Wednesday, October 18, 2023 |
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Finalists Announced for
2023 Business Awards Gala
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is pleased to announce the finalists for our 2023 Business Awards Gala. Nominees, finalists and winners will be honored at this second annual event, to be held at the Kitsap Conference Center on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Be sure to get your tickets now to celebrate these amazing businesses and individuals! Congratulations to all of our finalists!
Pioneer Business of the Year
Business of the Year
New Business of the Year
Hospitality Business of the Year
Nonprofit of the Year
Citizen of the Year
Harriet Bryant
Michael Goodnow
Vicky Webb
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October Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Bring your questions for our panelist of marketing experts who will share
their marketing must dos as businesses and nonprofits prepare
for Shop Local season and holiday shopping!
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Support Your Local Chamber Day
Today, October 18, 2023
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Do you know of a local business that could benefit from Chamber membership? Invite them to the next Chamber luncheon or help them make a connection with our staff! We love connecting with new businesses and nonprofits throughout Kitsap, and on this annual Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day, we invite our current and prospective members to stop in to our Silverdale location to learn more about what we are working on and for a midday cookie break! We hope to see you later today!
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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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How satisfied are you with the current availability of skilled labor in Kitsap?
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Have you faced challenges in recruiting & retaining talent in your organization?
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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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P5 Now Booking Fall Mini Sessions |
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Time to Vote for Kitsap Best of the Best
Voting is Open Until October 22nd
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It’s time again to vote for Best of the Best!
Now that the Top 5 from each category have been determined through online nominations, the Kitsap Best of voting is live Oct. 9-22.
The winners from each category in the Best of Bainbridge, Best of South Kitsap, Best of North Kitsap and Best of Central Kitsap are now going head to head to determine the best in Kitsap County.
You may vote once per day in each category. Results will be announced in our results section inserted in the Bainbridge Island Review, North Kitsap Herald, Port Orchard Independent and Central Kitsap Reporter Dec. 15.
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Leadership Kitsap:
20 Under 40 Call for Nominations
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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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Rivulet Opening Celebration
Friday, October 20, 2023, 12:00 pm
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Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 5:30 pm
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Local Scentsy Offers Options for
Client & Employee Appreciation
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Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home
& Memorial Park
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Miller-Woodlawn is a big supporter of the military community here in Kitsap County, with a special Veterans section at the Memorial Park dedicated to this special community. Another way they support is by participating in the annual Wreaths Across America Day in December as a way to remember the fallen and honor those who served.
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5505 Kitsap Way | Bremerton, WA 98312 | (360) 377-7648 |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Featured Podcast: 3 Key Structures
You Need for Your Work Success
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Taking your ideas from creative spark to fully executed products or services
takes a great deal of work sustained over an extended time. One of the biggest keys to being able to maintain the focus and effort needed to see your ideas through to completion is structure.
In this episode, we look at: large structures (systems), small structures (personal work habits), and medium-sized structures (project action steps) that all contribute in one way or another to creating and sustaining momentum for your ideas’ development and execution.
Building these structures into your work routine will make you more efficient and ultimately more productive.
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Strengthening Your IT Security Fortress:
The Vital Role of Employee Training
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Cybersecurity is a concern that affects every department and employee, making it a shared responsibility within the entire company. Your employees are on the front lines of the battle against cyber threats, and their level of awareness and preparedness can significantly impact your organization’s overall security. This is where Employee Training and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) come into play.
Understanding the critical importance of employee training in cybersecurity, below we will explore why employee training is so crucial and how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can assist in creating effective training programs to strengthen your IT security defenses.
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State Adds Braille and Other Updates to
Small Business Guide for Entrepreneurs
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Entrepreneurship is a challenging feat. But the State of Washington publishes a small business guide to help entrepreneurs and small business proprietors. The guide offers advice on business planning, licensing, and permitting. And it also directs entrepreneurs to regulatory information and financial resources.
And now, thanks to the efforts of the Office for Regulator Innovation and Assistance (ORIA), the guide is now available in Braille, as well as nine languages in addition to English. Another audio-based version is coming soon. The Braille and audio versions were produced in collaboration with the Department of Social and Health Services’ Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the state Department of Services for the Blind.
"In the state, we tout ourselves as a leader in accessibility. This is just another step,” said Rafael Fernandez, ORIA's communications and engagement specialist. “This initiative reinforces Washington State’s reputation as a leader in accessibility and as a place where every individual is encouraged to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, regardless of their abilities or background. We hear the community, we see the community, and we strive to deliver resources to those who can't hear or see us."
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BIPOC Business Forum
October 25, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
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Are you a BIPOC business owner looking to take your business to the next level? Accessing capital is a crucial step in your journey to growth and success. Join us on October 25th from 5-8pm as we dive deep into the world of capital access, offering you valuable insights, strategies, and connections that can make a significant difference in your business.
WHEN: October 25th, 5-8:00 pm
It’s FREE and all are welcome! Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers while networking and accessing resources.
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Small Business Cybersecurity Training Series
4-part Series Continues November 1, 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 3: Systems
November 1 @ 1:30 pm
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Part 4: Implementation
November 15 @ 1:30 pm
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DOR: Business Tax Basics Workshop
Thursday, November 2, 2023, 10:00 am
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Attend a free tax workshop to learn about your tax reporting responsibilities. We will discuss tax classifications, deductions, sales tax collection, and recordkeeping requirements. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about taxes that apply specifically to your business.
This workshop will be held at the Department of Labor & Industries Office in Silverdale, located at 10049 Kitsap Mall Blvd NW, Suite 100.
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Business News & Resources |
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Credit Card Debt Tops $1 Trillion in Advance of Holiday Shopping Season |
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This holiday season, potential shoppers may face tighter credit limits and a more cautious approach to spending.
In July, a digital marketplace bank LendingClub study revealed that 61% of U.S. consumers were living paycheck to paycheck, marking a 2-percentage-point increase compared to the previous year. This financial strain was evident across all income brackets, indicating a broad economic challenge.
While credit cards have served as a lifeline for many Americans amidst rising prices over the past couple of years, they have also contributed to a record-high collective balance of $1.03 trillion, according to the New York Federal Reserve Bank’s Q2 report on household debt.
Last year, consumers added a staggering $116 billion in new credit card debt, with a significant portion, $88.4 billion, accumulated during the holiday quarter, as reported by WalletHub. This trend continued into this year’s Q2, which saw the second-largest increase ever for that period, totaling $43 billion. Much of this increase was driven by discretionary spending, as identified by LendingClub.
With rising interest rates in the current inflationary environment, consumers are finding it increasingly challenging to pay off their credit card balances. In fact, over half of respondents surveyed by Bankrate indicated that they expect to use a credit card for at least some of their holiday purchases, with 19% willing to take on additional debt.
However, the reluctance to rely on credit cards is likely to prevail among many consumers, especially those still grappling with balances from the previous year’s holiday season. Meghann Martindale, Head of Retail Research at Madison Marquette, predicts that caution will prevail this year. Earnest Analytics estimates that over 25 million consumers with student debt, or roughly 60%, will have $300 less per month to spend this year.
Martindale remarked, “Consumers overspent last holiday season when everything seemed back to ‘normal,’ and the prevailing attitude was to ‘just put it on a credit card.’ I don’t believe consumers will be as cavalier about it this year.”
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Small-Business Grants to Apply for in October |
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Art credit: Sorbetto
Small Business Growth Fund is offering up to $25,000 in grants
This is the third and final round of this particular grant program, which began in March 2023. This final round will close to new applications on Oct. 27, 2023, at 6 p.m. EST.
Grants will be between $5,000 and $25,000 and applicants must have a business with less than $1 million in gross annual revenue, as well as a clear plan for how the funds will help them achieve a significant growth milestone in the next year.
WA State Arts Commission: COVID Impacts Recovery Grant
COVID Impacts Recovery grants offer small, one-time grants to Washington businesses in the arts, heritage, and science sectors to provide funding for recovery from pandemic economic impacts. For-profit and non-profit businesses are eligible.
Examples of eligible businesses:
- Arts: Performing Arts Company (Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.), Live Entertainment Venue, Art Gallery, Independent Artist, Writer, or Performer
- Heritage: Museum, Historical or Cultural Organization
- Science: Environment, Conservation or Wildlife Organization
Grant funding is limited to $5,000 per application. This is based on our goal of providing meaningful funding impact with a limited funding pool. Grant is open now through November 1, 2023.
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.
Good Humor offering $5,000 grants to ice cream vendors
The new Neighborhood Joy Grant Program will bring $200,000 in grants to mobile ice cream vendors. These $5,000 grant winners will then have a chance to win an additional $20,000 as part of contest voted on by consumers.
All applicants must be over 18 years old and the owner of an ice cream push cart or truck with a valid business license. The deadline to apply is Oct. 25, 2023.
Wish Local grants for up to $2,000
Small-business owners can get grants of $500 to $2,000 through the Wish Local grant program. The money can be used for any expense, including rent, inventory, connecting with new customers or keeping workers employed.
Businesses must be majority Black-owned and have fewer than 20 employees, with a physical location within the United States and revenue under $1 million.
The $10,000 Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant program
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.
Black Girl Ventures offering up to $10,000
The person with the most votes wins $10,000, with second place being $6,000 and third place $2,000, in addition to money raised through the audience crowdfunding. Winners also get Google Cloud credits and other freebies.
Business owners must identify as a woman, be majority owned by a founder of color and have been open at least a year with revenue.
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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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Why Disaster Preparedness Is a Critical Imperative for Every Nonprofit |
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Photo: Getty Images by Tom Werner
As we have seen in recent years, our country is hurting. According to reporting from ABC News, from 1980 to 2022, there were 8.1 significant climate events. Between 2018 and 2022, the number is 18. That's sobering, of course, but as a nonprofit executive, have you ever considered that it increases the chances that your donors will be affected and maybe even come to you for assistance, depending on your work?
If you haven’t thought about that question, it’s probably something you and your nonprofit board leadership should consider because all nonprofits should focus on disaster preparedness. I get it. We're all exhausted by the continual flood of challenges and hoops we must overcome. We've had a pandemic, recessions, war, inflation and technology that many view as an existential threat to workers. The list is long. However, it doesn't mean we should ignore disaster preparedness.
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General Election Ballots to Arrive this Week |
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Voters will begin receiving General Election ballots this week, the Hansville drop box has moved and voters in Olalla now have a drop box of their own.
Voters throughout the entire county will have a chance to elect candidates in cities, school districts, fire districts, port districts, utility districts and park districts. Voters living in the South Kitsap School District boundaries will also have a funding measure to consider. Ballots will be mailed this week and could begin arriving before the work week is over.
In Hansville the ballot drop box was moved to a location that will allow voters to deposit their ballots without getting out of their cars. The box was moved to the parking lot of the Buck Lake County Park at 6959 Buck Lane Road NE, Hansville, WA 98340.
In Olalla voters will have a drop box at a location nearly everyone in the area knows, the Olalla Bay Market & Landing at 13965 Crescent Valley Road SE, Olalla, WA 98359.
The county will have 26 drop boxes open for the election. The Local Voters’ Pamphlet was mailed last week and is available online at kcowa.us/lvp.
Kitsap County Elections recommends using ballot drop boxes to return ballots, but voters can also do so by mail without postage. Voters returning their ballots by mail should do so by October 31st, a week ahead of the election.
Online and mail registrations and address changes must be received by October 30th. Residents can register to vote in person at the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office, 619 Division Street in Port Orchard from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Residents can also register to vote at one of three vote centers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, November 4th and Monday, November 6th. The vote centers will be be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 7th.
Vote Center locations:
- Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366;
- Marvin Williams Recreation Center, 725 Park Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337
- Poulsbo Fire Station, 911 Liberty Road, Poulsbo, WA, 98370.
Ballots must be returned to one of the county’s drop boxes by 8 p.m. on November 7th, or postmarked by that day.
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Nominations Open for Human Rights Awards |
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The Kitsap County Council for Human Rights is accepting nominations for the 2023 Linda Gabriel Awards, which will be presented during a special meeting December 9, the Saturday after International Human Rights Day, observed around the world on December 10 each year.
To submit a nomination through the online form and view a complete list of past award recipients, visit the Council for Human Rights website at at kcowa.us/chr.
The deadline for nominations is Sunday, November 12.
The Linda Gabriel Human Rights Awards recognize significant contributions to human rights efforts in Kitsap County, in four categories: Youth, Adult, Organization, and Lifetime Achievement. The awards are named in honor of Linda Gabriel, a founder of the Council for Human Rights who passed away in 2014.
For more information, visit the Council for Human Rights website at kcowa.us/hrc or contact Rebecca Pirtle of the Kitsap County Commissioners' Office at [email protected].
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Kitsap County to Welcome DEI Manager |
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Kimberlee Yolanda Williams joins Kitsap County as its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) manager. The focus of this new position is to lead the creation and implementation of Kitsap County’s strategic plan, ensuring Kitsap County government provides equitable and inclusive services and resources, and that its policies reflect those same values. Kimberlee will also engage with community members through outreach, forums, and other public events to promote and extend engagement, collaboration, and partnerships. She begins her position with Kitsap County November 6.
“The Board of Commissioners is delighted to welcome Kimberlee to Kitsap County. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is the right person to lead this commitment to improving how we do business, from our services to our policies. She will help ensure we’re meeting the needs of everyone while fostering and deepening community engagement,” said Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Board of Commissioners.
Kimberlee has an extensive background as a diversity trainer, consultant, and educator. She has worked with organizations and individuals to develop strategic plans that help move DEI efforts forward. Her dynamic assessment and program implementation has been instrumental in integrating anti-racist and DEI principles throughout policies, procedures, and practices.
"I’m looking forward to joining Kitsap County and strengthening our community connections. Bringing people of all backgrounds together is my passion, one of my purposes, and the gift that has sprinkled glitter on this path called life,” Kimberlee said.
Kimberlee earned a bachelor of arts degree in foreign language education from the University of Maryland, and a master of science degree in education from Dominican University. She is also an award-winning author, dancer, and choreographer.
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The Great Washington Shake Out
Thursday, October 19, 2023
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This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 19, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!
At 10:19 am tomorrow, you can join millions of people across Washington practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage you to participate with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.
If you live or work in a coastal area, ShakeOut day is also a great time to practice your tsunami evacuation routes. Learn more about tsunami preparedness at TsunamiZone.org.
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2nd Annual Brunch for Breast Cancer
Friday, October 20, 2023, 10:30 am
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Poulsbo Chamber's 4th Annual Halloween Hunt
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
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Miller-Woodlawn Hosts Spooky Trunk-or-Treat
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Enjoy Daytime Trick-or-Treating in Port Gamble
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
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25th Annual DBA Trick or Treat Street
Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Meals on Wheels Celebrates 50 Years
Friday, November 3, 2023, 6:00 pm
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Paul Linder Foundation Hosts Annual
"Paul's Bowl" Fundraiser
Sunday, November 5, 2023
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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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KCMT Presents: Bye Bye Birdie
October 12-29, 2023
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The year is 1958, and the much-adored rock-and-roll idol – Conrad Birdie – has been drafted into the US Army! His songwriter and agent, Albert, and Albert’s secretary (and some-time girlfriend), Rosie, hatch a plan for a farewell performance to take place on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they hope will help sell Birdie’s new song “One Last Kiss,” and ultimately save Almaelou records from going under.
Friday Evenings
6:00 pm
Saturdays & Sundays
2:00 pm & 6:00 pm
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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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Stevie Ray Visited:
The Music of Stevie Ray Vaughan
Friday, October 20, 2023, 7:30 pm
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Experience a blues explosion as guitar-shredding master Roby Duron leads this spectacular tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of the most influential blues guitarists in history. Hear Pride and Joy, Crossfire, House is a Rockin’, Texas Flood and many more.
When Stevie Ray Visited bandleader Roby Duron was 12, his dad, a rockin’ Doors-influenced pianist, taught him to play a few chords, igniting Duron’s love for playing the blues, especially the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Today, Duron has mastered Vaughan’s style, and the band’s keyboardist Noel Deis actually played with Vaughan himself, adding even more authenticity to the Stevie Ray Visited live shows. Their first gig was held at the Palmdale Playhouse in 2019 to a sold-out audience, and they’ve been selling out shows ever since, including the Chrome Showroom in Las Vegas two years in a row.
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Comedian Dan Quinn
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 7:30 pm
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Dan Quinn is a natural storyteller and has a unique ability to take tales from his life and bring them to the stage in a hilarious way. He has established himself as one of the top comedians in Canada as well as touring in England, the U.S., France and Australia. He is founder and member of the biggest comedy tour in Canada, the Snowed In Comedy Tour.
He was the winner of The Canadian comedy competition at Just for Laughs and was chosen Best of the Fest at the Moncton Hubcap Comedy festival. He has been seen on CBC, CTV and the Comedy Network and heard on Sirius/ XM Radio as well as the Debater’s radio show. The Snowed In Comedy Tour has 5 TV specials on Chek TV.
When Dan is not on the road doing comedy he continues to build his acting resume. He can be seen in the TV shows Arrow, Salvation, The Murders, Travelers and Valley of the Boom. Originally from Northern Alberta he now resides in Vancouver.
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Halloween Extravaganza
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6:00 pm
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Save-the-Date: Roxy Battle of the Bands
Saturday, November 12, 2023, 7:00 pm
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The ROXY proudly presents a battle of musical proportions!
Three bands will compete in November. One band from each night, based on crowd voting, will be selected to move forward to compete in the 2023 Battle of the Bands at the Roxy Theatre.
Bands will sell tickets to their preliminary night at $30 and will retain $10 per ticket.
Prizes include the opportunity for a paid gig to open for Spike and the Impalers on New Year's Eve at the Roxy.
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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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