We are more alike than we are different
"We are more alike than we are different,” is our way of thinking at Chinook. With our job placement programs, supported by skilled, compassionate Employment Specialists, communication becomes less of a barrier for our job-seeking customers and potential employer.
Our customers benefit from our continued efforts to utilize technology for personal communication devices as well as to create customized video resumes. These resumes demonstrate a prospective employee's capabilities in a way that a written resume or application simply can not.
We continue to expand and refine our use of technology which is far from being fully realized. However, we hope to be a resource for others wishing to create barrier-free communication programs in the workplace. We are excited about technology advances and what it will mean for future participants.
Rob Martin, CEO interviews Jill Rohrs, Co-owner of Skagit's Best Salsa about her recent hiring experience through Chinook Enterprises.
Social Enterprise & Community
We’ve helped place over 1,000 people in jobs since we opened our doors in 1980 —— helping them live more productive and fulfilling lives by striving to gain competitive employment as well as inclusion in the community. We now have over 25,000 square feet of offices and production facilities, with 70 staff members serving about 200 people with a wide range of disabilities annually.
Our Vision
Chinook Enterprises is a social enterprise – we are a non-profit designed to operate like a business with a social mission:
Our Mission
Supporting full participation in community life for people with disabilities or other barriers.
Leadership and Staff
Board of Directors
Kurt Hefferline
Immediate Past Board Chair
Denny Doneen
Vice Chair
Dave Ryberg
Board Chair
John Stewart
Treasurer
Marty Lehr
Vice Chair
Colleen Fisher
Director
Peter Rasco
Director
Barb Leander
Secretary
Sunshine Vickie Allen
Director
Leadership Team
Annual Report
Publishing our annual report provides us with an opportunity to share annual accomplishments and financial accounting with our supporters and the community at large. We invite you to download our 2012, 2013 and 2014 Annual reports to gain a better understanding of what we do and how we do it.
“It is said that a social enterprise is an organization that applies commercial strategy in order to maximize improvements for human and environmental well-being, rather than focusing on maximizing profits for their shareholders. Chinook’s vision is the very definition of such an enterprise, and we continually strive to maintain that balance. It requires solid thought and planning on our part ensuring our commitment to social justice is not compromised in our day-to-day operations, but a healthy blend of the two.” ~ Rob Martin, Founder and Executive Director
Community Partners
It takes cooperation from a caring community, businesses, and government to secure jobs that are needed for individuals living with significant disabilities. We thank our Community Partners for their role in helping to achieve this goal.
- Altair Advanced Industries VISIT SITE »
- Blue Sea Systems VISIT SITE »
- Boeing Commercial Aircraft Company VISIT SITE »
- Boeing Shared Services Group VISIT SITE »
- Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) VISIT SITE »
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) VISIT SITE »
- General Tool Corporation VISIT SITE »
- Idex Health & Science VISIT SITE »
- Mount Vernon School District Transitions Program VISIT SITE »
- Peace Health United General Medical Center VISIT SITE »
- Pleasant Ridge Cemetary VISIT SITE »
- Port of Anacortes VISIT SITE »
- Port of Skagit – LaConner Marina VISIT SITE »
- Skagit Valley College VISIT SITE »
- Skagit Valley Hospital VISIT SITE »
- Woodstone Corporation VISIT SITE »