• 2005 has been a remarkable year. A record number of jobs and dollar investments were reported. High numbers of companies received support, successful projects were completed and new partnerships formed. Leading the list, of course, is Mason County Forest Products completion of their large log mill bringing their total investment in the community to $20 million and the addition of 80 employees in 2005. Bringing the total jobs at their two John’s Prairie mills to 190 employees.
• Other significant projects include Sims Vibration’s construction of a new 5,000 square foot administrative building; bringing their total footprint to 25,000 square feet. In addition, they have added 10 new employees.
• Continental Floral Greens expanded their operations by building a new 30,000 sq ft cold storage facility. Continental has 30 full time employees and has plans to add an additional 5-10 employees this year.
• Other investments include a new manufacturer in Belfair bringing 5 new jobs and Hawaiian Steam Engineers brining 4 jobs.
• Belco Forest Products is moving forward with their plans to add an additional 16,000 square foot building and 15 new employees.
• Simpson’s multi million dollar reinvestment into their mill on the Shelton waterfront.
• The total number of jobs that have been created or will be created from these expansions and new investments total 125 jobs.
• Our future looks positive as we work with companies that are considering investing in Mason County. The EDC is currently working with clients that would potentially create 518 local jobs.
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• We have experienced a considerable amount of business activity from local companies expanding and in our marketing efforts.
• The Economic Development Council has successfully worked with 15 companies in business retention and expansion efforts.
• Responded to the needs of 12 industrial and business clients considering investing in Mason County. These companies represented manufacturing, tourism, distribution, and technology sectors.
• The organization responded to inquiries from over 30 prospective companies considering our community.
• As infrastructure is key to the future growth and prosperity of our community it was encouraging to see the successful funding of a number of projects. These projects include Belfair By-pass, Shelton Regional Water & Sewer Phase I, Belfair Sewer, and Hwy 3 improvements.
• 2005 was a year with alot of activity and a number of jobs created. We are excited and optimistic about the economic future of Mason County. Clearly there are a number of opportunities and a lot of work ahead of us.

Matt Matayoshi

Executive Director

Economic Development

Council of Mason Council

P.O. Box 472

Shelton, WA 98584

Phone: (360) 426-2276