BUSINESS MATTERS
A publication of the
SPECIAL ISSUE
Commemorative Gala Edition
IT’S SAFE TO GET CARE! Behavioral Health and Primary Care Providers at Mason Clinic!
Alyssa Abegg-Garcia, ARNP Primary Care
Darren Cuevas, DO Primary Care
Katie Aldrich, PMHNP-BC Behavioral Health
David E. Anderson, MD Internal Medicine
Amber Carlson, LICSW Behavioral Health
Vanessa Cray, PMHNP-BC Behavioral Health
Jennifer Kummerfeldt, ARNP Primary Care
Kirsten Garza, PMHNP-BC Behavioral Health Michelle Hamilton, DO Primary Care
Henry In, DO Primary Care
Jenny Johnston, ARNP Internal Medicine
Trevor Kwan, DO Primary Care
Andrew Kwon, MD Primary Care
Resa L Shaner, PA-C Primary Care Benjamin May, DO Primary Care
James Stauffer, PA-C Primary Care
Allen L. Millard, MD Primary Care
Amie Mower, DO Primary Care
Carlos Rubio-Reyes, MD Primary Care
To book an appointment, call us at 360-426-2653.
Katrina Stringer, ARNP Primary Care
Reserve your Walk-In Clinic visit today! Mason Clinic’s Walk-In Clinic is open to treat minor illnesses and injuries!
www.MasonGeneral.com • 901 Mountain View Drive, Shelton, WA 98584 • (360) 426-1611, from Allyn (360) 275-8614, Toll free (855) 880-3201, TTY/TDD (360) 427-9593. Equal Opportunity Provider • Free Translation Services Provided/Se habla español • Mason Health does not discriminate on the basis of patient’s age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, culture, physical or mental disability, financial status or condition (including the terminally ill or dying), limited English, visual, hearing or learning impaired. 04/2021
Page 2 — Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition
Mason Clinic Primary Care providers can offer the COVID vaccine! Ask at your next visit!
Awards and perserverence focus of Chamber Gala
Ramon Nunez, CEO of Little Creek Casino Resort Heidi McCutcheon, Chamber CEO
The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 99th year at the community’s highest profile business affair on Friday, April 16. Guests enjoyed the in-person annual meeting, designed to give tribute to the successes of the past year and announce the much-anticipated results of the annual awards selection.
PREMIER SPONSOR
expertise of the culinary staff and, thanks to course sponsors, Edward Jones - Karen Schade, Financial Advisor, EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc., The Optical Shop of WA, and Heritage Bank, guests enjoyed a delectable menu featuring specialty fare and tasty, seasonal ingredients. The Honorable Judge George Steele took the stage and invited the 2021 Chamber Board of Trustees up for a formal installation. Outgoing President of the Board Marty Crow thanked Past President Lisa President for her years of service on the board and presented her with a personalized gift. Noberto Chavez, Andy Conklin of The Conklin Team at Windermere, and Jan Morris of The Hardware Distillery Co. also retired from the board at the end of 2020.
Chamber CEO Heidi McCutcheon opened the program with introductions of those who made the evening possible, leading off with Ramon Nunez, CEO of Little Creek Casino Resort, the Gala’s Premier Sponsor. Nolberto Chavez of Beko’s Trees & Wood Carving then took the stage, followed by a short video from Jeff Neely of The Shopper; then Photo Sponsor Cooper Studios— who supplied the red carpet photo opp—flashed the camera towards the crowd. Brad McCutcheon of Bradley Air Company congratulated the finalists and, as has become tradition, Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance delighted attendees by delivering her ode to the past year. Throughout the evening considerable efforts were made to ensure the high standards of health and safety for those of those attending the event and for the sake of our community. Guests were pre-assigned staggered arrival times to mitigate any crowds at registration and, as with all locations on the property, guests’ temperatures were checked upon entry. Our appreciation goes to Mason Health for sponsoring the evening’s Sanitation Stations, which were placed throughout the venue. To ensure distancing, the main stage was utilized, and areas were marked off for award recipients to accept their plaques and address the assembly. In accordance with state law, public speakers were not required to be masked although microphones were sanitized between each use. Tables stretched wide across the spacious venue and only six individuals were seated at each table and guests were required to be MEDIA masked SPONSOR at all times, except when SPONSOR seated PHOTO for the dinner service. A spectacular four course meal served showcased the
ONSOR
NSORS
As guests entered the venue, they were met by Shelton High School DECA student volunteers and provided a warm welcome by Hospitality Sponsor Beko’s Tree Service. Once they reached their seats in the dramatically draped room, champagne was served tableside courtesy of Champagne Sponsor Bradley Air Company.
The awards presentation began promptly at 9:00pm and was broadcast live to a select group of Chamber members as well as families and colleagues of the finalists. The video can be found at masonchamber.com/ gala-video/ for those who wish to view it. Seven awards were presented, including five voted on by the Chamber’s membership. While you can see details in the following pages, these included Business (pg. 10), Rookie (pg. 9), Boss (pg. 8), Citizen (pg. 11), and Nonprofit (pg. 13) of the Year. Additionally, 2020 President of the Chamber Board selected the President’s Choice Award (pg. 6) and Chamber staff selected the Volunteer of the Year (pg. 7). The night ended with 2021 Chairman of the Board Melanie Bakala taking the stage, where she thanked the sponsors, congratulated the finalists, and wished everyone a safe evening. While the evening looked different than years past, it was a brilliant celebration! 2020 was incredibly tough and the Awards Gala was a fantastic occasion to shine a light on those folks who made the last year brighter. The Chamber LIVE VIEWING SPONSOR is proud to provide accolades to the many amazing individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses that support the Chamber and the Mason County business community.
PREMIER SPONSOR PHOTO SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSOR LIVE VIEWING PHOTO SPONSOR LIVE VIEWING SPONSOR SANITATION MEDIA SPONSOR PREMIER SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSOR PHOTO SPONSOR SPONSORS LIVE VIEWING SPONSOR COURSE SPONSORS
COURSESPONSOR SPONSORS HOSPITALITY COURSE SPONSORS
Karen Schade, Financial Advisor
HOSPITALITY SPONSOR
TOAST SPONSOR
CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR
SPONSOR
SANITATION SANITATIONADVERTISING SPONSOR SANITATION HOSPITALITY SPONSOR TOAST SPONSOR CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR SPONSOR TOAST SPONSOR SPONSOR CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR SPONSOR HOSPITALITY TOASTSPONSOR SPONSOR CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR
ADVERTISING SPONSOR
ADVERTISING SPONSOR ADVERTISING SPONSOR
Karen Schade, Financial Advisor Karen Schade, Financial Advisor
Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition — Page 3
Ode to 2020 Written and delivered by Melanie Bakala
Last year, it seems, started out normal. We gathered here all fancy and formal. But that quickly changed, upside down turned the world, we entered a pandemic where chaos unfurled.
as programs rolled out with options to choose. Great members were lost from these humble parts. We honor them all and keep them held in our hearts. Richard Del Bosque and Jeff Brady, to name just two, Please rest in love. We will carry on for you.
People hoarding toilet paper and wipes of disinfecting variety, for reasons beyond understanding as people coped with anxiety. The search began for masks and sanitizing foam. And then, to flatten the curve, we all were sent home.
Though it seems things stood still, new leaders came forth. Mike Patti rose to Chief and Pam Volz captains the chamber up North. Now leading the Squaxin Island Tribe, Kris Peters rose higher and Lynn Eaton took the reins as PUD3’s Joel Myer retired.
Our world, as we knew it, screeched to a stop. We pivoted to Zoom and did our best to keep up. “Be sure to keep your distance, it’s a new normal” they said, And “Wear your mask everywhere.” It filled many with dread. But during hard times, up step the leaders. Mason Transit pitched delivering meals to seniors. PUD set up Hotspots for kids in our town. Dominos kept giving and they didn’t back down. People flocked to Lake Cushman, wanting to adventure about. Outside was the only option — and even that was shut out. OysterFest and Forest Festival, our cherished events, Were canceled to keep people safe. Though sad, made sense.
After years with the hospital commission, Scott Hilburn stepped down As Darrin Moody steps in — I’m glad he’s staying around! We watched our YMCA grow and open with great cheers. And Peninsula Credit Union celebrated 85 years. Despite all the turmoil, some took an entrepreneurial leap. YSS Dive is on Hood Canal, while T’s Café brought lots of good eats. Smoking Mo’s expanded their space with a move to Grove. ISH PNW opened with local gifts — a full treasure trove. So here we sit together, in this room not as filled. Though it is different, we are totally thrilled. Who knows what will come from the rest of 2021 as we get back to normal and vaccines reach everyone. Let’s raise our glass to celebrate resilience, to remember those lost, and a future of brilliance. Let’s be kind to each other, no matter our difference, and celebrate love, flexibility, and persistence.
Acronyms were explained by staff to a tee. From SBA to ESD and EIDL to PPP, our Chamber partnered to bring forth the news
Board of Trustees 2020
President Marty Crow, Habitat for Humanity of Mason Co. Past President Lisa Perry, Sierra Pacific Industries Treasurer Lisa Woodard, Columbia Bank Dave Aykens, ASC Security & Investigations Eileen Bailey, EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc. Melanie Bakala, State Farm Insurance Ashley Brady, Brady Trucking & Landscape Supply Nolberto Chavez, Beko’s Trees & Wood Carving, LLC Andy Conklin, The Conklin Team at Windermere Mendy Harlow, The Salmon Center Jan Morris, The Hardware Distillery Michael Peters, Little Creek Casino Resort
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2021
President Melanie Bakala, State Farm Insurance Past President Marty Crow, Habitat for Humanity of Mason Co. President Elect Ashley Brady, Brady Trucking & Landscape Supply Treasurer Lisa Woodard, Columbia Bank Dave Aykens, ASC Security & Investigations Eileen Bailey, EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc. Kelley Crabtree, Artegan/Maple Glen Senior Living Tanya Frazier, Crossroads Housing & Martha Reed Foundation Stephanie Fyfe, Steph’s Espresso Mendy Harlow, The Salmon Center Jamie Mell, John L. Scott & Mell Property Management Ken Oakes, South Sound Appliance Michael Peters, Little Creek Casino Resort (Retired) CJ Sáñgh, Joe’s Market & Shell Gas Station Kyle Skarra, Builders FirstSource Randy Smith, Shelton Athletic Club
Top Chamber Investors PLATINUM LEVEL
GOLD LEVEL
Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club Alta Forest Products ASC Security & Investigation City of Shelton Heritage Bank Island Enterprises, Inc. Lucky Dog Casino Mason PUD 3 Mason Health Our Community Credit Union Shelton Dental Excellence
SILVER LEVEL Alderbrook Resort and Spa Arnold Smith Insurance Bakala State Farm Insurance Bavarian Pro Wash Bradley Air Company Builders FirstSource Consejo Counseling & Referral Service Diamond Touch Landscape Edward Jones – Karen Schade, FA EI. Kristyn & Son Construction Falcon Financial, Inc. First Billing Services Flippin Awesome Renovations General Dynamics Electric Boat Gillis Auto Center Great Bend Center for Music
Keller Williams South Sound – Results Home Team M4 Real Estate Group Maple Glen Senior Living Maples Excavating Mason Transit Authority MultiCare Port Blakely Seattle Shellfish Shelton Dental Center Shelton School District Shelton-Mason County Journal Sierra Pacific Industries Taylor Shellfish Farms The Shopper Tractor Supply Company Washington Corrections Center YSS Dive
Investors provide support to modern Chamber, strong values The Chamber was incorporated in 1922 as the Shelton-Mason County Commercial Club and has served our community faithfully for nearly 100 years. Today, we are the county’s oldest, largest, and most influential business association. The original purpose was to engage in educational and social pursuits, develop its members and others, advance the prosperity and growth of the local area, encourage the establishment of industry, foster capital and protect labor, collect and disseminate valuable information. Today, our mission is to advance a vibrant business community, promote tourism, and facilitate economic development. The times are changing. But our values remain the same. We believe that a strong business community creates a healthy economy and that our quality of life in Mason County is driven by the businesses who choose to make this place home. The Chamber is a catalyst for business growth. We offer numerous education programs, information that’s relevant to businesses, and flexible networking opportunities. We are certified national partners of Grow with Google and Small Business Saturday. Plus, our association with regional and local industry experts means our members have access to information, tools, and programs that directly benefit them. The Chamber is a convener of leaders & influencers. We make it a point to be at the heart of important issues like COVID-19 recovery & resiliency, workforce development, quality of life, and civic engagement. We have built strong relationships with business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders which has made us a powerful voice on issues that matter. The Chamber is a champion for a strong community. We are active in supporting local efforts. Our staff, Board members, and volunteers work to build a healthy economy, promote tourism opportunities, leverage partnerships, and develop plans to build Mason County’s future. We know that to make an impact and serve our community, the Chamber must remain a relevant leader. It is thanks to the nearly 400 members who invest in the Chamber make it possible for us to do the important work of rebuilding a healthy economy and supporting Mason County’s businesses and nonprofits. We are especially grateful to our Top Investors whose goodwill and substantial financial support of the business community allows the Chamber to focus on its mission, ultimately elevating business impact, strengthening the local economy, proactively addressing issues, and activating our community’s potential.
Thank you Mason County Shelton Athletic Club is honored to be named a finalist for Business of the Year. We are proud to stand beside the amazing businesses and people that make our community awesome. We invite you to join us. Become a member, find your passion, and... sheltonathleticclub.com • (360) 426-1388 Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition — Page 5
President’s Choice HENRY BIERNACKI was named the President’s Choice award winner by outgoing President of the Board Marty Crow (Habitat for Humanity). At the event, the following words were shared about his choice. Some members of our community go above and beyond to help those in need. This year’s honoree has a lifetime of service, volunteering his time and knowledge, even traveling internationally to help others. Locally, he’s volunteered in leadership positions for nearly two decades. With his time at Habitat for Humanity of Mason County, he has helped build new homes for dozens of families and has impacted hundreds more through the renovation program, changing the lives of so many people in our community for the better. He has served as a Board President and Construction Committee Chairman. Ladies and Gentlemen the President’s Choice Award goes to Henry Biernacki. Henry sat in stunned silence as the crowd applauded. Marty coaxed him up to the stage to accept his award. Henry gave all the credit back to Habitat and its mission, noting how rewarding it was to serve our community.
Henry Biernacki
Belfair HUB Grapeview Residence
Thank you for your support since 1986!
Congrats
Jenny!
PUD 3 values community engagement and thanks you for your service to our community Page 6 — Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition
Totten Shores Residence
Volunteer of the Year The Chamber staff recognizes the incredible contributions of volunteers and each year selects a Volunteer of the Year. LISA PERRY (Sierra Pacific Industries) was honored and CEO Heidi McCutcheon offered her heartfelt appreciation: This year’s Volunteer of the Year has a range of experience from manufacturing to education and lends her vast knowledge to local and regional efforts. While this year made traditional volunteering difficult, she made it a priority to reach out often to simply check in, offering advice and assistance from afar, while also logging endless virtual hours toward many initiatives and causes. She happily lends a hand; never hesitating to jump in wherever and whenever help is needed although she is reluctant to accept the credit she is due. A past president of the Chamber Board and current Government Affairs committee chair, this year’s Volunteer of the Year is Lisa Perry of Sierra Pacific Industries. Lisa, never one to expect recognition, had stepped out of the room as the announcement was made. She was shocked as the entire room erupted in applause as she reentered. Making the realization that the award was for her, she made her way to the stage where she graciously accepted, saying that although she had lived in timber towns throughout her life, she had never been welcomed as she has in Mason County.
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HOLLY CAHOON
Boss of the Year
Finalists
HOLLY CAHOON of 2nd Street Design Studio was raised in a military family and lived all over the world before moving back to Shelton, where she graduated from SHS. She finished beauty school and went to work in the then-second-generation family business. Holly and her husband purchased both the business and the building from her parents sixteen years later and has continued to build the salon; expanding into the adjacent space and currently having 15 full-time employees. This year, Holly focused on keeping up with ever-changing requirements and helping her employees navigate unemployment and compliance. Her staff says, “Holly spent many nights rearranging the salon to make it more accessible so all of us could work… not just one or two but all employees. It took a lot of time, money, and determination on her part to make sure that we were all going to be able to make income and support our families. She wanted it to be a safe place for everyone to work and for all of our guests to feel secure in knowing that they could come get their hair done and feel safe.”
After college, MENDY HARLOW returned to the Pacific Northwest. Working her way up at The Salmon Center, she has served as executive director since 2013. She empowers her team by challenging individuals to press outside their comfort zone and recognizes, “It is really important to help people cultivate their skills and knowledge so that they can achieve personal growth and be more fulfilled.” She also maintains that much of the team’s success relies on a very strong open door policy. That posed a trial in 2020, when in-person contact was limited as the organization shifted to work-from-home, so she responded by offering her team constant access to her via phone and creating ways to stay connected via Zoom and the great outdoors.
A lifelong Belfair resident, ALLISON SMITH grew up on the North Shore of Hood Canal. Allison has been employed at Olympic College for 15 years and was appointed as the Shelton Campus Administrator in 2017, where she has expanded, revamped, and reinvigorated the class schedule, and established new programs in Construction Trades, Nursing Assistant Certification and Early Childhood Education, all while strengthening partnerships with the businesses community. Allison prides herself on boosting up her employees, listening to their daily struggles, and giving them the moral support that they need. Managing employees over the past year with the move to virtual work and the emotional stress associated with the health crisis was quite a task, but Allison answered uncertainty by approaching her employees with honesty, compassion, and balancing their needs with that of the campus. Her nominator gushed, “She strives to make Olympic College Shelton not only a great place to study, but a wonderful place to work.”
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ISH PNW
Rookie of the Year
Finalists
ISH PNW stands for “In Shelton Homes” and is a collaboration of local crafters, artists, makers, and entrepreneurs that showcases the talents of our community. Partners Sharon Schirman, Jerri Sutton, and Amy Farmer describe the business as a Etsy-esque brick-andmortar storefront. They are grateful to offer a platform for these vendors to support their families, especially during a year when traditional craft outlets were closed. Jerri recounted, “A vendor opened the check from her monthly sales and started crying right in the store and said thanks to this she is now able to buy Christmas gifts for her family.” Owners also worked with its founding vendors to provide essential items—like face masks and hand sanitizer—which customers were clamoring for early in the pandemic. The team pivoted to allow customers to book online for individual shopping appointments and the store added a delivery service for those who were not able to leave their homes. The retail space offers locally handmade items from 140 plus local vendors and features unique gifts, clothes, toys, décor and more; showing their pride in representing “the best of Mason County.”
SUNSHINE CREATIONS NORTHWEST is a gallery along the waterfront in Hoodsport. Owner Coleen McLees and her husband Brian moved to Hoodsport six years ago and committed to enhancing the beautiful area they love. The gallery’s doors opened with just 12 local artists and now hosts more than 100, ranging in ages from 8 years old to 85 years old, and displays a wide range of unique and eclectic creations. Beyond providing a beautiful display to highlight community talent, Sunshine Creations also carries items and pieces of art for purchase whose proceeds go to the local food bank. The business also donates at Christmas to filling stockings for the kids. Being closing for more than 2 months early on in the pandemic, Coleen focused on supporting her artists by building up an online gallery and virtual storefront, which earned her 41 new artists. They recently finished a 700 square foot deck to allow open air space for artists and art classes. Coleen says, “success is loving what you do and helping and enjoying the people around you. I feel that the support from all of the artists and the community.”
T’S CAFÉ & ESPRESSO is a charming eatery and coffee shop located in downtown Shelton that has quickly gained a loyal clientele. Namesake Theresa is a hometown girl; she and her husband have more than 20 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. The café is open daily and serves coffee, salads, paninis, wraps, and baked treats, as well as grab and go lunches & snacks. T’s earned its first dollar selling a “Lumberjack” sandwich, which is now one of its most popular. The business was open just one week before the state closed indoor seating, prompting a change to offer affordable takeout and delivery options. Seeing the challenges many families were facing, T’s Café sponsored a giving tree at Christmas, joining together with their customers to support 15 families and 50 children. They also donated to the SHS senior class and toward the current edition of the “Our Town” coloring book. Overcoming a uniquely difficult inaugural year, T’s Café is set to nearly double its space of their dine-in seating area.
Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition — Page 9
AAA SEPTIC, LLC
Business of the Year
Finalists
Debra and Dana Lovely moved to Shelton and founded AAA SEPTIC, LLC in 1993, originally running the business out of their home. The operation is now a 2nd generation family business with 15 employees, 5 trucks, a tanker, and nearly 800 sanicans, serving South Puget Sound. They proudly proclaim, “We’re #1 in the #2 business.” AAA is a consistent patron of community events and has faithfully donated services to the parades, Christmastown USA, Toys for Tots, and more. Throughout the pandemic, AAA made special arrangements to support local restaurants and businesses who needed additional support. Debra and Dana recognized the stress on employees because of the health crisis and the unknown economic climate. They actually increased the pay for employees and trudged ahead as a team. They humbly responded to their nomination, saying, “We do not have a glamorous business, but it is a needed service. We have operated with honesty and integrity, taking good care of our customers and our community.”
An icon in Shelton since 1989, SHELTON ATHLETIC CLUB is typically a bustling environment of gym-goers enjoying the indoor pool, aerobic training equipment, racquetball courts, and other amenities. While last year’s strict guidelines posed unique challenges to owners Randy & Liz Smith, they didn’t simply shut their doors. During closures they invested in updates such as painting, resurfacing the pool area, and building an outside sports facility, keeping their staff employed. Once reopened, they worked diligently to maintain a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and developed new services—like enhanced ventilation and sanitation systems and scheduled workout times—to ensure compliance and to better serve their members. SAC worked to accommodate members experiencing financial hardship so they could focus on their health and wellness. Even while times were tough, SAC proved a model of community support by hosting a giving tree for children, raising $8,000 to support Shelton School District’s lunch program, supporting Mason General Hospital Foundation, and donating equipment to Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center, Shelton School District, and Shelton Police Department.
WILLIAMS ARCHITECTURE was founded in 1986 to provide quality design services. Principle Len Williams declares Shelton as his hometown, having moved to the area while in junior high, while his wife Jaynee was born and raised in Shelton, as have the couple’s three children. Len & Jaynee’s undeniable love of community has led them to volunteer for various community efforts. While the company primarily focuses on residential design, Mason County is dotted with commercial projects proudly designed by the firm including the Shelton Civic Center, William G. Reed Library, and most recently the newly opened Shelton Family YMCA. Their company has also provided significant pro bono services to Habitat for Humanity, Community Lifeline, Turning Pointe, Shelton Youth Center, and local churches. The value of these services well exceeds $100,000. As the small staff faces challenges of increased regulations and attracting new talent, Williams Architecture continues to flex, evolve, and innovate. Len says, “I am grateful [and] I am so blessed to do something that is productive, creative, and enjoyable, and that privilege is from God.”
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DON WELANDER
Citizen of the Year
Finalists JENNY GOOS was born and raised in Shelton, and is the proud of mom of 2 boys, with whom she honors the memory of her parents by sharing their sense of community pride and engagement. She has donated her time to boards for youth sports, was the vice-chair for PCFCU’s board, currently serves on the the Shelton Youth Connect board, and is an active supporter of Housing Options for Students in Transition. In her words, Jenny is simply passionate about helping people. The Teresa Johnson Memorial Scholarship, named after her mother, has allowed her to recognize kids that are doing great things. The podcast “Small Town Conversations,” that she co-hosts, has been a platform for honest discussions about everything from mental health to teenage pregnancy and addiction. She says,”It has been a way to share stories of struggle and remind people that we are all the same deep down, even people that seem to ‘have it all’.” Jenny also teamed up again to Fill the Truck #5 and spotlight homeless youth issues.
NICHOLE KERKSIECK moved to Shelton with her parents and four siblings in 2001. A proud Highclimber graduate, Nichole is now part of the team at United Way of Mason County. There she has become intimately involved with local food banks, other nonprofits, public works, Shelton School District, Family Education and Support Services, and emergency food and shelter programs. Her nominator said, “Nichole sees where help is really needed and so, beyond her normal work day, she spends countless hours helping out at our local food banks, playing an active role with the early learning coalition, donating her time and patience to working with the county 4-H programs and helping individuals in need of supplies while battling COVID-19.” Nichole is a single mom who instills a love of people in her two young children and shows them the importance of family, connection, and community through her example of service and kindndess.
DON WELANDER and his wife were both raised in Shelton, where they made a home with their now-grown sons. Don retired as a director with Safeway Stores Inc. and now works for Shelton School District where he lends his business acumen and interpersonal skills. This past year, Don leaned into his passion for partnerships and created a mentor/mentee program for teachers and local business experts. He was also instrumental in developing the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology program for the district, which will give students the ability to learn and earn industry certifications, preparing them for life after high school. His nomination nods to those achievements and warmly remarked, “He goes beyond the call of duty, bringing a true passion for making things better.” Always eager to engage, Don was a member of the inaugural Rural Development Initiatives cohort, served on the United Way board, many local clubs and committees, and is an active Skookum Rotarian; he also CoChairs the Olympic College Business Board. Don follows the example of his dad and mentor to give everything, every day, whether that be time, knowledge or advice.
Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition — Page 11
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CROSSROADS HOUSING
Nonprofit of the Year
Finalists
CROSSROADS HOUSING strives to end homelessness, focusing on achieving greater self-sufficiency and stability through permanent affordable housing in Mason County. Director Tanya Frazier and her team of 12 provides family emergency shelter and temporary housing, education, guidance, and comprehensive case management often leading to referrals for specialized care. Tanya says, “We believe partnerships are vitally important to create true wraparound services ensuring client success and independence.” A drastic increase in housing crisis due to loss of job or illness directly connected with COVID-19 over the last year led to Crossroads tripling its team and working tirelessly to secure grant funding, successfully providing rental assistance, diverting clients from homelessness, and increasing emergency shelter programs. The nonprofit procured nearly $500k dollars which paid past due rent directly to landlords, relieving those experiencing housing crisis. Over the past year, Crossroads also developed new, offsite transitional shelters to help keep an additional 9 families off the streets at any given time. Their system currently supports 270 individuals and 93 children.
Founded in 1983, the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF MASON COUNTY was formed to promote, support, and advocate for economic stability, vitality, and growth. Today, they are a one-stop-shop for site selectors, businesses, and workers interested in moving to Mason County or expanding in the region. Early last year, the EDC began receiving alarming reports from the shellfish industry which eventually gave way to full fledged shutdowns across the board. It was then the nonprofit shifted its work to administer COVID-related grants and loans, help applicants with federal grant submissions, and provide information and training to support businesses with compliance and necessary shifts to e-commerce. Director Jennifer Baria says simply, “We are engaged in the community through the very nature of our work. We are here to help our businesses.” She reported that last year the staff drove to every corner of the county to talk with local businesses—ultimately providing direct support and assistance to over 2,000 businesses in Mason County. She summed up, “We do this because these businesses are the backbone of our community.”
SHELTON EAGLES 3862 is a membership club known nationally as “people helping people.” Locally, they have a longstanding reputation of quietly spearheading efforts to support needs of our community. They expand their impact by allying themselves with Boy Scout Pack 112, South Mason Youth Soccer Club, SHS Athletics, Crossroads Housing, and Kristmas Town Kiwanis, to name a few. Just this past year, the Eagles responded to families who were struggling by delivering over 2,000 cooked meals to those who could not leave their homes, distributing 50 Halloween “fun bags,” arranging 65 holiday dinner baskets, and gifting 140 wrapped children’s presents to homeless shelters and social services throughout Mason County. The aerie also rallied to raise $5,000 to help someone facing unforeseen medical bills and $1,500 to help an individual who lost everything in a house fire. All of those projects were funded entirely by donations from their members and managed by their volunteers.
Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition — Page 13
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2nd Street Design Studio 96.9 KAYO/KGY Radio AAA Septic Tank Pumping ABOVE Home Health Academy Mortgage - Brenda Thornbrue Academy Mortgage - Vickie Nunez Acme Fuel Adopt-A-Pet Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club Alderbrook Properties Alderbrook Resort & Spa Allen Homes & Construction, LLC Allstate Insurance Company - Marcy Johnson Alta Forest Products American Family Insurance - Eric Smileuske American Turbo Service American Workforce Group Americool Heating & Air Conditioning Andrew Spear Construction, LLC Anna’s Bay Center for Music Annie’s Quilt Shoppe Anytime Fitness April Byrd (Friend) Arbaugh & Associates, Inc. Arcadia Drilling, Inc. Arnold Smith Insurance ASC Security & Investigations Ascend Staffing Ashby Homes, Inc. Auseth Construction, Inc. Bauer, Pitman, Snyder, Huff - Lifetime Legal, PLLC Bavarian Pro Wash Bayshore Shell & U-Haul BCP Landscape Supplies Behavioral Health Resources Beko’s Trees, LLC & Wood Carving Belco Forest Products Bella Acres Bella Casa Service Management, LLC Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Shelton Berner Law Office, PLLC Beyond Nurturing Massage Therapy Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington Black Star Blondie’s Restaurant Blue Oasis Spa & Massage Bowers Dental Group Bowman Financial Group, Inc. Bradley Air Company Brady Trucking & Landscape Supply Bruce’s Cleaning Builders FirstSource Cali Cutz Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop Candy Wrapper Store Capital Business Machines Capitol Land Trust Career Quest Cascade Natural Gas Corp. Cedars Bodywork & Massage, LLC Central Mason Fire & EMS Chamberland Construction, LLC Christmas Village City Council Deputy Mayor Deidre Peterson City Council Member Joe Schmit City of Shelton Cogent Construction, Inc. Columbia Bank Hoodsport Columbia Bank Shelton Comcast Cable Community Financial Center Community Lifeline Consejo Counseling & Referral Service Cooper Studios Cornerstone Home Mortgage County Commissioner Sharon Trask Crazy Love Ministries Creekside Inn Crossroads Housing Cut Rate Auto Parts D & L Automotive and Repair Dairy Queen Daley Electric, LLC Denny’s Auto Service Dermasuite Skincare Diamond Touch Landscape Services Digital Printing DogTown K9 & Feline Pet Styling Domino’s Dr. Steven H. Bowers DDS, LLC Drain Masters DSHS Vocational Rehabilitation Duchess Donuts, LLC Eastside Specialty Cakes
members
Economic Development Council of Mason County Edward Jones - Armin Baumgartel, FA Edward Jones - Eric R. Thompson, FA Edward Jones - Karen Schade, FA Edward Jones - Lori Morgan, FA Edward Jones - Stefanie Dantinne, FA EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc. El Sarape III & La Cantina Elevation Elite Property Management Services Enterprise for Equity Evergreen Springs, LLC Evergreen State Roofing, LLC Exceptional Foresters, Inc. (EFI) Express Employment Professionals Faceplant Events Falcon Financial, Inc. Fat Cat Coffee Shop First Billing Services, LLC Flippin Awesome Renovations Fly True Midwifery Flying Colors Painting Co. Forest Funeral Home Fred Holmes Tree Service, LLC Garage Sale Maniacs Gateway Christian Fellowship Gateway Property Management General Dynamics Electric Boat George Stenberg Photography Gillis Auto Center Girl Scouts of Western Washington Great Bend Center for Music Green Diamond Resource Company Habitat for Humanity of Mason County Habitat for Humanity ReStore Hackney Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Haigh Veterinary Hospital Hama Hama Oysters Harmony Hill Healing Retreat Harstine Island Community Choir Hawks View Insurance HearingLife Heritage Bank Hillcrest Shell Homes First Homes for Heroes - Megan Smet Hood Canal Communications Hood Canal Events Hood Canal Visitor Information Center Hoodsport Timberland Library Housing Kitsap iFiber Communications iFiber One News Radio In Deed Home Inspections Instant Time Cleaning Lulu LLC ISH PNW Island Enterprises, Inc. Island Johnny Honey Bucket Jarrell’s Cove Marina Jim’s Automotive, Inc. Joe’s Market & Shell Gas Station John L Scott Belfair - Terri Drexler John L. Scott Real Estate John L. Scott Real Estate - Kristy Buck Joonbug Graphic Design Joonbug Yoga Judge George Steele Kamilche Trading Post Kamilche Visitor Information Center Kara Lynn Foundation Karen Timpani (Friend) Kealy Electric, LLC Keeping Awnaroll Keller Williams Realty - Jerry Obendorf Keller Williams Realty - Scotty Mills Keller Williams South Sound - Results Home Team Kevin Strickland (Friend) Key Bank KHS General Contractors LLC Kinney’s Custom Hardwood, LLC Kirk Building Kris Rose LMP Bodywork & Massage Kristmas Town Kiwanis Lake Cushman Maintenance Company Lake Limerick Golf Club & Cafe Land Title Co. of Mason County Leath Manufacturing Co. Les Schwab Tire Centers Little Creek Casino Resort Living Earth Grow Supply Living Well, Inc./Isagenix - Marcy Kadoun-Wilson Locate Coaching Lorraine’s Music Studio Love INC of Mason County Lucky Dog Casino
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Lund Custom Machine M4 Real Estate Group MACECOM Maple Glen Senior Living Maples Excavating Martha Reed Foundation Mary Kay - Caryn Salapka Mary Kay - Tamra Ingwaldson Mason County Clean Outs Mason County Forest Festival Association Mason County Garbage & Recycling Mason County Historical Society Museum Mason County Master Builders Mason County Republican Women’s Club Mason County Senior Activities Association Mason County Taxi, LLC Mason County Title Company Mason Fire District #4 Mason General Hospital Foundation Mason Health - Mason Clinic Mason Health - Mason General Hospital Mason PUD 3 Mason Transit Authority MasonWebTV Powered by HCC Matthaeis Camco, Inc. McComb & Wagner Funeral Home & Crematory Mell Property Management MGHF Auxiliary Gift Shop Miracle-Ear Mottet Fine Jewelry Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Mt. St. Helens Evergreens, Inc. MultiCare National Business Systems Neil’s Pharmacy New Community Church of Union Newman Family Chiropractic Nifty Thrifty Store Nita’s of Shelton North Mason Chamber of Commerce Northwest Accounting Group Northwest Clothing Co. Northwest Custom Tees Northwest Event Organizers Northwest Expressions, LLC Oakland Bay Marina, LLC Olympic College Olympic Heating & Cooling, LLC Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Olympic Mountain Millwork Olympic Stove & Spas, Inc. Olympic Title & Escrow Olympus Rally Our Community Credit Union Pacific Asset Management, LLC Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp Paulie’s Place Peninsula Credit Union Peninsular Railway & Lumbermen’s Museum Phillips Burgess, PLLC Pig Pen BBQ PNW Fresh Clams & Oysters Port Blakely Port of Hoodsport Port of Shelton Premium Nutrition Radio Fryer Foods, LLC Railroad Tap Station RAM Electric RE/MAX Top Executives RE/MAX Top Executives - Melissa Stearns Representative Dan Griffey Representative Drew MacEwen Republic Services Richard Beckman Realty Group, LLC Rick Hoss (Friend) Ridge Motorsports Park Robert E’s Carpet Cleaning Robert W. Johnson, PLLC Roslynne Reed (Friend) Salish Cliffs Golf Course Salish Seafoods Seattle Shellfish, LLC Senior Services for South Sound Sentry Mini Storage Seven Inlets Spa Shelton Athletic Club Shelton Centennial Lions Club Shelton Cinemas Shelton Dental Center Shelton Dental Excellence Shelton Downtown Merchants Shelton Eagles 3862 Shelton Family YMCA Shelton Farmers Market
Shelton Health & Rehabilitation Center Shelton High School DECA Shelton House Cleaning Shelton Kiwanis Club & Foundation Shelton Rotary Shelton School District Shelton Tabs & Titles Shelton Timberland Library Shelton Veterans Village Shelton Veterinary Hospital, Inc. Shelton Youth Connection Shelton-Mason County Journal Sierra Pacific Industries Sisters Restaurant Skokomish Indian Tribal Enterprises, Inc. Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman Skookum Rotary Skydive Kapowsin Skyline Drive-In Theater SmartMeme Studios, LLC Smoking Mo’s So Clean & Green, LLC Some R 4 U Sound Business Brokers Sound Learning South Mason Youth Soccer Club South Sound Appliance South Sound Private Investigations South Sound Solar St. Andrew’s House State Farm Insurance - Melanie Bakala Steamboat Trading Post Steph’s Espresso Stottle Winery Sunshine Creations Northwest Suzan’s Grill Taqueria Las Palmas Taylor Shellfish Farms TerraTects (formerly Matt B’s Lawns) The Cabin Tavern Bar & Grill The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound The Conklin Team at Windermere The Drift Bar & Grill The Hardware Distillery Co. The Hiawatha Corp. The Optical Shop of WA, Inc. The Patty Wagon The Pavilion at Sentry Park The Roof Doctor, Inc. The Salmon Center The Shopper The Strip Steak House The Varmints The Waterfront at Potlatch Toys for Tots of Mason County Tozier Brothers Ace Hardware Tractor Supply Company Transit-Community Center T’s Cafe & Espresso Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center Twin Totems Store Union City Market United Way of Mason County Urraco Coffee Company Vance Creek Railriders Vander Wal’s Garage, Inc. Vander Wegen & Associates, Inc., PS Verle’s Sporting Goods & Marine Walter Dacon Wines Washington Corrections Center Washington Home Center Washington Policy Center WashingTone’s Junk Removal Watson Construction Co., Inc. Watson Diesel Repair, LLC Whitehouse & Nichols, LLP Wild & Woodsy Catering Wild Greens International Williams Architecture, PS Windermere Real Estate - Keith Fuller Windermere Real Estate/Himlie, Inc. Wittenberg CPA, PS WorkSource Mason County WSU Extension Yesteryear Car Club YSS Dive Zazzykat Soap Company Zeppelin Shipping & Technology Center
Visit our searchable, online directory at masonchamber.com/ members
Contact VP of Business Development Deidre Peterson at (360) 426-2021 or deidre@masonchamber.com masonchamber.com/join Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition — Page 15
Page 16 — Business Matters — Commemorative Gala Edition