Wednesday, November 15, 2023 |
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US Rep. Derek Kilmer Announces
He Won't Seek Reelection in 2024
Hilary Franz Drops Out of Governor's Race to Seek Kilmer's Seat
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Photo: Tiffany Diamond
U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, announced Thursday that he won't seek reelection in 2024, and by Friday at least one Democratic candidate had emerged and a local Republican expressed some initial interest.
Kilmer, who has represented the 6th District in the House of Representatives since 2013, announced the decision in a lengthy – and personal – statement on Thursday, saying in part, "In a letter I recently shared with my kids, I told them what I am now sharing with the folks I represent: I will not seek re-election next year."
"I’ve looked at life in chapters," he added. "The decade I spent working in economic development. The eight years I spent in the Washington State Legislature. The nearly eleven years I’ve already spent in the U.S. House of Representatives. I never intended for this chapter to be something I’d do for the rest of my life, and – as I shared with my kids – I’m excited to start a new chapter when my term is complete."
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2023 Business Awards Gala: Sellout Crowd Honors Businesses & Nonprofits |
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Thursday night saw a packed house at the Kitsap Conference Center as the Greater Kitsap Chamber celebrated at the 2nd Annual Business Awards Gala. More than 300 people filled the room as businesses, nonprofits and community leaders were honored for their contributions to the greater community. Congratulations to the 2023 recipients:
Hyas Tyee
Steve Sego
Pioneer Business of the Year
Natalie E. Bryson Business of the Year
Dr. Glen Gordon New Business of the Year
Hospitality Business of the Year
Nonprofit of the Year
Citizen of the Year
Harriette Bryant
More photos, courtesy of Vishal Goklani are coming soon, but please enjoy this video recap of the evening with a special message for US Representative Derek Kilmer,
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House Passes Temporary Spending Bill to Avert Disastrous Government Shutdown |
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The House approved a temporary measure to fund the government and avert a catastrophic shutdown Tuesday, kicking the can down the road once again for Congress to pass a longer-term deal to keep the government’s doors open for Americans.
The stopgap bill led by newly installed House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., – referred to as a continuing resolution – passed the lower chamber by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 336-95.
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November Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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We are excited to be talking about our nonprofit community for this month's luncheon! Please join us for a conversation with Carol Kowalski on the importance of working alongside our nonprofit community throughout the year, and specifically how businesses can create a mutually beneficial partnership with nonprofits that align with their business' mission and vision.
We are also excited to host a Nonprofit Showcase of Kitsap organizations; come learn all about the wonderful groups that provide so much in all of our communities.
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Marvin Williams
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Chamber Survey: Workforce Development |
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The Workforce Development Committee is interested in better understanding the workforce needs of local businesses in Kitsap County so that the Chamber is able to provide more tailored support. These are the first of a series of survey questions over the next month aimed at addressing this topic.
Please respond with regards to your business or organization.
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Do you offer any wellness or mental health
programs to support your employees?
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Planning to in the future
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Are you interested in resources or guidance on implementing wellness programs for your employees? |
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Would you be interested in collaborating with local organizations or other businesses to address workforce challenges collectively? |
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(If you answered "yes" to the last question, please share any specific areas of collaboration you'd be interested in (e.g. joint job fairs, skills training programs, etc.) by emailing the Chamber at the link below. |
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*Survey questions are run for 2 weeks to capture all of our readers.
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is committed to learning how best
to serve our business membership and community. Your participation
in poll questions like these help us to work better for you!
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Insurance done differently. Our benefits partner BHT offers quality, cost-effective medical plans plus a whole lot more, including concierge level customer service and innovative cost-saving programs and resources.
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and learn how purchasing your benefits package through an Association Health Plan can benefit you.
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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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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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Register Now for Leadership Kitsap's New Executive Leadership Program - LKPI |
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Community Leader Peer Coaching Groups are cohort-based programs for the professional and personal development of leaders looking to learn and collaborate with other business executives in a safe space. Leaders can use their current work experiences, and the experiences of others in the cohort, as opportunities for growth and learning through facilitated dialog. Group members can share their unique leadership challenges, gain meaningful insights, and create a system of personal accountability through the support, wisdom, and guidance of peers in leadership from across the region.
REGISTRATION
Should this program be a good fit for you, they will send you a link to register online.
UPCOMING COHORT DEADLINE: CONSULTS DUE DECEMBER 1, 2023 for a January Start Date.
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Pacific Northwest Title Hosts Food Drive
Collections through November 17th
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20 Under 40 Call for Nominations
Nominations Close November 19th
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Identify business leaders under the age of 40 (as of January 30th of the current award year) who are making an impact in business, philanthropy and/or in their local Kitsap County communities. Nominees should be top leaders in their organization or industry and demonstrate their commitment to the Kitsap community. Nominees must be 39 years or younger as of the awards ceremony date of the current award year to qualify. |
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Clark Construction was honored recently by the Bainbridge Community Foundation as Outstanding Philanthropic Company for 2023. BCF's Outstanding Philanthropic Company Award was created to honor companies that dedicate time and money towards philanthropic efforts.
From the Bainbridge Community Foundation:
"Clark Construction has been dedicated to giving back to the community from day one. Volunteerism is a part of the culture of the firm, with employees donating numerous hours to a wide variety of community causes. Founded by women, this employee-owned company is committed to sustainability. One of their signature community partnerships was the creation of workforce housing at the Morales Farm on Bainbridge using predominantly recycled materials - including those from other Clark projects. The project, a partnership between Coates Design, Clark Construction, Friends of the Farm, and Housing Resources Bainbridge was the first of its kind in our region and a model for innovative housing development. In addition, Clark was the construction partner for the Bainbridge Island Rowing's Stan Pocock Rowing Center and is a regular supporter of lslandWood, Helpline, Housing Resources Bainbridge and many others."
Congratulations to the team at Clark Construction, and thank you for your dedication to your local community!
Photo courtesy of the Bainbridge Community Foundation.
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901 Hildebrand Lane | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | (206) 842-5450 |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Small Business Cybersecurity Training Series
4-part Series Wraps Up on November 15, 2023
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Small businesses are under cyber and data-breach attacks more than ever given the current climate. Cyber attacks happen every day, and for a small business they can be very costly and cripple business operations. Having your systems and information compromised is not only a direct threat to your confidential data, it can also ruin your relationships with customers and cause legal vulnerability. It is imperative to learn how to boost your cyber defense systems.
This four-part training series was developed to help small businesses be cyber safe. The series will be a combination of cybersecurity presentation, subject matter expert panel and Q&A. Join us and become cyber safe today!
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Part 4: Implementation
November 15 @ 1:30 pm
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WTIA: Startup Community Day
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 12:00 pm
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Come celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month with us!
During this action-packed half day event you'll have the opportunity to hear a keynote speech, participate in a roundtable and fundraising workshop, and hear from a panel of experts. This event is perfect for start-up founders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights from investors and founders alike.
Finally, unwind and network with fellow entrepreneurs during our happy hour.
This is an event you won't want to miss!
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WA State Small Business Tech Day
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 1:00 pm
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The event is designed to help small businesses equip themselves with the best technology and practices available today to increase productivity and profitability and protect them against online threats.
Featuring well-known business leaders, tech experts and leading minds showing small businesses how to compete and succeed in many aspects of their business with a concentration on utilizing technology to be productive, profitable and protected.
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Money Management Basics
Monday, November 20, 2023, 11:30 am
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Business News & Resources |
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AWB Employer Survey: Inflation, Workforce Challenges Still Hitting Employers |
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Employer survey: Washington employers this autumn are cautiously optimistic, saying tough economic conditions are continuing to slightly improve. They are still very uncertain about what’s ahead, however, and continue to face major challenges from inflation and difficulty finding employees. That’s according to AWB’s most recent quarterly survey of Washington employers.
Uncertainty: Employers worry a little less about the state entering a recession within the next year (36% expect a recession, down from 47% in the summer and 44% in the spring). A big chunk, however (41%) are unsure about what’s ahead. A quarter have delayed hiring due to recession fears and 39% have delayed capital expenditures.
Rising costs: Inflation is still a major issue facing employers, although it continues to slowly moderate. The biggest chunk of employers (39%) have seen prices increase by 6-10% over the past year. The next-biggest group (26%) report prices are 11-20% higher. About one in ten employers have either seen prices go up by 21-30% (10% of employers) or have seen a 1-5% increase (11% of respondents).
Biggest challenges: In addition to inflation, most employers listed lack of qualified workers (53%), government regulation (52%) and the overall tax burden (51%) as their top concerns.
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Navy Seeks Properties for Lease
to Support Shipyard Infrastructure
Optimization Program (SIOP)
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Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest, in support of the Department of the Navy (“DON” or “Government”), is seeking information on available properties that can be made available to meet several requirements. The DON is also open to proposed solutions or alternative project ideas to meet the current real estate needs. Responders are encouraged to complete and submit a response to this Request for Interest (“RFI”) in support of their proposed facility, land, project renovation, redevelopment, and/or other ideas/concepts no later than November 24, 2023. The DON intends to use the RFI responses to further evaluate its best courses of action.
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2023 Holiday to Reach Record Spending Levels |
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Holiday spending is expected to reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 3% and 4% over 2022 to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion.
Overall household finances remain in good shape and will continue to support the consumer’s ability to spend.
Despite a slower growth rate compared with the past three years, when trillions of dollars of stimulus led to unprecedented rates of retail spending during the pandemic, this year’s holiday spending is consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to 2019.
Online shopping has been one of the biggest shifts in consumer behavior from the COVID-19 pandemic. Online and other non-store sales, which are included in the total, are expected to increase this year between 7% and 9%, with totals between $273.7 billion and $278.8 billion. That figure is up from $255.8 billion last year.
Consumers remain in the driver’s seat and are resilient despite future inflation, higher gas prices, tight credit conditions, and elevated interest rates. Spending is expected to continue through the end of the year on a range of items and experiences but at a slower pace. Solid job and wage growth will be contributing factors this holiday season, and consumers will be looking for deals and discounts to stretch their dollars.
To meet the demand of the holiday season, retailers are expected to hire between 345,000 and 450,000 seasonal workers nationally, in line with 391,000 seasonal hires in 2022. Some of this hiring may have been pulled into October to support retailers’ holiday buying events in October.
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Business Grants to Apply for in November 2023 |
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$500,000 in grants from Verizon Small Business
Here's how it works: Business owners can sign up for the free online resource, which aims to provide technical assistance, mentoring and other resources to underserved small businesses, and complete either courses, coaching or participation in community events to be eligible to apply for the grant.
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grant application process is open until Dec. 20, 2023.
$25,000 grants to women in food and beverage businesses
The Stacy’s Rise Project, from the maker of Stacy's Pita Chips, aims to provide $25,000 grants to 10 women-founded small businesses in the food and beverage industry in the United States. Specifically, a company must be selling a consumer packaged good and have annualized sales between $25,000 and $1 million to be eligible.
Business owners must be willing to participate in a 16-week mentorship program that consists of virtual webinars, online office hours and virtual training and support.
AICPA and CPA.com are offering $25,000 for accounting startups
Those selected for the accelerator will be offered a $25,000 grant, access to members of the professional organizations, firms, press and customers and subject matter experts and mentors.
The deadline for applications is Nov. 30, 2023, and winners will be announced in January 2024.
The $10,000 Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant
Black and Latino-owned restaurants and related businesses can apply for a financial stipend of $10,000 and free financial education, consulting and marketing assistance through Feed The Soul’s grant program.
Applications open Oct. 5, 2023, and run through Jan. 31.
Hello Alice to offer $1,000 in “American Dream” grants
Visitors can nominate a small business, making it eligible for $1,000 grants and additional publicity and support in the form of a small-business accelerator.
Federal grant and loan options for small businesses
In addition to those options, there are several federal grants and loans from the federal government targeting small businesses.
The America's Seed Fund program from the National Science Foundation, open to early-stage companies that need to prove their technology and find their market potential, has made about 3,400 awards to startups and small businesses since 2012, with 153 exits by those companies and $9.1 billion in private investment. The grant program gives out roughly $200 million per year to eligible businesses.
For those looking for government-backed loans, the USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, part of an umbrella loan program offered by the USDA under its OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative, offers loan guarantees of up to 80% on everything from purchasing a building, modernizing equipment, working capital or acquiring a company.
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Corporate Transparency Act:
Beneficial Ownership Information
Reporting Begins in 2024
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The Corporate Transparency Act is a Treasury Department requirement intended to protect against suspicious transactions. In the past it has applied to larger companies or highly regulated industries like banks. Come 2024, smaller businesses will be required to start reporting their ownership information. Read more here.
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Shrinking Labor Force Spells
Trouble for Business Growth
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The most concerning news from the October jobs report was that the labor force shrunk by 201,000.
Why it matters: A smaller labor force makes it difficult for businesses to find the workers they need to grow and compete, especially since job openings grew from August to September (the most recent data available).
Be smart: Scaling up skills-based employment can be a successful strategy for companies to expand talent pools beyond traditional four-year degree holders and can help workers showcase their skillsets.
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Biden Takes Sweeping Action on AI Governance |
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President Joe Biden has signed an executive order addressing the need for robust regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasizes the importance of governing this technology to realize its promise while minimizing associated risks.
The following is a high-level overview of the executive order and next steps from the administration:
Security and privacy standards
The executive order establishes standards for security and privacy protections in AI development, and developers must safety-test new models and submit results to the government before public release.
Combatting deepfakes:
The Commerce Department will develop standards for watermarking AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, to distinguish between real and manipulated audio or images.
Government oversight:
The order leverages the government’s position as a top customer for tech companies to vet technology with national security risks. Federal agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Defense, and Homeland Security, will ensure AI systems do not pose chemical, biological, or nuclear risks.
Congressional action:
President Biden plans to discuss AI and legislation with Congress to develop a bipartisan approach that addresses privacy and other concerns associated with AI. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer advocates for significant investment in AI research and development, aiming to have legislation ready in the coming months.
Global cooperation:
Vice President Kamala Harris and industry leaders will present the U.S. plan for AI governance at a UK-hosted summit with an emphasis on global collaboration to apply existing international rules and norms for promoting global order and stability.
Algorithmic bias and justice:
Biden calls for guidance safeguarding Americans from algorithmic bias in various areas, including housing and government benefit programs. The Justice Department will establish best practices for investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations related to AI, addressing concerns in the criminal justice system.
Immigration and talent:
Immigration officials are urged to reduce visa requirements for overseas talent seeking employment at American AI companies.
President Biden’s executive order marks a significant step toward the United States’ efforts to develop an AI governance framework. The move aligns with global efforts, emphasizing collaboration with allies to promote order and stability in the rapidly advancing AI landscape.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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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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Webinar: Urgency of Gov't Grants Reform
for Your Nonprofit
Monday, November 20, 2023
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This webinar will highlight the many challenges charitable nonprofits face in seeking and performing under government grants and will also identify progress in reforming grants laws and practices at the federal and state levels. Register yourself to attend or receive the recording.
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5 Board Oversight Failures,
How to Overcome Them
It is becoming customary for nonprofit boards to conduct an annual performance review. An annual board assessment can help a board identify and address structural and procedural challenges to fulfilling fiduciary duties for a nonprofit.
In addition to the annual approach to a more formal assessment, I've come up with five fails boards have likely experienced. The best thing about these scenarios is the board can simply remedy them by providing board members with a high level of satisfaction and productivity.
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Thanksgiving Day & Day After Service, Nov. 23-24
No Service on Thursday, Nov. 23
- Kitsap Transit will NOT operate service on Thursday, Nov. 23.
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Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 for service information.
- Our Customer Service Office, Call Center, ORCA Call Center and Administrative Office will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.
Holiday Service on Friday, Nov. 24
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Routed buses will operate holiday schedules or may not operate on Friday, Nov. 24. Please see your route's holiday schedule for availability and times of service or use our route lookup online at: kitsaptransit.com/holiday-schedule.
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Kitsap Fast Ferries and the Port Orchard Ferry will operate normal weekday service.
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The Annapolis Ferry will NOT operate.
- BI Ride will operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Trips after 4:00 PM must be booked through the Ride Pingo app.
- Kingston Ride Fast Ferry Commuter and Southworth Ride Fast Ferry Commuter will operate regular weekday service.
- Kingston Ride, SK Ride, Nollwood Dial-A-Ride and Purdy Ride will NOT operate.
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Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 for service information.
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Some Worker/Driver buses may operate; visit kitsaptransit.com/service/workerdriver-buses/ for more information.
- Some Vanpools may not operate; call your vanpool driver for information.
Our Customer Service phone lines, Customer Service Office at the Bremerton Transportation Center and the Administrative Office will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The ORCA call center will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.
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City of Bremerton Seeks African American
Art Bids for Quincy Square
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The Bremerton Arts Commission has issued artist calls for a sculpture on the southeast corner of Pacific Avenue at Fourth Street, and a mural and site specific art on the parking garage on Washington Avenue. Artists can apply until December 10.
The focus of these pieces should be “the celebration of the African American pioneers that's been here – we're asking the artists to capture their spirit,” committee member Roosevelt Smith said, mentioning significant Black Bremerton residents like Lillian Walker, Nathanial Sargeant and Jane Ruley. “Our scope is to highlight what Quincy Jones stands for and that’s the collaboration of everyone because his music spans all genres. There was no boundaries.”
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Washington State Housing Finance Commission Offers Support to Homeowners |
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Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23, 2023
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Please join the Silverdale Rotary Club as they have some fun and help those in need at the Annual Thanksgiving morning "Turkey Trot" in the woods of the Newberry Hill Heritage Park. Get ready to spend a day with family and friends on a community run, with all proceeds benefitting the food-at-risk in our community. The entire event is run in the woods -- no roads, no cars, no sidewalks! Please join the Silverdale Rotary Club as we have some fun and help those in need! This event includes Kid's Dashes, a 1-Mile, 5-K, and 10-K run as well as a surprise or two for participants.
Online registration for the Silverdale Rotary Club Turkey Trot closes THIS Thursday – November 16, 2023 -- at midnight. See the Run Sign up page for more details.
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50th Annual Christmas Lane at Port
December 1-3, 2023
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Fathoms O' Fun Seeks New Leadership
to Keep Community Events Going
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Photo: Larry Steagall
Fathoms O' Fun Festival, the organizer of the July 4 fireworks over Sinclair Inlet and other activities through the year, has expressed concern over its own future as the nonprofit seeks new board members and volunteers.
With members retiring, the organization now needs a new chairperson and treasurer, as well as several committee chairpersons to help keep operations on track. It was possible that Fathoms O' Fun Festival could've faced dissolution by the end of 2023 if no new volunteers filled in the two roles, according to a statement it released on Nov. 2. However, Fathoms' Vice Chair Jon Hohol on Monday told Kitsap Sun that they would manage to operate Fathoms O' Fun for another year, as the team didn't want to see the organization close on such short notice.
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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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Winter Vintage Concert Series
@ Historic Roxy Theatre
Friday, November 17, 2023
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JOIN US FOR AN
ANTHOLOGY TO
ONE OF OUR MOST
ICONIC BANDS.
2 Bands, One Price: Early Bird Special
ONLY $25 PER SEAT
If you dig the Beatles Music and the iconic rock & roll and soulful music of the 60s, 70s & 80s—make sure you don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch the 'Yellow Submarine to the ROXY to experience the Beatles' Revival Concert.
DON'T MISS OUT—PURCHASE TICKETS BELOW
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BCT Presents: Ring of Fire
Now thru November 19, 2023
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From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits — including I Walk The Line, A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues, and the title tune paint a musical portrait of The Man in Black that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend.
Content Advisory: Contains some adult language, sexual innuendo, and drug references.
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Roxy Battle of the Bands
November 16, 2023, 7:00 pm
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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaii
Friday, November 17, 2023, 7:30 pm
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By now, if you know the ‘ukulele, you might know the name, the innovator who is Jake Shimabukuro. He has captivated audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style. With his mother as his first teacher of the instrument, Jake embraced a deep love and respect for the `ukulele and has explored new and unexpected ways to push the boundaries of what was possible on the humble four-strings. Each album has showcased his mastery of the instrument and his ability to weave together diverse genres to create a cohesive and captivating musical experience. He is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of his generation, changing the perception of the instrument itself and breaking barriers of what kind of music it is capable of. |
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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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