Bight | January 2013

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

In ThE loop

Chamber award nominations announced Join the Chamber in thanking individuals and businesses – 7

Wishing you and yours a healthy & prospersous 2013!

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JanuaryJanuary 2013 2013

Shelton Mason County Chamber

Message from Chamber President, Drew MacEwen Dear Fellow Chamber Members,

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY Board of Trustees Drew MacEwen Falcon Financial, Inc. Treasurer Rick Verbarendse Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club Steve Andrewski CareerQuest Melanie Bakala State Farm Insurance Janene Bandes Pier 101 Gift Shop & Boutique Herb Baze Black Star, The Strip Steakhouse Kelley Crabtree Maple Glen Senior Living Russ Denney Pantorium Cleaners

It is always amazing how fast a year goes... and writing my final article as your president for the Bight really puts that in perspective for me! It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you, the board, the staff, and our community as president of our Chamber.

I would not have been on the solid footing as I was, had it not been for Patti Case’s leadership during her time as president and her mentorship during my year. Patti is a true asset not only to Green Diamond, and to the Chamber, but also to our community.

Thank you, Patti, for all you have done and continue to do!

As I turn this over to Melanie Bakala I know the Chamber will continue to thrive and grow. Melanie has both great administrative abilities and strong business skills. I personally look forward to watching what she does as Chamber president in 2013. We are in very capable hands!

Jill Himlie Windermere Real Estate/Himlie Inc Rod Olsen, Jr. Olsen Furniture

I also had the privilege to work on a very regular basis with our staff. Heidi, Deidre, and Janelle are doing an excellent job and are energetic and committed to making our Chamber the very best it can be. They truly have the pulse of the community and are doing a wonderful job!

As for me, thank you for your support this past year. I hope that I made a positive contribution to our Chamber.

It certainly was a growing experience for me, and that has made me better in my own business. I will stay on the board as past president while continuing to run my investment management firm and taking on a new role in Olympia.

I look forward to continuing to be a part of our great community and assisting the Chamber in any way I can.

When I began as president at our Gala last year I quoted Mario Andretti, and it seems only appropriate to end with that same quote: “If it doesn’t feel like you are losing control, than you are just not going fast enough!”

Best wishes for a prosperous 2013!

Very Truly Yours,

Drew MacEwent

COVER Snapshot of history

Jennifer Owens Peninsula Federal Credit Union Shaun Tucker

Alderbrook Resort & Spa Outgoing Board Members

Patti Case Kevin Cronquist Kathryn Kamin

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

Justin Cowling, Executive Director | Mason County Historical Society

This picture of Railroad Avenue was taken by Shelton photographer Dean Palmer in the winter of 1968 and is part of the Historical Society’s collection of more than one million photographs taken by Palmer during his career, which spanned five decades. With the help of Squaxin Island Tribe, Skookum Rotary Club, and numerous volunteers, the museum is working to preserve, sort and categorize all of these photos. While the project will take years to complete, steady progress is being made. To learn more, volunteer, or donate funds please contact Justin Cowling at (360) 426-1020 or email cowlingjustin@hotmail.com.

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

Chamber Mission Statement

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

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Message from Chamber Executive Director, Heidi McCutheon Another year has come and gone - and what a year it’s been! We’ve accomplished so much in the past year that I am amazed. I would like to say thank you to the Chamber Board of Trustees (listed on the inside panel next to Drew’s message).

It is because of the board’s foresight and willingness to try new things that we have been so successful. I am appreciative of their leadership and vision as they encourage growth in both the Chamber and the business community at large.THANK YOU for your service and dedication!

A few of my favorite highlights for 2012 include hiring Janelle Rutter to join Deidre & me in the Chamber office, updating our website and creating three highend commercials to promote tourism in Mason County. There are so many more, but you’ll have to wait for the State of the Chamber Address at the Awards Gala to hear about it.

I’ve spoken to many of you about the special plans we have for the Gala, but for those of you who haven’t yet heard… I predict this will be the event of the year in Mason County.

Little Creek Casino Resort, our premier sponsor, has pulled out all the stops and will be presenting a full nine-course plated meal – with wine pairing – during the evening’s presentation. Let me tell you that dinner, in and of itself, is a presentation. As the committee went for a pre-event tasting, one of the ladies exclaimed, “I feel like a princess!” She appropriately summed it up for me as well! If only for the culinary event itself, you won’t want to miss this night. The fact that the event also includes the year in review, Board of Trustees installation and the announcement of our awards winners makes it even more worthwhile.

Largely due to our sponsors, Little Creek Casino Resort, Bakala State Farm and The Shopper’s Weekly, we are able to offer this event to our members at only $50 – so make sure that you say thank you to each of them! VIP tables with private server are also available for $600. Seating is limited, so call now to make your reservation.

SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Chase Construction North West, Inc. 11316 36th, Edgewood | (253) 863-5144 | chasenw.com Construction Ear, Nose & Throat Associates SW 128 W Lily Rd NE, Ste 202, Olympia (360) 357-6314 ext. 120 | entsw.com | Health Care

Amidst all the talk of the past, I’d like to share something with you that we’ll be looking at in the future.

Edward Jones Investments – Karen Schade 1717 Olympic Hwy N, #100, Shelton (360) 432-8965 | edwardjones.com | Financial Investments

We are so proud of what our newsletter has become and we are looking for ways to expand upon the BIGHT’s success. We are considering moving to a quarterly publication that will be around 30 pages and condense several of our publications. Right now, we have the Community Guide, the Recreation Guide, the Mason County Map, our Membership Directory and the BIGHT.

Heilig’s Hand Held Noisemaker Olympia | (360) 259-1902 Sports equipment/Novelty Items Krueger Kreations 1622 Olympic Hwy S, Shelton (360) 427-1957 kruegerlampworkartglass.com Retail – Art & Specialty Gifts

Our hope is to combine these and create a greater distribution (between 15-20,000) four times a year. With this change, February will likely be our last edition of the BIGHT as we now know it. More information is to follow as we iron out the details, deadlines and advertising rates; I just wanted to mention it now so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

Morgan Stanley – Kevin Wiley 2011 NW Myhre Rd, Ste 301, Silverdale (360) 613-1975 morganstanleyfa.com/kevin.wiley Financial Investments New York Life Insurance – Brad Miller 2116 Caton Way SW, Olympia (360) 489-0770 | newyorklife.com Insurance

Lastly, I want to say thank you, to you. Without our members, the Chamber is only an office with good intentions. It is because of your membership that we are able to accomplish anything at all.

Rick & Sue Hammond Shelton | (360) 426-8483 | Friends of the Chamber Studio 125 Salon (formerly Graham’s Hair Works) 125 W Railroad Ave, Shelton (360) 426-2072 Hair Salon

Your membership dues, donations and participation are what make us so effective. For that, I am endlessly grateful. Thank you for another wonderful year.

Jay’s Farmstand III 1804 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton | (360) 462-5297 facebook.com/ jays-farmstand Retail – Gourmet Foods

Sincerely, Heidi McCutcheon Executive Director

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

January 2013

Mason Transit thanks community On December 1, 1992 Mason Transit Authority (MTA) began free public transit service using five buses. The service started as demand response only and they contracted with Paratransit Services to provide the buses, drivers, fuel and insurance.

Now, 20 years later, MTA proudly provides Mason County with fixed routes, deviated zone routes, an after-school activity bus, dial-a-ride, a vanpool and community van program, as well as a volunteer driver program. And, in 2014, the grand opening of a Transit-Community Center is expected. The MTA Board of Directors and Staff wish to express their deep gratitude to the community saying, “Thank you, Mason County!!”

You are invited to an anniversary kick-off Open House on Thursday, January 24 which will be held at the Transit-Community Center, located at 601 W Franklin St in Shelton from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. In addition to the kick-off event, the 20 year anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year: an anniversary logo will be displayed on the busses and on promotional items; and a short film documenting the history of how MTA began will be produced. To share your special stories from the last 20 years of MTA, please contact Christina Kramer, MTA Outreach Manager, at (360) 426-9434. For more information visit masontransit.org.

Darren Eisele: Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Hood Canal Communications Hood Canal Communications is pleased to announce that Darren Eisele will be their new Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Darren and his family reside in Mason County. He has worked for Hood Canal Communications as Billing Administrator in the Customer Service Department for eleven years.

Darren is active in the local community and currently serves as a board member for the United Way of Mason County.

In addition, he has contributed to industryrelated advisory councils.

He plans to pick up where his predecessor, Kathryn Kamin, left off and is ready to promote HCC through marketing and community outreach.

Kathryn Kamin is moving just down the road to Alderbrook Resort and Spa where she has accepted a new role as their Director of Marketing.

LIVE WORK PLAY LIVE: Mason General Hospital and family of Clinics is offering another FREE Adult, Child, and Infant Basic Life Support CPR class on Thursday, January 10 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in MGH&FC’s Learning Center – call (360) 427-3609 for details and registration.

Kick up your heels and PLAY every Friday night with Country dancing at the Shelton Elks Clubs, 741 SE Craig Rd, Shelton.

For PUD 3 news and outage updates:

TEXT “follow@PUD3” to: 40404 January 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

Celebrate our community award nominees at the Annual Awards Gala with a nine course dinner at the Little Creek Casino Resort on January 18.

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Business After Hours filled with holiday cheer Tuppers hosted December networking event

On December 12, 2012 Tupper’s Floor Coverings & Interiors, Inc. hosted the Business After Hours member networking social – a much anticipated holiday tradition!

President’s Circle Platinum Members

Nearly sixty Chamber members and guests gathered for the holiday event which took place at the spacious showroom on Highway 3. Owners Patti & Al Tupper hosted in grand style with festive hors d’oeuvres and sugary sweets. In addition to the tasty treats and networking galore, fantastic door prizes were certainly an early Christmas present to those lucky party-goers!

Looking to remodel or update your house or office? This locally owned business features hardwoods, tile, vinyl, counters, carpets, cabinets and window treatments.

Gold Members

Alderbrook Resort and Spa welcomes Kathryn Kamin to their team as Director of Marketing

Over the course of four years, Kathryn created order and reinvigorated the marketing and public relations for a local telecommunications company while establishing new relationships and opportunities for her company as well as others.

Kathryn’s enthusiasm and insights are relied upon for strategic marketing and community activism in the local public and private sectors. As a resident of Mason County and a member of one of the early families to move to the Hood Canal area, she brings her marketing expertise and local knowledge to Alderbrook’s Executive Team. Her breadth of knowledge and experience will serve as a platform for her success as she moves into the hospitality industry. Joining a capable team under Shaun Tucker, General Manager of Alderbrook, she will prepare for their 100th year of hospitality celebration in March.

Kathryn joins the Executive Team at the Resort and will manage internal communications and branding, serve as a liaison in the local and outlying communities and oversee the strategic marketing of the Resort as a worldclass destination.

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

Shelton Mason County Chamber

January 2013

Studio 125 Salon Opens in Shelton SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

January Events January 4 “Facebook for Dummies” 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Grove Street Brewhouse 233 S First St, Shelton

On December 7, the Chamber hosted a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate Studio 125 Salon’s new name and newly-rennovated salon. Formerly Graham’s Hair Works, the business has been thriving in Shelton’s historic downtown for nearly 25 years.

Owners Ann & Shawn McElhinney excitedly opened the doors to guests and showcased the sharp-looking salon to Chamber members, customers, and special guests. Studio 125 Salon offers precision hair cutting, coloring, waxing, and more.

Congratulations Studio 125 Salon!

Heidi McCutcheon, Chamber Executive Director and Ambassador Monica Beben of Smoking Mo’s Kitchen hold the ribbon as owners Ann & Shawn McElhinney cut the commemorative ribbon with City of Shelton Mayor Gary Cronce.

January 8 Good Morning Mason County!

Morning Membership Mixer 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Roosters Restaurant 3001 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton

January 9 Business After Hours

5:30 – 7:00 PM 821 Railroad Ave, Ste D, Shelton

presented and sponsored by

January 18 Annual Awards Gala 6:00 – 10:00 PM

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January 24 Ribbon Cutting 4:30 PM

 1626 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton The Annual Awards Gala is the annual membership meeting. Regular meetings will assume in February January 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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Chamber Announces 2012 Award Nominees Mason County has a wealth of exceptional citizens, committed businesses and dedicated volunteers all working toward making it a better place to live, work and play. The Chamber is glad to honor a select few of these people and businesses for their tireless efforts, endless dedication and community-minded attitudes. Let’s hear it for our nominees!

The Annual Awards Gala, to be held on February 18, is a semi-formal event featuring a social hour, plated dinner and program. The program will commence with a Toast to 2012, progress through the State of the Chamber Address, the installation of the 2013 Board of Trustees, and conclude with the announcement of the 2012 awards winners. This spectacular event is brought to you by Premier Sponsor Little Creek Resort Casino, Awards Sponsor Bakala State Farm, and Media Sponsor The Shopper’s Weekly.

Business of the Year honors the business that made the most significant contribution benefiting the business community over the past year. Any size business is eligible as the Chamber strives to recognize overall contributions improving our community and the business climate. This year’s nominees are Bakala State Farm, Mason County Title Company, Urraco Coffee Co. and Woytowich Design.

Business of the Year Nominees Bakala State Farm has served the Mason County community since April 2010.

Owned and operated by Melanie Bakala, her office strives to provide its customers

photos courtesy of Cooper Studio

with exceptional experiences, gaining acknowledgment both regionally and nationwide. Her agency has received recognition as being one of the top 100 new agencies in the country, and part of the SVP Club recognizing the agencies in the Northwest.

Most recently, in September, Melanie was presented the prestigious ESGR "Above and Beyond" award for providing extraordinary support and cooperation to their military employees.

Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1989 and since that time, she and her husband Jim and their children have lived in the South Sound area. She has more than 17 years experience in marketing, sales, and sales management in the banking and insurance industries and has consistently participated in the local community.

In addition to her service as the Chamber’s Vice President of Member Services, Melanie is a Board Member of the Skookum Rotary and has contributed her time and energies to Sound Learning, Friends of the Library, and countless other non-profit efforts.

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Mason County Title Company is a private, locally owned business with a long history in Mason County. Opened as Mason County Abstract and Title Company in 1907, the business was sold in 1917 to Alden C. Bayley who relocated to Railroad Avenue, where the business remains to this day.

MCTC became a family business when his son Phil joined the company in 1934; and his grandson David came on board in 1977. During that time, an additional location was opened on Second Street in historic downtown Shelton in response to tremendous growth.

This third generation company now also provides service to the North Mason area from its Belfair office. Owners David and Nancy Bayley have been praised for their integrity and perseverance in a competitive and evolving economic environment. The pride they take in their business and its customer service guarantees their success.

David sits on the Board for Sound Learning and MCTC is dedicated to giving back to our community through many different means. Their contributions support Music in the Park, various golf tournaments, the Chamber’s beautification efforts, and many non-profits organizations.

Shelton Mason County Chamber

January 2013

2012 Award Nominees | continued Urraco Coffee Co. is a small shop with big heart. Opened in 2003 and owned by Matt Dorcy and his parents, Kevin & Kathy, Urraco is committed to buying, roasting and serving responsibly grown and Fair Trade Certified™ coffee to help create a better future for farmers, minimizing its environmental footprint, and promoting health and wellness.

The Urraco staff all live – and mostly grew up – in Mason County. By hiring local people and encouraging them to pursue their education, Urraco creates new jobs and cultivates an educated workforce.

The Dorcys say “the cornerstone of Urraco Coffee Company is the focus on our local community; the people are our heart & soul.” In addition to quality product, excellent customer service, and enhancing the downtown shopping experience, Urraco also gives back to the community by offering a venue for family-friendly music programs, donating goods, and providing contributions to limitless non-profit efforts.

photos courtesy of Cooper Studio

Woytowich Design is owned and operated by Mark and Linda Woytowich, who met while they both enjoyed successful careers in advertising and marketing. Complementing each other’s talents, they formed a life and business partnership, moving to Mason County in 2001.

Woytowich Design focuses on marketing and advertising design, with an emphasis on relating truthfully and emotionally through the medium of video. Over the past three decades their range of clients has extended from MetLife HealthCare, Banquet Foods, Anheuser-Busch, to current affiliations such as The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, Washington State Senior Games, The Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging, as well as many area non-profits, food banks and community shelters. Mark and Linda’s 2009 multi-level marketing campaign for the City of Olympia’s Urban Forestry Department, “1001 Trees,” earned them top awards for marketing.

In addition to their professional accomplishments, Mark and Linda Mark have a host of individual accolades and achievements which underscore their creative natures. Most recently, Linda has taken part in the Master Gardner program while Mark has explored his writing, photographic and recreational interests.

January 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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Citizen of the Year Nominees Seven citizens were nominated for the 2012 Citizen of the Year award, which honors individuals who made outstanding contributions to enhance the business community and the community at large and who have given freely of their time, talent, energy and expertise. Matthew Blegen of Anna’s Bay Center for Music, Patti Case of Green Diamond Resource Company, Russ Denney of Pantorium Cleaners, Rachel Hansen of Image in Action Design, Lee Hatch of Shelton Memorial Park, Karen Hilburn of the Karen Hilburn Breast & Cervical Cancer Fund, and Rev. Joseph Mike (Father Joe) of St. David’s Episcopal Church received nominations this year.

Matthew Blegen used to make his living singing the praises of others. After graduating at the top of his class from the country’s leading communications school, he began his career as an ad creative on Madison Avenue and later held a senior executive position in public relations and marketing.

Music was never far away though, and Matthew also performed regularly as a classical vocalist and often performed as a studio musician until, in 2003, the opportunity to study at a prestigious program at the University of Washington drew him to the Northwest. Upon completing his degree with honors in 2006, he founded the Anna’s Bay Center for Music, combining all of his skills with his love for music and his belief in its power to build community.

Matthew is also a member of the Skookum Rotary, a co-founder of the Union Tourism Association, and lives in Union with his partner Eric, their son August, and Chocolate Labrador, Finnegan. This fall he returned to the University of Washington to begin work on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting all the while running Anna’s Bay Center for music, instilling a passion for the arts in Mason County students, and showcasing that talent at an unprecedented performance at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

Patti Case is a key member of the Mason County community – both professionally and personally. After graduating from Shelton High in 1975, she earned degrees at both the University of Washington and the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program before taking a position at Green Diamond Resource Company.

continued | 2012 Award Nominees In addition to her demanding role as Green Diamond’s Public Affairs/Regulatory Manager, Patti gives an enormous amount of her time to the service of others – often in leadership roles. She has served on the Boards of United Way of Mason County, the Economic Development Council, Citizens for Shelton Schools, Skookum Rotary, Forterra, various industry advocacy groups; and has served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees, with two terms as President, and participated and chaired several of its subcommittees. Patti was honored with the American Business Women’s Award of the Year in 2004 for her outstanding example.

She and her husband Dick, who is a teacher at Olympic Middle School, are also heavily involved at St. David’s of Wales and its community service efforts such as the Parish Hall Ministries Stone Soup and Restoration Projects.

Russ Denney has been a servant leader in the Mason County community for more than twenty years. He and his wife Pat own and operate Pantorium Cleaners, a successful local business. Twice honored by the Chamber for his efforts, his outstanding civic involvement is amazing.

Russ has served on numerous community boards and committees – all heavily focused on infrastructure, education, and economic and community development. Russ simply calls himself “a work and political junkie whom enjoys community service” while others praise him for his modesty and common-sense, collaborative approach.

A member of the Shelton Mason County Chamber since 1976, Russ served on the Chamber’s Board of Trustees for nearly a decade and was elected Chamber President twice during that time.

Rachel Hansen earned her BA in classical studies from the University of Victoria and trained as an archaeological illustrator – working in Jordan, Greece, and Turkey with Texas A&M as a reconstruction artist – before making her home in Shelton in 2003.

Rachel operates a local design and website company, Image in Action Design, and has developed strong marketing partnership with local businesses as well as the County and the Chamber.

Weaving a strong business foundation for the Squaxin Island Tribe’s Future

For the last three years, Rachel – with her husband, John, a Horizon Airlines captain, have been honored to have the opportunity to host and manage the Mason Area Fair in July.

Each February, for the last twelve years, Rachel has managed and produced the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show for the non-profir, Washington Aviation Association. This aviation safety event annually attracts over 10,000 pilots and aircraft owners.

Rachel’s logo designs and layouts are sprinkled throughout the community as she loves the opportunity to brainstorm marketing strategies for local businesses.

Rachel and John reside in Shelton with their three children.

Lee Hatch has dedicated countless hours to Shelton Memorial Park since retiring from AT&T in 2006. In addition to volunteering his talents to assist with recordkeeping and create a website for the community’s use, Lee has also designed an inviting entrance to the park, overseeing and funding the project personally. He is most proud, however, of the kiosk he developed which allows families and friends to find their loved ones at the cemetery.

photos courtesy of Cooper Studio

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Shelton Mason County Chamber

January 2013

Lee is a long-time resident of Shelton, graduating from Shelton High in 1952.

He is a devoted member of the community and serves on the Board of both the Shelton Cemetery Association and the New Community Church of Union. His good heart and quiet kindness are certainly a tribute to Mason County!

Karen Hilburn is the founder and President of the Karen Hilburn Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund, a non-profit organization in Mason County. The Fund was established by Karen in 2004 to support uninsured or underinsured women in our County with their cancer-related medical expenses. The Fund has helped countless local women in its eight year existence.

In addition to the Fund, Karen serves or has served on several local boards & committees including the Mason General Hospital Foundation, United Way of Mason County and the Philanthropic Education Organization to name just a few.

She believes strongly in the community in which she has lived for the last fortyfour years. She and her husband, Scott, contribute a significant amount of time and money to their church and to Mason County’s local causes.

Rev. Joseph Mikel, also known as Father Joe, is a high energy Pastor and Priest, who came to serve Saint David of Wale’s Episcopal Church after more than 37 years of ministry, 15 of which were spent nurturing congregations in the development and mission of their faith communities.

Father Joe received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Washington and his Masters of Divinity from General Theological Seminary in New York. Since he joined the Mason County community, he has been instrumental in coordinating efforts between local churches and non-profits to maximize the impact of our already thinly stretched resources including the cold weather shelter and Coalition of Churches to name a few.

A father of three and recently engaged, his bright spirit, good humor and enormous impact are greatly appreciated.

Volunteer of the Year Nominees

Volunteer of the Year nominees are recognized for their contributions to the Chamber's programs and activities. These wonderful people have given their time, talents, energies and expertise in an effort to enhance the business community and the community at large. This year’s nominees are Berti’ Brodsky of American Family Insurance, Kari Kling of Fournier Insurance Solutions, Ron Pannell of the Shelton Kiwanis Club, and Allison Wagner of Falcon Financial, Inc. Berti' Brodsky is the agent/owner of the only American Family Insurance Agency in Mason County. She has a broad and diverse background, working in fashion merchandising, lending, and real estate following her graduation from University of Arizona.

She and her husband David, along with their two daughters, made the decision to move business to their hometown in 2011.

Since that time, Berti’ has become deeplyrooted in the Shelton-Mason County community. She is a member of the Shelton Rotary and serves the Chamber on the Ambassador and Marketing committees, she was influential in piloting the Leads Group program.

Those who know Berti’ regard her as a warm, friendly, and energetic person. In addition to her professional affiliations, she volunteers her time at various community events and festivals and she actively supports Turning Pointe domestic violence shelter’s local efforts.

Kari Kling is a Montesano High School graduate whose career has provided her opportunities in financial services, investment management, and, for several years, insurance services. She has twice been named the Rising Star for the National Association for Professional Mortgage Women.

Now, at Fournier Insurance in downtown Shelton, Kari focuses on providing exemplary professional service and, since joining as an agent in 2009, has continued to expand her community outreach efforts. In addition to serving as a Chamber Ambassador, Kari participates in United Way of Mason County’s annual fundraising dessert auction.

Ron Pannell has been very instrumental in maintaining the city-wide Christmas decorations in Shelton for a number of years.

He also coordinates the volunteer efforts to install and remove the flower baskets on the Chamber’s Beautification committee.

Ron has long been a member of the Shelton Kiwanis club, where he served as treasurer for a number of years, and is an invaluable part of every club project; Pancakes in the Park, OysterFest, Highway Pick-up, and Grapefruit Sales. Ron works quietly on countless community projects and is a great asset to our community.

Allison Wagner, who studied at Central Washington University before diving into the corporate world, has spent more than 15 years in customer service. Her expertise ultimately afforded her a Vice President position the local investment firm Falcon Financial, Inc. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Allison maintains an active role in community organizations, including the Union Tourism Association, the Mason General Hospital Foundation, and the Shelton Rotary Club for whom she is Secretary.

Allison is currently Chairperson of the Ambassadors committee has served on Chamber program and event committees for many years. Often, Allison is the first Local Source For friendly Your face our members see at Chamber All Your Business Needs! and community events. She volunteers countless hours and is well-known for her professional demeanor, incredible work ethic, and willingness to help.

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January 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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January Chamber and County Events January 1 New Year’s Day January 2 Union Tourism Association Meeting 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club 330 Country Club Dr, Union January 4 Business Builder Workshop Facebook for Dummies 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Grove Street Brewhouse 233 S First St, Shelton January 7 Chamber Government Affairs Committee Meeting 12:00 – 1:00 PM Osaka Sushi & Asian Bistro 506 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

January 8 Good Morning Mason County!

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Roosters Restaurant 3001 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton

January 9 Business After Hours presented and sponsored by Everett L. Hughes, E.A. 5:30 – 7:00 PM 821 Railroad Ave, Ste D, Shelton

Chamber Ambassadors Committee Meeting 12:00 – 1:00 PM The Grill 203 W Railroad Avenue Shelton

January 14 Chamber Member Services Committee Meeting 12:00 – 1:00 PM Osaka Sushi & Asian Bistro 506 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

January 9 Chamber Marketing Committee 8:00 – 9:00 AM Chamber Conference Room 215 W Railroad Avenue Shelton

January 17 SAVER Committee Meeting 7:30 – 8:30 AM Nita’s Restaurant & Gallery 325 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

January 24 MTA Open House 4:00 – 6:00 PM Transit-Community Center 601 W Franklin Street Shelton Ribbon Cutting 4:30 PM Shelton Dental Excellence 1626 Olympic Hwy N. Shelton January 25 Board of Trustees Retreat

January 18 Annual Awards Gala 6:00 – 10:00 PM Little Creek Casino Resort 91 W State Route 108, Shelton

Friday, January 18, 2013 6:00 - 10:00 pm little creek casino resort Nine-course menu with wine pairings

Photo credit: George Stenberg

11 Shelton Mason County Chamber Celebrating the accomplishments of 2012 and announcing the award winners for...

January 2013

NEWS SHELTONMASONCOUNTY

Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 2389 | Shelton, WA 98584

January 2013 Shelton Mason County Chamber

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