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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
February 12, 2015     Shelton Mason County Journal
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February 12, 2015
 
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, , , . , tt ' . , Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 -Mason County Journal- Page A-25 North Mason chamber touts new businesses in Belfair By NATALIE JOHNSON natalie@masoncoun cam Business is getting better in Washington, ac- cording to the state Employment Security Depart- ment. Employment increased by an estimated 82,900 jobs in Washington from December 2013 to De- cember 2014, the highest increase in one year since 1997, according to the department. Growth in Mason County has been more mod- est, according to regional labor economist Jim Vleming of the state Employment Security De- partment. Mason County gained 80 jobs overall in 2014, he told the Journal. "We are experiencing growth in the Belfair area, especially with new businesses," said Stephanie Rowland, president and CEO of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce. Businesses new to Belfair include a new Verizon Wireless retailer, a Taco Bell, a new RE/MAX of- rice, a photography studio and a printing business. Rowland said the growth is "encouraging." "As a chamber director, I can feel the excite- ment in the air when both new and established businesses and organizations seek us out for mem- bership," she said. Washington's unemployment rate was 6.3 per- cent in December 2014, up from 6.2 percent the previous month. The state unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in December 2013. In Mason County, the unemployment rate also increased from November to December, from 8.3 percent to 8.8 percent. The county's unemploy- ment rate was 9.4 percent in December 2013. "While Washington's unemployment rate rose slightly to 6.3 percent this month, the state had its best year since 1997 when it comes to total em- ployment for Washington," said economist Paul Turek with the Employment Security Department in a statement last month. "The state gained jobs every month except one in 2014 and experienced see JOBS, page A-26 GOLF Herald photo by Ron Quinn North Mason sophomore Sydney Garrett attempts a jump shot Friday during the Lady Bulldogs' game against Olympic in Belfair. It was the last game of the season for North Mason. For the full stow, see page B-5. ,ason mmerce onors mem Three-way tie for Citizen of the Year By GORDON WEEKS gordon@masoncounb/, cam The North Mason Chamber of Com- merce honored outstanding members at its annual Red & White Installation Gala and Sweet Things Auction Satur- day at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa in Union. Faith in Action Senior Services was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year. Faith in Action Senior Services is an interfaith and community organization that supports independent living for senior and disabledresidents. The organization's free services in- clude transportation to appointments and shopping, respite care for caregiv- ers, light housekeeping and chores, yard work and gardening, minor home repairs and visits, and phone calls. The group last year broke ground for its new HUB Center for Seniors in Belfair. Leanne Sanchez of Hood Canal Travel was named Member of the Year. She has welcomed chamber members and guests to monthly luncheons since 2002. She also served as a chamber trustee for six years. Sanchez has returned to the chamber board to serve a member for 2015-16. She owns Hood Canal Trav- el, a business her father launched in 1980. Local Wrench, owned by Jeff and Dena Baker, was named Business of the Year. The couple opened their busi- ness in a two-stall shop before mov- ing to their present location, a 6,500-square-foot building at 23530 NE state Route 3. The Bakers were applauded for their efforts raising money for non- profit organizations. The person who nominated them for the award wrote, "Dena and Jeff are so generous with their time and money, right up to ca- tering a beautiful Christmas dinner for all of their clients at their shop." Gretchen Shawd, the founder of Harmony Hill Retreat Center in Union, received the Chairman's Choice Award. Harmony Hill opened its doors as a see CHAMBER, page A-26 Herald photo by Kathy Brooks Cat Ross of North Mason Resources reacts to being one of three women named North Mason Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.