North Mason Chamber of Commerce :: Economic Development Profile

North Mason is a community about to see its long dream of economic promise become a vibrant reality, presenting potential businesses with unprecedented opportunities.

For decades, the region has had businesses in place to serve the basic needs of area residents; groceries, gas stations, banks, restaurants and assorted auto repair, general merchandise and building supply companies. In the past few years, a number of services have been added to the mix including financial services, video stores, doctors, attorneys, chiropractors and veterinarians. In fact, the 2008 opening of a new Rite Aid drugstore adds to the roster of national corporations such as Safeway, QFC and Starbucks that have recognized the opportunities in North Mason.

Now, an explosion in growth peeks over the horizon, one that will generate a sharply increased demand for goods and services of all types. In 2008, construction of a modern sewer line and treatment station will begin, running the length of Belfair. This will lay the groundwork for the type of infill projects Belfair has long awaited, including the development of more commercial, mixed use and apartment complexes along SR-3. (see zoning map)

The sewer project will be followed by a set of major improvements to SR-3 through the corridor, which will include widening for a center turn lane to decrease congestion and increase access. The much-anticipated addition of sidewalks and street trees will add a pedestrian-friendly environment to the downtown business district. The improvements will be just in time, with increased traffic and a demand for services and products likely driven by a number of planned residential communities, both in North Mason as well as the recently approved addition of 1,500 homes in nearby McCormick Woods, just minutes away in south Kitsap County.

The economy is also bolstered by a thriving tourist trade that comes from around the world to enjoy the splendors of the Hood Canal, beautiful lakes as well as numerous other recreational opportunities in the area. The additional families will see the North Mason area as a convenient and logical "center" for shopping, recreation and services of all types. The impact of growth in the retail and service sectors will be an advantage for more than just North Mason residents. Businesses operating in North Mason can also expect to be rewarded by a steady stream of customers from south Kitsap County as well as from all of Mason County, which is the second fastest growing county in the state of Washington.
In early 2009, Harrison Medical Center will open a modern medical clinic with an urgent care facility at the intersection of Romance Hill Road and SR-3 in Belfair.

The development of a new Pacific Northwest Salmon Center on the shores of the Hood Canal will serve as an additional tourist draw to the area. North Mason's thriving Boys & Girls Club continues their capital campaign for the development of a new HOPE Center for the area's youth. These are just a few more reasons for families to relocate or stay in the North Mason community.

The future is unlimited in North Mason. An expanding population is anxiously awaiting recreational opportunities such as movie theaters as well as additional retail outlets and mixed-use developments. North Mason is a blank canvas awaiting those with a vision to fill it with their dreams.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF MASON COUNTY

Economic Development Council of Mason County (masonedc.com) is ready to serve prospective businesses. The organization is committed to the success of your company and will stay with you both before and long after an investment is made. Last year, Mason County was the second fastest growing county in the state of Washington. There are four important facts supporting the current success of North Mason businesses.

First, Mason County as a whole, is an area with a competitive business climate and transportation options. As a rural area located at the gateway to the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, our labor productivity is very high and overhead costs are low. North Mason County is minutes away from a general aviation airport at the Port of Bremerton and from SR-16, and an hour away from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The North Mason area is also served by Burlington Northern Railroad to quickly move your products to market.

Second, we offer a great location with set up costs that are very attractive. Land cost and availability are excellent. With no local utility taxes, Mason County stands ready to assist you with the location or expansion of your business. Property, buildings, and utilities in North Mason County are competitively priced.

Third, North Mason is home to Belfair and Allyn, two of the main areas that are set aside for urban levels of development in the Mason County Comprehensive Plan. With sewer and water systems in place or construction soon to be underway, these communities are ready for new investment. In addition, there are a number of transportation projects that are in the planning stages and will be moving forward in the near future. Businesses seeking industrial land will find an ample supply in the northern portion of the Belfair UGA where over 250 acres of Business-Industrial lands are awaiting new development opportunities. These parcels exist on both side of SR-3 with the majority flanking the railroad track, awaiting your rail spur development. The recent addition of a 1.1 million gallon water tower in this area will serve the anticipated growth on the plateau and provide additional fire-flow protection for the downtown business community.

Fourth, as a community with a significant manufacturing workforce base, we can provide a large available workforce. We maintain very low tax rates (no corporate or personal income tax). In addition, we can provide incentives to ensure necessary public infrastructure is available.
Employment research shows that jobs in the electronic markets and agents and brokers industry had the highest average wages in Mason County for the 2nd quarter of 2006. The average worker in the industry in Mason County received an annual wage of $54,818 in 2nd quarter of 2006. Other top-pay jobs in Mason County can be found in nonresidential building construction ($48,426), automobile dealers ($45,635), building equipment contractors ($43,560) and sawmills and wood preservation ($43,023) industries. (Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only).

We invite you to visit and see why so many businesses have come to call North Mason home.