North Mason Chamber of Commerce :: Chamber & Community News and Blog

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Arnold & Smith Insurance

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Chamber & Community News and Blog

To submit news articles for this website, please e-mail us at communications@northmasonchamber.com or contact Pam Merrill, content manager at (360)275-0561 or FAX (360)275-1978.

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	BIGFOOT: The Northwest's Social Networking & Social Media Conference - Coming in June! Social networking is BIG. Why? Because it works – in a BIG way. The North Mason Chamber is proud to announce the premier of “BIGFOOT - the Northwest's Social Networking/Social Media Conference” - a new annual Puget Sound area event focused on new and modern business concepts. The focus for 2010 is Internet social networking and social media for corporations, entrepreneurs, non-profits and government. If you think BIG and want to leave a BIG imprint in cyberspace, BIGFOOT is for you!
	2010 Census - Stand Up & Be Counted! As leaders in Mason County, you have seen first-hand the benefits of knowing how many people make up your community and where they reside. Census data is your most complete source. 2010 data will be used for the next 10 years to determine representation in Congress, for distribution of federal dollars, and districting, so it is important to get an accurate count.
	NM Chamber Member Visibility Packages are Here! The North Mason Chamber has huge reach ... through our printed publications, sponsorships, luncheons, directories, Internet social networking and social media efforts, and more! We can help you get the word out about your business and your offerings. It is our pleasure to do so.
	Join the North Mason Toastmasters We have started a Toastmasters Club in North Mason. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6pm at the North Mason Chamber office in downtown Belfair (23910 NE State Route 3). The next meeting is March 4th.
	We Welcome Our Newest Members! Meet our newest members since December, 2009. Please do business with your fellow chamber members first. Follow the link to read the complete list of new members. Welcome!
	Belfair Sewers Update 2-5-10 Check this page weekly for updates and progress noted on the Belfair Sewer project.
	Fun and Frolic at February After Hours, Hosted by Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club in Union Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club in Union was our host for the Chamber's February After Hours held Thursday, February 11 from 5 to 7pm. Everyone had a great time - thank you Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club!
	Faith in Action Hosts Annual St. Pat's Dinner & Auction Faith in Action's annual St. Pat's Dinner and Auction featuring a scrumptious corned beef and cabbage dinner for only $15 is happening Saturday, March 13 at the Victor Hall on State Route 302. In addition to the wonderful food, there will be a large variety of silent and live auction items. George Kenny is our auctioneer, and we'll be treated to Jim Hunt on the bagpipes. The Kitsap Sun has generously agreed to be our media sponsor. Call Patti at FIA (275.0535) soon to secure tickets, or help with auction items or sponsorship. This event always sells out, so don't delay!
	Save the Date! Save Saturday, March 20 for a special evening of celebration hosted at the Admiral Theatre by the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. "Open the Door, Celebrating Our Youth" is the theme and you are invited to join fellow community leaders for a wonderful dinner and program.
	United Way Announces 2010 Grant Opportunities United Way of Mason County invites non-profit agencies to consider applying for available funds generated through the LIVE UNITED fall campaign. United Way accepts applicants who seek funding for the provision of education, income stabilization and health. There are funds available for general operating costs, for a specific program expenses or a start-up group or organization who is not registered as a non-profit or a 501(c)3.
	Chamber's Gala Celebrates Community & Bestows Awards The North Mason Chamber of Commerce held its annual Installation Gala on Saturday evening, January 23 at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union. The event was a sell-out! A total of 170 people enjoyed an elegant and delicious dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and featured speaker Sunny Kobe Cook. Congressman Norm Dicks was named 2009 Citizen of the Year, the North Mason School District was honored as 2009 Business of the Year, and the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center was the recipient of the Chairman's Award. Thanks to all who attended and made this event an evening to remember.
	NM School District Honored as"Business of the Year" On Saturday evening, the North Mason Chamber of Commerce presented the North Mason School District with the award of 2009 Business of the Year. There are 430 (or so) businesses and organizations that are members of the Chamber, all of which were eligible for selection. The Chamber selected us. It was a wonderful honor to stand with NMSD Board Members Mike Gaudio, Art Wightman, and John Campbell as last year's winner, Jerry Reid, made the formal presentation.
	2010 Chamber Regional Relocation Guide Now Available Our brand new 52-page 2010 North Mason Regional Relocation Guide, Economic Development Profile and Membership Directory is now available. This high quality, glossy guide is published by your North Mason Chamber and 100% member-supported. We are very proud of it and we're sure you'll like it too - stop by the Chamber office to pick up extra copies and share them with your customers.
	Grad Night 2010 Fundraising Underway A dedicated group of parents of graduating seniors is working hard to provide the 7th annual all night, drug and alcohol-free, supervised evening of celebration immediately following the North Mason High School 2010 graduation ceremony on Monday, June 14, 2010. The event has become a North Mason tradition, and you can help!
	Energized Chamber Aims for 500 Members in 2010 Chairman of the Board Mike Boyle and more than 50 members of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce welcomed new business "2 Margaritas" restaurant to Allyn at last night's After Hours event. "The North Mason Chamber is the place to be," said Boyle, owner of North Bay Mortgage. "We met our goal of doubling our membership to reach 420 last year, and together, with the help of our members, will reach 500 by the end of 2010. We are truly a regional organization that is working to promote the area, improve the economy, advocate for our members, and create these fun social events where the community can get to know each other."
	Mason County Literacy Receives Donation from Philanthropic Wine Maker Mason County Literacy has accepted a generous donation from the local philanthropic wine makers at McGavick Winery. Starting in November, when a $200 tax deductible donation is made to Mason County Literacy, the donor will receive a case of their choice of McGavick Wine in Merlot or Cabernet and Mason County Literacy will receive 100% of the proceeds. Special wholesale pricing is available for restaurants who wish to support Mason County Literacy by adding a quality local selection to their wine list.
	Mason General Hospital Announces $33 Million Expansion and Remodel Attendees at the Fantasy Forest Gala and Auction, Mason General Hospital's annual fundraising event, got a special surprise when the hospital announced plans to construct a new surgical wing, expand and modernize its emergency department and improve patient rooms and public areas. The project, which will begin construction in late 2010 or early 2011, will cost $33 million and will be financed from operating revenues.
	Food for Kids Backpack Program Food for Kids Backpack Program is an endeavor of the Coalition of Churches and Community, that partners with the BCBC, North Mason School District, and the Readiness to Learn Program to provide food for these children over the weekends. Here's how YOU can help!
	Sponsorship Program for County Parks MASON COUNTY PARKS AND TRAILS DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONTINUING THE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM IN 2010 / 2011 TO RAISE FUNDING FOR FIELD MAINTENANCE.
	PNW Salmon Center Updates On December 14, 2005 the officers and trustees of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to endorse the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center project as an important partner in supporting business and building community.
	Welcome Kitsap Conference Center - Our 400th Member! The North Mason Chamber of Commerce reached a new milestone this week ... we welcomed the Kitsap Conference Center on the Bremerton waterfront as our 400th member! Mike Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and Frank Kenny, President/CEO, paid a special visit to Terry Halvorson, Director of the Kitsap Conference Center to meet and greet her. "I think it's great to be the 400th member of this Chamber," said Terry. "It's all about getting the word out about what we do, and chambers provide that opportunity. We belong to several chambers." Boyle commented, "Going from 210 to 400 members in 19 months is a testament to setting an attainable goal, member deliverables and that having a lot of fun, works! I want to thank our Board and staff for believing that the sky is the limit. Now on to 500 members!"
	North Mason Schools Now on Twitter! You can now follow North Mason School District on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nmschools. Superintendent David Peterson will send short updates and information about our schools once or twice each week. We believe you will find this to be a very convenient way to stay informed about important events and activities in your school district.
	Sign Up for "Shop Local" Business Cards Please respond to this invitation by April 13 to have your business name included on the next printing of the Shop Local cards. Contact Frank Kenny at 275-4267 or Rick Hlas at 275-0113 to sign up.
	Volunteers Needed at the NM Visitor Information Center The North Mason Chamber of Commerce is looking for several community-minded volunteers to help staff the North Mason Visitor Information Center. The VIC is located in downtown Belfair at the Chamber offices.