Bight March 2012

March 2012 Shelton Mason County Chamber 1 1 Shelton Mason County Chamber March 2012

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

MARCH 2012

In ThE loopExpEriEncE china

Get prepared for adventure! – 4

iT’s Your LuckY daYAuction fundraiser St. Patrick’s Day – 13

our chiLdrEn’s VoicEsCelebrate the Sound - 18

March 2012 Shelton Mason County Chamber 2March 2012 Shelton Mason County Chamber 3

SHELTONMASONCOUNTYDear Members,One of our major fundraisers is upon us. The Cham-ber’s Annual Auction which will be held on March 17th at the Sentry Pavilion.

Message from Chamber president

Board of Trustees

presidentDrew MacEwenFalcon Financial, inc.

past presidentpatti Case

Green diamond resource company

Vice president of MarketingKathryn Kamin

hood canal communications

Vice president of Member servicesMelanie Bakala

state Farm insurance

TreasurerRick Verbarendse

alderbrook Golf & Yacht club

steve andrewski, EFiherb Baze

Black star, The strip steakhousekevin cronquist

prudential nW real EstateMike Gango, Quality appliance

Bob houlehoule & Goodell attorneys, LLc

patti TupperTupper’s Floor coverings & interiors

Mission StatementTo encourage and maintain a vibrant business community, promote tourism and facilitate economic development.

produced by image in action design and the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce as a benefit to Members and the community. all rights reserved. For contribution guidelines and advertising call (360) 427-5599.

Shelton Mason County Chamber of CommerceBox 2389 |215 W railroad avenueshelton, Wa 98584426-2021 • (800) 576-2021• Fax 426-8678

www.sheltonchamber.org

Being it is St. Patrick’s Day one can easily guess the theme, so wear green! Lisa Woodward and her team have been working very hard to make it fun, exciting, and profitable. Bring a friend or business associate who is not yet a member and let’s make this a profitable and fun evening!

Also working diligently hard is Bob Buhl who heads up our SAVER committee. There will be some exciting announcements coming in the near future so be sure to stay tuned.

Bob and his team will be playing a vital role in mak-ing Shelton more inviting to visitors but also to business.

The City of Shelton is on board and I believe the ef-forts of SAVER will benefit all of our members over the long haul.

As with any organization communication is vital. Your board is very keen on transparency and on keeping members informed. However, there are times when plans are being formu-lated and discussed but are not yet implemented. Dur-ing those times rumors take hold and things seem to take on a life of their own.

With that in mind, know that all board meetings are open to our members and I encourage you to attend a meeting to see how we do

function. And if you have concerns, frustrations, or questions give me a call or email me.

I am looking forward to seeing each of you at our Auction on March 17th!

Very Truly Yours,Drew MacEwen

March 2012 Shelton Mason County Chamber 2March 2012 Shelton Mason County Chamber 3 3 Shelton Mason County Chamber March 2012

Message from Chamber Executive Director

bight [bīt] n. 1. A loop in a rope or cable. In logging referred to cable looped around a log when it was moved.

2. A bend or curve. A wide bay formed by such a bend or curve.

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Newest Members!

Autism Awareness United

3434 Martin Way E, ste a, olympiaASEA

po Box 2085, shelton(360) 239-8163

[email protected]

Health & Lifestyle

MC Studiospo Box 99, shelton

(360) [email protected]

mcstudios.coWedding & Event Planning

Game on! Guide Serviceshelton

(360) [email protected]/Boat Charter

Wealth in Health with Isagenix

1690 E island Lk dr, shelton(360) 868-2154

[email protected]

Health

know someone else who should join the chamber? please call

(360)426-2021 or email [email protected].

I hope you all had a happy Leap Year Day! Every four years, we gain an extra day. I hope you made good use of yours. I spent mine celebrating a close friend’s eighth official birthday. Since it only happens every fourth year, we celebrate her day with great fanfare.

March is here! And there is much happening this month. One of the things I am most excited about is that my friend Leo and his son, Peter, are coming from China to visit Mason Coun-ty and host an orientation for our October Experience China Trip.

Please bring a friend and join us to learn more about this amazing trip. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and truly quite magnificent.

Leo and Peter will be speak-ing at the Colonial House at 5:30 pm on Monday, March 5. There is no cost or obli-gation to attend this event.

Our Annual Auction is also this month. Try your luck at Saint Patrick’s Day and be prepared for a night of bois-terous bidding, fun games and boosting of Chamber programs.

The Auction is one of our largest fundraisers to raise funds for us to promote you- our members!

This event is open to the public so bring all your favorite friends- it will be a night none will soon forget.

Other upcoming events and happenings are Beautifica-tion and the Business Expo/Bite of Shelton.

Beautification will begin fundraising and plan-ning for a beautiful spring through the lovely flower baskets placed throughout town. These baskets are paid for solely through com-munity donations and the Chamber.

If you would like to see these beautiful flowers con-tinue, you can contribute either personally or finan-cially. Volunteers can reach

the Beautification Chair, Kathy Burbidge at Alpine Way. (360) 426-2600.

Last, but definitely not least, we have begun gearing up for our 12th Annual Business Expo and Bite of Shelton. This year’s event takes place at the Pavilion at Sentry Park on Thursday, May 17 from noon to 7:00 pm. We already have several booths reserved by members and last year had to turn away several businesses for lack of room. If you would like to join us, you can sign up online at sheltoncham-ber.org/expo or you can call us at (360) 426-2021 and we will send you a registra-tion form.

It’s shaping up to be a great year!

Heidi McCutcheonExecutive Director

ANNUAl AUCTIoN: MARCH 17 See page 13 for details


ExpErIEncE CHINA

The Shelton Mason County Chamber of Com-merce is glad to offer its Members, and the com-munity at large, an opportunity to “Experience China” this coming October. The ten day trip (October 13-22) will guide you to Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai – staying at four and five star hotels and traveling to a myriad of fasci-nating attractions.

Executive Director Heidi McCutcheon talks about her experience:

We walked through Tian An Men Square, boated at the Summer Palace and walked on the Great Wall, among many other remarkable sites and vistas. And you can experience it too.

October is the perfect time of year to visit China; the temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees, with none of the humidity associated with the summer months.

For those of you wonder-ing, China wasn’t as dirty or crowded as I had expected it to be. The food is top of the line and the accommodations are amazing.

My husband and I travelled on this trip to China in October 2011. It is a magical, almost surreal, excursion that im-merses you in the Chinese culture. I found the Chinese people to be warm, friendly and curious about American culture. I cannot tell you how many Chinese people asked for a photo with one of us- they would literally come up to us on the street.

I also think that you cannot help but be affected by the history and it is amazing to ex-perience first-hand the cultural richness going back thousands of years.

The only money you’ll need will be for any shopping you want to do, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity.

Anyone can go on this trip, so bring your retired friends, surprise recent high school graduates, and grab your fa-vorite travel companions: It is unlikely that you’ll ever be able to travel half-way across the world, all inclusive, for such a low price, with the safety of a large group and with world class, English speaking guides.I hope that you don’t take my word for it though- go see for yourself !

The all-inclusive, ten day trip costs just $2,300 pp and includes your airfare, lodging, meals, ground transporta-tion, admission to the venues, guides, interpreters, gratuities and your visa (you must supply your own passport).

If you or anyone you know are interested in this excur-sion, please join us on Monday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Colonial House in downtown Shelton for an informational session about this fantastic opportunity!

Check out trip details and photos at www.sheltoncham-ber.org/experience-china.


A BIghT of HISToRy by Justin Cowling In this past month the Museum was closed for a week to do a little spring cleaning. In this time, staff and volunteers were able to clean up, reor-ganize, and make some brand new exhibits. New displays include historic kitchen items featuring a collection of butter knifes that date from 1871 to 1916, a display case of barber tools, tobacco paraphernalia and vintage business machines, as well as a very nice school room display. Visit the Mason County Historical Society’s Museum at 427 W. Railroad in downtown Shel-ton to see what has been done and what the Society is doing. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 11:00 to 4:00 PM. For additional information, feel free to call (360) 426-1020.

MCHS is always available to answer any ques-tions or assist in your research efforts. Join us on Wednesday, March 14, for the Cham-ber’s Business After Hours. The event will be held at the Museum from 5:30 - 7:00 PM and we look forward to seeing you there!

Business planning CommitteeBob Houle | Houle & Goodell Attorneys at Law

The business planning committee is making great strides towards achieving a comprehensive, member-driven strategic plan. The Chamber is striving to get in touch with the needs of its membership so that we can offer products and services tailored to those needs. It is our goal to make your membership more valuable over time. We can only achieve that goal through your input.

Some of you might remember a meeting that we held in Au-gust 2011 wherein a strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis (SWOT) was conducted of the members at the meeting.

We have learned a great deal from that investigation and will shortly send out an email survey to all members in hopes of gaining their perspective on the Chamber. When you receive this email survey please respond- it is essential to our efforts in making the Cham-ber more representative of its membership.

Through the feedback of the SWOT analysis, the business planning committee should have a comprehensive business plan in place no later than July 2012.

The plan in turn offers co-hesiveness over a three-year period because though board members may change, the board still is operating and working towards the same goals set out in that plan.

Further, the business planning committee will stay in place after the plan is created to aid in the implementation of the plan.

It is a very exciting time in the history of Shelton Mason Chamber and I am happy and proud to be the chair of the business planning committee. I will be posting articles each month to fill you in on the progress of the plan.


BIghT of THE BITE

The Chamber is now accepting registrations for the annual Business Expo and Bite of Shelton to be held on Thursday, May 17, from 12 noon to 7 pm at The Pavilion at Sentry Park in Shelton.

Space is limited so reserve your space now! Register online at www.sheltonchamber.org/expo or down-load the form to mail/fax your submission. Several registration forms have already been received so we encourage interested vendors to act quickly.

Board member Melanie Bakala had this to say about the Expo: “I have participated in a lot of these types of events in other com-munities, and our Chamber’s Business Expo is a unique blend of business and community that provides unparalleled exposure.” Last year more than 65 businesses showcased their products and services. This fun-filled event also offers local restaurant specialties – available for a small fee – as well as prizes, drawings, and entertainment.

Whether you’re interested in reserv-ing a booth or in attending, this event should not be missed!

Thanks to our Sponsors: Bakala State Farm, Heritage Bank, Hood Canal

Communications, Port of Shelton, Top Hand LLC, Tupper’s Floor Coverings and West Coast Bank and to in-kind sponsors KMAS, ROXY and the Shopper’s Weekly.


MARCH EVEnTsMarch 2

11:30 aM - 1:00 pM

Business Builder Workshop : Media Relations

with patti case, Green diamond resource co.Grove street Brewhouse

233 s First st, shelton

March 55:30 pM

Experience Chinainformational session

colonial house, 222 W pine st, shelton

March 145:30 pM - 7:00 pM

Business After Hours Mason County Historical Society

427 W railroad ave, shelton

March 175:00 - 9:00 pM

Annual AuctionThe pavilion at sentry park190 W sentry dr, shelton

CoVER IMAGE

BiGhT of SprIngThis month’s cover image is in stark contrast to last month’s Tollie in the snow! Despite the rain and morning frost still lingering around the heads of the emerging bulbs, we are all starting to feel the seasons change!

This is a great time to start thinking about the Shelton Beauti-fication Project! Beautification will begin fundraising and plan-ning for a beautiful spring through the lovely flower baskets placed throughout town. These baskets are paid for solely through community donations and the Chamber.

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

BIghT of ECoNoMIC GRoWTHThomas, Penny | Department of Commerce, Olympia, WA

In a welcome boost to the state’s economy and job outlook, ex-ports of Washington-made goods jumped to a record $64.6 billion in 2011, an increase of 21%, accord-ing to the World Institute for Strate-gic Economic Research. “This is truly welcome news for our state,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “The global marketplace continues to recog-nize the outstanding quality and value of products and services from Wash-ington state. Given we’re the most trade dependent state in the nation, exports are a key driver of job growth and economic recovery. We will con-tinue to build the strong relationships

with trading partners overseas that further expand opportunities for our businesses.” The strong performance puts Washington well on the way toward meeting the goals of Gregoire’s Washington Export Initiative. The initiative launched in 2010 and seeks to increase state exports 30% by 2015. The largest market for Washington goods continued to be China, where 2011 exports rose 9% to $11.2 bil-lion. Exports to Europe also climbed, despite the region’s economic turmoil, to $6.4 billion, an increase of 23% compared to 2010. Aircraft and parts dominated the list of goods shipped to both regions.

Soy and grain ranked second among the Washington goods shipped to Chi-na, though this figure includes some crops originating outside the state. WISER generated its analysis using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The state is the largest U.S. exporter on a per capita basis. With 8,000 Wash-ington companies currently exporting, approximately four percent of Wash-ington companies export, compared to a national average of one percent.

One in three jobs in Washington state are tied to trade, either directly or indirectly.


Weaving a strong business foundation for the

Squaxin Island Tribe’s Future

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lIVE, WoRK AND plAyFor those who PLAY in Mason County, the Parks, Trails, and Facilities Depart-ment has an opening for the Parks Advi-sory Board. If you are interested in serving, please contact John Keates, Director of Parks, Trails, & Facilities at (360) 427-9670 ext. 669. City of Shelton Parks & Recreation is offering a full slate of spring programs. If you are interested in PLAYing with Parks & Rec visit www.ci.shelton.wa.us/parkrec. Show off where you WORK at the upcoming Business Expo & Bite of Shelton. Registration is open and space is limited so register today at www.shelton-chamber.org/expo. If you love to PLAY in our beautiful outdoors, you will be excited to know that Washington State Parks has announced “free days” for state parks in 2012 – includ-ing March 18-19 in honor of Washington State Park’s 99th birthday.

The Better Business Bureau warns you to guard your sensitive information, as you receive your WORK wage and tax state-ments in your mailbox. Beware phishing and confirm reliability of inquiries and offers with IRS tips and the BBB.

Want to help make Washington a better place to LIVE? The Department of Com-merce is recruiting for a Developmental Disabilities Council Chair. Applications are due March 5, 2012. Visit commerce.wa.gov for additional information. Do you LIVE in your books? The William G. Reed Library is offering adult, teen, and children’s reading programs including a “Reading Not Required: A Book Group for Busy People” over the lunch hour on Wednesdays. Call (360) 426-1362 or visit www.events.trlib.org for more information. If you LIVE in Mason County and are interested in our heritage, you may wish to apply for one of two open positions on the Mason County Historic Preservation Commission (open until filled). Contact the Commissioner’s Office at (360) 427-9670 ext. 419 for more information.

Goose Lake, Shelton WA

Go plAy oUTSIDE!Washington State Parks has announced the following “free days,” when the Discover Pass will not be required to visit a state park. A Discover Pass will still be required to access lands managed by the Washington State Depart-ment of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

2012 State ParkS “free dayS”:• March 18 and 19 – Washington State Parks’ 99th birthday• June 9 – National Get Outdoors Day• Sept. 29 – National Public Lands Day• Nov. 10 - 12 – Veterans Day weekend


pRESIDENT’S CIRClE

platinum Members

Gold Memberscommunity Financial center

Generation d computers & Technologyheritage Bank

kMas 1030 aMrichard c. downing, dds

West coast Bank

Silver Membersharmony hill retreat center

american Family insurance, Berti s. Brodskya Lighthouse on hammersley Bed & Breakfast

Marketing CommitteeBrandy Faught | Maple Glen

This month’s meeting not only brought new ideas but also two new members. We welcome Stephanie James from Squaxin Island Enterprises and Libby Avery of the Mason Transit Au-thority to the Committee!

Jumping right in, Kathryn and Heidi reported on a conference call they held with the Pome-granate Center. The Pome-granate Center is a non-profit organization based in Issaquah that has done projects world-wide to build places, community, and leaders.

Pomegranate Center has de-veloped an effective model for helping communities prepare for the future using collective creativity, meaningful engage-ment and powerful collabora-tion.

The goal of this organization is to bring people together to build better communities throughout the US and around the globe.

Their intention is to help us with new and fresh ideas for Mason County. They are not here to make changes or tell us how to run our town but to

encourage positive changes. Kathryn reported that Pome-granate Center will be paying Mason County a visit soon, likely at the end of March, so stay tuned.

Heidi will be sending out Chamber Members survey with four short questions to help decide which marketing routes are most productive in terms of advertising. You should have just received yours in the past week; please take the time to complete the survey, it should take you no longer than five minutes.

The results will help us create our Base Marketing Plan which will be presented at the April member meeting.

If you would like any informa-tion on the Marketing Com-mittee please contact VP of Marketing, Kathryn Kamin at [email protected] or (360) 898-2481.

Chamber leads Group still accepting participantsSign up now!

The Chamber is hosting two Leads Groups to provide networking oppor-tunities for our Members. One group meets Tuesday mornings at 7:30 AM and the other group meets Wednesdays at 11:30 AM.

Leads Groups will only be open to Cham-ber members in good standing for an annual cost of $80. Space is limited and once your category is taken, this opportunity will no longer be available to you!

For additional details including complete rules, a category list and an application to reserve your place within this exciting new venture, visit www.sheltonchamber.org/leads or contact the Chamber Office.


promotions at the Shelton police DepartmntIn January the Shelton Civil Service Examiner conducted promotional testing for one Police Lieutenant and two Patrol Sergeants for the Shelton Police Department. Two Sergeants tested for the Lieutenant position, and seven patrol officers competed for the Patrol Sergeant positions. The examination consisted of four components involving both written and oral board testing. In February Patrol Sergeant Les Watson was promoted to Lieutenant, and Patrol Officers Mike Fiola and Harry Heldreth were selected for the Patrol Sergeant positions.

Lieutenant Watson has been with the Department for twenty-five years. He spent his first three years as a Reserve Officer and was hired as a full time Patrol Officer in June of 1990. Prior to his promotion, Watson served as a Field Training Officer, Detective Sergeant and Commander.

Sergeant Heldreth has been with the De-partment for nineteen years. He also spent time as a Reserve Officer prior to being hired as a full time Patrol Officer in February of 1993. Heldreth’s duties prior to being pro-moted included assignments as the School Resource Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Acting Sergeant and Detective.

Sergeant Fiola has been with the Department for over eight years. He was hired as a Patrol Officer in August of 2003, and during his time with the Department has been assigned as the Crime Prevention Officer, DARE Offi-cer, Acting Sergeant, and currently is also a member of the Mason County SWAT team.

Geoduck Research Symposium to be held in Union A Geoduck Research Symposium sponsored by Washing-ton Sea Grant and the Washington State Department of Ecology will feature the latest findings by scientists from the University of Washington and other research institutions.

The geoduck (Panopea genero-sa) is North America’s largest burrowing clam. It is found in soft intertidal and subtidal marine habitats in the north-east Pacific Ocean to depths of more than 200 feet.

In Washington state, this large clam has been cultured for enhancement of wild stocks since 1991 and on a commer-cial scale since 1996.

However, there was little scientific information avail-able on the ecological impacts of applicable culture practices. In 2007, at the direction of the State Legislature, Wash-ington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington,

Geoduck clam in seafood tank in Richmond BC Canada picture wikipedia.org

established a six-year research program to assess possible effects of geoduck aquaculture on the Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca environments. The symposium is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 1:30-5 p.m., at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa, 7101 E. State Route 106, Union.Researchers will present their latest findings from the follow-ing projects:

The Ecological Effects of Geoduck Aquaculture Glenn Van Blaricom and Sean McDonald, University of Washington (UW) School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences.

The Influence of Geoduck Clam Culture and Harvest in Puget Sound on Sediment Nutrient Biogeochemistry Roger I. E. Newell, Jeffrey C. Cornwell and Mike S. Owens, Horn Point Marine Labora-tory, University of Maryland.

Effects of the Geoduck Aquacul-ture Cycle on Fisk BarSamish Bay, Washington Micah Horwith, UW Depart-ment of Biology.

Characterizing Trends in En-dosymbionts of Native Geoduck Panopea generosa Elene Dorfmeier, Brent Vado-palas, Julian Olden and Caro-lyn Friedman, UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences; and Paul Frelier and Ralph Elston, AquaTechnics.

Microsatellite Parentage Analy-sis of Reproductive Success and Genetic Diversity in Cultured Geoduck, Panopea generosa Kristina M. Straus, Brent Vadopalas and Carolyn S. Friedman, UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences; and Jonathan Davis, Taylor Shellfish.

The symposium will also include a panel discussion fol-lowing the research presenta-tions. Admission is free, but space is limited, so registration is required. Early registration is recommended. Contact Janis McNeal at [email protected] or (360) 432-3054.

This symposium is hosted at the Alderbrook Resort | picture Alderbrookresort.com


MARCH CHAMBER AND CoUNTy EVENTSMarch 2

Business Builder Workshop11:30 aM - 1:00 pM

Grove street Brewhouse233 s First st, shelton

Media relations with patti case of Green diamond re-

source co.

March 3 rodeo shin-dig

5:00 pMcivic center, shelton, Wacost: $5.00 per person

Live and silent auctions, dinner, Queen pageant and corona-

tion, dinner! Fun for the whole family

March 5

9:00 aM – 5:00 pM19th annual conference for

shellfish Growersalderbrook resort and spa,

union

Experience china informational session

5:30 pMThe colonial house

222 E pine st, shelton

March 68:00 aM – 12 noon

19th annual conference for shellfish Growers

alderbrook resort and spa, union

chamber Governmental

affairs committee Meeting7:30 aM roosters restaurant

3001 olympic hwy n,

Morning Leads Group

7:30 - 9:00 aMpine Tree restaurant102 s First st, shelton

chamber ambassadors

committee Meeting12:00 - 1:00 pM

Grove street Brewhouse233 s First st,

shelton

March 7Lunch Leads Group11:30 aM - 1:00 pMsteven’s on railroad


union Tourismassociation Meeting

12:00 – 1:00 pM at alderbrookGolf & Yacht club

330 country club dr, union

March 8chamber Finance

committee Meeting7:30 aM at the

chamber office215 W railroad avenue, shelton

March 13

Morning Leads Group7:30 - 9:00 aM

pine Tree restaurant102 s First st, shelton

chamber Member services

committee Meeting12:00 - 1:00 pM

steven’s on railroad203 W railroad ave

shelton

March 14chamber Marketingcommittee Meeting

8:00 aM at thechamber office

215 W railroad avenue,shelton

Lunch Leads Group11:30 aM - 1:00 pMsteven’s on railroad


Business after hours5:30 - 7:00 pM

Mason county historical soci-ety


March 16chamber Board Meeting

7:30 aMchamber office


March 17chamber annual auction

5:00 – 9:00 pMThe pavilion at sentry park190 W sentry dr, shelton

March 20



March 21

saVEr committee Meeting7:00 aM

roosters restaurant3001 olympic hwy n,



March 23silent Movie “The General”Fundraiser for catalyst park

choicE hs auditorium807 W pine st, shelton

March 25

cooking with xinhFundraiser for MGh Foundation | 6:00 pM

xinh’s clam & oyster house221 W railroad ave, shelton

March 26

cooking with xinhFundraiser for MGh Foundation | 6:00 pM

xinh’s clam & oyster house221 W railroad ave, shelton

March 27



chamber Business

planning committeeMeeting6:00 pM

alderbrook Golf & Yacht club330 country club dr, union

March 28




SAVER Committeeby Bob Buhl

The Shelton Alliance for Viable Eco-nomic Revitalization (SAVER) Com-mittee began as a subcommittee of the Government Affairs Committee. They were charged with the mission of working with the City of Shelton to identify opportunities to improve the economic vitality in our downtown business core. Encouraged by suc-cessful collaborative initiatives with participation from downtown busi-ness and building owners along with representatives from the Shelton Historical Preservation Board, Ma-son Transit Authority, and the City of Shelton, the Chamber Board of Trustees recently voted the commit-tee permanent status.

SAVER’s goal is to part-nerwith the City to create an environment that incen-tivizes building owners to invest, business owners to become established in the downtown business core (roughly from Grove to Franklin and First to Sev-enth), and to attract visitors and local shoppers by mak-ing the area more pedestrian and shopper friendly.

To that end, the committee has submitted two recom-mendations to the Chamber Board which have been approved and subsequently presented to the City.

The first recommendation, to redesign the northwest corner of First and Railroad, was approved by the Board and accepted by the City last fall.

A design committee is presently working out the final draft landscap-ing and sign details for presentation to the City for their review and public comment. We hope to begin the actual onsite work this spring to get the land-scaping completed and established before sum-mer.

The second project identi-fied five initiatives the committee felt would help incentivize new busi-nesses to open their doors downtown.

Our recommendation was approved by the Board and a letter was presented to the City requesting the initiatives be adopted.

Committee members were invited to discuss the letter with the City Commis-sioners in December. The Commissioners requested clarification of some of the initiatives.This will have been completed and a revised recommendation will have been presented to the new City Commission by the time this article goes to print.

The recommended initia-tives are:

1. Waive City B&O taxes for start up businesses in the downtown core for their first year of operation.2. Allow 180 days for a new business to comply with the sign code.3. Waive Traffic Impact Fees for a new business opening in an existing building.4. Pursue available grant and

other funding to create a Business Incubator for retail space.5. Cooperate with the Chamber and the Economic Development Council to provide services to assist prospective new business owners navigate zoning , permit, and building code requirements as well as pro-vide demographic and other critical data.

These recommendations are designed to direct much-needed startup money to inventory, equipment, and wages to help a new enter-prise get established with minimum impact on City coffers.

For more information on the SAVER Committee, please call the Chamber of-fice at (360) 426-2021.


IT’S yoUR lUCKy DAy!You are invited to celebrate St. Patrick’s day with us at our annual auction. Join us for an evening of boisterous fun, bidding, and boosting Chamber events and programs.

TheeventwillbeheldatthePavilionatSentryPark.Doorsopenat5:00foroursilentauction,tobefol-lowedbydinnerandtheliveauction.

Thecostisjust$40perper-son-andChamberMemberreceivea$10perpersondiscount!

Ifyouareinterestedinparticipating,wouldliketodonateanauctionitem,orwouldlikemoreinforma-tiononoursponsorshipopportunities,visitwww.sheltonchamber.org/auctionorcalltheChamberOfficeat(360)426-2021.

Pleaseextendthisinvita-tiontoyourcolleaguesandfriends-it’ssuretobeafabuloustime!

AllproceedsfromthiseventbenefittheSheltonMasonCountyChamberofCommerce,a501(c)(6)non-profitorganization.ThemissionoftheCham-beristoencourageandmaintainavibrantbusi-nesscommunity,promotetourism,andfacilitateeconomicdevelopment.

pARK BoARD opENING YouTh aFFiLiaTion prEFErrEd

Mason County Parks, Trails, and Fa-cilities Department has one (1) open-ing for the parks advisory board.

The purpose of the Mason County Parks and Trails Board is to provide guidance, direction and recommenda-tions regarding the planning, acquisi-tion, development and operation of

parks, trails, facilities, and programs serving the needs of Mason County. While all volunteers are welcome, an affiliation with a youth group, could be youth sports, scouts, or youth program is preferred.

The Park Board meets at 6:00 PM on the 2nd Thursday of the month at MCRA park. If you are interested in serving on the parks board, please contact John Keates, Director of Parks, Trails, & Facilities at (360) 427-9670 ext. 669.

SpoNSoRS:Premier Sponsor: Capitol City Press

table Sponsors:Alderbrook Golf & Yacht ClubAlpine Way Retirement ApartmentsBakala State Farm Ins.Falcon Financial, Inc.Houle & Goodell, Attorneys at LawLog Cabin Bar & Grill

Peninsula Credit UnionPrudential Northwest Real EstateServProSkookum RotarySquaxin Island EnterprisesUrraco Coffee Co. West Coast Bank


A SAGE choIcE MaryAnn and Carolyn Olsen, Sage Book-store, just came back from Winter Insti-tute, a booksellers conference in New Orleans.

One of the authors that caught their attention was Michael Shuman, Local Dollars Local Sense. How to shift Money from Wall Street to Main Street and achieve real prosperity. Some of those reviewing this book stated that this should be required reading in America. We have an urgency to rebuild local economics. Local investing must be the wave of the future.

local Dollars, local SenseHow to Shift Your Mon-ey from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperityby Michael H. Shuman

A rich resource for both inves-tors and the entrepreneurs they want to support, Local Dollars, Local Sense eloquently shows how to truly protect your financial future—and your community’s.

Razor-Clam Managers propose Series of Morning Digs in March, April

Fishery managers are planning a series of morning razor-clam digs in March and April on Washing-ton’s ocean beaches so long as marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.

As usual, the final word on beach openings will be announced about a week before each dig is scheduled to start.

“We’re announcing tentative dates now so people can get them on their calendars,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “We’ll confirm the dates once the test results are avail-able.”

WDFW may announce additional digs in late April and early May at some beaches if enough clams are still available for har-vest, Ayres said.

Unlike previous openings this season, all digs planned in the months ahead are timed to coincide with morning low tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon.

val, which includes a chowder cookoff and other events. Information on the festival is available at http://www.oceanshores.org/.

Proposed beach openings, along with morning low tides, for up-coming digs are:

March 10, Saturday (7:39 am -0.3.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, MocrocksMarch 11, Sunday (9:28 am -0.4.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, MocrocksMarch 24, Saturday (8:25 am +0.3.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, MocrocksMarch 25, Sunday (8:59 a.m., +0.3 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, MocrocksApril 7, Saturday (7:36 a.m., -1.2 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, KalalochApril 8, Sunday (8:23 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mo-crocks, KalalochApril 9, Monday (9:11 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Kalaloch

Ayres noted that the dig planned at Copalis on March 24 will coincide with the sixth annual Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festi-

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New Report Cites Gap in Number of Workers for Many High-Demand Jobs in State

Unless Washington directs more higher education resources to training workers in high-demand fields, it will experience a continu-ing gap between the number of workers it educates and the num-ber needed by employers, a new report by three state-level higher education agencies concludes.

The report, titled “A Skilled and Educated Workforce,” identifies several employment categories in which demand for workers is expected to outstrip the state’s ability to supply those workers through at least 2019. These include computer science, engineering, software engineering and architecture at the bachelor’s degree level, and manufacturing and various installa-tion, maintenance, and repair fields at the associate degree and certificate levels.

Demand also is projected to be strong in the health professions at all education levels, and in computer science for those with graduate degrees.

The report emphasizes the state will fail to meet projected demand in these fields if the level of degree production it has been achieving is not increased significantly this decade.

In recent years, many employers have turned to qualified candidates from other states and countries to fill these gaps cre-ated by comparatively low levels of in-state degree and certificate production.

The report is the third in a series of bien-nial reports required by state law to assess forecasted net job openings at each level of higher education and the credentialed workers needed to match the forecast of net job openings. It was produced by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and the Workforce Training and Education Coor-dinating Board (Workforce Board).

The full report is available at www.hecb.wa.gov/sites/default/files/SkilledEducat-edWorkforce2011.pdf

Mason County Historic preservation Commission Seeks participation

The Mason County Commission-ers are seeking applicants to fill two open positions on the Mason County Historic Preservation Commission.

The major responsibility of the Historic Preservation Commission is to identify and actively encour-age the conservation of the Mason County’s historic resources byinitiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register prop-erties. They will also work to raise community awareness of MasonCounty’s history and historic resources and serve as Mason County’s primary resource in mat-ters of history, historic planning, and preservation.

Commission members serve three-year terms and meet monthly at the County offices in Shelton. The open positions expire in November and December 2013.

Interested persons are encouraged to apply for this commission by completing an advisory board form that can be downloaded from our website – www.co.mason.wa.usor by calling the Commissioners’ office at 427-9670 ext. 419 or 275-4467 ext. 419. These positions are open until filled. Completed applications should be submitted in the Commissioners’ office at 411 N 5th Street, Shelton.

If there are questions about this commission, please contact Michael MacSems at 427- 9670 ext. 571.

MGH & FC’S FREE CoMMUNITy CpR ClASSES IN MARCH AND ApRIl

Take advantage of a great opportunity to learn lifesaving skills for free – and be a valuable asset to your community! Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics is offering two FREE Adult, Child, and Infant Basic Life Support CPR classes on Thursday, March 8 and again on Thursday April 12, each from 6 to 9 p.m. at MGH & FC’s Learning Center, located next to McDonald’s on Olym-pic Highway North.

You will learn the correct technique for adult, child, and infant CPR, and how to identify the signs of a heart attack and stroke. The classes are open to everyone in the community, and a Spanish inter-preter can be made available, if required. It is recommended that participants wear comfortable clothing for the class.

As class size is limited, so you must pre-register for your class by calling the Learn-ing Center at (360) 427-3609. Please have reservations made by March 2 for the March 8 class, or by April 6 for the April 12 session.

This is not a First Aid class.


HoSpITAl FoUNDATIoN SEEKS NoMINATIoNS FoR 2012 AMERICAN BUSINESS WoMEN’S AWARD

Mason General Hospital Foundation is preparing a tribute to our community’s most outstanding business women, and is seeking nominations for its 15th annual American Business Women’s Award. The awards will be presented at a Luncheon held in their honor on Friday, September 21, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Due to the Campus renewal Project, the location will be announced at a later date. Tickets for the event are $25 per person.

Every year, MGH Foundation honors outstanding business women in our community who are or were successful in their occupations, work or have worked in Mason County, and are active and volunteer in their community.

Past honorees include: 1998 – Miriam Hall, Janet Thornbrue, and Patti Tupper; 1999 – Nita Bariekman, Jean Lee, and Norma Taylor; 2000 – Kay Gott, Colleen Hunter, and

Doris Wilson, M.D.; 2001 – Mary Helen Anderson, Beth Johnston, R.N., and Betty Wolfe; 2002 – Carol Hunter, Rose Nye, and Cherrie Reitsch; 2003 – Janis Byrd, Carolyn Olsen, and Gayle Weston; 2004 – Patti Case, Betty Wing, and Catherine Ann Wolf; 2005 – Angela Wake Olsen, Michelle Schnitzer Corral, and Renee Youngs; 2006 – Xinh Dwelley, Irene Locke, and Virginia J. McCarty; 2007 – Lynn Busacca, Vicki Gonzalez,

and Lynn Harvey; 2008 – Laurie Buhl, Pam Hanson, and Billie Howard; 2009 – Kristy Buck, Sharon Tibbits, and Lisa Woodard; 2010 – Janene Pet-tyjohn Bandes, Pamela Hunter Schlauderaff, and Cheryl Stewart; and 2011 – Barbara Dunbar, Deb Nielson, and Gretchen Schodde.

If there is a special business woman you’d like to nominate for this year’s award, print out an entry form from the

Hospital website at www.MasonGeneral.com, or obtain one from the MGH & FC Development Office at Gate-way Center, 2505 Olympic Highway North, Suite 460, Shelton, 98584. Nomination forms must be completed and returned to the Development office postmarked or received by Thursday, May 31. For more information call (360) 427-3623 (from Allyn (360) 275-8614).

VAlENTINE’S DAy pRoVEN BIG BUSINESS DAy -- loCAlly

Was it love in the air, or stronger consumer confidence? Local strategic marketing firm, McCarty & Associates, Inc. took a pulse on the local economy on Valentine’s Day 2012, and compared it with Valentine’s Day 2011 by asking some downtown Shelton businesses, commonly associated with the holiday, how they fared.

“Across the board, retailers re-ported people seemed happier than last year,” said Virginia J. McCarty, CEO and founder of the marketing firm. “It was very encouraging to talk with random, local restaurants and flower shops to get their take on the present economy. Many reported that not only were sales up this Valentine’s Day, but some restaurants had to turn people away.”

Lynch Creek Floral Owner, Colleen Hunter, stated that business was up from Valen-tine’s Day last year. “People spent more and really seemed to be happier,” Colleen re-ported. “They seemed to prefer to shop in town and support the local economy.”

Sales also were higher at Fer-guson Flowers and Gifts, Inc. “We were very pleased with our sales,” said Sally Kessel-man, owner. “Our customers were willing to spend more for their flowers and gifts this year. Everyone seemed so optimis-tic.”

Restaurants also noted an increase in business this year. Xinh’s Clam and Oyster House sales were up 20 percent from last year. The Strip Steak House reported having to turn away at least 50 couples, if not more. “The restaurants reported they were very busy at lunch time, which carried into the dinner hour,” McCarty said.

MoUNTAIN VIEW WoMEN’S HEAlTH ClINIC AND MGH WElCoME NEW ARNp, EDITH KRoHA Edith Kroha, ARNP, MSN, has joined the staff at Mountain View Women’s Health Clinic and Mason General Hospital, working alongside board-certified obstetrician/gynecologists Lystra B. Celestine-Wilson, M.D.; Nkem Nwosa, M.D.; and Alford N. Vassall, Jr., M.D.

Edith completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Arizona in 1977 and went on to get her Family Nurse Practitioner training from the University of California, graduating in 1988.

She later got a Master’s degree in Nursing from California State University – Sacramento in 1998. To make an appoint-ment at Mountain View Women’s Health Clinic call (360) 426-0955.

12th Annual Business Expo and Bite of Shelton This year’s event takes place at the Pavilion at Sentry Park on Thursday, May 17 from noon to 7:00 pm. Call the Chamber to reserve your space now!


How Do your Manners Measure Up? stephanie rowland horton | Top dog Etiquette

It’s so sad – many people consider the word “etiquette” to be a four-letter word. Actually, it can be! And the word is “nice.” I’ve been working with business professionals, college students and families for years in an effort to help them become more comfortable with their social skills, and when all is said and done, we all agree that it boils down to common courtesy and treating others with respect. Etiquette is about thinking about our words and actions – before we say or do something that might embarrass someone. However, there is a slight challenge, for many people move through life thinking that because no one has called them on being impolite or plain rude, they think all is well with their behavior. Wrong! The truth is that as a rule, the other person won’t tell you because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. So here we are! I like to have fun with this topic, and encour-age you to submit your etiquette questions for future issues of the “Bight.” Let’s start with a quiz, of course!

1. Do not attempt an in-troduction if you cannot remember names.FALSE. Even if you can-not remember someone’s name, it would be rude not to try. Simply say some-thing like, “please help me remember your name.” OR, as you approach someone, extend a hand for a hand-shake and say “Hello, Bob Brown (your own name). Nice to see you.” Then, the other person should give you their name.

2. Avoid using your cell phone at a restaurant.TRUE. Taking or making calls – or texting - is not only intrusive to the con-versation at your table, but to the neighboring tables as well.

3. “Thank you” is the best response to a com-pliment.TRUE. Always say “thank you.” Do not negate the compliment by saying things like, “This old thing?

I haven’t worn this suit for years.” Remember -- a compliment is like a gift. Take it graciously.4. Men should stand for introductions and hand-shaking, but women can remain seated.FALSE. Today’s business etiquette is the same for women and men. Both should stand.

5. Identify yourself when you place a professional or personal phone call.TRUE. Do not put pres-sure on the person you are calling to recognize your voice.

6. Wear your name badge on the left shoul-der for easy reading.FALSE. Wear it on the RIGHT -- when hand-shaking, people can look up your right hand and see your name badge easily!

7. A senior executive may rise to indicate the end of a meeting.TRUE. This body lan-guage means “our time is about up.” It is not a good time to ask for a raise!

8. Conversational small talk is not appropriate in the business arena.FALSE. 5-8 minutes is pretty much required. This important time is used to make your first impres-sion, build a relationship, or simply set the stage for a pleasant meeting.

9. A woman’s handbag can be placed on a desk or restaurant table. FALSE. Purses and brief-cases should be placed under your chair or, a handbag can be stored in your chair if small enough.

Stephanie Rowland Horton is owner of Top dog

Etiquette and is the editor of shelton Life and north Mason

Life. Find ou more tips at www.topdogetiquette.com.

10. When leaving a din-ing table for a moment, put your napkin next to your plate.FALSE. Because the napkin has been used, it should be placed on your chair. It does not go back onto the table until everyone is leaving the table after the meal. The same is true for knives and forks – once they have been used, they cannot be placed back onto the table, they should be placed on a dinner or bread and butter plate.

Visit www.topdogetiquette.com to order your copy of “Are Bad Manners Driving your Clients Crazy?”


ThE Sound of our CHIlDREN’S VoICESHow more than 150 local students at six different schools are coming together through through music.Matthew Blegen, Director, Anna’s Bay Center for Music

The proverb goes that children should be seen; but not heard. But I’m willing to bet that John Myrk , the 15th century Au-gustinian clergyman who actually wrote that dour verse, had never heard the unique harmony of children singing.

There’s a color, a flavor, to young voices that is unique in the palette available to composers. Even without words, there is a feeling of purity and a complete absence of ego in a children’s choir; of a sense of earnestness and enthusiasm not dulled by life. Composers of chamber works usually employ children’s choirs sparingly and to elicit specific ef-fects: Bach for example uses a children’s choir in a single movement of the St. Matthew Passion to add that unique color to the musical backdrop of the apostles scattering after Christ’s arrest – painting the momentarily faithless disciples as frightened children.

The living composer John Rutter uses children in a completely different way in his Mass of the Chil-dren. While the adult choir sings the traditional Latin mass setting, sometimes in dark and mysteri-ous ways, the children always enter to lift the mood, commenting on what has just happened or expand-ing upon it using secular poetry. The result is a beau-tiful marriage of the sacred and secular, of young voices expressing hope and mature voices expressing faith, that I find to be a wonderful metaphor for how those two element come together in a commu-nity. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Which is why I’m so looking forward to the con-certs in April that will feature not only the Rutter Mass of the Children, but the work performed by a GIANT children’s choir which combines the Mt. View, Evergreen, Bordeaux, Pioneer, Grapeview and Olympic Middle School choirs, as well as several home school students.

A total of over 150 local children who began work-ing on the piece in January, and who will perform it with Anna’s Bay’s full Chorale and South Shore Chamber Orchestra in late April. There is no cost to participating students (or schools) each of whom will receive a score, a practice CD, a t-shirt and a DVD of the finale performance.

Additionally, the students will perform two in-school concerts for 1,000 of their local classmates in the days leading up to the public concerts.

Images courtesy of Michael Blegen, Anna’s Bay Center for Music


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