Business Matters | Volume 4, Issue 3

Comments from the Chair

Big change at the Chamber, big change indeed. After 14 years with the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Heidi McCutcheon has accepted a new employment opportunity with the Thurston County Economic Development Council and Center for Business & Innovation.

In her time with the Chamber, Heidi brought forth many new initiatives and programs to the Mason County business community. Although it will be sad not to see her regularly, we as the Chamber Board of Directors are thankful for all the things she has done in for our community and wish her the very best as she begins this new and exciting chapter.

When it came time to sit down and plan our next steps as a board, there was no question on who is best suited to lead us through this transition as our permanent President & CEO. Over the past decade, Deidre Peterson has been nothing short of a stellar employee of the Chamber. She has been responsible for incentivizing event participation, implementing the move to a tiered dues model, securing a national partnership with Google, revamping the Ambassadors committee, developing guidelines for the annual awards program, sunsetting the auction, and spearheading in house policies and procedures.

Deidre is deeply committed to the Chamber. She graduated from the Western Association of Chamber Executives Academy, a multi-year program on chamber management essentials, and she continues to seize opportunities to expand her skill set and bring resources to our members. Well known in statewide and national associations, she has received accolades for working tirelessly behind the scenes and for her laser-like focus.

Aside from her work at the Chamber, Deidre is a member of Shelton Kiwanis Club, serves on the City Council, and volunteers for St. Edward Catholic Church. She and her husband Jon live in downtown and are active in community efforts. We are thrilled to offer Deidre the position of President & CEO of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce and look forward to the success her leadership will undoubtedly bring.