Greetings Community Members, 

Happy New Year, we are off to a fast start in 2026, as this is always a busy time of year for us here at GGHI. With the legislative session underway, we spend a lot of time on government affairs in Olympia advocating for our businesses in Grays Harbor as well as for our public partners.  

We started having our weekly legislative updates last Friday January 16th, and will continue with weekly updates until the end of the 2026 Legislative Session in early March. The weekly updates occur every Friday morning at 7:30 AM on Microsoft Teams and are free to attend for members of GGHI. If you are a member, and would like to attend these meetings, please register at through this link, or email info@graysharbor.org. 

What We Have Been Up To: 

On January 9th at the Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen, we held our annual Legislative Send-Off for our legislators of the 19th and 24th districts. Attending the event were Senator Jeff Wilson, Representative Jim Walsh, and Representative Joel McEntire of the 19th District, and Senator Mike Chapman, and Representative Adam Bernbaum from the 24th District. Representative Steve Tharinger was unable to attend. 

Our legislators discussed their plans and goals for this short 60-day session including the challenges with the budget. Representative Adam Bernbaum discussed a Bill he submitted that day, HB 2426, that would help streamline the appeal process for permitting in Washington State. Rep. Bernbaum worked with GGHI, local government officials, our Government Affairs Team in Olympia, state agencies, and conservation groups to bring forward a no cost Bill that would streamline with a goal of shortening the time it takes for an appealed permit to be heard by a decision-making board. This is a legislative priority for GGHI that we believe is important to attract and retain jobs in Grays Harbor.  

I spent Monday at the Capital in Olympia with our Government Affairs Team meeting with legislators from around the state to discuss this Bill to help build support for HB 2426. On Tuesday I had the opportunity to testify before a committee to discuss the importance of this Bill and what it could mean for future projects. 

January Business After Hours: 

On Tuesday January 13th, we had one of our best attended Business After Hours events hosted by the Westport Winery. We had an opportunity to meet the new owners of the Winery who are extremely excited to be in Grays Harbor. After the sale of Westport Winery in December 2025, the Roberts family announced that the business was acquired by David (Dave) Mulvaney, Ankur Mattoo, Joe Prencipe, and David Glenn. Dave Mulvaney will serve as President and CEO, Ankur Mattoo as COO, Joe Prencipe as Chief Legal Counsel, and David Glenn as CFO.  

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Roberts family for building such an amazing destination in Grays Harbor and congratulate them on their retirement! We also welcome the new owners and are excited to collaborate with them going forward.  

Upcoming Events: 

GGHI Business After Hours, Hosted by Aberdeen School District

Join us for a special Business After Hours on February 10th from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, hosted by GGHI Member, Aberdeen School District at Aberdeen High School (AHS)! The evening will kick off in the AHS Community Room on the second floor. From there, AHS staff will share a few words highlighting the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, followed by an interactive experience throughout the building while enjoying appetizers prepared and delivered by AHS culinary students.
Be sure to bring your business cards for a chance to win a Bobcat-themed basket door prize! Attendees will also learn more about the exciting re-launch of the Hire Me First program, a community-based initiative connecting high school students (ages 16+) 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. GGHI is honored to be a part of this important program benefitting youth and our small business community.
As always, Business After Hours are free and open to the entire business community.  Learn more here.

GGHI Annual Membership Meeting & Business Resource Forum:

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Grays Harbor, and this February Business Forum Lunch is designed with you in mind. On February 24th, join us for a valuable, small business-focused luncheon bringing together connection and practical resources to help your business thrive. The program kicks off with our Annual Membership Meeting, highlighting key accomplishments from the past year and sharing what’s ahead, including priorities and goals aimed at continuing to support and strengthen our local business community.
The second half of the luncheon dives into our small business roundtable featuring engaging presentations from:
  •  Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Featured Speaker: Kyle Todd, Certified Business Advisor, Washington SBDC at Washington State University
  • Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance (ORIA) – Featured Speaker: Hugo Nicolas, ORIA Small Business Consultant ​
  • Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) – Featured Speaker: Lisa Smith, WSMA Executive Director
Finally, if your business is interested in celebrating a milestone with a signature GGHI Ribbon Cutting, please reach out to one of our staff. This benefit is included in GGHI Member’s annual dues, otherwise is a $100 fee to non-members of GGHI. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our business community this year!
Warmest regards,
Darrin Raines
CEO
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. 

GGHI Staff:

Darrin C. Raines, CEO  

Phone : 360-532-7888, Email : draines@graysharbor.org  

Candie Gleason, CFO  

Phone: 360-532-7888, Email: candie@graysharbor.org   

Kelsey Norvell-Williams, Marketing Director  

Phone: 360-532-7888, Email: knorvell@graysharbor.org  

Loretta Thomas, Director of Business Development 

Phone: 360-532-7888, Email: lthomas@graysharbor.org