House lawmakers debate Initiative 2081, establishing a "parents' bill of rights" on March 4, 2024. The House passed the initiative 82-15 after the Senate approved it earlier in the day. Grace Deng/Washington State Standard |
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WA Legislature Approves
Three Citizen Initiatives
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Three citizen initiatives designed to lift restrictions on police vehicle pursuits, prohibit income taxes, and establish a “bill of rights” for parents of K-12 students are set to become law in Washington after winning approval in the state House and Senate on Monday.
The initiatives do not require the governor’s signature. They will take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends — so in early June if lawmakers wrap up their work for the year as expected on Thursday.
Passage of three initiatives in one day is historic in Olympia. State lawmakers have only enacted citizen initiatives about a half-dozen times during the past 110 years, according to the secretary of state’s office. Only once — in 1995 when two were approved — did the Legislature approve more than one of these initiatives in a single year.
Democrats, who hold majorities in both the House and Senate, agreed to advance three of the measures to floor votes. The three other initiatives – to repeal the state’s capital gains tax, scrap the Climate Commitment Act and its carbon market, and make it easier for workers to opt out of Washington’s new long-term care insurance program – are headed to voters this fall.
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ The Fleethouse
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Ribbon Cutting @ BC Fitness & TechFit Studios
Friday, March 15, 2024, 12:00 pm
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Ribbon Cutting @ The Kids' Dentist Silverdale
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 4:00 pm
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Kitsap Women's Summit
Thursday, March 21, 2024
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We are excited to share that this event sold out in less than a day! This half day of conversation, community, and personal and professional development, curated for
women by women, is made possible through grants from our generous sponsors
Our topics for this first inaugural event include "Strength in Self," "Creating Your Emergency Toolkit for Toxicity," a panel of speakers addressing "Finding Common Ground through Differences," and a keynote address "Authentic Futures: Community Visioning Redefined with AI." Should any seats open up, we will make an announcement via our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you to all who registered for this event. Please stay tuned to the Greater Kitsap Chamber and Leadership Kitsap for future events and programming.
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March Luncheon @ KGCC:
Marketing Strategies in the Age of Robots
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 11:00 am
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Join us this month as expert marketer, Maureen Jann, shares her advice on how to market your small business utilizing the technology of today. AI and ChatGPT don't have to be the enemy! Strengthen your business and your business connections at the Greater Kitsap Chamber monthly membership luncheon - you won't want to miss!
Don't forget your donations for our monthly raffle! Proceeds benefit the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation's scholarship programs.
This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club.
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RECAP: Feeling the Love at the
February Luncheon
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We returned to the Kitsap Golf & Country Club last week for the February Membership Luncheon, featuring guest speaker Beth Wolfe. Even the literal downpour of rain couldn't keep our members (and prospective members!) away. Six new members were welcomed for their first luncheon, including (below, clockwise from left) valueGlass, Milestone Marketing, Viking Early Education Center, Pape Machinery Ag & Turf, Westsound Company, and Patriot Roofing. |
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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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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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New & Renewing Members for February
Thank you for your continued investment & support
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Community Connector
Growth
Main Street
Business
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KCAR Launches Campaign Sharing Efforts on Fairness & Transparency |
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A new public education campaign about recent changes to real estate agency law in Washington launched this week, aiming to give consumers confidence that transparency regarding fees charged by real estate agents is now required anytime a real estate broker is hired. The campaign advertisement is being broadcast in media markets throughout the state.
Washington has emerged as a trailblazer in consumer-friendly real estate practices. Realtors have championed transparency on fees and for changes in the law so that their clients are informed of their rights and expectations in the home buying process.
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Kitsap Golf & Country Club Celebrates
100-Year Anniversary
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Downtown Bremerton Welcomes New Exec |
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The Downtown Bremerton Association is thrilled to announce Jessica Combs as the organization’s new executive director. Combs is most recently the Marketing Executive at McBride Cohen Company and also previously served as the Marketing/Communications Director with the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
“We were thrilled with Jessica’s enthusiasm about downtown Bremerton and her background in marketing in both the nonprofit and private sector,” said Katie Pratt, DBA Board member. “Jessica is a task-oriented person and we’re also excited about her grant writing, fundraising, and events management experience. We can’t wait for Bremerton to meet her!”
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WAV-C Project Honored with
Economic Development Award
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The Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster (WAV-C), a program of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), is thrilled to announce that its Illahee Waterway Tire Cleanup Project has been honored with the prestigious Project of the Year award by the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA).
Bruce Kendall, WEDA Awards Committee Chair who also serves as President & CEO of the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County added, “We received a number of impressive nominations from communities across Washington. The nominations reflect a unique array of the breadth and diversity of strong work taking place by economic developers in Washington. These projects are often complex and require extensive collaboration and creative partnerships.
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Photonatix Photobooth Rentals & Beyond |
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"Find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." The folks at Photonatix seem to have done just that, and if their level of fun and love for community equates to success, then this Kitsap business has reached the top.
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is thrilled to announce that Photonatix Photobooth Rentals & Beyond has been chosen as the March 2024 Members of the Month. Stay tuned to our weekly newsletter throughout the month of March as we celebrate this amazing new member who is making a name for themselves across the Kitsap Peninsula and all the way to Times Square!
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Some Bills Cross Finish Line, Others Miss Vote Deadlines, as Legislative Session Nears End |
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The 60-day whirlwind legislative session ends Thursday. There was a flurry of activity last week as legislators rushed to pass bills before a key deadline Friday. This week, lawmakers will work to finalize budgets, bills related to the budget, and vote on initiatives.
UI for striking workers: House Bill 1893 missed Friday's cutoff and failed to make it to the Senate floor. AWB would like to thank all the members who urged their legislators to oppose this bill, which would have extended unemployment benefits to striking workers.
The Seattle Times and Spokane Journal of Business editorial boards outlined why lawmakers should reject the bill, with the Times writing "Such a change would undermine this longstanding social safety net, and increase costs not just for employers with striking workers but for the whole unemployment system."
Real estate tax hike: House Bill 2276, which would raise the real estate excise tax does not appear to be moving forward.
Mobility compacts: Three bills to enact interstate compacts (for teachers, social workers and physician assistants) are headed to the governor's desk. The compacts will allow people in those professions to more easily work across state lines, addressing workforce shortages and benefiting military spouses.
AI task force: Senate Bill 5838, which would establish an artificial intelligence task force, has passed both chambers. AWB supports a task force with equitable representation from the business community (the bill approved by the House reserves four seats for industry. The Senate will now need to concur on that version).
Semiconductor tax incentives: House Bill 2482, which extends the state's tax incentive for semiconductor materials manufacturing for 10 years, cleared the Senate 47-1 on Friday.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Demystifying Government Contracting
for Female Entrepreneurs
Thursday, March 7, 2024, 10:00 am
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OMWBE Certifications & How to Get Lending
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 10:00 am
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Evergreen Goodwill Job Training & Education
Registration open through March 7th
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Military Relations Committee |
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RECAP: 2024 Military Appreciation Day |
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The 2024 Military Appreciation Day event was a big hit with the community on Saturday, March 2nd. The Kitsap County Fairground Pavilion was filled with families as the Greater Kitsap Chamber welcomed more than 1400 people to celebrate the military community and to learn about businesses and organizations around Kitsap. It was a record turnout post-pandemic and families enjoyed free food samples, games, bouncy houses and more. Many thanks to the nearly 100 businesses and nonprofits that participated with special thanks to our Military Appreciation Day Committee and the many volunteers that made the day possible. We are honored to serve the military community of Kitsap County! |
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Business News & Resources |
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Small Business Grants You Can
Apply for in March 2024
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The FedEx Small Business Grants Program
Every year, FedEx offers one small business a $50,000 grant and nine others a $20,000 grant to help grow their businesses. So far, the company has given away about $1.9 million in grants since 2012. Applicants must be existing FedEx customers with a valid shipping account that has been open at least six months.
The application window opens at noon on March 1, 2024, and closes at noon on April 1, 2024. Grants will be announced on May 16, 2024.
$10,000 grants from the NAACP and L'Oreal
The NAACP, the Hispanic Federation and L'Oreal USA will provide 40 one-time grants of $10,000 to small business and entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Business can use the money to grow their inventory, refine marketing strategies and open new retail locations. This is the second round, and the deadline to apply is March 29, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Barclays offers up to $60,000 for small-business stories
London-based multinational bank Barclays PLC has rolled out its Small Business, Big Wins grant contest, in which small businesses from across the United States can provide a 500 word or less story about their business, alongside a photo, for the chance to win cash prizes.
Businesses need to demonstrate energy, enthusiasm and passion for their business and articulate their positive impact on their community. To be eligible businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and have less than $10 million in annual revenue — and nonprofits are not eligible to participate.
LegalZoom expands $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA
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 grant awards. Grant applications close on September 13, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Additional small-business grant opportunities in March:
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The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, in partnership with Inc. Magazine, aims to give out $35,000 in prizes as part of a competition. Deadline is March 8, 2024.
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$10,000 grants from the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund by DoorDash and Hello Alice. Deadline: March 29, 2024.
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Hello Alice offers $1,000 in “American Dream” grants to small businesses. Deadline: April 30, 2024.
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Women-owned businesses can apply for a $10,000 grant from Papaya Reusables. Deadline: March 31, 2024.
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$2,500 small business growth grant from Start.Pivot.Grow small business accelerator. Deadline: March 31, 2024.
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2024 Halstead Grant for silver jewelry businesses offering more than $8,500. Deadline: May 1, 2024.
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The $2,750 Galaxy Grant Giveaway by Hidden Star Resources Master Class. Deadline: March 31, 2024.
That includes grants with "rolling" admissions in which there is no application date, as well as additional SBA and government resources.
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SCORE's Annual Women's Pitch Contest
Deadline to apply is March 29th
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SCORE Washington District is proud to announce our second Annual Woman's Pitch Contest! We invite people from inside and outside SCORE to participate. The Woman's Pitch Contest is designed to assist Women Entrepreneurs and Woman-owned businesses in securing funding. Attendees will have the opportunity to pitch to investors and finalists will be awarded cash prizes.
This workshop will be of particular interest to Women participating in the Women's Pitch Contest sponsored by SCORE Washington District.
Are you ready to elevate your entrepreneurial journey? Join us for an exclusive Pitch and Tips Workshop on Funding, taking place on Tuesday, March 12th at 5 pm, held conveniently online. Unlock the skills you need to propel your business to success, like crafting the perfect pitch and navigating funding choices!
Important Dates and Timeline
March 5th - Registration for Women's pitch event opens
March 29th - Last date for pitch submissions
April 4th - Finalists will be announced
April 25th - Final presentation in front of judges
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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 weekly for education, resources and more from L&I. |
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Free Workshop with L&I Consultants
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 10:00 am
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Get help with your Accident Prevention Plan
Washington state law requires all employers to develop and implement a written safety program tailored to their workplace hazards and needs.
This free workshop is provided by DOSH professional safety and health consultants who will help you build an effective Accident Prevention Program (APP) including:
- Required written programs
- Mock facility/jobsite walkthrough
- What to expect from an L&I consultation
- Hazard abatement timelines
- How violations are calculated
Wednesday, March 13th
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Department of Labor & Industries
950 Broadway Suite 200, Tacoma, WA
5th floor Orcas Training Room
Phone: 253-596-3800 │ Fax: 253-596-3903
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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How to Ramp Up the Urgency in
Appeals and Boost Response
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Photo: Getty Images by Kudryavtsev Pavel
A donor opens up your direct mail appeal or clicks on your email. They start reading. After a few seconds, they think “That seems like a good cause. Maybe I’ll help with that a little later.”
Your donor didn’t say no to your ask, but they might as well have. Because, as any salesperson knows, you want to clinch the deal while the prospect is in front of you. If you don’t, the odds of getting a response plummet.
That’s why it’s vital to add urgency to appeals. Here are four ways to create that all-important mindset.
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Join the Central Kitsap Community Council from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters Station, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale. Everyone is welcome and there are opportunities for public comment. The agenda is available at kcowa.us/CKCC.
Carla Lundgren of the Kitsap County Department of Community Development will review the process of the Critical Areas Ordinance update of regulations required by the state's Growth Management Act to preserve the natural environment, wildlife habitats, and sources of fresh drinking water. Critical areas regulation ensures public safety by limiting development in areas prone to natural hazards like floods and landslides. The Critical Areas Ordinance is being updated concurrent to Kitsap County's 2024 Comprehensive Plan, with adoption planned for June 2024.
The CKCC meeting also features a review of sewer utility upgrades and projects with Stella Vakarcs, Sewer Utility Division Manager of Kitsap County Public Works.
Stay informed and engaged! The public is encouraged to attend CKCC meetings, share information about community events and initiatives, and help make Central Kitsap a better place to live, work and visit.
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Fix Our Ferries Townhalls
March 9th & 16th, 2024
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Silverdale GreenDrinks: Nonprofit Showcase
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 5:24 pm
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Wednesday Morning Networking at the Y
Free networking begins March 13, 2024
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Downtown Bremerton Hosts
Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
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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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Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical
Saturday, March 9, 2024, 12:30 pm
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Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series.
This hilarious musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series, Cat Kid Comic Club, is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander - the team that brought you DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL!
Recommended For: Grades 1 through 5
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An Irish Rambling House
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 7:30 pm
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An energetic folk music and dance production that melds the traditions of American, Celtic, and Baroque. Grammy Winning Music. World Class Dancing.
In Ireland, the neighbors would pick a house to ramble to in the evenings to share music, dance, and story. It was these settings that bore their humor, charm, and a sense of community and togetherness which is what Rambling House exemplifies. It is a joyful culture that’s rich in spirit and warmth. Like a steaming mug of Irish coffee in a neighbor’s kitchen on a cold winter’s night, ‘An Irish Rambling House’ will warm the spirit with stories, music, song, and dance from the rich tradition of Ireland. Spend an evening with native Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley, Grammy Award-winner William Coulter, native Irish fiddler and vocalist Eimear Arkins, Irish piper Brian Bigley, and Galway dancer Marcus Donnelly - some of the most gifted performers on either side of the Atlantic.
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Prom Date Mixtape:
St. Patrick's 80s New Wave Dance Party
Saturday, March 16, 2024, 8:00 pm
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Prom Date Mixtape is the Ultimate Live 80s New Wave Experience and the Best 80s Tribute Band in the Pacific NW! And Bremerton's Admiral Theatre is the ONLY venue in Kitsap where you can see them.
***PLEASE READ*** This is a ST. PATRICK'S themed 80s tribute concert with dancing, a balloon drop, confetti cannons, black light, a costume contest (Green / Irish), drink specials, and free party favors at the door. There will be two sets between 8 - 11 p.m., with a 20-minute break for the band.
IYKYK this is Kitsap's biggest party! PDM has an action-packed night of TOTALLY RAD 80s HITS by Duran Duran, Billy Idol, INXS, Pat Benatar, Tears For Fears, The Go-Gos, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Fixx, Simple Minds, Eurythmics, Depeche Mode & MUCH MORE!
Named “The Greatest 80s Tribute Band in the Pacific Northwest” by KOMO TV 4’s Seattle Refined, Prom Date Mixtape delivers the most authentic and energetic renditions of your favorite decade-defining new wave, pop, and rock tunes that you will ever hear.
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
Journey Unauthorized (Journey Tribute)
March 8 & 9, 2024, 9:00 pm
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Enjoy an evening with amazing entertainment Fridays and Saturdays in the Beach Rock Music and Sports starting at 9pm. General Admission tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in the Casino Gift Shop for just $15*. Gather the gang and head over for an evening of entertainment and fun. Doors open at 7pm, so come early to secure your seat for the show.
Purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or in the Casino Gift Shop.
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Best Original Party @ Roxy Theatre
Sunday, March 10, 2024, 4:00 pm
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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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