Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Important News for You

Unemployment Claims Roll In

From Laid-Off Feds in WA State

Published in WA State Standard, October 23, 2025

Image: Getty Images

More than 1,600 federal workers in Washington state have filed for unemployment benefits since the government shutdown began at the start of October. 

Of the 1,625 claims the state Employment Se

The state’s goal is no more than 21 days from getting an unemployment insurance application to the applicant receiving benefits. 

“Our No. 1 goal is to get people paid as quickly as possible,” Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek said. “We understand the stress involved in being furloughed or laid off.”

The agency is receiving dozens more claims each day. This tracks with what the state saw during the last shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019. The current shutdown was in its 23rd day on Thursday and is now the second-longest in U.S. history.

King, Pierce, Kitsap and Thurston counties are home to the most federal employees filing claims. An Employment Security Department spokesperson said information about which federal agencies employed the laid-off workers is confidential. But the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security and Transportation, along with the Postal Service, are among the agencies with the most workers in Washington. 

As of the first quarter of this year, Washington had nearly 80,000 federal workers in total.

Nearly 500 people attended an Employment Security Department webinar Thursday focused on helping federal workers and others affected by the government shutdown. 

Congress has shown no signs of coming close to a compromise to reopen the government as they disagree on the future of health care subsidies.

Once the shutdown ends, federal workers are meant to receive back pay under a 2019 law, but the Trump administration has signaled it wouldn’t compensate employees for their forced time off. If they do receive that back pay, they’d have to repay unemployment benefits to the state.

Read the article here

Don't Forget to Vote: Ballots due Nov 4th

Ballot boxes open 24-hours daily until 8 pm Election Day

Vote Centers open the Saturday and Monday before the Primary and General Election Day and on Election Day for Special Elections. One vote center, the Kitsap County Administration Building, will be open for the February 11, 2025 Special Election.

The centers are designed primarily for new voters needing to register, voters who lost or did not receive their ballots in the mail, voters needing to change their addresses, and voters wishing to vote using the Accessible Voting Unit.

Voters who want to vote in a voting location are also welcome. A ballot from the vote center is the same as the one you receive in the mail. If you receive a ballot in the mail but want to vote in the vote center, bring that ballot and step into one of the voting partition spaces. This will help keep the line short for voters who need to register or receive a replacement ballot.

Beginning 18 days before each election, ballot drop boxes remain open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

There are 27 ballot drop boxes located throughout Kitsap County. Eight will be in use during the February 11, 2025 Special Election. Ballot drops provide a safe, secure way for voters to deposit their ballots. No postage is required. Our ballot drop boxes also meet accessibility requirements for voters with disabilities.

Please note: In some elections some boxes may not be in use if there are no elections in that part of the county.

Chamber News

One Week Early: November Luncheon

Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 11:00am

If you are a nonprofit interested in tabling at the luncheon, please email us here to reserve your spot. There is no cost to reserve a table, but luncheon registration is still required for all attendees.

Get Tickets for the 2025 Business Awards Gala!

Lock In Your Gala Sponsorship Today

Elevate your business or organization at this annual gathering of Who's Who in Kitsap Business!

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

Ribbon Cutting: Kitsap Habitat for Humanity

Friday, October 31, 2025, 10:00am

Chamber: Off the Clock

Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5:05pm

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

Call for speaker proposals coming soon!

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.

Interested in speaking at KWS 2026? Stay tuned for our call for presenters!

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.

RECAP: October Member Luncheon

The most recent legislative session brought significant challenges for small businesses across Washington. At our October Luncheon, we welcomed Max Martin (Association of Washington Business), Sean DeWitz (Washington Hospitality Association), and Crystal Leatherman (Washington Retail Association) to share insights on key issues and emerging trends that could impact businesses in the upcoming 2026 legislative session. As the voice of our local business community, the Chamber remains committed to advocating on behalf of businesses.

Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon

Accessible Healthcare with NICE

Business Health Trust Has You Covered

Are you ready for 2026 healthcare costs?

Health insurance costs are going up up up, but BHT members are already offering their teams $0 primary care going into flu season and the new year. They don’t pay a dime to have this extra benefit. It’s included in their normal package.

With BHT + Nice, employees get $0 primary, preventive, and sick care, same-day virtual access to mental health and physical therapy, and 550+ common medications at $0 when prescribed by Nice. This isn’t a gimmick. Appointments usually happen within a day.

🔗 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!

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

PNWT 21st Annual Food Drive

Now thru November 14, 2025

We're excited to be a donation drop-off location for the 21st Annual Food Drive hosted by Pacific Northwest Title of Kitsap County! Drop off your donations at our Bremerton or Silverdale offices during business hours.

Join the Unique Experience Team

Job Opening for Sales Representative

Position: Sales Representative

Unique Experience Custom Embroidery

Pay: From $16.66 per hour

Job Type: Part-time

Work Location: In person

Job description:



Job Overview:

We are looking for a motivated and personable Part-Time Sales Representative to join our team. This role is focused on calling past customers, following up on open quotes, and reaching out to local businesses to generate new opportunities. The ideal candidate is comfortable on the phone, organized, and driven to build strong customer relationships.

Pay per hour is negational based on experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contact past customers to check in, build relationships, and identify new sales opportunities.
• Follow up on pending or declined quotes to encourage conversions.
• Make outbound calls to businesses to introduce our products/services and expand our client base.
• Track customer interactions and update CRM/sales records.
• Meet or exceed weekly sales goals.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in sales, customer service, or telemarketing preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable making outbound calls and handling objections.
• Self-motivated, organized, and goal-oriented.
• Basic computer skills (experience with CRM software a plus).

Position Details:

• Part-time position (flexible scheduling available).
• Commission available

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Sales: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Bremerton, WA 98312 (Required)

Email Resumes To: ron@uniqueexperience1.com

Chamber Member Exclusive Opportunity

Thursday, October 30, 2025, 12:00pm

Lunch & Learn with Flare AI

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 11:30am

Contact the Chamber to reserve your spot today!

Seaport Salon Hosts Holiday Event

Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5:00pm

You're Invited: Harbor of Hope Auction

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 6:00pm

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 Olympic College as our October Member of the Month! As a pillar of education and economic development in Kitsap County, Olympic College continues to make a lasting impact on our community.

Where Education Meets Opportunity

Olympic College has long been a driving force in Kitsap County’s growth and success. As one of the region’s largest employers, OC provides affordable, high-quality education and workforce training that directly supports local business development. Their graduates enter critical industries like healthcare, maritime, technology, manufacturing, and public service - helping to power the local economy from the ground up.

But Olympic College is more than just an educational institution - it’s a community partner. Their programs are designed to meet the real-world needs of Kitsap’s workforce, and their commitment to student success is evident in every classroom, lab, and training center.

Local Partnerships, Regional Progress

Olympic College works hand-in-hand with the Greater Kitsap Chamber, local school districts, and industry leaders to ensure their programs align with current workforce demands. From hosting Chamber events to supporting youth mentorship and business development initiatives, OC’s faculty and staff are deeply engaged in building a stronger, more connected Kitsap.

Their customized corporate training programs and apprenticeship opportunities allow local employers to upskill their teams without sending talent out of the region — a win-win for businesses and the community alike.

A Legacy of Impact and Innovation

This year, Olympic College received a transformational $1 million gift from the Tim Ryan family, expanding access to scholarships and educational initiatives for local learners. The college also launched new career pathways and advocated for modernization projects like West Sound Tech, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and regional development.



Olympic College truly embodies the Chamber’s mission of building a stronger Kitsap through education, collaboration, and economic opportunity. We are honored to spotlight their achievements and continued impact on Kitsap County.

https://www.olympic.edu/

Advocacy Committee

2025 Eggs & Issues Candidate Forums

With Eggs & Issues wrapped up, the Greater Kitsap Chamber urges voters to get their ballots turned in at one of the many ballot boxes around the county or sent in via mail (ballots must be postmarked by election day, November 4, 2025).

Business & Professional Development Committee

SCORE: AI-Powered Business Planning

Friday, October 31, 2025, 9:00am

Join us and other entrepreneurs in this hands-on workshop where you will write your “Unique Value Statement” for your new product or service. This is a concise description of your product or service and explain the unique value your product or service provides to your customers. As part of the workshop, participants will receive real-time feedback from a SCORE mentor to help them fine tune their Value Statement. 

In the second part of the workshop you will use the “Lean Canvas” to begin the process of turning your product/service into a business. In this interactive session, you use the canvas to help guide you in expanding the information in the Unique Value Statement by capturing key ideas, concepts and strategies about your business in the canvas. This creates a basic framework that you can use to complete YOUR full, detailed business plan. 

Have paper, a pencil or a pen ready as the goal of this workshop is for all participants to leave with a draft of their “Unique Value Statement” and “Lean Canvas.”

Registration Fee: $10

SCORE: Strategies to Identify and

Reach Your Target Customers

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 9:00am

In this Marketing workshop, we start by helping you identify your target market. These are your best potential customers and knowing them helps you create a better product or service. It also makes all your promotional efforts more focused and effective.  

We show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market.  Then we take you through how to create a value proposition that perfectly captures the unique value your product or service brings to your customers. Next you have to build your marketing message. That’s the information for your brochures, websites, and anything else you use to sell your product or service. We will also review a number of promotional methods and help you draft a promotional plan for your business.

This workshop focuses on hands-on exercises to help you create a target market, value proposition and promotion plan for your business. 

Registration Fee: $10

WSHRMA: Fall Leadership Conference

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 9:00am

Kitsap WIB: Business Planning Workshop 2025

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 10:30am

Join us for Kitsap WIB: Business Planning Workshop 2025. We want to help your business thrive & flourish next year!

Here's what you can expect:

• Valuable insights and tips to create an effective business plan for 2026.
• A supportive and collaborative environment where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals.
• Access to some amazing business resources that can be a game-changer for your company.

Register soon because space is limited.

Firebrand Unconference

Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00am

Business News & Resources

2025 Minimum Wage Increase and

What it Means for Employers

Published in WA Retail Association, October 23, 2025

Starting January 1, 2026, Washington state’s minimum wage will rise to $17.13 per hour, reflecting annual adjustments based on inflation. This increase also impacts several wage-related thresholds, including overtime exemptions, noncompete agreements, and youth worker pay.

Regional minimum wages vary. For example, Seattle will set wages at $21.30 per hour, Tukwila at $21.65, and Bellingham at $19.13. In Renton, mid-sized employers will increase wages from $20.57 to $21.57 mid-year, while large employers start at $21.57.

Unincorporated King County and SeaTac have their own wage structures depending on employer size and industry. Youth workers ages 14 and 15 may be paid 85% of the minimum wage, or $14.56 per hour in 2026.

The minimum salary for overtime-exempt employees will rise to $80,168.40 annually, with computer professionals needing a minimum of $59.96 per hour. Enforceable noncompete agreements will require earnings of at least $126,858.83 for employees and $317,147.09 for independent contractors.

For rideshare drivers, Seattle trips will pay a minimum of $6.12 per ride, while trips outside Seattle will pay $3.55 or higher depending on trip length. Employers should review these updates to ensure compliance with state and local requirements.

Read the article here

AWB: Interim Guidance on New Sales Tax

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 10:00am

As part of its advocacy for employers, AWB has coordinated a webinar with the Department of Revenue to provide timely, important information to businesses with interim guidance about the new sales tax on services that took effect Oct. 1. The new law imposes a sales tax on a wide range of services —from digital advertising, IT, and custom website development to temporary staffing, security services and live events. Learn more about the changes.

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL

Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,

local leaders, and everyone in between!

Courtesy of Inc.com

• Inclusion Isn't a Nice-to-Have, But a Must-Have Innovation Strategy
• 3 Foolproof Ways to Boost Productivity During the Holiday Season
• How to Build a Resilient Business That Can Handle Rapid Change

Courtesy of entreprenuer.com

• The Rules of Social Media Marketing Have Changed. Here's What Works (and What Doesn't) in 2025
• 3 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Turn Economic Uncertainty into Their Biggest Opportunity

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.

Workplace Rights Refresher

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There's a lot to know as an employer - get clarity on, and learn about, some of the commonly misunderstood or lesser-known employee rights.

Immigration Status Coercion 

Employers may not use immigration status to coerce an employee from engaging in protected activities or exercising labor law rights. Workers may file a complaint with L&I that is enforceable with civil penalties.

Job Posting Restriction

Employers cannot require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment or include such a statement in a job posting unless driving is one of the essential job functions or is related to a legitimate business purpose for a position.

PSL for Employees

It’s fall which means it’s PSL time, and I'm not talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes here; I'm talking about Paid Sick Leave. Don’t forget your paid sick leave basics:

• Employees accrue one paid sick leave hour for every 40 hours worked, paid at their normal hourly compensation
• You must provide a one-time written or electronic notification to each employee detailing their paid sick leave rights. 
• Review what paid sick leave can be used for, which includes a few new additions:
• self or family’s health needs;
• child’s school or daycare closures for government-declared emergencies;
• absences related to domestic violence;
• and for absences resulting from the need to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings involving the employee or the employee's family member. 
• Note: Family also includes anyone living with the employee where there is some expectation of care.
• Be sure to visit the Paid Sick Leave page to see all the requirements

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.gov | Negocios@Lni.wa.gov

Online: Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

Nonprofit News & Resources

How Smart Hiring Can Strengthen

Your Nonprofit's Resilience

Published in Nonprofit Pro, October 23, 2025

Photo: Getty Images/Halfpoint Images

Nearly 10% of employed Americans work at nonprofits, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those millions of workers and thousands of organizations, many have long relied on government and foundation grants to get the job done. However, as the financial landscape of philanthropy shifts, the sector needs a new strategy to build resilient organizations: a nonprofit hiring strategy that strengthens long-term sustainability.

Historically, government grants have provided a large portion of nonprofit funding in the U.S. In 2021 alone, more than 100,000 public charities received $267 billion in government grants. As a result, it’s estimated that at least 30% of nonprofits relied on those grants.

By strategically hiring the right people — and creating an environment where they can succeed — nonprofits can move beyond the grant-to-grant cycle and build a financial model that is both resilient and sustainable. It’s an investment in people that ultimately secures the future of the organization's mission.

To move beyond grants and tap into new revenue streams, nonprofits must invest in the people who can make that happen. Hiring professionals who can build a multifaceted financial model — and diversifying staff to match — can help diversify funding sources. 

Whether an organization needs a corporate development officer or a fundraising strategist, hiring the right mix of these professionals is crucial. The key is determining which type of fundraising makes the most sense for your nonprofit’s mission, size and donor base, and then finding the right talent to get it done.

Read the article here

NAWA: New WA Retail Sales Tax Webinar

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 2:00pm

The 2025 Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814, which added new business activities to the definition of retail sales. As a result, businesses and nonprofit organizations will be required to begin collecting sales tax on the following services starting Oct. 1, 2025.

During this presentation we will discuss:

• Advertising services
• Live presentations
• Information technology services
• Existing contracts

Registration Fee: FREE

QuickBooks for Nonprofits

November 4 - November 6, 2025, 11:00am

A 3-day webinar series (2.5 hours per day) teaching seven and a half hours of vital QuickBooks information specifically for non-profit organizations. From basic topics such as Setting Up Correct Accounts; Entering Your Programs; and Adding Your Annual Budget to more advanced topics such as Entering Donations and Grants; Essential Reports for the Board/Auditor; and Printing Personalized Donor Thank You Letters Directly from QuickBooks, Gregg covers all the bases.

Please Note: This webinar is for users of QuickBooks Online Version.

Greater Kitsap News

Kitsap Transit to Offer Free Rides for

Federal Workers during Shutdown

Published in The Kitsap Sun, October 23, 2025

Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun

Starting on Friday, Oct. 24, federal workers showing their government-issued ID can ride free on all services provided by Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, and Mason Transit, the three agencies announced in a joint statement on Oct. 22.

Services that will be free for federal workers include routed, worker/driver, dial-a-ride/on-demand, ACCESS buses, local foot ferry, fast ferry, and vanpools from Kitsap Transit; bus, SHUTTLE paratransit, Runner, and Rideshare from Pierce Transit; and worker/driver from Mason Transit.

The temporary fare waiver will end when the shutdown ends, according to the statement.

"We recognize that many federal government employees in our community are essential and still on duty but may face loss of pay or commuting benefits during the shutdown," John Clauson, executive director of Kitsap Transit, said in the statement. "Supporting the federal workforce is the right thing to do, and we believe this provides some relief to workers and their families."

The federal government is the largest employer in Kitsap and Pierce counties, with Naval Base Kitsap and Joint Base Lewis-McChord collectively employing about 100,000 people. Many of them commute to their work sites on public transit, and their fares are covered by the federal government in normal times. However, since the federal government shut down on Oct. 1, federal workers have been unable to reload funds to their transit passes for rides in November, according to the statement.

Naval Base Kitsap, the biggest employer in Kitsap County, employed 24,682 civilians and 14,758 active duty service members in 2024, according to the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance's "2024 Top Employers" report.

Read the article here

DBA Trick-or-Treat Street

Friday, October 31, 2025, 5:00pm

Strawberry Creek Ribbon Cutting

Saturday, November 1, 2025, 11:00am

Kitsap Salmon Tours

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Join us in late 2025 at 8 different stream sites across the county as we explore all things salmon with biologists, local environmental organizations, and trained docents. This FREE event offers exciting opportunities such as interactive activities, guided walks, and much more, with different activities at each site. You can discover local salmon species, their lifecycles, and the role you play in their survival. Bring your family, gather your friends, and prepare your questions. Join us in experiencing this remarkable migration firsthand.

Kitsap Handmade Market

Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:00am

Veteran's Day Ceremony

Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 9:00am

Port Gamble Ghost Walk

October 2025 - April 2026

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.

Clearwater Casino Presents:

Zombie Disco with Brickhouse

Friday, October 31, 2025, 8:30pm

The Doo Wop Project

Saturday, November 1, 2025, 7:00pm

Whiskey Reiver - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

Saturday, November 1, 2025, 8:30pm

Candlelight Concerts @ Roxy Theatre

Tribute to Queen and More

Thursday, October 30, 2025, 5:30pm

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Bremerton. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen and more at Roxy Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight.

A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

Thursday, October 30, 2025, 5:30pm

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Bremerton. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by Halloween at Roxy Theatre - Bremerton under the gentle glow of candlelight.

The Admiral Theatre:

The Perondi's Stunt Dog Experience

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Concerts in Port Gamble:

Jeffrey Martin w/ Anna Tivel

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:00pm

Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and

events for our weekly Community Connections!

Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton

Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall

PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383

If you need assistance, please contact us directly.