Wednesday, December 20, 2023 |
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GKC Joins AWB Hill Climb
Chamber delegation to travel to Olympia
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is excited to join the Association of Washington Business for their annual Legislative Day & Hill Climb on Wednesday, January 24th. We invite all members interested in meeting with legislators and learning more about Washington's legislative process to attend.
In addition to meetings with our local legislators, there will be in-person meetings with AWB staff to discuss various legislative priorities impacting businesses across Washington, as well as a lunchtime talk with Lt. Gov. Denny Heck. The day will conclude with an evening reception that will include plenty of time to network with legislators and business leaders at Ricardo's Kitchen + Bar.
The cost for the full event is $159 until January 15th and you must register to attend. Transportation to and from Olympia will be provided by the Greater Kitsap Chamber.
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December Luncheon @ Admiral Theatre
Today, December 20, 2023, 11:00 am
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Online registration has closed, but we can take walk-ins at the door.
We hope you'll join us for the Chamber's annual holiday luncheon,
featuring amazing networking, our annual Ugly Sweater Contest,
holiday entertainment and a visit by Ho Ho Santa!
And don't forget to bring your raffle donations - proceeds this month will benefit the Bremerton Foodline. Help us #feedbremerton with
your raffle contributions today!
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Chamber Celebrates Opening of European Wax
Monday event was 16th ribbon cutting of the year for GKC
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The Chamber was excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the European Wax Center in Silverdale with a Ribbon Cutting on Monday. Kitsap Kelly was also on hand to celebrate! |
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It's the Final Week of Gnome on the Roam
Shop local program ends Dec. 23rd
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Come find Kitsap Kelly (and some great deals) as you're out this week. Be sure to check out North Kitsap with several of our weekend locations, including the Port Gamble General Store. Silverdale won't be left out of the fun as Kitsap Kelly returns to Nothing Bundt Cakes - be sure to pick up all the holiday cakes you need for this weekend! And Central Kitsap locations all week long have some awesome shop local deals you won't want to miss!
You can find our Gnome on the Roam at these amazing locations:
TUES/WED/THURS LOCATIONS:
Cloverleaf Bar & Grill
Illuminate.Me
Kitsap Community Food Co-Op
Spiro's Bremerton
THURS-MON LOCATIONS:
CB's Nuts
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Port Gamble General Store
Quilted Strait
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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 benefits as a 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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Leadership Kitsap Announces 20 Under 40 Recipients to be Honored in January |
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Congratulations to all of our Greater Kitsap Chamber members recognized in this year's 20 Under 40 program! Please join us as we celebrate these amazing leaders on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the Kitsap Conference Center. Tickets available at the link below.
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Coming Soon: Kitsap Great Give |
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White Barn Decor is more than just home decor. They provide full floral for events, including weddings and private parties; business consultations for those hoping to open their own small business; interior design consultations; seasonal decorating for homes and businesses; and custom metal work.
For your next event, meeting, holiday, or for no special occasion at all, Jimmi Cook and his team can provide you with the look you never knew you always wanted, and you won't be disappointed. Congratulations again to this amazing local business, just beyond Kitsap, for being celebrated as December's Member of the Month!
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23611 NE WA-3 | Belfair, WA 98528 | (360) 277-4598
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Emily Randall Telephone Town Hall
Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 6:00 pm
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Do you have questions or feedback? Bring them to this live telephone town hall!
This is a way to hear from each other as we look forward to another year of building a stronger, healthier Washington.
Our telephone town hall system will dial out mainly to landlines in the district, so all you need to do is answer. If you do not have a landline, you can sign up to receive a call when the telephone town hall begins here. Please submit this sign-up form with your name, phone number and any questions you’d like to ask by 8 a.m. Wednesday.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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ScaleUp Business Training
Begins Again in January
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This online training was designed to help established businesses increase profitability, build capacity, and spur growth. ScaleUp is an online training program that empowers established businesses to take growth into their own hands. The nine-week program consists of instructor lead virtual training sessions, online learning modules, and access to a social media networking platform that facilitates interactions between business owners and business experts.
The program is most beneficial for established business owners, with two or more years’ experience owning and operating a small business who are currently based in Washington state.
97% of small businesses that have attended ScaleUp would recommend the training for other businesses!
Three session options:
Jan. 24 - March 20, 2024 | Wednesdays 6-7:30pm. Register now
ScaleUp is a flexible time commitment and is delivered online through the ScaleUp online learning environment, live training sessions with roundtable discussion, and weekly Study Hall mentorship hours. This program is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through June 30, 2025, thanks to ongoing support from the Washington Department of Commerce.
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Evergreen Goodwill:
Free Job Training & Education
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Military Relations Committee |
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Spring 2024: Military Appreciation Day
Booth registrations & sponsorships available now
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Contact Tiffany at the Chamber to learn more and reserve your space or sponsorship!
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Business News & Resources |
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Washington Minimum Wage
Increasing in January
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Courtesy of the SBDC
Washington’s minimum wage is increasing to $16.28 an hour effective Jan. 1, 2024, a 3.4 percent increase over 2023. Cities can set minimum wages higher than the state. Bellingham joins Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila as cities that have opted for higher minimum wage rates. The Department of Labor and Industries evaluates the cost-of-living each year and announces the new minimum wage on September 30 that takes effect January 1.
The state minimum wage applies to workers age 16 and older. Under state law, employers can pay 85 percent of the minimum wage to workers ages 14-15. For 2024, the wage for that younger group will be $13.84 per hour.
Increased minimum wage also increases the threshold for exempt employees, which will be $67,724.80 in 2024 regardless of business size.
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Downtown Seattle blanketed with wildfire smoke in August 2023. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times). |
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Outdoor Workers Gain Year-Round
Protections from Wildfire Smoke
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Wildfires in Washington have driven people from their homes, destroyed hundreds of structures, closed roads, and burned thousands of acres of forest and grassland across the state. The smoke from those fires and others in the broader region is made up of tiny particles that are a hazard to outdoor workers, who can suffer significant harm when they breathe it in.
Washington, Oregon, and California are now the only states with permanent rules regulating most outdoor workers’ exposure to the particles in wildfire smoke, which is one of the fastest-growing pollutants.
Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can reach the deepest parts of the lungs, causing serious health problems. It is particularly dangerous for people who work outdoor jobs like construction, agriculture, and certain other industries. When they breathe in the tiny particles carried by the smoke, it increases the risk of reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, heart failure, and even early death.
In 2021 and 2022, L&I enacted temporary emergency wildfire smoke rules to protect workers. The new permanent rule filed last week will be in effect year-round.
“With our changing climate, we know the threat of wildfire smoke isn’t a short-term problem,” said Craig Blackwood, L&I’s assistant director for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “By developing year-round, permanent rules that clearly spell out the requirements employers must follow, we can help them protect workers from the hazards of wildfire smoke,” said Blackwood.
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New Year, New Business
Navigating starting a new business with resources
from the Secretary of State & Dept of Revenue
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Are you considering starting or registering a new business this new year?
Like thousands of others across the state, given New Year's resolutions and the convenience of bookkeeping, the Corporations & Charities Division receives a significant workload of entity formation and incorporation documents in the last two weeks of December and the first few weeks of the new year. Please be prepared for some delays during this popular time to start a business. As a reminder, online orders are instantly placed in the ready-for-review queue and all filings are processed in the order received.
Here are a few helpful links to help you navigate during this busy time:
If needing a specific effective date take advantage of filing early and utilize the future effective date feature. You may select a date up to 90 days in the future from the submission date! This can be done both by using paper forms or the online filing system.
Learn about Tax Incentives, Deductions, Credits, and Programs
Understanding tax obligations can be challenging for a small business or a new business owner. DOR has several educational resources aimed at assisting businesses with tax reporting responsibilities and questions.
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Gov. Inslee's 2024 Supplemental Budget Adds $2 Billion in New Spending |
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Photo: Office of Gov. Jay Inslee
Governor's proposal: On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee released his proposed 2024 supplemental budget, the last of his term as governor. His proposal would add about $2 billion in new state spending to the $69.8 billion biennial budget adopted by legislators in April. The Legislature will consider his plan when it convenes Jan. 8.
Of that increase, about $1.1 billion is for spending on new policies, with the remaining $870 million to maintain current state programs, the Washington Research Council writes.
Continued budget growth: While the budget doesn't include any new taxes, it relies on stronger than expected tax collections and carbon auction proceeds. The proposal increases spending by 2.8% and uses reserve funds, putting spending about 15% higher than 2021-2023 levels.
Republican budget chief responds: Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, the top budget writer for Senate Republicans, said the governor's proposal "continues the same worrisome trends" over Inslee's term. “During the decade he has been in office, Washington has seen declines in affordability, public safety and education,” Wilson said. “These results come either in spite of the rapid growth in state spending — or because of it.”
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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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Is Your Strategic Plan Missing
These Nonprofit Trends?
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Credit: Getty Images by insta_photos
Nonprofit strategic planning continues to evolve. As a nonprofit leader, you might wonder what trends are emerging with strategic plans. Is your plan, your strategies and your nonprofit keeping up?
Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just embarking on this journey, this exploration of the latest trends will highlight the possibilities that may lie ahead in your strategic planning efforts. Here are summaries and samples of these trends.
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Food Insecurity Increasing in Kitsap,
Local Food Banks Feel the Pinch
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun
During a time of year that is usually characterized by an overflow of donations in the spirit of giving, Kitsap County food banks are experiencing food shortages as the demand for services outpaces supply.
When Bremerton Foodline’s new executive director, Cori Kauk, worked at a food bank in Issaquah, she said the donation doorbell never stopped ringing during the holidays. Staff would stay two to three hours after closing with the lights down and doors locked to organize all of the products flowing in the door and there would always be backstock to fill future gaps.
That hasn’t been the case for her staff in Bremerton early this winter.
“The holiday season is traditionally a time of greater need and we're certainly seeing that again this year,” said Charlie Thompson, executive director of the Fishline food bank in Poulsbo. “The need that we're seeing coming to our food bank is incredible — it's so much higher than just even a year ago."
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Kitsap County Draft Comprehensive Plan Documents Available for Review |
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Comments now being accepted; two public meetings scheduled for January
Kitsap County has completed preliminary draft documents for the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update that will be available for public review over the next week. The Comprehensive Plan is a key document addressing countywide growth through 2044 and directs county actions towards the community’s goals. The update includes four primary documents:
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Draft Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan is the County's 20-year blueprint for growth and investment, and includes goals, policies, and strategies for how to achieve its vision.
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Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS): The DEIS provides an overview of planning-level, environmental impacts and alternatives, including mitigation measures, that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts.
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Draft Capital Facilities Plan (CFP): The CFP covers needed improvements to roads, utilities, parks, and services including those for school and fire districts, necessary to accommodate growth.
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Draft Development Regulations: Proposed amendments to Kitsap County Code include Title 16 (Land Division), Title 17 (Zoning), and Title 21 to direct development consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement were released today, December 15, and the draft Capital Facilities Plan and Development Regulations will be available before December 22, 2023. All documents are or will be posted on the project website at kcowa.us/compplan.
There are two public comment periods running concurrently:
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Public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be taken until 4:30 p.m. January 31, 2024.
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Comments on the other documents may be submitted through at least April 8, 2024 and depending on the topic, through December 2024.
Public comment is strongly encouraged as this is the most important time for input in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan. Please submit comments early in the review process to ensure full consideration.
Public meetings to review the draft documents, ask questions and provide public input are scheduled for January 11, 2024 (virtual via Zoom) and January 18, 2024 (in-person event).
More information regarding these and future meetings including times, links and locations can be found at kcowa.us/compplan.
Written comments may be submitted directly to compplan@kitsap.gov or mailed to Colin Poff, Kitsap County Department of Community Development, 614 Division Street MS-36, Port Orchard, WA, 98366.
For more information regarding the Comprehensive Plan, update process, alternative maps and past discussions, go to kcowa.us/compplan.
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Winter Holiday Service
Sunday, Dec. 24 & Dec. 31 – Sunday Service
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On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 and New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, Route 217, Sunday on-demand service, ACCESS and the Port Orchard Ferry will operate normal Sunday Service.
Monday, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1 – No Service
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Kitsap Transit's Routed, ACCESS, On-Demand/Dial-a-Ride, Worker/Driver, Local Ferry and Fast Ferry services will NOT operate on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, or New Year's Day, Jan. 1.
- Our Customer Service Office, Call Center, ORCA Call Center and Administrative Office will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.
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Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 for reservation details.
- Some Vanpools may not operate; call your Vanpool driver for information.
Services that will not operate Dec. 25 through Jan. 1
During the holiday shipyard curtailment from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, Worker/Driver buses, Route 219–Crossroads, the Annapolis Ferry and Route 81–Annapolis will NOT operate.
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Council for Human Rights Announces Linda Gabriel Human Rights Award Winners |
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The Kitsap County Council for Human Rights announced recipients of the 2023 Linda Gabriel Human Rights Awards at the Board of Kitsap County Commissioners meeting Dec. 11. The awards are presented annually to recognize people advancing and promoting human rights, equity and positive change for all, often serving as role models, collaborators and advocates.
The awards are named in honor of Linda Gabriel, a founder of the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights, who passed away in 2014. Recipients are nominated by community members and the council votes to make the annual selections. Awards are made in four categories: youth, adult, organization and lifetime achievement.
Awardees recognized this year include Katie Blackburn (Youth Award), Pastor Gregory Reffner, Cristina Roark, Catalyst Public Schools, Kitsap Strong, Linda Segur and Sue Miglino. Segur and Miglino were recognized for their lif
For more information, visit the Council for Human Rights website at kcowa.us/hrc or contact Rebecca Pirtle in the Kitsap County Commissioners' Office at rpirtle@kitsap.gov.
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Recycling Tips to Cut Down on Holiday Waste |
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Kitsap County Recycling and Garbage asks residents to consider making a few changes to reduce waste and save room in your cart. Here are five tips to prevent and manage extra waste this holiday season.
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Treecycle - Take your fresh tree to a local tree recycling site when you're done enjoying it. Many sites are free, and some act as fundraisers for youth sports and activities. Search our list of recycling sites to find one near you.
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Discover the new Waste Wizard - Kitsap County's new Waste Wizard Tool can help you find the best way to dispose of unwanted items from your home. Simply type in the name of an item, and the wizard will tell you how to recycle or dispose of it.
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Fix and recycle string lights - If sections of your holiday lights aren't working, it's usually caused by a single bad bulb. You can fix it if you have spare bulbs and a multimeter tool on hand. If your lights are beyond repair, recycle them at a scrap metal drop-off site. Search the wizard to find a list. Some local hardware stores also collect lights during the holidays.
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Recycle right - Check out the Kitsap Recycle Right Guide. If you have recyclables that don’t fit in your bin, you can take them to a county waste facility for no charge. You can also ask your waste hauler if you can place extras next to your bin in a weatherproof container.
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Save the food - Most Kitsap residents are now able to subscribe to curbside compost services for food and yard waste. Enter your address into our compost map to see if you are eligible for this service.
Kitsap County garbage, recycling and hazardous waste facilities are closed at various times throughout the winter holidays. Click here to check schedules.
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Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise, Steps to
Stay Healthy this Holiday Season
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Respiratory illness season is ramping up in Kitsap County. Data reports show emergency department visits due to influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. Two flu-related deaths were reported in Kitsap last week.
COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community and five COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in long-term care facilities in the past month.
With holiday gatherings and school breaks just around the corner, now is a good time to make sure you and your household are up to date on immunizations and following simple steps to prevent getting and spreading viruses.
In addition to staying up to date on immunizations, you can take simple steps every day to avoid getting or spreading the viruses that cause common respiratory illnesses.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, including sharing cups and utensils
- Clean frequently touched surfaces like mobile devices
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces. Some healthcare offices may require masks during respiratory illness season. Watch for signs and follow instructions when you visit a healthcare facility.
It's also important to take care of your overall health by eating healthy, staying active, getting sleep and managing stress. See our recent bulletin with tips for keeping your body and mind active during fall and winter months.
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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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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Friday, December 22, 2023, 7:30 pm
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Million Dollar Quartet Christmas - From the creators of Million Dollar Quartet, your favorite Rock ‘n Roll legends return this Christmas for a brand new holiday musical.
Inspired by the Tony Award-nominated hit musical, Million Dollar Quartet, this holiday reimagining once again brings together soon to be legends, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley for a musical holiday celebration featuring a nostalgic string of chart topping favorites. This brand-new musical is inspired by the true story of the momentous homecoming in December 1956 of rock 'n' roll newcomers, and soon to be legends, as they reflect on Christmases past and contemplate Christmases present and yet-to-come at a moment when no one knew if rock 'n' roll was a fad or a revolution.
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Samantha Fish
Saturday, December 30, 2023, 7:30 pm
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Over the course of her career as an award-winning artist, singer/songwriter/guitarist Samantha Fish has brought extraordinary power to her self-expression, capturing her inner world in combustible riffs, visceral rhythms, and spine-tingling vocal work. On her new album Faster, she joins forces with super-producer Martin Kierszenbaum (Lady Gaga, Sting) and imbues even more intensity into her electrifying brand of blues/rock-and-roll. With Fish accompanied by legendary drummer Josh Freese (Guns N’ Roses, Nine Inch Nails, The Replacements) and bassist Diego Navaira of The Last Bandoleros, the result is a singular body of work both irresistibly galvanizing and emotionally raw. |
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NYE at the Roxy: Spike & the Impalers
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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NYE @ Clearwater: Heart By Heart
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Christmas in Big Valley
Now thru January 1, 2024
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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