending, it is evident that the community shares in both our appreciation and our enthusiasm.

Incorporated in 1922, the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business association in the County, established by City of Shelton founder Mark E. Reed.

To this day, the Chamber persists in its commitment to serving the Mason County community. Our mission is to “encourage and maintain a vibrant business community, promote tourism and facilitate economic Your Local Source For development.”

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

February 2013

Mason Matters partners with Chamber In the spring of 2012, the Chamber sent out a survey to our members. In your responses, you told us that you wanted more opportunities to partner with our schools. You told us your reasons for this are twofold; first, you want students to graduate with skills for the workforce; and second, you wanted strong schools to help you attract skilled workers to Mason County.

Based on these results, we are proud to announce that we are working with Mason Matters, who has been awarded a Roadmaps to Health Community Grant of $135,035 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to improve educational attainment levels in our future workforce.

The grant will support countywide career and college-readiness preparation activities that will result in more high school graduates moving into productive career paths after graduation.

In this exciting new project, Mason Matters is partnering with all seven of Mason County’s public school districts, the Shelton-Mason Chamber of Commerce, North Mason Chamber of Commerce, Education Service District 113, Evergreen State College, and WSU Cooperative Extension. Public Health and Human Services and Public Hospital District #1 are providing the matching funds for this effort.

Educational level attainment is one of the strongest predictors of individual and community health. Higher educated individuals have more resources to access health-creating opportunities, such as safe housing, healthy coping strategies, and employment that provides living wages.

Communities with a more highly educated workforce tend to have a more vibrant employer base and are better able to recruit and maintain a skilled workforce.

In 2012, Mason County ranked 35th of 39 in the health status of its residents in the County Health Rankings. Typically, the county’s high school graduation rate falls close to the state average of 73%.

However, last year less than 50 percent of Mason County student who did graduate completed a FAFSA application which is a critical step towards, and indicator of, higher education intentions.

“Educational attainment and preparedness for work is a major factor in determining a child’s future health and, collectively, the health of Mason County”, states Vicki Kirkpatrick, Director of Mason County Public Health and Human Services. She continues, “Together with the business and education sectors, Mason Matters will be leading an innovative approach focused on graduation and beyond. This is a wonderful example of public health at work in Mason County.”

Kim Klint of Mason Matters will be speaking at the February 21 Chamber Membership Meeting, sponsored by Sound Learning. For more information about that meeting visit sheltonchamber. org/mmm; for information about the Roadmaps to Health Community grant, contact Mason Matters directly at (360) 427-9670 ext. 543.

Congratulations!

On January 24, the Chamber hosted a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate Shelton Dental Excellence’s new ownership. Dentist husband-and-wife team Song-Yan Guo and Mary Huang, both having impressive careers in the Seattle area, recently took over the practice from Dr. Richard C. Downing. Shelton Dental Excellence retains its amazing staff and looks forward to continued involvement in the community.

Above: Heidi McCutcheon, Chamber Executive Director and an enthusiastic crowd join owners and dentists Song-Yan Guo and Mary Huang along with their staff to cut the commemorative ribbon February 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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february Chamber and County Events February 1 Chamber Marketing Committee Meeting 8:00 – 9:00 AM Chamber Conference Room 215 W Railroad Ave, Shelton Business Builder Workshop How Secure Is Your Business?

12:00 – 1:00 PM Grove Street Brewhouse 233 S First St, Shelton February 2 Groundhog Day Polar Bear Plunge benefiting MC Emergency Services 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Port of Hoodsport Marina Hoodsport, WA

February 4 Chamber Government Affairs Committee Meeting 12:00 – 1:00 PM Osaka Sushi & Asian Bistro 506 W Railroad Ave, Shelton February 5 Chamber Ambassadors Committee Meeting 12:00 – 1:00 PM The Grill Restaurant 203 W Railroad Ave, Shelton February 6 Union Tourism Association Meeting 11:30 – 1:00 PM Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club 330 E Country Club Dr, Union February 12 Fat Tuesday Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Local Restaurants

Good Morning Mason County!

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Roosters Restaurant 3001 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton February 13 United Way Dessert Auction 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Civic Center 525 W Cota St, Shelton Business After Hours Sponsored by Pier 101 Gift Shop & Boutique 5:30 – 7:00 PM 24180 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport February 14 Valentine’s Day Chamber Member Services Committee Meeting 12:00 – 1:00 PM Osaka Sushi & Asian Bistro 506 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

February 18 President’s Day February 21 SAVER Committee Meeting 7:30 – 8:30 AM Nita’s Restaurant & Gallery 325 W Railroad Ave, Shelton Chamber Membership Meeting Sponsored by Sound Learning 6:00 -8:00 PM The Pavilion at Sentry Park 190 W Sentry Dr, Shelton February 26 Chamber Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 AM Chamber Board Room 215 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

Time for A Bigger bight Rachel Hansen, Editor

People still ask me to define “bight” – a bend or curve, especially in the shore of a sea or river –but those same people have become comfortable with the word as it slips through their lips in reference to the Chamber newsletter.

Since it’s inception in November 2011, the BIGHT has transformed, morphed and taken on a meaning of its own!

Members eagerly await each issue and are greeted by glorious photos showcasing our area and local talent! – not to mention the articles and events.

Until now our BIGHT has been a members newsletter; but now it is ready to share its secrets with your customers!

Starting next issue, slated for April, the BIGHT will be produced quarterly as a 32-page magazine distributed by direct mail to 14,000+ homes and businesses in Mason County!

The BIGHT will transform its robust Chamber “member to member” audience to a publication that not only serves your member needs but also reaches out to your friends and neighbors – growing your customer and our member base!

The new magazine will feature unique local interviews, maps, events directories, activities for families and visitors in Mason County – as well as Chamber news.

This is a great opportunity for you to reach out county-wide. Press release inclusion is still free of charge for Chamber members – so send us your pictures and stories! Our business is making your business flourish.

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Marketing for the BIGHT will coincide with Chamber tourism strategies. Along with website development, direct mailings to targeted demographics as well as TV and cinema advertising – your business is sure to get a bigger ‘bight!’

The first quarterly issue of the BIGHT will be produced in early April– get your ads in soon!

Shelton Mason County Chamber

February 2013

NEWS SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 2389 | Shelton, WA 98584

February 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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PRSRT STD RATE US POSTAGE PAID SHELTON, WA, 98584 PERMIT #60