Message from Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. CEO
Published 1:30 am Saturday, February 21, 2026
I hope you are doing well — what an exciting time to be a sports fan in Washington with our Seattle Seahawks winning their second NFL Championship in franchise history. We also have our 2025 ALCS runner up Seattle Mariners beginning Spring Training this week with an improved roster and high expectations for 2026. On a national level, we have Team USA competing in the Winter Olympics in Italy.
If you are sports fans like us here at Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., this is a very exciting time. It is a wonderful time to go out and purchase team souvenirs and gear at your favorite stores here in Grays Harbor or watch a game at a local restaurant or bar. I invite you to check out our virtual dining guide (chamber.graysharbor.org/list/ql/restaurants) for ideas on unique places to grab a bite to eat and drink on the Harbor.
What we have been up to:
This is a busy time at GGHI as we prepare for some of our biggest events of the year. Planning is well under way for our 2026 Leader’s Banquet & Business Awards Ceremony at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino on Friday, May 15th. This event sells out quickly, so get your tickets early at chamber.graysharbor.org/events/register/16343.
We are also halfway through the 2026 Legislative Session in Olympia. With this being a short 60-day session, things are moving at a rapid pace with a lot of focus on the Capital Budget. One other item we are looking at closely is HB 2426, which could help speed up the appeal process for permits that are continuing to stall future economic development projects and continue to cost taxpayers money with state agencies having to defend their permit decisions.
This Bill was introduced by Representative Adam Bernbaum after working with GGHI, our Government Affairs Team in Olympia, local government officials, and conservation groups to produce this proposed legislation.
I would also like to remind our GGHI Members it is free for them to tune in every Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. to listen to the weekly updates from one of our legislators from the 19th or 24th District and to hear the GGHI Weekly Update presented by our Government Affairs Team at Gordon Thomas Honeywell. If you have not yet registered for these events, you can at this link, GGHI Legislative Affairs Weekly Briefing https://chamber.graysharbor.org/events/details/gghi-legislative-affairs-weekly-briefing).
February Business After Hours:
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, we held a very well attended Business After Hours event at Aberdeen High School hosted by GGHI Member Aberdeen School District. The evening kicked off in the AHS Community Room on the second floor. From there, AHS Co-Superintendent Lynn Green highlighted their school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, followed by tours throughout the building. Guests were invited to tour, visit, and learn more about various CTE programs and classrooms.
Attendees also learned more about the exciting re-launch of the Hire Me First program, a community-based initiative connecting high school students (ages 16-plus) with local businesses for hands-on work experience. This program helps boost youth employability, supports local employers, and bridges the gap to first jobs, creating wins for students and businesses.
Harbor Insider:
Are you signed up to receive our monthly Harbor Insider? Each month our Marketing Director, Kelsey, puts together this lengthy newsletter packed with all of our upcoming events, GGHI Member benefits, community news stories, and news stories, events, and new/renewing GGHI Member highlights. We invite you to join the mailing list today.
Upcoming events:
On Feb. 24, we will be holding our GGHI Annual Membership Meeting & Business Resource Forum at the Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen. At this event, I will have the opportunity to present what we have been able to accomplish in 2025 with statistics in areas such as businesses served, active members, web visitors, web impact by country, tourism businesses featured, and several other areas.
The second part of this event will provide businesses in Grays Harbor with an opportunity to learn about resources available to them from:
Small Business Development Center
Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance
Washington State Microenterprise Association
For anyone looking to start a new business in Grays Harbor, or if you are an existing business looking for opportunities to grow, seek assistance for training, or possibly financial assistance, this is an event you do not want to miss. Registration is now closed, however we may be able to add your name to the guestlist or waitlist if you contact our office at 360-532-7888.
We’re also excited to bring the March Business After Hours to East County on Thursday, March 12. GGHI Member, Game Freaks in Elma will be hosting the networking event and providing insight into their rapidly growing business.
