We’re passionate about helping companies grow.
The EDC provides free confidential consulting to businesses establishing or relocating in Mason County.
EDC’s mission is to expand and diversify the economy throughout Mason County by retaining and recruiting jobs, growing sustainable industry clusters, and promoting global competitiveness for Washington State.
The EDC is a small but impactful organization staffed by dedicated professionals committed to its mission and lead by a Board of Directors that includes some of the county’s top leaders.
Meet Kevin
KEVIN SHUTTY
Executive Director
(360) 426-2276 | Kevin@choosemason.com
Prior to joining the EDC, Kevin served two terms on the Mason County Board of Commissioners. As Commissioner, he served on a variety of local and regional boards focused on mental health and substance use, housing and homelessness, and environmental restoration. He also teaches government classes at Olympic College, allowing him to get back to his roots as an educator. Kevin attended Penn State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and a Masters in Community and Economic Development. In 2021, Kevin completed the Public Leadership Credential program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. When not working, he can be found spending time with his wife Catherine, who is a nurse practitioner at Mason Health, and his black lab Henry, who is a handful. He enjoys travelling, eating at new restaurants, and reading in addition to playing a lot of fantasy football. You can also find them cheering for the Kraken. Catherine and Kevin reside in Union, near beautiful Hood Canal where they work to support local organizations like the South Sound YMCA.
Meet Karin
KARIN LEAF
Business Development Manager
(360) 426-2276 | Karin@choosemason.com
Karin provides business support, grant administration, manages The EDC’s contracts, financials, membership, connecting businesses to resources through strong community relationships.
A regional transfer for her dad’s WSP career job brought Karin’s family to Mason County over five decades ago. With four generations of her family in the area.
“ I love Mason County and am proud to support businesses and our economy to make it stronger for my granddaughter’s future. Our EDC Board is composed of amazing individuals. It’s been great working with them.”
Meet Tiana
TIANA DUNBAR
Marketing Communications Specialist
(360) 426-2276 | Tiana@choosemason.com
Tiana is a SHS graduate as well as a graduate from Evergreen State College earning a BA in Marketing. Tiana and her family have deep roots here in Mason County having called this area home for decades.
She immediately took her knowledge of our area & passion for our community and hit the ground running. Many of you have seen her out canvassing downtown Shelton bringing awareness of current grant opportunities to business owners, and highlighting several businesses on social media.
How can we help?
Business consulting & mentoring
At the EDC, we provide confidential consulting services, free-of-charge, to businesses seeking to establish operations, expand, or relocate within Mason County. We’re committed to fostering the next generation of businesses, helping local companies grow, and assisting outside companies establish themselves here.
The EDC facilitates mentoring by connecting new business owners with experienced ones. These business professionals can help entrepreneurs and startups move more quickly to the next stage while avoiding some of the common pitfalls associated with growth and expansion. We also offer a variety of tools and resources business owners need to learn and grow.
Access to capital
The EDC can connect businesses with financing solutions to help pay for business expansion, fund equipment purchases, buy a building, etc. Any business looking to start or grow in Mason County should contact us for information.
Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau has partnered with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), to improve access to funding for indigenous communities . They have developed a variety of tools to address the challenges of barriers to resources.
Education, training & technical assistance
The EDC works with local partners to provide education and training programs for entrepreneurs, business owners and executives. Contact the EDC for technical assistance and support. You can also view online resources. Wether you are looking to start, grow, rebuild, or even sell online, StartUp Washington includes several publications targeted to startups and small businesses called the Washington Small Business Playbook and a Crisis Planner for Small Businesses.