Wednesday, September 11, 2024

In remembrance of those we lost on September 11, 2001.

Congratulations to Business Award Nominees

Finalists will be announced on October 2nd

Congratulations to the following businesses on their nomination for a 2024 Business Award! Finalists will be announced on October 2nd with winners being announced at the November 1st Gala. Get your tickets now and join us as we tip our hats to businesses across Greater Kitsap - November 1st at the Clearwater Casino!

If you are a nominee below, please make sure to submit your application by this Friday at 5:00 pm in order to be considered by our judging panel. Late submissions may not be reviewed. Contact the Chamber at hello@greaterkitsapchamber.com with questions.

Pioneer Business of the Year

B&B Auto Repair

Clark Construction

Grocery Outlet Bremerton

Kitsap Credit Union

Miller-Woodlaw Dignity Memorial

Minder Meats

Peaks Financial

Rice Fergus Miller Architecture

Unique Experience Custom Embroidery

VMFH - St. Michael Medical Center

West Sound Workforce

Natalie Bryson Business of the Year

Admire Medical Aesthetics

BC Fitness

Business Health Trust

Crunch Fitness

Dos Casa Thrift

EOS Implementer - Stacy Luckensmeyer

Harris Family Businesses

Milestone Marketing LLC

Mystic Movement

NorthMade Marketing

Scentsy

Tara Scouten Real Estate

The Bridgeford Insurance Team

Tiny Mushroom Sign Shop

Dr. Glen Gordon New Business of the Year

Apex1 Tint & Details

Grand Mason Goods

Illuminate.Me

Moxie Entrepreneurial Services

Oath Pizza

Photonatix Photo Booth Rental & Beyond

Scandia Studio

Spiva Cooking

TechFit Studios

The Kitsap Life

Hospitality Business of the Year

His Ohana Shave Ice

Kitsap Conference Center

Marina Square

Maynard's Restaurant

Ridgeline Brewing

Sinclairs Twenty-Two

Nonprofit of the Year

Bremerton Backpack Brigade

Bremerton Foodline

DocLuvsTheKids

Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance

Kitsap Cancer Services

Kitsap Community Foundation

Kitsap History Museum

Kitsap Humane Society

Miss West Sound Evergreen Scholarship Program

Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center

Roxy Theatre Foundation

Sponsor-a-Can

St. Vincent de Paul, Bremerton

United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Bremerton

West Sound Youth for Christ

Interested in elevating your business' exposure in the community? Looking to put your name on this year's Gala? Looking to bring a table-full of attendees? We have sponsorships available for all sizes of businesses across all industries that will provide a level of elevation in the Greater Kitsap business community like no other event. Interested in sponsoring or purchasing an ad in the Gala program? Contact Events Coordinator, Tiffany Diamond, to secure your sponsorship or ad space today!

September Membership Luncheon

Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 11:00 am

Join us for our annual update on education around Kitsap County. We'll hear from our local superintendents and others in the education space in Kitsap and learn more about our members involved with education.

This month's luncheon is at the Kitsap Conference Center. Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Conference Center. Bring your business cards and get ready to network - you won't want to miss!

Chamber launches new benefit in partnership with Crunch Fitness!

We are so excited to announce this new wellness opportunity for our business community: beginning August 2024, members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber and their employees can now enjoy discounted gym memberships at Crunch Fitness in Silverdale. For more information on how to redeem this benefit, contact Irene at the Chamber. Special thanks to General Manager, Haaken Larsen, for bringing this opportunity to our membership!

Exciting news for all Greater Kitsap Chamber members!

We're thrilled to announce that our partner, Business Health Trust (BHT) is now offering discounted pet insurance through PetPartners to all our valued members! 🐾🐶🐱

You don’t need to have a medical plan with BHT to take advantage of this great benefit. Sign up today and ensure the health and well-being of your furry family members while reducing costly veterinary bills. Plans feature comprehensive coverage for accidents, illnesses and injuries including cancer coverage.

🔗 Download a flyer to get started: https://businesshealthtrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bht-pet-insurance-flyer.pdf

This is just one of the ways you get more with BHT. Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.

New & Renewing Members for August

Thank you for your continued investment & support!

Main Street

Advanced Heating & Cooling

Bremerton Masonic Temple

Comcast Business

Dana's Heating Inc.

Bradley W. Orser, CPA

Parametrix

Paratransit Services

Pierside Productions & Promotions

Business

Bagwell Law

Sarah Baric Real Estate

Bremer Trust

Central Kitsap Community Council

GSBA- WA State's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber

Hops n Drops

KettleFish

Kitsap Building Association

Kitsap Community Foundation

Kitsap Economic Development Alliance

Mise en Place Design

PC Networks

Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce

Silverdale Green Drinks

South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce

Jen Taylor Consulting

Toys for Tots

The UPS Store #2154

Clarke Whitney, CPA

TechFit Studios Chamber Promotion

UPDATED: Noo-Kayet Investments RFP

for Traffic Consultant Services

One of our August luncheon sponsors, Noo-Kayet Investments has recently released an RFP for traffic consultant services. If you are interested in submitting a proposal to them, please click the link below for full details.

NKI is seeking to obtain professional consulting services to conduct a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) of a highly used segment of Hansville Road at its intersection with Little Boston Road. The proposal shall include a not-to-exceed fee amount and a completion schedule. A pre-bid site visit may be scheduled with the Point-of-Contact if desired. Please see details and qualifications in the full Request for Proposal. 

Proposal submissions are due September 20, 2024. Please contact Michael Arnette, NKI General Counsel, at 360-655-5503 or marnette@noo-kayet.com with any questions.

The Noo-Kayet Investments Board of Directors is made up of both Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal members as well as non-members. The Directors have diverse backgrounds and skill sets which allow for various view points and perspectives. The Board of Directors have the responsibility of setting the direction and strategy for Noo-Kayet Investments along with the fiduciary oversight of all Enterprises.

Lane Chiropractic Hosts Fundraiser to

Benefit Kitsap Humane Society

Free Workshop: Review Your Title Report

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 1:00 pm

Kitsap Bank Shred Events @ Silverdale

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Register Now for LK Peer Coaching

Program begins September 19th

BC Fitness Hosts "Culinary Magic at Home"

Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 6:00 pm

Get ready to spice up your kitchen routine! Join us for an evening of culinary creativity and health-savvy cooking as Chef Sam Spiva, the mastermind behind Spiva Cooking, brings his magical cooking flair to BC Fitness Studio. Sam will team up with Brett Clark, our go-to personal trainer and nutritionist, to show you how to have fun transforming meal prepping into an art form.

Watch as this dynamic duo whips up mouth-watering dishes that don't just taste amazing—they're packed with the nutrition you need to stay energized and fit. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting out, you'll leave with practical tips, a few new recipes, and the confidence to create deliciously healthy meals in your own kitchen.

Don't miss out on this interactive and tasty experience! Register now to reserve your spot.

Halloween Bash Benefitting the US Submarine Veterans Inc. Bremerton Seeks Support

If you'd like to donate candy to this event, please bring to the

September Membership Luncheon!

www.patriotroofing.biz

Advocacy Committee

Eggs & Issues: 6th Congressional District

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 8:00 am

Join us next week as we kick off the 2024 Eggs & Issues forum with State Senators Emily Randall and Drew MacEwen, candidates for the 6th Congressional District of Washington for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Enjoy a limited breakfast selection available for purchase at the Cloverleaf.

We'll see you Tuesday morning at 8:00 am!

Business & Professional Development Committee

SCORE: How to Exit & Sell Your

Business for Maximum Value

Thursday, September 12, 2024, 1:00 pm

There's a saying -- those who fail to plan, plan to fail. And a stunning number of small- to medium-sized businesses fail to plan for their next chapter. In fact, according to the Exit Planning Institute, 70% will not be able to transition to new ownership. 

This workshop is intended to demystify the process of selling a business: what it looks like, how long it takes, and the results it can yield. Whether you are the owner, or part of the leadership team, knowledge is power — and what will be covered in this session can help foster healthy conversations in your organization, and make sure that your business is ready for a transition.

Topics that will be covered include:

• The evaluation process and considerations
• The types of things that make a business more valuable
• How businesses are marketed, and buyers vetted
• Common types of buyers, and what they’re looking for
• Process and time considerations, how long it takes to sell
• Different types of exits, from employee buyouts to being acquired

Workshop Fee: FREE

Vibe Presents: Your Pathway to Profit

Thursday, September 12, 2024, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

What if you could make your business irresistible to your customers? Join us on Thursday, September 12th at Vibe Coworks for "Your Pathway to Profit: Crafting an Invincible Growth Culture" and learn how!

This workshop will arm you with strategies to attract loyal customers and exceptional talent effortlessly. Partnered with Vibe Coworks, and led by Collin Dayley, CEO of The Circle Leader, we are excited to bring you a session that promises to transform your business outlook and growth. Register today and see how your business can thrive!

Lunchtime Lightning Talk @ Vibe Coworks

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 11:30 am

Join us this month for real talk with 3 local entrepreneurs, here to share their entrepreneurial journey, including all the highs and lows, the roadblocks they’ve encountered, and the support that has made a difference.

Come ready to listen, learn, find new inspiration, and reflect on what it really means to ‘support local businesses’ in meaningful ways, including especially those that are minority-owned. Leave your ego at the door, and engage in authentic conversations from peers who are in the trenches and 'doing the thing', battle scars and all. 

Informal conversation and networking begins at 11:30am. Lightning talks begin at 12pm and end promptly at 1pm. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.

Understanding & Managing Vicarious Trauma

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 11:00 am

Business Health Trust's training program, "Understanding and Managing Vicarious Trauma," provides participants with a deep understanding of vicarious trauma, its signs and symptoms, and effective strategies for prevention and self-care. Vicarious trauma, often experienced by those in helping professions, can take a significant toll on well-being. This training equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to mitigate its impact, develop an effective action plan, and explore the "four A's" of stress management.

Cybersecurity: Business Readiness & Resiliency

Friday, September 20, 2024, 10:00 am

Call for Speakers: KEDA Fall Forum

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Do you know a great speaker or have a brilliant idea for a panel presentation?

KEDA wants to hear from you! Please get in touch!

Email Theresa Mangrum at mangrum@kitsapeda.org

Sign Up to Participate: Employability Career Fair

October 17, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Updated "Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime" Now Available

Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association

WR is pleased to announce the release of the latest “Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime,” Version 8.0. This updated guide provides essential tools and strategies for retailers dealing with increasing challenges related to retail theft and organized crime. 

Key features of the guide include:

• Enhanced Policy Recommendations: Emphasizes the importance of comprehensive public policy responses and supports legislative efforts like the INFORM Consumers Act. 
• Strengthened Coordination: Focuses on improving collaboration between retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors to tackle ORC more effectively.
• Practical Strategies: Offers actionable advice on store security improvements, employee training, and post-crime incident navigation.

With Washington State facing significant challenges surrounding public safety and organized retail crime, this guide is a crucial resource for businesses seeking to protect their assets and ensure workplace safety.

Download the updated guide to equip your business with the latest strategies and resources for combating retail crime.

Stay Up to Date with SIOP

Courtesy of Kitsap Economic Development Alliance

Keeping up with SIOP is confusing! KEDA created this page as a resource for Kitsap County businesses and other stakeholders interested in learning more about the U.S. Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) and current and planned work at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Washington.

US Job Growth Still Sluggish in August

Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business

Cooling continues: The U.S. economy added 142,000 jobs in August — 25,000 fewer than economists expected — according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Friday.

• Hiring picked up from an even slower pace in July, when the economy added just 89,000 jobs.
• Job growth in June and July was revised down by a combined 86,000 jobs.
• Construction and health care added jobs, while manufacturing employment dipped by 24,000 jobs. Jobs across other major industries showed little change.

Why it matters: The Federal Reserve is set to cut its key interest rate when it meets Sept. 17-18, with annual inflation approaching the Fed’s target of 2%. The Associated Press reports:

The August jobs data raises the question of how large a rate cut the Fed will announce. It could decide to reduce its benchmark rate by a typical quarter-point or by a larger-than-usual half-point. In the coming months, the policymakers will also decide how much and how fast to cut rates at their subsequent meetings.

Courtesy of FastCompany.com

• 4 reasons you should consider starting a newsletter - and how to make it a success
• This is the best way to end a meeting
• Why men get more credit than women for doing the same work, according to a business school professor

Courtesy of entrepreneur.com

• 6 effective tactics for handling a toxic boss
• 6 ways to enhance collaboration and communication with workflow automation

Workplace Safety & Health Matters

Every employer in Washington State is required to create a written Accident Prevention Program (APP) to address the safety and health hazards found in their workplace. Many employers consider their APP as their cornerstone safety program.

Identifying hazards is the first step to creating an APP. Resources, like the Job Hazard Analysis or the Workplace Hazard Basics course, are available to help you with that task. Other tools include program templates that require customizing in order to meet requirements.

Depending on the hazards in your workplace, you may also need to create additional safety programs.

An APP will help you prevent costly workplace injuries and keep workers working.

Nonprofit News & Resources

Why Donors Give and How to Use It

to Boost Fundraising Response

Published on NonProfitPRO.com, September 9, 2024

Photo: Getty Images by Kathrin Ziegler

Donors see through platitudes, ambiguities and equivocation. They want action. It’s one of the main reasons for giving, if not the main reason for giving. When you lean into that with your direct response copywriting and connect with donors based on personal values and what’s important to them, they’re more likely to reward you with a donation.

Read the full article here

Webinar: Board in Gear

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 12:00 pm

Cost: Free, thanks to support from the Washington Office of the Secretary of State

This interactive, virtual workshop is based on the Boards in Gear resources developed in partnership with some of our state’s leading board experts. You will leave with concrete action steps, tools, and connections. The virtual workshop will cover:

• Connection to Cause
• Board responsibilities
• Board operations
• Composition and development
• Fundraising

Greater Kitsap News

Puget Sound Regional Council Seeks

Public Input on Regional Safety

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 5:00 pm

We want your feedback! Take our 2024 Rider Alerts Survey

Kitsap Transit will transition to a new real-time trip tracking software in the future and potentially make changes to its rider-alerts service. We are asking you to provide us with feedback on your experience with our rider alerts.

The survey closes on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. 

Click here to take the survey.

For assistance taking this survey in Spanish, Tagalog or another language, please contact Kitsap Transit customer service at (360) 377-2877 or 1-800-501-7433.

WorkSource Kitsap Job Fair

Thursday, September 12, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Marina Square

Thursday, September 12, 2024, 5:00 pm

Bikes for All

Friday, September 13, 2024

Beautify Bremerton

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Poulsbo Pride @ Downtown Waterfront

Saturday, September 14, 2024, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Bridging Bremerton Returns

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00 am

Skookum Presents: Travis Mills

A Morning of Empowerment

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Masks Still Available

Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center

The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.

BCT Presents: Run for Your Wife

Now thru Sept. 22, 2024

Run for Your Wife by Ray Cooney

Imagine being a London cab driver with a life so compartmentalized that you've got two wives, two homes, and a schedule tighter than a drum. That's the life of John Smith, our protagonist who's been doubling down on matrimonial bliss without a hitch. That is until an incident sends him to hospital and his double life starts to unravel faster than a ball of yarn in a cat cafe. Cue the chaos as John, with the 'help' of his upstairs neighbor, tries to keep the wool over everyone's eyes. It's a whirlwind of close calls and mistaken identities that'll have you wondering if bigamy is just twice the trouble or double the fun.

Content Advisory: Adult situations, some humor based on outdated standards and mores. Features humorous and sometimes suggestive dialogue, but no strong or offensive language; deals with themes of bigamy, deception, and mistaken identity, all presented in a comedic and farcical manner; primarily situational and physical humor, with elements of slapstick and farce; mature themes related to bigamy and infidelity, handled with a light-hearted and comedic touch; comedic accidents and physical humor; some suggestive situations and innuendos—nothing explicit.

Clearwater Casino Resort:

Randy Linder - Creedance Clearwater Tribute

Friday, September 13, 2024, 8:30 pm

CODA - Led Zeppelin Tribute

Saturday, September 14, 2024, 8:30 pm

Poulsbrew Beer Fest

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tiffany Diamond

Events Coordinator

tiffany@greaterkitsapchamber.com