Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | |
Bremerton Breaks Ground on Quincy Square | |
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Published in the Kitsap Daily News, January 21, 2025
Photo courtesy of Love Kitsap
U.S. District Court Judge Richard A. Jones shared his family’s gratitude for his brother at the ground-breaking of Quincy Square Jan. 20.
“Quincy found his love for music in Bremerton, and because of this, Bremerton will always be appreciated by the Jones family,” he said.
Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler addressed the crowd, emphasizing the significance of the day. “We gather together to celebrate this momentous occasion on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a day where we recognize Dr. King’s legacy and embrace the spirit of community.
Photo includes Judge Richard A. Jones and members of the Jones family, along with Mayor Greg Wheeler and other community leaders.
Read the full story here
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January Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Join us as we welcome 2025 and jump right into this year's legislative ssession and how it will impact local businesses and employers. Monica Blackwood of West Sound Workforce and Chair of the GKC Workforce Development Committee will share insights with us on issues that may find the floor in Olympia this session, emerging employment trends for 2025 and more! You won't want to miss this informative luncheon!
This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center. Paid parking is available on the GREEN (2nd level) underneath the Conference Center.
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Save-the-Date: Military Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 15, 2025
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Contact Tiffany to sign up now or to secure your sponsorship! | |
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Looking for a Travel Escape in 2025?
Travel Abroad with the Chamber
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Contact Irene to learn more! | |
Insurance Needs for You & Your Employees: Business Health Trust Has You Covered | |
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Big changes are coming to healthcare and insurance in 2025. Did you know the IRS has expanded preventative care benefits for high-deductible health plans? This includes coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, continuous glucose monitors, and certain insulin products.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has summarized the insurance and healthcare changes impacting Washington employers and employees this year.
Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news_insights/insurance-changes-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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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? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? 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! | |
Valentine's Special from Honeybee Horticulture | |
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We're excited to recognize the Leadership Kitsap Foundation, members of the Chamber since 2016, as our January 2025 Members of the Month.
Leadership Kitsap, based in Bremerton, Washington, is a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating community leaders equipped to drive positive change within Kitsap County. Established in December 1993, the foundation has been steadfast in its mission to develop informed, prepared, and engaged leaders who contribute significantly to the region's growth and cohesion.
As part of its growing portfolio of programs, Leadership Kitsap will celebrate emerging leaders across Kitsap on Thursday at the annual 20 Under 40 Awards. Each year, this program seeks to identify and celebrate exceptional business leaders under the age of 40 who are dynamic trailblazers in the Kitsap community. By amplifying their stories and celebrating their successes, Leadership Kitsap hopes to inspire a strong community of young leaders who are empowered to use their platform for positive impact.
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Legislative Day & Hill Climb
Last day to register is January 29th
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Join the Greater Kitsap Chamber as we participate in AWB's annual Legislative Day and Hill Climb! Bring your business concerns directly to Olympia, speak to our local legislators, and learn about policies and legislation that could impact Kitsap-county businesses. Registration includes transportation to and from Olympia. | |
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New Initiative Aims to Educate
About State's Budget Challenges
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Legislation Tracking
AWB follows legislation impacting business
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Paid family leave expansion: House Bill 1213, sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, would make several expansions to Washington’s Paid Family & Medical Leave program. It would require all businesses to provide job protection when an employee takes leave, ending an exemption for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Currently, employees are entitled to job protection if they work at least 1,250 hours at their current employer the year before their leave starts. This bill would make employees eligible for job protection after just 90 days of employment. AWB believes the bill would create a hardship on small employers and is an inappropriate of expansion of a program adopted as a compromise in 2017.
REET fees: House Bill 1044, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Wylie, D-Vancouver, would increase the real estate excise tax fee collected by counties from $5 to $20 on all transactions, regardless of whether the transaction requires a tax payment. The fee would increase every four years in accordance with CPI shelter growth. The bill’s fiscal note estimates the bill would generate about $7.8 million for local governments. AWB believes this bill adds unnecessary fees to real estate sales that only increase housing costs. A hearing was held this morning at 8 a.m. in the House Local Government Committee.
Wealth tax and B&O tax increase: AWB is tracking two proposals that would raise taxes on employers. House Bill 1319 would enact a 1% tax on worldwide wealth over $100 million, while House Bill 1320 would impose a 20% B&O tax surcharge between October 2025 to December 2026 for businesses in the “service and other activities category” with more than $1 million in annual income. The bill would then enact a 10% B&O tax hike for all businesses starting in January 2027. Neither bill, both sponsored by Rep. Chipalo Street, D-Seattle, have hearings scheduled yet.
Rent control: Senate Bill 5222, the Senate’s rent control bill, will get a hearing 1:30 p.m. today in the Senate Housing Committee. AWB will once again testify against this proposal, which would impose a 7% cap on annual rent increases, among other requirements. Axios quoted Irwin’s testimony on the House companion bill last week: “We need supply,” he said. “We think this bill won't do that — we think it will have the opposite effect.”
International wildland code: House Bill 1254, sponsored by Rep. Davina Duerr, D-Bothell, would require implementation of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code. AWB will testify against this proposal, which would negatively impact the number of homes that can be built in an area and drive up costs.
Environmental justice: House Bill 1303, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, would add environmental justice as an element of environmental review process for project permits. This bill presents major challenges to businesses that deal with land use regulations. AWB will be working with the prime sponsor and employers to address concerns on the initial bill. The bill has a hearing 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the House Environment & Energy Committee.
AI data: House Bill 1168, sponsored by Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Oak Harbor, would require developers of generative AI systems to post the data used to train the systems. This is an overly broad bill that was not fully vetted by the state’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. House Bill 1170 — another AI bill that was not vetted by the task force — creates a backdoor option for a private right of action.
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Fix Our Ferries Townhalls
Community meetings across Kitsap
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Representative Greg Nance of the 23rd Legislative District will again be hosting townhalls across Kitsap to talk about fixes for our Washington State ferry system. Save the date to bring your questions, hear complaints and suggestions, and find out what our state legislators have planned moving forward to fix our ferries.
SAVE THE DATE
1pm Saturday, January 18 — Bremerton Norm Dicks Center
1pm Saturday, January 25 — Kingston Village Green
1pm Saturday, February 1 — Bainbridge City Hall
1pm Saturday, February 8 — Poulsbo City Hall
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Business & Professional Development Committee | |
Member Education & Training Resources | |
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SCORE: Starting a Nonprofit
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1:00 pm
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Join us for an enlightening exploration of the nonprofit landscape in our 90-minute workshop developed specifically for aspiring nonprofit founders. During the workshop, we’ll demystify the complexities of establishing a nonprofit organization and guide you through critical considerations for your success. Whether you’re contemplating the launch of a 501(c)(3) public charity or simply curious about the differences between various entity types, this workshop offers invaluable knowledge.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Unlocking Your Marketing Potential
Monday, January 27, 2025, 4:00 pm
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Are you ready to take your marketing to the next level? Join our six-week workshop led by seasoned educator and business strategist, Kristine Miller, MBA. This dynamic course is designed to help you:
- Build a standout brand that captures attention
- Connect with your ideal audience
- Implement strategies that deliver measurable results
Interactive Live Webinars: Engage with instructors and peers in real-time.
Recordings Available: Can’t make all 6 sessions? No problem! All six live sessions will be recorded and made available exclusively to registered attendees.
Workshop Dates:
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock your marketing potential! Spots are limited—secure your seat for Part One today. Please note: registration is required for each workshop individually.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Unlock the Secret to GROWTH
an Executive Leadership Masterclass
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 8:00 am
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Business News & Resources | |
Grant Opportunity for Small Non-Profits | |
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The Olympic Workforce Development Council is proud to sponsor a Small Non-Profit Business Grant with our Commerce Reinvestment Program (CRP) initiative, in collaboration with WorkSource Clallam and WorkSource Kitsap.
The CRP initiative aims to support non-profits serving Black, Latine, and Tribal communities in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties.
Selected organizations are eligible to receive up to $10,000 toward growth and expansion asset purchases.
Deadline for Applications: January 31, 2025
Grant Award Announced: Beginning of March 2025
Click here: Commerce Reinvestment Funds Grant Application
Solicitud de Subvención CRP disponible en Español.
Para cualquier pregunta, contacte a: Frank Portello.
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Opportunity for Poulsbo Businesses
Have your business featured in a short film
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Do you want your Poulsbo business to be featured in a short film?
Sign up to be a filming location for the Poulsbo 47.7 Hour Film Challenge (during or before/after business hours) and a film team will be assigned to feature you. You'll get tickets to the screening event as a thank you.
Questions? Contact: (360) 731-5186 or kevin@poulsbofilmfestival.com
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | |
New Year, New Updates! Information Updates with 2025 Effective Dates | |
Wage Changes | Effective Jan. 1, 2025
- Minimum Wage
- State minimum wage is $16.66 per hour.
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Be sure to check local ordinances for any regional minimum wages.
- Overtime-Exempt Minimum Salary Threshold
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To be eligible for overtime exemption, employees would need to meet certain duties tests and be paid a minimum of the following salaries, depending on the employer size: $69,305.60 a year for small employers (1-50 employees) and $77,968.80 a year for large employers (51 or more employees)
- Non-compete Agreements
- Non-compete agreements, which prevent employees and independent contractors from working for a competitor or starting a similar business, are enforceable in Washington only if the worker earns above an annual threshold amount.
- The annual earning threshold for employees is $123,394.17.
- The annual earning threshold for independent contractors $308,485.43.
- Outside Employment
- Employers can’t restrict their employees’ outside employment or self-employment unless they are paid at least twice the minimum wage: $33.32 per hour, or $69,305.60 per year.
- Exceptions apply for some instances of scheduling issues or clear conflicts of interest.
- Rideshare Driver Rates
- Drivers for rideshare companies, like Lyft and Uber, must earn at least a minimum amount.
- For trips within Seattle, drivers must earn at least $0.68 per passenger platform minute and $1.59 per passenger platform mile, or $5.95, whichever is greater.
- For trips outside of Seattle, drivers must earn at least $0.39 per passenger platform minute and $1.34 per passenger platform mile, or $3.45, whichever is greater.
Expansion of Paid Sick Leave Usage (ESSB 5793) | Effective Jan. 1, 2025
- The use of sick leave extended to include caring for any family member living with the employee or who is dependent on the employee for care.
- The expansion allows employees and Transportation Network Company drivers to use sick leave when a child's school or care facility closes due to a government-declared emergency.
Adult Entertainment Standards (ESSB 6105) | Effective Jan. 1, 2025
- New safety and health and labor standard requirements for adult entertainment establishments are in effect, including provision of panic buttons, security personnel, certain financial protections, and more.
Expansion of Equal Pay & Opportunities Act (HB 1905) | Effective July 1, 2025
- Amends the current Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, which previously focused on gender equity, to include employees who are members of a protected class. Protected class means a person’s age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
Time-loss Benefits (HB 1927) | Effective July 1, 2025
- An injured worker who is unable to work due to injury can now receive wage replacement income from L&I sooner. Instead of 14 days, the temporary total disability now only needs to last for seven days to access the time-loss benefits for the first three days after their injury.
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Nonprofit News & Resources | |
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Get Beyond Politics by
Balancing Philanthropic Focus
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Published on NonprofitPRO.com, January 17, 2025
Photo: Getty Images by SDI Productions
There could be a temptation to focus on politics solely as President Donald J. Trump prepares to lead a second administration. However, while it is understandable in a seemingly polarized nation, it would be a mistake for nonprofit leaders to expend their energy on division. At this moment, nonprofit leaders must work to ensure that the changes, which will inevitably come to pass, protect its causes.
Make no mistake about it. Significant changes will affect many social issues. But, the American public legitimately voted for Trump, and we have to accept these changes with kindness and compassion. When change happens, no matter the change involved, it causes stress, anxiety, concern and worry. These changes will affect people on both sides of the aisle.
Therefore, it’s incumbent that nonprofit leaders refocus sharply on their mission. For instance, if your programs have expanded beyond your mission, this would be the time to retrench and focus on mission-only initiatives. We have yet to see how the federal and state legislative changes will transform the United States. Still, nonprofit leaders must keep an eye on areas that will undoubtedly impact them, which is why it’s vital to focus on a few areas.
Read more here
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Nonprofit Fundamentals Series | |
Ballots are in the Mail for South Kitsap Voters | |
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Ballots are in the mail for approximately 55,000 Kitsap County voters living within South Kitsap and North Mason school district boundaries. Election Day is Feb. 11, 2025.
Both school districts are making levy requests.
The county will have eight drop boxes open for the election. Information normally provided as part of the Local Voters’ Pamphlet is included in the ballot packet and is available online at kitsap.gov/elections.
Ballots collected by Feb. 10 will most likely be included in the totals announced at 8:15 p.m. on Election Night, Feb. 11.
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 Feb. 4, a week ahead of the election.
Online and mail registrations and address changes must be received by Feb. 3 for this election. After that day, residents who need to register to vote in this election can do so in person at the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office, 619 Division Street in Port Orchard from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday. Residents can also register to vote at the vote center in the same building from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Feb. 11.
Ballots must be returned to one of the county’s drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Feb. 11, or postmarked that day or earlier.
More Kitsap election information is available at kitsap.gov/elections.
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Proposal for New Dyes Inlet
Apartments Takes Step Forward
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, January 21, 2025
Rendering provided courtesy of Kitsap County
A 47-unit apartment complex may come to the shores of Dyes Inlet off Bucklin Hill Road, bordered by the Silverdale Beach Hotel and Old Mill Park, after receiving an approval recently from the Kitsap County Hearing Examiner.
The project, named the North Beach Apartments, received approval for a design revision that increased the number of housing units, building height and adopting other modifications on January 3. That decision allows the project developers, Daybreak Development, to build 10 feet above the 35-foot height limit for shoreline buildings, and reduce the perimeter setback and the amount of required parking. The decision also greenlighted a 47-unit iteration of the apartment complex, bumping up the density from its previous proposal for 13 units about a decade ago.
Read the story here
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Encore Communities Open House
Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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My Furry Valentine
Now thru February 14, 2025
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Bremerton School District: Bond Updates | |
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Bremerton HS Wrestling Seeks
Business and Community Support
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The Bremerton High School men's and women's wrestling programs are currently raising funds to address a critical need: replacing the practice wrestling mats and purchasing updated gear for their wrestlers. The mats currently being used have served the team for many years but are now worn with holes, creating safety concerns. Additionally, outfitting the growing men’s and women’s programs with proper gear is essential to their success and safety on the mat.
On behalf of the wrestling team booster organization, Dennis Malcom of Honey Malcom Winery invites members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber to rally in support of the youth in our community through partnership in achieving this goal. By contributing to their efforts, you will directly impact the lives of local student-athletes, helping them to grow in confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
How You Can Help:
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Sponsor the Team: Your business logo can be featured on new wrestling mats, banners, or promotional materials.
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Make a Donation: Any amount, big or small, will make a difference in reaching our fundraising goal.
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In-Kind Support: If your business can provide services or products, such as event hosting, catering for fundraisers, or printing services, we’d love to collaborate.
In appreciation of your support, the team will proudly recognize your business on social media platforms, at wrestling meets, and during their community events. Your generosity will help ensure a safe and supportive environment for these student athletes to thrive.
For more information on how you or your business can support, please contact Dennis Malcom via email HERE or at (360) 620-8827.
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Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Can I still get COVID-19 tests?
You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov
Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance.
If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.
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Free immunization clinics for children
Kitsap Public Health is offering free immunization clinics for children 18 and younger on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 in Bremerton. Our clinic provides flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and routine childhood immunizations.
Learn more and book an appointment at kitsappublichealth.org/clinic.
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JBT Presents: Curtain Up!
Now thru February 2, 2025
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Almost Human - Kiss Tribute
Friday, January 24, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Fever 103 - Foreigner Tribute
Saturday, January 25, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Admiral Theatre: New Orleans Songbook
A Jazz at Lincoln Center Production
Saturday, January 25, 2025, 7:30 pm
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Whose Live Anyway?
Friday, January 31 & Saturday, February 1, 2025
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BCT Presents: Agatha Christie's Spider's Web
February 7 - March 2, 2025
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Spider's Web by Agatha Christie
In Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web, the charming and imaginative Clarissa Hailsham-Brown finds herself in a real-life mystery when a dead body turns up in her drawing room. As the wife of a diplomat, she’s used to spinning tales of adventure, but this time, she must navigate the chaos of a murder investigation while trying to keep her household in order. With the help of her quirky guests and the arrival of the wry Inspector Lord, hilarity ensues as they attempt to dispose of the body before her husband returns with an important politician. This delightful comedy-thriller is filled with suspense, hidden doorways, secret drawers, and Christie’s signature blend of tension and humor.
Content Advisory: Themes of murder, mystery, and deception, all presented in a comedic and light-hearted manner; some mature themes related to crime and deception, but they are handled with Christie’s characteristic wit and charm; there is no graphic violence, though the plot revolves around a murder and the comedic attempts to hide the body; there are mentions of drug addicts, but these are not central to the plot and are handled in a non-explicit manner.
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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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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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