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
Chinook is starting 2019 with a healthy dose of change and excitement. The same week we celebrated the retirement of CEO and founder, Rob Martin we also welcomed our new CEO and President, Steve Reed. “We couldn’t be more excited about our new CEO Steve Reed,” said Rob Martin. “We’re all looking forward to new...Read More
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
