Wednesday, April 17, 2024 |
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Armed Forces Day Scholarships
Available Now for Local Students
Deadline to apply is April 24th
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Do you know of a student in our community looking for scholarships to fund their education? The Bremerton Central Lions Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce the return of the Ambassadors Scholarship program as part of the Bremerton Armed Forces Day Festival. Interested students should submit their essay and completed application materials to the Greater Kitsap Chamber by Wednesday, April 24th.
This scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to represent your community and be a part of the 2024 Armed Forces Day Festival. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students from around the community, with the five winners joining us for the parade on May 18th. Students will also be honored at the Greater Kitsap Chamber's May membership luncheon at the Kitsap Conference Center.
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April Luncheon: 2024 Legislative Update
Special Guest: Dave Mastin, VP Gov't Affairs, AWB
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Join us this month for our annual Legislative Update. Speaking to us is VP of Gov't Affairs for the Association of Washington Business (AWB), Dave Mastin. Dave will share with us how the 2024 session evolved and what legislation local businesses should be on the lookout for in the coming year.
Don't forget - be sure to bring an item for the raffle benefitting the Chamber's scholarship programs.
Strengthen your business and your business connections at the Greater Kitsap Chamber monthly membership luncheon - you won't want to miss! This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club.
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Join Us: Ribbon Cutting @ Floor & Decor
Friday, April 26, 2024, 10:00 am
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Become a Sponsor Today!
Join us for the 77th Annual Armed Forces Day Festival
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is thrilled to announce that parade registration is now open for the 77th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade & Festival. Parade participants can sign up online at www.greaterkitsapchamber.com.
This is also a great opportunity for you to advertise your business or organization through a sponsorship of this long-time event. Sponsorship information can be found by clicking on the form below or here. We hope you will join us on Saturday, May 18 for a fun-filled day in Bremerton!
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If you have a convertible that we can use for the Armed Forces Day parade to drive our VIP parade participants, please let us know by contacting the Chamber today!
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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According to the Harvard Business Review, 54% of job seekers considered better health, dental and vision insurance worthy of “heavy consideration” when evaluating job offers.
If you’re competing to attract and retain top talent, just making benefits available in not enough – employees need to regularly make use of their benefits and understand what is available to them.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has put together six post-enrollment strategies to help your workforce thrive – and help you keep them happy. Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news-insights/welcome-to-the-post-open-enrollment-playbook-ensuring-your-workforce-thrives/
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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Registration Open for KCAR's
3rd Annual Cornhole Tournament
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BC Fitness Introduces Corporate Wellness Plan |
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Part of the Haselwood Auto Group's ethos is support of the local community, and one way they do this every year is through their Drive for a Cause. Check it out, all month long! |
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Haselwood Auto Group
515 West Hills Boulevard
Bremerton, WA 98312
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AWB Legislative Wrap-Up:
Tax & Fiscal Policy
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Tax time: There was no shortage of tax and fiscal bills in Washington's 2024 legislative session. AWB Government Affairs Director Emily Shay provides a brief synopsis in this recap video.
Fortunately, several proposals to increase property and real estate taxes failed to pass, as did controversial gift card legislation, she explains.
Bright spots: There were some successful tax bills that will help Washington businesses expand and stay competitive, including a bill to extend and reinstate tax preferences for semiconductor manufacturing.
Budget breakdown: The Legislature adopted a supplemental operating budget that adds $2.1 billion in new spending. The increase brings the state's 2023-2025 biennial budget to $72 billion -- an increase of 15.8% over the previous biennium.
"Although we didn't see any tax increases, we still didn't see any tax relief for employers," Shay said.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SCORE: How to Create Marketing Graphics
Like a Rockstar with Canva
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 10:00 am
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No need to hire a graphic designer or invest in expensive software…Canva can help you create marketing graphics like a rockstar! This affordable program allows you to easily “drag and drop” images, text and other elements to create online and offline marketing materials. We will show you how to incorporate your own images and fonts, bring in animated elements and learn the latest cool effects include new AI tools, to bring your marketing graphics to the next level!
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Free Masterclass @ Vibe Coworks
Unlock Your Business Potential: Mastering Credibility and Credit with Fiscal Finesse
Monday, April 22, 2024, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
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There is no fee to attend and you do NOT need to be a member of Vibe. |
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KEDA: Meet the Agencies
Thursday, April 25, 2024, 2:00 pm
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Business News & Resources |
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Inflation Rises Higher than Expected in March |
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Consumer prices climbed 3.5% from a year ago in March, driven by increases in housing, gas, auto insurance and other items, a new report said. This is the third straight month inflation has been hotter than expected, likely delaying rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, the Associated Press reports.
"The lack of moderation in inflation will undermine Fed officials’ confidence that inflation is on a sustainable course back to 2% and likely delays rate cuts to September at the earliest and could push off rate reductions to next year," said Kathy Bostjancic, chief economist at Nationwide.
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Building a Stronger Workforce: The Impact of the Workforce for America Act |
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The House passed the Stronger Workforce for America Act last week in a 378 to 36 vote. This bipartisan support is a significant milestone, signaling a commitment to strengthening employer engagement and ensuring worker competitiveness in today's dynamic job market. H.R. 6655 fosters partnerships between workforce development agencies, colleges and universities, and businesses, benefiting employers and employees.
The Stronger Workforce for America Act aims to revitalize the nation's workforce development system, building upon the foundation laid by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Recognizing persistent challenges in providing effective services to workers and employers, the new bill proposes significant updates to WIOA, focusing on four key pillars: skills development, accountability, pathways to economic opportunity, and innovation for a skills-based economy.
The Act proposes to allocate 50 percent of adult and dislocated worker funding towards upskilling through individual training accounts (ITAs) and employer-led initiatives, providing displaced workers with $5,000 ITAs for high-quality reskilling programs. States are empowered to establish critical industry skills funds to support workforce upskilling in priority sectors. Moreover, it enhances accountability by streamlining training provider lists, updating performance indicators, and modernizing service delivery.
The bill also emphasizes pathways to economic opportunity, such as work-based learning for youth and supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration to employment. Additionally, it promotes innovation by authorizing demonstration programs, facilitating skills-based hiring practices, and enhancing workforce data quality.
The Workforce for America Act will provide individuals the necessary skills to adapt to the ever-changing job market and will help to foster collaboration between employers and the workforce system; driving economic growth and prosperity for all Americans.
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Business Grants to Apply for in April 2024 |
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Courtesy of Andy Medici, Senior Reporter, The Playbook, The Business Journals
(Puget Sound Business Journal)
PepsiCo launches small-business accelerator, grants
The program will target food and beverage businesses who can apply to the accelerator. Those selected will receive a $20,000 grant and will join a five-month mentorship program centered around business challenges. One business will receive an additional $100,000 grand prize.
To apply, businesses need to be Hispanic-owned and operating within the United States and have earned between $100,000 to $2 million in revenue in the last financial year.
Applications close on May 6, and business owners can find out more information on the program website.
LegalZoom expands $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA
LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small-business owners and $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.
Winners will first be announced on social media and Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards. Grant applications close on September 13, 2024, at 8 p.m.
Other small-business grants open to applications right now
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Updated COVID-19 Guidance
for Washington State Businesses
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The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has issued interim guidance for workplaces regarding COVID-19 safety measures. All employers are advised to continuously assess the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and take necessary precautions to safeguard their employees.
L&I strongly recommends the use of well-fitting masks or respirators in close proximity to individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, especially within the first 10 days of symptom onset. Employers must ensure the voluntary use of respirators doesn't compromise safety.
Employers should integrate COVID-19 safety measures into their Accident Prevention Programs and provide comprehensive training to employees. Regular handwashing, surface disinfection, and record-keeping of COVID-19 cases are also advised.
Additional precautions include keeping symptomatic employees out of the workplace until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, implementing enhanced ventilation, and promoting vaccination.
For workers at increased risk or those in high-exposure roles, appropriate respiratory protection is essential. Employers are encouraged to facilitate telework and flexible leave policies to support affected employees.
Overall, L&I emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe work environment and complying with relevant regulations to protect both employees and customers.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. |
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2nd Quarter Webinars for Small Businesses |
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L&I Essentials for Business webinars cover:
- essentials about workers' compensation, quarterly reporting, what to do if your employee is injured, workplace safety and health requirements, wage and hour laws, and contractor registration rules;
- how to access a range of L&I resources and services designed to help your business save time and money; and
- various ways L&I partners with you to keep your workforce safe and healthy.
Upcoming monthly 80-minute L&I Essentials for Business Webinars:
Webinars are also available in Spanish (Fundamentos de L&I para negocios - Talleres en línea):
Other L&I Webinars for Employers:
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Got a question or issue to be solved?
Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.
Phone: 1-800-987-0145
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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NAWA: Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 12:00 pm
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We each have our own experiences with finance that may stir up excitement, mixed feelings, or uneasiness. These feelings can shape how we approach our relationship to nonprofit finance. Approaching nonprofit finance in a welcoming way, the Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits virtual workshop aims to help unlock your financial literacy. From key words and forms to understanding how everything fits together, you will increase your basic nonprofit finance knowledge.
The virtual workshop will cover:
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- IRS Form 990
- Giving
- Oversight
This workshop will be recorded. Registrants will receive the recording by email after the event. If you can’t attend the training but you are interested in learning about this topic, please register so you we can send you the recording and materials.
Workshop Fee: FREE, thanks to a partnership with the Washington Office of the Secretary of State
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Reevaluate Your Brand to Appeal
to Next-Gen Donors
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April 15, 2024
Photo: Getty Images by Prostock-Studio
Nonprofit giving continues to plummet in the U.S. — down $17 billion, in fact, according to The Giving Institute's annual report for 2022. While economic factors — like inflation, a large reason for the decline — are out of everyone’s control, one shining light for nonprofits is the opportunity to appeal to the next generation of donors.
Industry reports continue to validate that both Millennials and Gen Zers are increasing their giving habits and have the potential to become the “most charitable generations yet.” More so, the “giving shift” is underway. The historically positive correlation between age and giving, which often urged fundraisers to focus on older prospects, is now leveling out. But are nonprofits truly making the necessary adjustments to appeal to and connect with younger donors?
Nonprofits are in a challenging position — they need to stand out amongst a sea of well-established and worthy causes that are competing for donor dollars. In order to earn even one quick look from Gen Zers — 59% of whom donate based on messages or images they see on social media — organizations must have an authentic, visually appealing, and captivating brand.
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Housing Development Could Usher in a Walkable Look for Bremerton's
Wheaton Way Corridor
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
When he arrived in Bremerton nearly 30 years ago, Cary Bozeman, who’d eventually become the city's mayor, saw an eastside corridor populated by strip malls, fast-food restaurants, some small business and far more auto traffic speeding past than people walking from residential neighborhoods to businesses.
His mayoral term now 15 years in the past, Bozeman can now see some of the changes he envisioned taking place along Bremerton’s Wheaton Way and Highway 303, up to the city limit at Riddell Road and beyond. But he also believes the area still hasn’t reached its potential, and hopefully doesn’t take another 30 years to transform.
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Kitsap Fest Seeks Vendors & Sponsors
Live Well Kitsap Hosts Event at Silverdale Waterfront
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Come Visit CKFR's Newest Station
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11:00 am
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks or COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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The Admiral Theatre Presents: |
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The Music of Van Morrison
featuring Backstreet Jellyroll
Friday, April 19, 2024, 8:00 pm
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Backstreet Jellyroll is a celebration of the powerful music from one of the most revered and significant songwriters of the rock era. Covering more than five decades of hits, this 11-piece band delivers music that ranges from a whisper to a roar, with a voice that is simultaneously gruff and ethereal.
The band is Steve Nagle (vocals), Graham Parsons (guitar), Bennett Pullen (bass), Kevin Blackwood (drums), Kelly Carpenter (keys), Betsy Wallwork (backing vocals), Chyna Riedel (backing vocals), Randy Paddock (sax), Jay Gillespie (sax), Chris Thomas (trumpet), and Roy Brown (trombone).
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
WingsNThings - Paul McCartney Tribute
Friday, April 19, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Randy Hansen - Jimi Hendrix Tribute
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Bremerton Community Theatre: Titanic
April 5, 2024 - May 5, 2024
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Epic and majestic, with moments of heartbreaking intimacy, Titanic captures the triumph and tragedy of the hopeful passengers on the ill-fated Ship of Dreams, including workers in the boiler room, first-class attendants, the poorest passengers who scraped together their life savings to purchase third-class tickets to America, to some of the wealthiest men of the Victorian age, including John Jacob Astor and Benjamin Guggenheim. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score in 1997.
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Port Gamble Theater: On Golden Pond
April 12 - 28, 2024
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Bainbridge Performing Arts: Cabaret
April 26 - May 12, 2024
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Step into the intoxicating world of Berlin's nightlife in the 1930s as BPA presents the iconic musical, "Cabaret"! Experience an unforgettable night of song, dance, and powerful storytelling that examines the thrilling and yet turbulent life under the growing shadow of the Third Reich.
Witness the life of Sally Bowles, a flamboyant performer at the Kit Kat Klub, and her relationship with the young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw. As they navigate love and life amidst the pulsating beats of the nightclub, reality begins to cast a looming shadow over their lives, echoing the profound changes that await them outside.
Our talented cast will bring this provocative and compelling narrative to life, complete with riveting performances and unforgettable musical numbers. "Cabaret" promises an exhilarating theater experience that's both deeply moving and wildly entertaining.
This spectacular production is a must-see event, as it explores the duality of hope and despair, love and loss. Purchase your tickets today and immerse yourself in the captivating and exhilarating world of "Cabaret."
Life is a cabaret, old chum, come to the Cabaret!
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Bremerton Airshow Returns this Summer
August 17 & 18, 2024
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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