Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Important News for You

Legislature Advances Early Session Work

as Revenue Debates Begin

Published by Seattle Metropolitan Chamber , January 26, 2026

Photo: Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/WA State Standard

On Monday, January 19, both the House and Senate honored the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by adopting resolutions on the floor. Following those ceremonies, the second week of session brought public hearings on several high-profile issues, including legislation related to data centers, artificial intelligence, and medical debt. The week also marked the first floor action of the session, with lawmakers voting on bills that remained in Rules from last year.

Last week, the House Finance Committee held a public hearing on a proposal from Rep. Scott that would implement a new payroll expense tax on employers across the state. The proposed bill would impose a 5% tax on payroll expenses for companies meeting certain size thresholds, targeting employers with workers making more than $125,000 annually, with the goal of raising billions in revenue for the state budget. Supporters say it’s needed to protect state services from federal cuts, while critics warn it would discourage business investment and hurt the job market. You can read more about the proposal here. Democratic leadership has said that while last year the payroll expense tax was under serious consideration, they have since shifted their focus to other options. A hearing will be scheduled so members can carefully review different revenue tools.

Informal discussions continue around a range of revenue options, including ending certain tax exemptions, increasing nicotine taxes, and raising beer and wine taxes. While not yet formally introduced, the most significant new tax under consideration is still the proposed statewide income tax on households earning more than $1 million annually.

Read the article here

Chamber News

Check out and like the

Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!

Military Appreciation Day 2026

This interactive event is designed to show appreciation to the men and women of our military: Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, including Retirees, and their families. Military Appreciation Day includes an information fair for new service members coming to our community in 2026. The general public is welcome!

Questions? Contact Mindy Rocha-Barella at parade@greaterkitsapchamber.com.

Chamber: Off the Clock

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 5:05pm

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

February Membership Luncheon

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 11:00am

Join us for our February membership luncheon to hear

Mayor Wheeler's State of the City address.

Support Your Chamber & Community

While Growing Your Business

Reserve your ad space now!

Advertising in the Chamber Map promotes your business while supporting the Chamber's mission to strengthen our local economy. Your ad helps us provide both a printed Chamber Map and an interactive online version.

Contact Brandom Burton at brandon@communitymattersinc.com or 360-362-0929

View the media kit: https://springhillpress.net/greaterkitsap/

LEARN MORE & RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Greater Kitsap Chamber & Leadership Kitsap: 2026 Kitsap Women's Summit

The Kitsap Women's Summit planning committee is proud to present Kitsap Women's Summit 2026: Breakthrough. Join us for our 3rd annual summit where we're diving into topics meant to create and sustain momentum - breaking through limits, beliefs, transitions and noise. This day-long gathering is curated for women, by women, and was brought to life by the need for real space for conversation, community, connection, and personal and professional development, amplifying women's voices and experiences across Kitsap County.

Business Health Trust is proud to serve as our 2026 Visionary Sponsor. For more information on how you can join them in sponsoring this event, please visit our website at www.greaterkitsapchamber.com/kitsap-womens-summit.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening:

Waxing the City Silverdale

Friday, January 30, 2026, 4:00pm

RECAP: January Membership Luncheon

It’s a new year, and the Chamber is excited to introduce new member benefits. At our January luncheon, Chamber President Irene Moyer highlighted existing benefits while also welcoming guest speakers who shared new offerings coming to the Chamber in 2026.

Brennan Jacobsen from the Latitude 48 Group discussed support options for small businesses navigating Washington State’s new retirement requirements, while James Dooley from Fiserv shared details about a new Member Advantage merchant program offering affordable services for Chamber members.

Learn more by visiting our website at https://greaterkitsapchamber.com/business-membership/.

Save-the-Date: Armed Forces Day 2026

Accessible Healthcare with NICE

Business Health Trust Has You Covered

Benefits: Not sure what changed? Start with one first stop.

After benefits updates, hesitation is normal. People are not sure what’s covered or what it will cost. With BHT, Nice is your first stop for care.

Nice Healthcare removes that pause. $0 care makes it easier to get help sooner, often same-day or within a day. For many common needs, starting with Nice can replace an urgent care visit. Nice also includes 550+ common medications at $0 when prescribed by Nice, with pick-up at most major pharmacies.

🔗 Webpage Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/products/nice-healthcare/

Questions? Contact BHT!

(425) 201-1972

nice@businesshealthtrust.com

Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package?

Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.

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 us now!

Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?

View all the past issues on our website HERE.

Member News

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

BSD: Community Info Sessions EP&O Levy

January - February, 2026

Scandia Studio: Digital Marketing 101

January 21st & February 2nd

The Local Business Game Plan

January - March, 2026

LKPI: The Manager's Guide

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00am

Intro to Facilities Maintenance with Tessera

April - June, 2026, 2:00pm

NEW OFFER: Free Jacket for New Members

Courtesy of Unique Experience Custom Embroidery

Changing Faces, Changing Places

Share your business news today

Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.

Member Spotlight

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to recognize Ward Media as our January Member of the Month. Serving Kitsap County with creativity and expertise, Ward Media has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow, connect, and thrive. Their team specializes in marketing solutions that make an impact - from website design and SEO to social media strategy, branding, and advertising.

Where Marketing Meets Community

Ward Media’s influence extends beyond individual businesses. Through their flagship publication, Kitsap Business magazine, they shine a spotlight on the innovators and leaders shaping our local economy. Each issue delivers stories that celebrate entrepreneurship and strengthen the bonds within our community.

But Ward Media is more than a marketing agency—they’re a connector. For nearly a year, the Chamber has partnered with Ward Media to feature our newsletter content in Kitsap Business. This collaboration ensures Chamber news and resources reach a wider audience, helping members stay informed while supporting Ward Media’s mission to amplify local voices.

Local Expertise, Lasting Impact

Ward Media’s approach is simple: combine technical excellence with a deep commitment to Kitsap County. Whether it’s helping a small business build its online presence or sharing stories that inspire, their work reflects a passion for community and economic vitality.

Visit their website or pick up the latest issue of Kitsap Business to see how they’re driving growth across Kitsap County.

https://ward.media/

Advocacy Committee

Bremerton Town Hall

Saturday, January 31, 2026, 2:00pm

Business & Professional Development Committee

Member Education & Training Resources

Airbnb Hosting - Get Guest Ready

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00pm

SCORE: Marketing Plan 101

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 10:00am

Are you overwhelmed by all the choices for your marketing your business in the new year? 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

Registration Fee: $10

Canva Essentials - Small Business Marketing

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:00pm

Shopify Basics for Product Sellers

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:00pm

SCORE: Relationship Marketing 102

Thursday, February 5, 2026, 9:00am

Relationship Marketing 102: Smarter Email Marketing, CRM Tools, Automation, and your Customer's Journey

(This is the follow-up to the Introductory 101 session.) Email marketing has evolved far beyond occasional newsletters. In this class, you’ll learn how to use a (Customer Relationship Management) CRM-connected email system to support every stage of the customer relationship. Topics include list building, opt-ins, segmentation, automation, customer journey emails, and re-engagement strategies. You’ll also learn how CRM tools track customer history and improve follow-up across sales and service. The session highlights practical ways AI can assist with content creation, automation logic, and performance analysis without replacing human judgment or relationship-building.

Registration Fee: $10.00

Business News & Resources

Debate Over Taxing Short-Term

Rentals Rages in WA

Published in the The Seattle Times, January 26, 2026

Photo: Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times

Washington is debating a bill that would make short-term rentals more expensive to fund affordable housing initiatives.

After a similar effort failed last session, the Legislature is once again considering a controversial bill allowing local governments to tax short-term rentals up to 4% — which would be $8 on a $200-a-night stay.

Short-term rental owners who rent out fewer than three rooms at a time and live in the home at least half the year would be exempt, based on the state’s definition of short-term rentals.

Proceeds from the tax would go toward building and maintaining affordable housing as well as rental assistance programs — initiatives local governments are struggling to fund amid budget squeezes.

Last year, the Washington Department of Revenue estimated local jurisdictions would collect a combined $21 million in the first year of collections if a bill allowing the tax passed.

If passed, the law would take effect April 1, 2027.

The proposal follows a longtime debate over the impact of short-term rentals on Washington’s local communities. Some argue that short-term rentals reduce long-term housing stock, especially in tourist destinations, while others say they are an essential driver of economic activity and source of income for many.

Rep. Lisa Parshley, D-Olympia, who sponsored House Bill 2559, said her goal is not to reduce the number of short-term rentals in Washington. But she does believe owners need to contribute to affordable housing in exchange for taking long-term housing out of the market.

Read the article here

L&I Resources

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.

Changes Affecting WA Workers' Pay

& Improving Workplace Safety

State law requires the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to calculate several wage standards, including the minimum wage, each year. The department makes the calculations using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

State minimum wage going up

Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $17.13 an hour on Jan.1, 2026. That’s 2.8 percent higher than the $16.66 an hour minimum wage in 2025.

Employers may pay 85 percent of the minimum wage, or $14.56 an hour, to 14- and 15-year-old workers.

Local governments are allowed to set minimum wages that are higher than those of the state minimum. Areas with higher minimum wages include Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien, and unincorporated King County.

The L&I website includes information about the minimum wage along with details about overtime, rest breaks, meal periods, and how to file a wage complaint. The minimum wage information is available in 15 languages online.

New tower crane safety requirements

Starting Jan. 1, prime contractors must obtain a permit and follow manufacturers’ instructions for the operation, assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane. L&I will consider a prime contractor’s history of safety and health violations as part of the application process for a permit.

Information about the new crane tower requirements is on L&I’s website.

Overtime-exempt workers

Certain types of employees are considered exempt from rules requiring they be paid overtime if they are paid on a salary basis, perform work consistent with Executive, Administrative or Professional duties, and are paid at, or above, a certain salary that L&I calculates.

For 2026, all employers must pay overtime-exempt workers at least 2.25 times the minimum wage. That means to be exempt an employee must be paid at least $1,541.70 a week ($80,168.40 a year). The rate for exempt computer professionals who are paid by the hour will be 3.5 times the minimum wage, or $59.96 an hour.

Pay for rideshare drivers

The minimum pay rideshare drivers will earn goes up on Jan. 1:

For trips within Seattle, it’s rising to 70 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.63 per passenger platform mile, or $6.12, whichever is greater.
For trips outside of Seattle, it goes up to 40 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.38 per passenger platform mile, or $3.55, whichever is greater.

Non-compete clauses

L&I is also responsible for calculating the minimum annual salary required for a non-compete clause or employee contract to be enforceable. In 2026, the threshold for employees will be $126,858.83. For independent contractors, the minimum will be $317,147.09. A non-compete clause or employee contract for a worker earning less than these amounts is not enforceable.

Wage complaints

L&I enforces the state’s wage-and-hour laws and investigates all wage-payment complaints. A worker rights complaint can be filed online, downloaded and mailed to the agency, or at a local L&I office.

Got a question or issue to be solved?

Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.

Phone: 1-800-987-0145

Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.go v | Negocios@Lni.wa.gov

Online: Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

Nonprofit News & Resources

5 Ways Nonprofits Can Strengthen Their Marketing Impact Without Burning Out

Published in NonprofitPRO, January 21, 2026

Photo: Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko

If you work in the nonprofit sector, you’re no stranger to the pressure of carrying out a big mission with a small team and meeting overwhelming expectations. Most days start before you even pour your first cup of coffee or make a dent in your inbox. You’ve already touched a fundraising campaign, fielded questions from the board, and maybe even squeezed in some social media monitoring (because, of course, the algorithm changed again overnight).

With dozens of priorities competing for your attention, the workload can easily outpace your capacity. Still, even within those constraints, there are practical ways to strengthen your marketing impact, especially when more hands or funds aren’t available — a reality for many small and mid-sized nonprofits.

Nonprofits typically allocate just 5% to 15% of their budgets to marketing, according to Getting Attention. And when the economy tightens, that already modest investment is often the first thing on the chopping block. With more than 60% of nonprofit workers reporting they “often” or “always” face demanding workloads, it’s easy to see why marketing can slip down the priority list unless there’s a clear and sustainable strategy in place.

The good news? By working smarter with the resources you already have, you can make meaningful improvements. These five tactics, grounded in clarity, consistency, and connection, will help you sharpen your message and strengthen your presence across every channel without adding unnecessary complexity or workload.

Read the article here

ICite: Collaborate to Thrive

Cross-Sector Strategies for Nonprofits

In today’s ever-shifting nonprofit landscape, collaboration isn’t just helpful—it’s foundational. Cross-sector partnerships allow organizations to access new resources, expand their reach, and build solutions that no single sector could achieve alone. In this webinar, I’ll break down what effective collaboration really looks like, explore how private, public, and nonprofit partners can work together, and uncover the challenges that often arise when different cultures and priorities meet. You’ll walk away with practical tools to map potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and strengthen the alliances that support long-term impact.

Greater Kitsap News

Call for Earth Day Award Nominations

Do you know an individual, group, or business making a positive environmental impact in our community? Help us recognize local leaders who are protecting and preserving Kitsap County’s environment.

Who’s eligible?

Nominees do not need to live in Kitsap County, but their environmental efforts must take place within Kitsap County.

You may nominate:

Individuals
Schools or teachers
Groups or organizations
Businesses
Youth

Award recipients will be recognized at the Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 13, 2026.

Submit your nomination by March 20, 2026, at kcowa.us/earthday.

CENTRAL KITSAP ROAD REPORT

BREMERTON ROAD REPORT

Community Information

Y Camp: Summer of Fun

Early bird pricing January 19 - February 18, 2026

Silverdale Greendrinks

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 5:24pm

Quincy Square Jazz Festival 2026

February 5 - February 6, 2026

On February 5th & 6th, 2026, the Music Discovery Center of Bremerton and Olympic College are proud to present the 2nd Annual Quincy Square Jazz Festival. With his discovery of music in Bremerton, Quincy Jones went on to be one of the most celebrated performers, producers, and promoters of Jazz and modern music in American history. From Bebop to Pop to Hip hop, Quincy has been on the forefront of musical innovation his entire career and the city of Bremerton is proud to honor him with Quincy Square, a brand new music promenade in downtown Bremerton on 4th Street.

LEARN MORE

Bremerton First Friday Artwalk

Friday, February 6, 2026, 5:00pm

Enjoy a free community event that showcases the thriving art scene in Bremerton. First Friday Art Walk is held in Downtown Bremerton, Charleston, Lebo, and Manette every first Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm. Rain or shine. Discover your future favorite gallery, retail shops, and local eats!

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.