Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Important News for You
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to Open ER/Urgent Care Facility on Kitsap Way
Published in the Kitsap Sun, August 6, 2022

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has announced plans to open a hybrid emergency room and urgent care center on Kitsap Way in Bremerton. The health care group said the location would be the first in a group of similar sites it plans to open around Puget Sound over the next four years.

The new Bremerton facility, which will open adjacent to VMFH’s Kitsap Way Family Medicine Clinic, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have onsite lab equipment and a radiology suite with X-ray and CT scanners, the health system said in an announcement. The total number of emergency room bays at the facility is still being evaluated, St. Michael Medical Center president Chad Melton said in an interview with the Kitsap Sun.

Chamber News
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Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!
Bremerton GreenDrinks: USS Turner Joy
Thursday, August 11, 2022, 5:00 pm
Don't Miss the Boat. Get your Tickets Today!

We continue our proud tradition of August GreenDrinks aboard the USS TURNER JOY. GreenDrinks is a monthly, social networking event for community leaders, concerned citizens, elected officials, business professionals and anyone who wants to make Bremerton a thriving, sustainable community. This event is for adults only (age 21 and older).
Your hosts are the Downtown Bremerton Association, Greater Kitsap Chamber, and the Bremerton Historic Ships Association. As these are all nonprofits, a special $20 donation is requested to offset the costs this month (only for this event and not into perpetuity, we will be back to $10 next month).

This is the biggest GreenDrinks event each year. So be sure and snag your ticket early, as they are sure to run out! 

The Bremerton Historic Ships Association is excited to celebrate and has planned LIVE MUSIC by Hippy and the Squids.

Catering by Lora's Le Garmarche.

So get ready to MIX, ENGAGE, REPEAT. But don't forget to bring those business cards, maybe a little sunscreen, and don't forget that smile! It's going to be the event of the summer aboard the USS Turner Joy.
August Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Chamber Seeks Info on Members
In an effort to better represent and market our member businesses, the Chamber is hoping to add new details and classifications in our searchable features online. If your business identifies as Woman-Owned, Indigenous-Owned, BIPOC-Owned, LGBTQ+ Owned and/or Veteran-Owned, please contact the Chamber so that we can add this information to your business record.

Send an email to the Chamber here.
POSTPONED: Heroes Golf Tournament
Due to scheduling issues, the Heroes Golf Benefit is being rescheduled. Golf teams and sponsorships will carry over to our new date. Thanks to all for the participation and support thus far - you'll now have a few more weeks to get in some driving range practice! We appreciate your support of the Greater Kitsap Chamber. For more information, please contact David at the Chamber.
Last Call for Destination Guide
A very small number of spaces are still available - please
contact the Chamber to reserve your space now!
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!
Member News
New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!
Member of the Month: Land Title Company
"We want to simplify the entire real estate process for you."


Title & Escrow Dept Silverdale
9657 Levin Road NW #100
Silverdale, WA 98383
(360) 692-2233
Ryan, Mongomery & Armstrong Offer
Workplace Investigation Services
Sound West Group's Wes Larsen Honored
Congratulations to Wesley Larson for being selected by the editors of GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum as a top individual for their Influencers in Multifamily Real Estate recognition.

For this series, GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum collected nominations and selected top professionals in the multifamily real estate sector. Each individual, team and organization that has been chosen as an impactful leader within the field will be highlighted in GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum’s October issue.

The 2022 Influencers in Multifamily will additionally be honored at a celebratory awards ceremony during the MULTIFAMILY FALL conference in Los Angeles on October.
Kitsap Mental Health Names New Leader
Published in the Kitsap Sun, August 8, 2022

After serving Kitsap Mental Health Services for over four years as chief operating officer, Monica Bernhard will move over to the CEO position left open by Joe Roszak's retirement, the organization announced Monday.

"I'm really excited about that," Bernhard said Monday, adding that she'll continue the work the agency has already been contributing to the community.

Not Too Early for Holiday Prep
FROG Soap Seeking Local Artisans

Do you have news you'd like to share about your business or organization?
We'd love to share! Please send information to Irene at the Chamber!

Member Spotlight
Fairfield Inn & Suites
The city of Bremerton is the central hub to the Olympic Peninsula. Get some fresh air and explore the scenic mountains full of hiking trails, waterfalls and beaches. We are located near the Kitsap Conference Center and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and a short 5-minute walk to the Seattle Ferry Terminal. Making our hotel an ideal place to stay if you are visiting Seattle, but want to relax and unwind outside of the city. Whether you are here for business or leisure, Fairfield Inn & Suites Bremerton is in the perfect location with many nearby restaurants, local shops and award-winning golf courses. You will feel comfortable in our newly renovated guest rooms, all including a microwave, mini fridge, internet-ready flat screen TVs and complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel. Start your day off with our complimentary hot breakfast and all-day coffee.
239 4th Street
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 377-2111
Education Committee
Member Education & Training Resources
Kitsap Digital Hour:
Business Credibility & Credit
Wednesday, August 10, 2022, 11:00 am
Tax Savings Strategies for Small Businesses
Thursday, August 11, 2022, 9:00 am
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!

Workshop Fee: $55
Buying or Selling an Existing
Business Step-by-Step
Friday, August 12, 2022, 9:00 am
This 3-hour workshop is designed to give you plenty of practical exercises to give you, the future business owner, real steps to take away and the skills and know-how that you’ll need for:

  • Finding a business to buy
  • Evaluating an offer to sell a business
  • Performing the necessary review and due diligence on the business you want to buy
  • Determining a fair purchase price and negotiating the deal
  • Understanding the various financing options available to you
  • Bringing the purchase of the business to a win-win conclusion

This workshop is also suitable for existing small business owners who are contemplating selling their business in the future. It will help you understand the process the potential buyer will go through to evaluate your business so that you’re better prepared. 

Workshop Fee: $55
Advocacy Committee
2022 Central Kitsap Election Results
Some races are still too close to call, with counting expected to continue this week. Click the link below for the most up-to-date election results in Washington state and your local elections.
Business News & Resources
National Farmers Market Week
Courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration

Fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, and handmade crafts: America’s farmers markets are certainly all of these things. But they’re also much more than meets the eye. Farmers markets nourish our communities by creating jobs, connecting producers directly with consumers, and cultivating strong local, regional, and national food systems. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that farmers markets contribute $9 billion to the U.S. economy each year. While farmers markets provide invaluable services to their communities, they, like any other business, require the proper nurturing to grow. That is where the SBA can lend a hand. This National Farmers Market Week, August 7-13, 2022, check out SBA's resources to help you start and grow your business.

Washington Continues to Add Jobs
Despite Looming Recession
Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association

Although the hiring rate is slowing, Washington state added an estimated net total of 2,500 jobs in June, according to a report by the Employment Security Department (ESD.) The most jobs added were in the Seattle area, a total of 3,300 jobs, while other areas of the state had lower job numbers.
 
The state added 85,000 jobs during the first six months of 2021 compared with 58,900 year-over-year in 2022.
 
"Labor market conditions remain strong for now, but hiring is showing signs of slowing," said ESD's State Economist Paul Turek. "Efforts underway to curb high inflation — such as raising interest rates — will likely continue to dampen job growth and hiring as the year progresses."
 
The preliminary seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate in May dropped slightly to 3.9%. Nationally, nonfarm jobs increased by 372,000 in June, exceeding economists' expectations.
Working WA Grants: Round 5
Application Portal Opens August 17, 2022
The Washington State Legislature has allocated a new round of grant funding for small businesses affected by the pandemic. $70 million was appropriated by the legislature for the next round of Working Washington Grants: Round 5. In this round of Working Washington grants, available funds are set aside for specific targeted groups or sectors:

  • 60% is identified for the arts, heritage, and science sectors, including those that operate live entertainment venues
  • 40% is identified for most other sectors, including hospitality, fitness and personal services
 
General Timeline:
  • August 17 – 31: Application portal will remain open for 15 days
  • Early – Mid September: Review of applications
  • Late September: Commerce will notify grantees and disburse funding

Make sure to register for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number by August 1st, which is required to receive grants from this federally-funded program.
How to Land Your Dream Investors
and Catapult You to Success
Published on Entrepreneur, June 27, 2022

Fundraising is a crucial piece to any successful business plan, but landing investors is often a challenge, especially in today's very competitive fundraising landscape. While investments can be game-changing at any point of a business, raising capital is particularly important for startups, as it opens doors for your brand to get up and running. Capital allows for product development, team expansion, marketing efforts and even direct mentorship and counseling.

Save-the-Date: KEDA Fall Forum
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Kitsap County News
Travel trailers, RVs and cars sit in the county public works' property just off Poplars Avenue NW, near the Haselwood YMCA in Silverdale on May 26. MEEGAN M. REID/KITSAP SUN
Silverdale Encampment Cleared by County
Published in the Kitsap Sun, August 8, 2022

A parking lot along Silverdale Way where a number of RVs, trailers and cars were set up as semi-permanent residences without county approval was shut down Monday morning by Kitsap County's Homeless Action Response Team.

According to Kristen Jewell, housing and homelessness program coordinator for the county, the Homeless Action Response Team, or HEART, had implemented the plan to remove residents from the encampment about a month ago, and has been working with individuals at the encampment to locate new places to live. Monday was the residents' final deadline to move out. 

Kitsap Transit Hopes to Build
Local Ferry Maintenance Facility
Published in the Kitsap Sun, August 5, 2022

Kitsap Transit is looking to bring a dedicated ferry maintenance facility to Kitsap County.

On July 29, the agency released a call for proposals in the initial planning and development stage of the process. A dedicated facility aims to provide a “higher level of reliability” and quicker boat repairs, said Kitsap Transit Executive Director John Clauson.

The plan for the site that includes:
  • Four berthing docks that can accommodate the agency’s largest 140-foot vessel, the Enetai, which is a bow-loading ferry that serves on the Southworth and Kingston routes;
  • Space for a lift with a capacity of 300 tons and room for two vessels;
  • A fixed structure space to be used as a repair shop; 
  • Parking space for four vehicles.

Washington State Ferries operates a similar facility in Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island

Water Advisories Issued Again for
Lions Park and Silverdale Waterfront
Published in the Kitsap Sun, August 4, 2022

Swimmers should avoid the water at Silverdale Waterfront Park and Lions Park until further notice, according to the Kitsap Public Health District.
The Health District issued a no-contact advisory for the two areas on Thursday, citing high levels of Enterococci bacteria in the water. Notices have been posted at both beaches.

Enterococci are bacteria that indicate the presence of fecal matter in water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. No cases of illness connected to either beach have been reported so far.

"The health district recommends against swimming, wading or any other activities at the beaches that could allow water to be swallowed or get into the mouth, nose or eyes," the Health District wrote in the advisory.

Photo: A Kitsap Public Health District environmental health specialist Brandon Kindschy fills a container of water for testing in June 2021. MEEGAN M. REID/KITSAP SUN
Partial Ban on Outdoor Burning
The Kitsap County Fire Marshal announces a Stage One ban on outdoor burning starting midnight, Friday, August 5.

Outdoor burning is prohibited under the ban and burning permits are suspended. Most outdoor burning is prohibited with a few exceptions including:

  • Recreational fires in approved appliances and locations
  • Permitted state or federal campgrounds

Recreational burning includes small fires for cooking, religious, or similar purposes, less than three feet in diameter in fire pits, fireplaces, or outdoor appliances.

“The elevated temperatures last week dried fuels to a seasonal level making the ban on larger outdoor fires necessary,” says David Lynam, Kitsap County Fire Marshal.

Lynam does not expect to lift the ban until typical fall weather brings rainfall to the area.

Those who have recreational fires are asked to always have a sufficient water source handy to put the fire out. Never leave any fire unattended as even small recreational fires can spread to surrounding areas.
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management is providing free KN95 masks and COVID testing kits to local businesses. Pick up your supply at the Greater Kitsap Chamber's Silverdale office today.
COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing Resources
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.

Community Information
Registration Open for Kitsap Youth Forum
Thursday, October 20, 2022
From substance use to climate change, from mental health to homelessness, from community safety to racial equity, youth voices can make a difference.

The Kitsap County Commission on Children & Youth and Kitsap Public Health District are co-hosting a forum so youth have a platform to freely talk about these ideas with the people making and passing policies in Kitsap County. Please join us 4:30 to 6:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division St., Port Orchard. All ages are welcome! The forum is free and open to the public and registration is now open!
Tourism Information
GKVC Hosts Summer Events Around Kitsap
Week 2 Concert Series Enjoys More Community
Week 2 of the Silverdale @ Sunset concert series welcomed Ranger & the Re-Arrangers at Waterfront Park, hosted by SERVPRO of Kitsap County. Enjoy good music and delicious eats every Wednesday this August in Silverdale. Order ahead from KettleFish, Monica's Waterfront Bakery & Cafe or The Hub Byron Street, or enjoy Double D's BBQ and NW Cold Treats. Silverdale @ Sunset is powered by Astound Broadband.
Photos courtesy of Kathleen Arndt, SERVPRO of Kitsap County.
Silverdale @ Sunset Concert Series
Wednesday, August 10, 2022, 6:30 pm
Kitsap Wine Festival
Saturday, August 13, 2022, 2:00 pm
13th Annual Kitsap Wine Festival benefiting the
Downtown Bremerton Association
Taste wines from over 14 wineries and sample NW Cuisine.

Since it began 13 years ago, the Kitsap Wine Festival has featured live music, delicious foods, craft beer and of course, great wines. You'll have the opportunity to explore and discover a wide variety of wines by sampling bottles featured by our ever-expanding slate of participating wineries. Find a new favorite and take it home. Our retail wine shop provides an expanded selection of wines and an assortment of fun wine-related treasures. You'll want to compliment all of your delightful sippings by noshing delectables offered by our amazing food vendors. Round out your day of summer fun with games like cornhole and ladder golf on the gorgeous waterfront at the Kitsap Wine Festival!
Lady Washington Returns to Kitsap
Tours & Sailings, August 10-28, 2022
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David Emmons
President/CEO
Irene Moyer
Director of Member Relations
Joe Barboza
Operations Manager
Brenda Kelley
Tourism Coordinator
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.