After nearly 40 years as founder and CEO of Chinook Enterprises, Rob Martin will be passing the reins in early 2019 stating, “The decision to retire from Chinook wasn’t easy, but it’s time. I’m ready and excited for what’s next.” Martin feels fortunate to have had a long and successful career doing what he loves:...Read More
Burlington Chamber Humanitarian Award received for making a difference. Chinook started the first week of November off with a lot of excitement. We were one of three organizations to be nominated for the prestigious Humanitarian Award from the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. Award winners are decided through a vote of the membership. The award is...Read More
“Cast your bread on the waters, it will come back to you,” was both the personal and business philosophy of Leonard and Polly Ballif, who opened Grocery Outlet Bargains Market on Riverside Drive in March of 1989. Several years later they hired Nels Lee, who has clocked in every day since. Polly couldn’t remember the...Read More
A Message from our CEO, Rob Martin Even though the term ‘social enterprise’ did not exist 38 years ago when we opened our doors, the concept behind it became our vision for a sustainable future. Today, Chinook Enterprises has evolved into the largest social enterprise in Skagit County. From the beginning, we focused on placing...Read More
For the seventh year in a row, the Production Division at Chinook Enterprises has earned a Silver Boeing Performance Excellence Award (BPEA). This is a big deal. There are only several hundred suppliers worldwide who meet the criteria to earn this level of achievement. It is not easy to do. How is a BPEA earned?...Read More
From Ann’s Hands to your jewelry box Ann Argyle has been designing and creating jewelry for many years. Her desire to create fun, unique, quality pieces for others to enjoy, blossomed into a small jewelry business located in Skagit County, Washington. From Ann’s Hands jewelry offerings are strongly supported by local retailers across the county....Read More
Leading the Employment Services Division is a big job. Last year, a 37-year veteran, Jim Halpin, retired. Jim left behind some big shoes to fill. Finding the right fit to lead the company into the future weighed on everyone’s minds. The solution then became as obvious as opening the window on a beautiful spring day....Read More
On Monday October 2nd, 2017, Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib paid a visit to Chinook Enterprises as part of a day-long county tour in partnership with EDASC, The Port of Skagit and Skagit Valley Community College. Lt. Governor Habib spent an hour at Chinook learning about the organization to become familiar with our local challenges and...Read More
September 15, 1992–that was a day that Drew Beals and his mother Nancy will never forget. It was Drew’s first day of employment at Chinook Enterprises. Today Drew reaches a 25-year employment milestone and it is truly a cause for celebration.Read More
Cathy Johnson is an articulate woman who was born with the ability to teach. For Cathy, describing complicated subjects in an articulate, supportive, and often humorous way, comes naturally. In this video series, Cathy explains why we should not ask to pet someone’s guide dog, gives us tips for assisting a person who has a...Read More
