Tuesday, January 24, 2023 |
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Greater Businesses in Kitsap Grant Info Session
Join Us for a Virtual Q&A
Thursday, January 26, 2023, 2:00 pm
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We are excited to invite you to join us for a virtual question and answer session about the Greater Businesses Grant! The purpose of this session is to provide information to business owners - YOU - and help you decide if you're eligible to apply, how you can use the grant money, what business growth means, and how to complete the classes.
The Greater Businesses Grant is an excellent way to help your business succeed and grow. You can use the grant money to invest in resources, such as technology, marketing, staff training, and more. Business growth can mean increased sales, improved customer service, and the ability to expand your services to a larger audience.
Additionally, the classes that are included with the grant can help you develop the skills you need to make the most of the grant money and maximize your business’s potential. We will be providing answers to any questions you have regarding the classes and the application process.
We hope you can join us for this informative virtual session. Please come to the session with any questions you may have.
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Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 11:00 am
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Today is the last day to register for the January luncheon!
Also, don't forget to bring an item to donate for our monthly
raffle benefitting the Chamber Scholarship Fund.
We'll see you tomorrow at the Kitsap Conference Center!
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Chamber Power Partner Welcomes
New Executive Director
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is excited to welcome the new Executive Director for the Downtown Bremerton Association, Erinn Hale. Long-time partners of the Chamber, the Downtown Bremerton Association is charged with helping to create a unique and vital downtown that enriches the business community while also working to preserve the historical character of the neighborhood. Hale's office will be housed in the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center office at 4th and Pacific where she will also help man the Visitor Center. You can meet Erinn at this week's membership luncheon at the Kitsap Conference Center. |
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Travel with the Greater Kitsap Chamber |
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Looking for an escape in 2023? Join the Chamber as we resume Chamber travel opportunities with a 7-night Alaska Glacier Cruise.
Special rates have been reserved on this cruise for Chamber members and friends with a savings of nearly $2k on what you might normally book. For just $2745, you and a guest can enjoy this weeklong adventure aboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.
But do I have to vacation with my Chamber colleagues? Only if you want! With 16 decks, you can see as little or as much of your Kitsap connections as you'd like!
Suitcases on Standby's Amy Zinkhon, will be at the January and February membership luncheons to answer your questions. Book now and help us celebrate the Greater Kitsap Chamber's inaugural year!
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Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Contact Irene now!
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Here at Ben Bridge Jeweler, Kitsap Mall, we are honored to start the New Year 2023 as the Greater Kitsap Chamber Business Member of the Month. We are celebrating our 110th anniversary and have served Kitsap County and our military community for 73 years.
Ben Bridge is the only AGS Certified Jeweler and the only store that carries PANDORA on the Olympic Peninsula. Our associates take your jewelry shopping experience a stride above.
Anything you can dream up, our professional associates can help you create. Our Personal Jewelers and Bridal Department will bring it to life. We can create that one-of-a-kind heirloom piece you seek. Ben Bridge only uses the highest quality of responsible resourced natural diamonds and gemstones in our unique creations.
We invite you to stop by, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea, and have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected at no charge to you. We offer other services such as repairs, and appraisals.
Thank you, Kitsap County, for your years of patronage, we look forward to exceeding your expectations for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Your Personal Jewelers at Ben Bridge Kitsap Mall
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10315 Silverdale Way NW (Kitsap Mall) | Silverdale, WA 98383 | (360) 698-3055 |
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Vibe Coworks & Kitsap Bank
Launch Matchstick Lab
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“Through Matchstick Lab, entrepreneurs have access to a business ecosystem that supports the growth of innovation right here in our backyard.”
Matchstick Lab is a dynamic, high-touch entrepreneurial hub for startup founders and small business owners from across the Greater Kitsap region.
Applications are now open for the inaugural five-month program designed to help current and aspiring small business owners accelerate the growth of their ventures.
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KEDA 5-Year Strategic Planning Meetings
New Sessions Added - January 25 & February 2, 2023
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All interested parties are invited to join KEDA leadership, investors and partners to participate in the important work of identifying priorities and strategies to guide KEDA's economic development work for the next five years. |
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January 25th
10:00 - Noon
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February 2nd
10:00 am - Noon
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Scholarships Available for Local Students
High School & College Students to Benefit
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Since 1987, Gesa has proudly awarded over $630,000 in scholarship funds. Starting with the 2021-2022 school year, Gesa has been awarding $100,000 in scholarships annually!
Gesa offers scholarships in the following four categories:
- $50,000 in awards for High School Credit Union Program Participants
- Twelve Entering College Freshmen (2, $5,000 and 10, $2,000 awards)
- Six Current College Students (1, $5,000 and 5, $2,000 awards)
- Five Loan Repayments for Accredited Degrees ($1,000 award)
If you, or a student you know, is looking for ways to fund their higher education, please share this announcement with them. Gesa Credit Union is committed to serving students in our community and this is just one way they are showing their support!
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Headshot Day at the Chamber
Monday, February 27, 2023
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Bradley W. Orser, CPA, Inc. |
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"Bradley W. Orser, CPA, Inc., P.S. is committed to excellence! We have earned an outstanding reputation on the Kitsap Peninsula as a firm that excels in quality and integrity. Our mission is to help our clients establish and live personal financial goals that will greatly enhance their financial well-being and to motivate them to accomplish what they previously believed impossible."
Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, taxes are a fact of life, but when you work with an accounting firm like Bradley W. Orser, CPA, this dedicated team of tax and accounting professionals makes sure that you have one less thing to worry about. Members of the Chamber for almost a decade, this local firm is ready to help give you an accurate picture of your finances so you can make informed decisions about your future.
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911 Adele Avenue | Bremerton, WA 98312 | (360) 479-8846 |
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Weekly Legislative Updates
2023 Session: Week 2 Report
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As an exclusive benefit to our paid membership, the Greater Kitsap Chamber has again enlisted the services of Brad Boswell and team from Boswell Consulting to provide weekly legislative updates during the 2023 legislative session. Brad will also host a monthly Q&A on the last Friday of each month via Zoom to answer your questions directly. |
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Monthly Legislative Q&A
Friday, January 27, 2023, 11:00 am
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Bring your legislative questions to this interactive Zoom, held every last Friday of the month during the legislative session. Brad Boswell and Shellie Burham will answer all of your questions regarding the work being done in Olympia this year and how it may impact your business. |
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Washington Hospitality Legislative Updates |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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The Best Firewall:
Cybersecurity Training for Employees
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The first line of cybersecurity defense for your company is you. While formal training is always important, take a look at the ways you can help ensure you're not the reason for a breach.
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SCORE Webinar: Tax Saving Strategies
for Small Businesses
Tuesday, January 24, 2023, 1:00 pm
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This workshop focuses on the Federal tax saving strategies that work best for small businesses, which are:
- Electing S-Corporation status with the IRS.
- Maximizing the deduction for business use of the home.
- Demonstrating two ways you can compute the deduction for business use of personal vehicle.
- Providing you examples of 7 different retirement plans and showing you which one is best for you.
- Describing how to maximize the benefits of health savings accounts.
- Show you the difference between smart equipment purchases and not-so-smart ones for maximizing the tax benefit.
- Explain the difference between cash versus accrual accounting and let you know which is better for you.
- And much, much more!
View this short 2-minute video to learn more about this workshop: video teaser.
Workshop Fee: $55
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Puget Sound Business Journal Hosts
"How to Prepare Your Business for Success in 2023 and Beyond"
Thursday, January 26, 2023, 11:00 am
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The economic outlook for 2023 is full of uncertainties – rising interest rates, inflation, economic growth, filling key positions, supply chain issues. Join our webinar to hear insights from business thought leaders on the 2023 outlook and what companies are doing to prepare to weather the storm and how they are preparing to thrive.
In this webinar, we will discuss:
- Key actions a business should take to navigate 2023 successfully.
- Overall sentiment of the business environment over the next 12-18 months.
- How businesses can evaluate the business health of their key vendors and customers in the coming year.
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Building a Better America:
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0
Thursday, January 26, 2023, 11:00 am
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Join SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute for a webinar to learn about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program and what the new CMMC 2.0 requirements are for those looking to demonstrate a sound cyber hygiene in order to qualify for work on government contracts. The federal government requires those that develop products, provide services or manufacture parts as part of the Department of Defense supply chain to protect any sensitive information related to their work. |
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Two-Part Virtual Supplier Diversity Workshops
February 8 & 15, 2023
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The GSBA has created a pathway for businesses to learn more about being LGBTBE Certified and opportunities to put your certification to the test starting with these two-part workshops taught by our CEO and President Ilona Lohrey:
Part 1: What is Supplier Diversity & How to Get Certified
February 8, 9am-10am
In this introduction workshop, our CEO & President Ilona Lohrey will introduce you to the idea of supplier diversity and how to get certified.
Part 2: Capability Statements & I'm Certified, Now What?
February 15, 9am-10:30am
In this 2nd half of these virtual workshops, Ilona will cover some of the industry lingo you'll need to pitch your business, how to find your industry codes, how to identify the best corporations to partner with for your business, how to write a capability statement, and more.
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Military Relations Committee |
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Reserve Your Sponsorship & Booth Space Now
Advertising Deadline is January 30, 2023
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Advertise Your Business
Military Appreciation Special Section Advertising
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Business News & Resources |
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The Current State of the Travel Industry |
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As COVID-19 restrictions have continued to ease, the travel and hospitality industries have seen a resurgence in customers. Companies like Marriott have seen percentage increases in revenue and rate, even topping pre-pandemic levels.
During the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 State of American Business event, Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and Tony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, Inc., sat down for a fireside chat.
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State of US Business Remains
Strong as Economy Weakens
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Last week, Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, delivered the Chamber’s annual State of American Business address. The presentation streamed live from the Chamber’s Washington DC headquarters.
In her opening remarks, Clark’s message was that the state of business is strong, but the state of the economy is fragile. “Fears about the economy, compounded by doubt in Washington, push businesses to act in a way that turns those concerns into reality.”
Clark was clear about the current state of the U.S. government and its need to set conditions that strengthen businesses. Among the recommendations offered to achieve success included:
- Bolster America’s strength by building infrastructure
- Pass meaningful permitting reform
- Upskill workers
- Address worker shortages by fixing the immigration system and securing the border
- Improve access to childcare and get parents back into the workforce
- Incentivize work and require capable adults drawing government benefits to work
- End the bias toward higher education being the only pathway to success by expanding access and financing to training programs that lead to good jobs
- Expand American energy production by accelerating permitting for new exploration and production, and finalize a 5-year offshore leasing
- Boost trade and deepen strategic partnerships
- Address the “explosive growth of third-party litigation
- Local and state governments to enact policy changes to help law enforcement and prosecutors to go after criminals and keep our communities and businesses safe
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Washington Workforce Portal Looks to Pair Interns with Washington Businesses |
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Internship season is just around the corner. Is your company ready? Find the ideal internship candidate to start your business off on the right foot this new year. AWB Institute’s Washington Workforce Portal is a free platform that pairs Washington businesses offering internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships with Washington high-school and college students seeking real-world work experience.
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DES Soliciting Contractors |
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Department of Enterprise Services (DES) intends to solicit contractors for Auto glass repair, replacement, and recalibration in the near future. The average annual spend on this contract was approximately $841,723 from all eligible purchasers. This Contract will include your area and DES is hoping to reach as many Auto Glass contractors as possible.
To participate in this bid opportunity, your business must be registered in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS).
Once registered in WEBS, your company will receive solicitation communications by WEBS-generated email – including the official bid posting – based on the commodity codes you select when you register in WEBS. The upcoming contract opportunity is listed under the following commodity codes. Please note that these codes are subject to change.
- 440-10 Crystal Glass
- 928-46 Glass Replacement and Repair Services, Windshield, and Window (Auto), Including Window Tinting Services
- 559-45 Glazing/Mirrors (Incl. Window, Door, and Windshield Glass)
- 440-40 Hammered or Bubble Glass
- 440-49 Heat-tempered Glass, Partially Tempered
Questions about registering for WEBS may be directed to WEBS Customer Service, 360-902-7400, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
DES does not share material information on solicitations before they are posted with potential bidders to maintain a fair bidding process for all. However, Enterprise Services welcomes feedback and suggestions on developing requirements, qualifications, or any other relevant information for the solicitation. We also encourage businesses to respond to any posted Requests for Information (RFI) or send us your suggestions.
Enterprise Services might not act on every suggestion, but the information gathered helps the state conduct the best and fairest solicitation possible.
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community. To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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Overcoming the Volunteer Shortage at Nonprofits |
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Photo: Getty Images by Jose Luis Pelaez Inc
Today, the nonprofit community is suffering from a labor and volunteer shortage that impacts their services to the community. Due to the lack of volunteers and a shift in government support, some nonprofit organizations may have to stop the programs that rely on volunteer groups and readjust their goals to help those most in need.
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Kitsap Community Resources Looking to Buy Housing Project for Affordable Housing |
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid, November 1, 2022, Kitsap Sun
Kitsap Community Resources is planning to purchase a newly constructed 36-unit townhouse development in East Bremerton to create more affordable housing.
Kitsap County recently committed $2 million and the City of Bremerton $500,000 to support KCR's potential purchase of Mills Crossing, the development located a block west of Highway 303 and near the Kitsap Transit Center. Along the financial commitments, KCR received letters of support from the city and the county and attached them to a funding request sent to the Washington State Department of Commerce for grant money to secure the purchase.
In addition to the potential grant from the Department of Commerce, the requested amount of which wasn't disclosed, KCR may seek funding from other agencies involved in housing issues and is in the process of negotiating with the real estate company that owns Mills Crossing, Harbor Custom Development Inc., KCR Director Tony Ives told Kitsap Sun last week.
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management provides local businesses with free KN95 masks and COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both Greater Kitsap Chamber locations today. |
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COVID-19 Support & Resources |
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Kitsap County Health District is now posting a regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County. This list can be found here.
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Project Connect Fairs Offer Free
Community Services at Three Locations
January 24, 25 & 26, 2023
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Admiral Theatre Presents:
Blind Boys of Alabama & Charlie Musselwhite
Friday, January 27, 2023, 7:30 pm
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The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of five Grammy® Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years. |
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Joel Gibson Jr. @ The Point Casino
Saturday, January 28, 2023, 10:00 pm
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Kitsap Wedding Expo
Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Welcome to Jane Austen's World
A Classic Collaborations presentation with Tames Alan
February 4 & 5, 2023
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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 Tuesday's Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Joe Barboza
Operations Manager
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Brenda Kelley
Tourism 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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