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Economic study outlines Mason County clusters: healthcare, forest products, manufacturing, seafood and food service
Summary
An Economic Development Council‑commissioned study presented industry cluster analysis and supply‑chain gaps for Mason County, recommending workforce development, supply‑chain connection and site readiness actions; commissioners welcomed the report and staff signaled next steps including a youth employment roundtable.
A consultant and county economic development staff on Tuesday presented a study funded with American Rescue Plan dollars that identifies target industry clusters and recommended actions to grow Mason County’s economy.
"We looked at industry clusters and supply‑chain gaps to see what the county purchases from outside and what could be recaptured," the consultant said, summarizing a months‑long analysis of employment, location quotients and market demand. The study singled out five target clusters: health care and social services; forest products; manufacturing; agriculture and aquaculture (notably shellfish); and food service and lodging.
The report used occupation‑level data and location quotients to identify sectors where local competitive advantage exists — for example, logging and shellfish have high location quotients in Mason County — and highlighted workforce demand for registered nurses and other health occupations. Consultants also flagged supply‑chain gaps (janitorial services, packaging, farm labor contractors and certain medical supplies) that county businesses currently source outside the region.
Recommendations to the Economic Development Council (EDC) include: 1) focused workforce development and translation of regional workforce programs to local needs; 2) connecting local buyers and suppliers to capture out‑of‑county spending; 3) upgrading and marketing industrial sites; and 4) targeted support for farm and shellfish markets. The report also proposed actions to help manufacturers identify new revenue streams and to coordinate with health providers to attract and retain medical practices.
Commissioners and staff discussed several follow‑up items, including outreach to the Farm Bureau, exploring public‑private partnerships to prepare industrial sites and a youth employment roundtable co‑hosted by the EDC and PacMtn to connect students with employers. No formal board action was taken; staff said they would proceed with convening industry stakeholders and return with implementation steps.
The study’s presenters also noted constraints: site infrastructure (sewer, water, power) and availability of sites with rail or high‑power access pose barriers to immediate manufacturing growth. The consultant told commissioners that the EDC will use the data package (a larger slide/data set) to prioritize sites and proposals for federal and state funding.
