Join us for a special Economic Development Week edition of The Economic Current, where MasonEDC Executive Director Kevin Shutty takes the mic for a regional conversation with Thurston EDC’s Michael Cade and Joe Morrison of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. Together, they explore what economic development really looks like in practice—sharing insights from their communities, how industries and infrastructure are evolving, and why collaboration across county lines is more important than ever. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work shaping our regional economy today, and what it takes to build strong, resilient communities moving forward. 

Join us for episode four of The Economic Current, where host Tiana Dunbar sits down with Kell Rowen, Mason County’s Community Development Director, for a conversation about the inner workings of the Community Development Department. Kell shares her journey into planning, what her role looks like today, and how the department has evolved over the years. The discussion offers a behind the scenes look at how the team operates, how processes have improved, and what the future may hold as new tools and technologies begin to shape the work. #MasonCountyStrong

Join us for the third episode of The Economic Current—a podcast by the Mason County Economic Development Council—where host Tiana Dunbar sits down with Kelsie Rudnick, owner of The Shopper in Shelton, to talk about what it looks like to run and grow a woman-owned business in Mason County. Kelsey shares how she went from retail management to joining the family print shop and eventually purchasing the business herself, along with how The Shopper evolved from a local newspaper into a full-service printing and promotional company serving businesses across the county and beyond. You’ll also hear about her journey pursuing certification through Washington’s Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), why women-owned business designations matter for accessing government contracts, and what it takes to balance entrepreneurship, leadership, and motherhood while working in a male-dominated industry. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, investing in community, and the persistence it takes to keep growing as both a business owner and a leader. #MasonCountyStrong

It’s the second episode of The Economic Current—a podcast by the Mason County Economic Development Council—and host Tiana Dunbar sits down with Zach Pryde, co owner of Olympic Mountain Millwork, to talk about what it looks like to buy an existing business in Mason County. Zach shares his path from working in finance and software to becoming a local manufacturer, why he chose acquisition instead of starting from scratch, and what it meant to take over a company with long standing employees, customers, and community history. You’ll hear how buyers find businesses, what due diligence involves, how SBA financing works, and some of the surprises he faced along the way. The conversation also covers what happens after the sale, from building trust with staff to showing up in the community and learning when to make changes. Zach leaves listeners with straightforward advice for anyone thinking about ownership: start, ask for what you want, and take it one day at a time. If you are curious about how local businesses transition and grow, this episode is for you. #MasonCountyStrong

It’s the first episode of The Economic Current—a podcast by the Mason County Economic Development Council—and to kick off the new year, host Tiana Dunbar sits down with Beth Henriquez, Executive Director of Enterprise for Equity (E4E), to talk about what it really takes to turn a big idea (or a New Year’s resolution) into a sustainable small business. Beth shares her winding path into entrepreneurship support, why E4E prioritizes low-income entrepreneurs and others facing barriers, and how microenterprise can be a powerful workforce pathway—plus what it looks like to get started through E4E’s info sessions, Business Readiness Workshop, and eight-week Business Planning Program. You’ll also hear about E4E’s microloans (up to $25,000), what comes after “graduation,” the Business Revitalizer program for existing businesses ready to stabilize or grow, and a few local success stories—including Mason County businesses—along with updates on Spanish-language training and micro grants. Learn more at enterpriseforequity.org! #MasonCountyStrong