Zack is a busy millennial. His talents are as vast as his interests. Pre-pandemic, Zack had two paying jobs and two volunteer positions, which kept his mother Linda, who jokingly refers to herself as Zack’s ‘M-Uber’ (that’s Mom + Uber), busy meeting Zack’s transportation needs. Although he could not work after March of 2020, Zack...Read More

Kathy Thomson started her career at Chinook Enterprises in 2001 under the leadership of its founder Rob Martin. Over the years, Kathy became a pivotal part of the inner workings of every department within Chinook. So much so, that she was often referred to as the organization’s ‘backbone.’ At her virtual retirement gathering, staff and...Read More

As 2020 draws to a close, Chinook Enterprises opens the door to a new CEO, welcoming  Nicolette (Nikki) Wegner to lead the company. Nikki brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served most recently as Associate Director at Trillium Employment Services based in Tacoma and Board Chair of Community Employment Alliance (CEA), a...Read More

Expanding Capacity, Capability, and Mission As Chinook Enterprises begins its 40th year in operation, it’s clear to see how a strong vision cleared a path for mission expansion. This ‘mission expansion mindset’ began when founder, Rob Martin, pounded the pavement (literally) to find lawn maintenance jobs for a small crew of six people with disabilities....Read More

Chinook is setting the stage to celebrate inclusion via National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). To show appreciation to its extended Community, Chinook is hosting a short program and sponsoring the movie ‘Far from the Tree’ on Thursday, October 10th at 6:45 pm at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon, WA.  Admission is free. One...Read More

Thanks to NDEAM, October is filled with reminders regarding the importance of employment opportunities for people with barriers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) got its start back in 1945 when Congress declared the first week of October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” While the words have changed, the movement to help people with...Read More

Chinook’s Production Team received Boeing’s 2018 Quality Award. Two thousand eighteen (2018) marked the 8th consecutive year that Chinook’s Production Team earned the coveted Boeing Performance Excellence Award (BPEA). “The commitment to quality and precision among the team is remarkable,” said CEO Steve Reed. “Each team member is personally committed to providing the highest level...Read More

Zack still remembers his first interview at Applebee’s in Burlington back in December of 2012. “Erin from Chinook Enterprises was with me,” Zack recalled. “The manager wanted to hire me on the spot!” Linda, who refers to herself as Zack’s “MUBER” (Uber + Mom) thinks back, “They called me at home during his interview to work...Read More

Chinook Enterprises welcomed Amy Franta Wilson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP as its new Human Resources Manager earlier this month. Wilson replaced Denise Childs, who recently retired. When asked about her new position, Wilson replied, “Everyone has been gracious and welcoming. I feel like I’ve been working here forever.” Wilson has a 15-year career working with non-profits including...Read More

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. WE MADE THIS VIDEO JUST FOR YOU! Chinook Enterprises needs your help. Chinook Enterprises is a social enterprise based in Mount Vernon supporting people with various disabilities. After 40 years of providing excellent landscape maintenance services to clients in the Skagit Valley, Chinook Enterprises may be forced to close its...Read More