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Whaling Days Takes Over Old Town Silverdale
Beloved festival celebrates 50th anniversary
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It's that time of year again when ducks appear all over Kitsap County as the 50th Annual Whaling Days Festival and the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race descend on Central Kitsap! This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of this family-favorite festival. Organizers are excited to bring Washington-native Sir Mix-a-lot to the stage on Friday night, headlining 3 days of live music in Old Town Silverdale. Returning again is a Family Stage and Fun Area for younger festival goers, as well as the popular Beer & Wine Garden.
Saturday's events will include the 42nd Annual Whale of a Run, benefitting the senior community of Kitsap County, and Sunday culminates in the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race in Dyes Inlet.
Parking is available in and around Old Town. Please be mindful of road closures and private lots that may not be open for festival parking. The Greater Kitsap Chamber and Visitor Center returns as the official information booth for the weekend; be sure to stop by for information on all things Kitsap, including local businesses around the County.
Check out the full schedule of events at www.whalingdays.com.
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July Membership Luncheon: Education Carnival
Today, July 24, 2024, 11:00 am
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Please join us for our annual Education Carnival & Silent Auction benefitting the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation. Help us raise money for scholarships to local students, network with other business professionals, and enjoy some delicious food and fun carnival games. Purchase raffle tickets to win a chance to put a pie in the face of the Chamber's David Emmons or Olympic College President, Dr. Marty Cavaluzzi! (no limit on purchase!)
Donations for the auction are still being accepted. If you plan to bring your item with you, please plan to arrive just before 11:00 so that we can get them set up for bidding. Questions? Please contact Tiffany at the Chamber.
Our luncheon will take place at Building #7, the William Harvey Theatre. Parking is available in lots #2 and #3 near Building #7.
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ USS Turner Joy
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Save-the-Date: GKC Business Awards Gala
Friday, November 1, 2024, 5:30 pm
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Nominations open August 14th! | |
Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits | |
Did you know that according to the Department of Health and Human Services, routine cardiovascular exams alone save tens of thousands of adult lives each year, while vaccines save the lives of roughly 42,000 children on an annual basis?
In this article, our partner, Business Health Trust outlines why it is important to prioritize preventive care (like annual exams and vaccinations) for yourself and your employees. Click the link to read:
A health team is a thriving team! Help keep your employees healthy by encouraging them to make preventive care a priority.
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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! | |
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Meet some of the team at B&B! Owner Joel Baxter and his brother Nathan started B&B over 30 years ago in a small Texaco gas station. Joel was instrumental in getting an apprenticeship program established in Washington state and has been active in the Kitsap business community for years. As Joel slowly prepares for retirement, he's preparing the next generation to take over the reins.
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Mieke Anderson is the current Shop Administrator and future shop owner. A life-long Bremertonian, Mieke and her husband will take over the shop when Joel retires. Their oldest son, Owen, is already getting his feet wet having completed B&B's apprenticeship program and earning his Associates. He's been with B&B for over five years and is well-prepared to continue serving the Kitsap community for years to come.
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Joel and Mieke are both actively engaged with the Chamber and many of our programs throughout the year. In addition to his 10+ years of serving on the Chamber board, Joel has been very active in our advocacy efforts, most recently joining the Chamber for a legislative day in Olympia during the last legislative session. We're excited for Joel's legacy of engagement and service to continue with the Anderson family in the coming years. | |
Member Education & Training Resources | |
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SCORE: Marketing Plan 101
Thursday, July 25, 2024, 10:00 am
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Are you overwhelmed by all the choices for marketing your business? Not sure where your time is best spent? Are you following what everyone else is doing and hope it works for you too?
A well-executed marketing plan will help you:
- Define your business with SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat)
- Define your target audience with buyer personas
- Tools you will need to execute on your marketing plan
- Measuring and Optimizing your Marketing Efforts
- Define your brand with proper visuals and messaging
- Learn how to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to build parts of your marketing plan
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Kitsap Job Training & Education
Classes Held August 5th through September 26th
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CMMC-PNW: From Compliance to Advantage
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
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Learn more about the certification your business needs to secure Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) contracts at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Billions of dollars are headed to Kitsap in the next decade as part of this contract - make sure your business is ready for it! | |
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Estate Planning Seminars
Thursday, August 22, 2024, 2:00 pm or 5:00 pm
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Become familiar with estate planning processes and tools, including a will, trust, powers of attorney, and life insurance. Presented by Andrea Grosso, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. Featuring Attorney Kevin Cure of Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman & Cure, PSC.
Registration encouraged. Seminars are FREE and open to the public.
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Business News & Resources | |
Fed Weighs Interest Rate Decisions | |
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Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association
The U.S. economy is at a "critical moment," according to National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. As inflation eases, attention turns to the Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates. While the labor market remains strong, current inflation levels are prompting careful consideration. Year-over-year GDP growth fell from 3.4% in Q4 2023 to 1.4% in Q1 2024, attributed largely to reduced consumer activity—a key aim of higher interest rates.
Inflation measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index decreased from 3.4% to 2.6% from Q1 to May 2024, with service prices rising while goods prices fell. Despite concerns over high prices, consumer sentiment remains optimistic about continued inflation moderation. The Fed has room to wait as household income, spending, and saving rates show resilience, indicating a slower but steady economic growth. Monthly job gains are robust, supporting overall income growth. NRF continues to monitor these developments closely through its Monthly Economic Review.
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Law Firm Suing Thousands of Businesses Over Website Accessibility - Are You a Target? | |
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Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association
The surge in lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has seen small businesses facing significant challenges. A New York-based firm, Mizrahi Kroub, has been notably aggressive, filing over 1,000 cases in 2022 alone, which accounted for a quarter of all ADA lawsuits that year. The firm’s tactics often target small to mid-sized businesses, leading to costly legal fees and settlements.
Many websites fail to meet ADA standards, with recent data showing that 96.3% of surveyed sites do not comply. Mizrahi Kroub's strategy has drawn criticism for prioritizing financial gain over genuine advocacy for accessibility improvements. The lack of clear standards under the ADA exacerbates this issue, leading to a rise in what some describe as "cut-and-paste" lawsuits.
One example is Bob Kramer of Kramer Knives in Bellingham, WA, who incurred nearly $40,000 in expenses due to a lawsuit alleging that his website was not accessible to disabled individuals. This case underscores the financial strain such legal actions can impose on small businesses.
As the trend of ADA lawsuits continues to grow, calls for reform are increasing. Legal experts suggest establishing clearer guidelines for website accessibility and allowing businesses a chance to address issues before facing litigation. Balancing the need for accessibility with protecting small businesses is crucial for fostering a fair digital environment.
Small businesses should be proactive in ensuring their websites comply with ADA standards to avoid potential legal actions that can result in significant financial burdens.
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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. | |
Workplace Rights Refresher | |
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Courtesy of the L&I Small Business Newsletter
Nothing’s quite as refreshing as an ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day, but what we’ve got instead is a refresher on some workplace rights!
Here are some workplace rights to keep in mind:
Remember, there are additional workplace policies and prohibited duties when employing minors
Even some salaried employees must be paid overtime, unless they:
See “Overtime & Exemptions” on the L&I website for more information.
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Got a question or issue to be solved?
Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.
Phone: 1-800-987-0145
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Nonprofit News & Resources | |
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3 Simple Donor Acquisition
Strategies for New Nonprofits
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Published on NonProfitPRO.com, July 22, 2024
Photo: Getty Images by Sorrasak Jar Tinyo
As a new nonprofit, your organization likely faces a saturated market with limited resources. Communicating your urgent need for donor support can be challenging without an established brand and supporter community, but with the right donor acquisition strategies, you can quickly rectify this.
Effective donor acquisition strategies involve using the right channels to share the right content — with the right audience. As a result, your nonprofit can maximize its reach and, ultimately, its ability to make an impact. In this guide, we’ll explore three simple donor acquisition strategies that your new nonprofit can easily implement to establish a strong foundation of support.
Read more here
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Primary Voting in Full Swing in Kitsap
Ballots were mailed a week ago across the county
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Voters throughout Kitsap County began receiving Primary ballots as early as the 17th, and there is a new drop box at Bremerton National Airport.
Ballots were mailed last Tuesday. Voters throughout the entire county will have a chance to elect candidates for federal, state and county offices, as well as a commissioner position in the Kitsap County Public Utility District. Additionally, four fire districts and a park district placed funding measures on the ballot.
The presidential race is not on this ballot. The Primary for that race was in March and the presidential candidates will be on the ballot in the November General Election.
The county will have 27 drop boxes open for the election. The Local Voters’ Pamphlet was mailed last week and is available online at kcowa.us/lvp. A single sheet listing all the drop boxes is also available at https://www.kitsap.gov/auditor/Documents/Drop%20Boxes.pdf.
The Bremerton National Airport drop box is at 8850 SW Highway 3 in Bremerton.
The drop box formerly located in the Olympic College parking lot was removed after the college opted to close the lot after hours for security reasons.
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 July 30th, a week ahead of the election.
Online and mail registrations and address changes must be received by July 29th. Residents needing to register to vote 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 one of three vote centers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 and Monday, August 5th. The vote centers will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, August 6th.
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 August 6th, or postmarked by that day.
More Kitsap election information is available at kitsap.gov/elections.
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Kitsap Transit Fare Policy Changes take effect on Oct. 1, 2024
Starting on Oct. 1, 2024, one-way fares on Kitsap Fast Ferries will increase for the first time since the service launched in 2017 in response to ongoing inflationary conditions and growing urgency to preserve the long-term sustainability of Kitsap Transit’s marine fleet and facilities.
The fare policy changes also include updates to parking fees and fines at all lots that Kitsap Transit leases or owns.
The changes include the following:
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Westbound fares from Seattle to Kitsap on the Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth fast-ferry routes will increase by $2, from $10 to $12, and will rise to $13 on Oct. 1, 2025.
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The Bus/Ferry Pass will be eliminated. Cross-Sound POF passholders are eligible for fare-free rides on Kitsap Transit Local Foot Ferry, Routed, ACCESS and On-Demand/Dial-A-Ride services for the month their pass is valid. Passholders must tap their ORCA card loaded with the Cross-Sound POF monthly pass each time they board these other services in order to receive fare-free rides.
- The $5 daily parking fee at the Annapolis Ferry Terminal will rise to $7 on Oct. 1, and the monthly parking permit will go from $80 to $115. These fee increases are designed to align with market rates in Port Orchard and incentivize users to carpool to the lot.
- Current PugetPass holders who travel on Kitsap Transit's buses and fast ferries may consider loading a lower-value PugetPass and use it in conjunction with Kitsap Transit's Fast Ferry monthly pass, which as of Oct. 1 is valid for unlimited rides on Kitsap Transit's Local Foot Ferry as well as its Routed, ACCESS, and On-Demand/Dial-A-Ride buses. Customers whose employers cover the cost of their PugetPass should contact their employer for details.
- Kitsap Transit’s fare policy now includes parking fines for a variety of situations, including rideshare violations ($75), RV camping/overnight parking ($100), handicap parking space violations ($450) and electric-vehicle (EV) overtime parking violations ($25). Parking Fines apply to all lots leased and owned by Kitsap Transit.
For updated fare tables, see our Fare Changes webpage.
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42nd Annual Whale of a Run
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 8:15 am
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In-person registration on Friday, July 26th at the Kitsap Mall food court or Saturday, July 27th from 6:45-8:00 am at run central in the Winco
parking lot (Silverdale Way side).
Volunteers are also still needed to help on race day.
To volunteer or learn more, contact Paul at (360) 377-8511.
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Silverdale GreenDrinks @ Rivulet Silverdale
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
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Kitsap County Cornhole Classic
Saturday, August 10, 2024, 11:00 am
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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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Rock Fest @ Bremerton's Roxy Theatre
Thursday, July 25, 2024, 7:30 pm
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50th Annual Whaling Days Festival
July 26-28, 2024
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
Zep 69 - Led Zeppelin Tribute
Friday, July 26, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Silverdale @ Sunset Concert Series
Wednesdays beginning July 31st, 6:30 pm
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Taste of Kitsap Returns
August 2nd & 3rd, 2024
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West Sound Film Festival
August 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2024
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VMFH & CK Performing Arts Center Presents:
The Wizard of Oz
August 8th - 11th, 2024
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KCMT Encore! Presents:
Grease
August 9th - 18th, 2024
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2024 Kitsap Wine Festival
Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
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Since it began 16 years ago, the Kitsap Wine Festival has featured live music, delicious foods, craft beer and of course, great wines. You'll have the opportunity to explore and discover a wide variety of wines by sampling bottles featured by our ever-expanding slate of participating wineries. Find a new favorite and take it home. Our retail wine shop provides an expanded selection of wines and an assortment of fun wine-related treasures. You'll want to compliment all of your delightful sipping by noshing delectables offered by our amazing food vendors. Round out your day of summer fun out with games like cornhole and ladder golf on the gorgeous waterfront at the Kitsap Wine Festival!
Ticket sales end at 10:00am PST on August 9th, 2024 or when event sells out. Tickets include a commemorative cup, swag bag, food samples and 10 wine sampling tickets. All attendees must be 21+.
Information on participating wineries and food vendors can be found here.
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Bremerton Airshow
August 17th & 18th, 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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