Port-to-Port Pop Up Ferry
Saturday, June 13, 2026
| | All aboard! On Saturday, June 13th, the Greater Kitsap Chamber invites you to experience a truly unique journey on the Carlisle II, the last remaining vessel of the historic Mosquito Fleet. This special passenger-only ferry will run between Silverdale and Bremerton, giving you a chance to soak in the scenic beauty of our Kitsap County waterways from a rare vantage point. Tickets now available! |
Get Involved This Summer
Join Our Summer Volunteer Team
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Volunteer with the Greater Kitsap Chamber this summer! Sign up at the link below to get involved in our upcoming events.
Please note the volunteer sign-up document is being shared publicly.
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Rise & Thrive:
Business Essentials & Networking
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 9:00am
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June Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 11:00am
| | Please join us for our June Membership Luncheon and 2026 Annual Meeting. This is a special luncheon for the Chamber as we celebrate all of the work we've done over the last 12 months and introduce our newly-elected Board members. You'll hear from outgoing-Chair, Susan Larsen and learn more about what the Chamber has planned for the coming year. | |
Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 5:05pm
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Deep Dive Business Series
Service That Sells: Winning More B2B Clients
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 2:00pm
| | RECAP: May Membership Luncheon | |
Last week, Captain Alexander Baerg, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Kitsap, joined us at our May Membership Luncheon to share updates on the base and its impact on our community. Thank you, Captain Baerg, for your leadership and for sharing these important updates with our members.
We also had the honor of recognizing our 2026 Ambassador Scholarship recipients: Logan Malnar, Keaton Martinez, Quincy John Robinson Jr., Evelyn Bevers, and Deijah Diego.
A special thank you to the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council of the Navy League and the East Bremerton Rotary Club for their generous support, sponsoring three and two scholarships, respectively.
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Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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You may have more options than you think.
A lot of employers assume they just have to live with a plan that is not working. But a mid-year review can still be worth it. If your team is dealing with confusing coverage, employee complaints, or too much admin time, now is a smart time to ask questions and see what a better fit could look like.
Through our chamber’s partnership with Business Health Trust, members can compare benefits, get guidance, and move toward a setup that feels easier to manage. Nice Healthcare adds even more day-to-day value with $0 care built for real life.
🔗 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.
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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 us now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | |
New & Renewing Members for May
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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The Early Bird Saves the Therms:
Cascade Natural Gas Breakfast
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Receive a complimentary breakfast while learning how you can grow business opportunities with CNGC program incentives!
Join the Cascade Natural Gas Corporation (CNGC) Commercial & Industrial Conservation Incentive program for a complimentary breakfast bringing together customers and the contractors who support them. Representatives from CNGC will share eligibility criteria, the program's latest increased incentive amounts, practical tips for successfully working with the program, and more.
All attendees will be entered into a raffle for a two lower-level tickets to the Mariners vs. Cubs game on Friday, August 21 at 7:10 PM.
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Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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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.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is pleased to name valueGlass as our June Member of the Month. Since opening in 2014, valueGlass has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality glass solutions with professionalism and care across Kitsap County. Their attention to detail, reliable service, and relationship-driven approach have made them a respected and recognizable part of our local business landscape. Since joining the Chamber in 2024, they have remained engaged and committed to supporting both fellow members and the broader community.
A Continued Commitment to Community
valueGlass demonstrates its community-minded spirit through ongoing participation in local events, including Military Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day. Their involvement reflects an appreciation for the people and partnerships that make Kitsap County strong, and a willingness to show up in support of the community.
Strengthening Our Local Business Network
Beyond their participation in local events, valueGlass contributes to the success of other small businesses. Most recently, they donated and installed a new glass door for a fellow Chamber member—an act that speaks to their collaborative mindset and generosity.
A Clear Commitment to Craft and Community
valueGlass stands out for its commitment to quality workmanship and meaningful community engagement. Their focus on delivering excellent results while building lasting partnerships reflects the values we celebrate within the Chamber. We are proud to recognize valueGlass for their continued contributions and look forward to seeing their ongoing impact in Kitsap County.
| Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Defining Your Audience
The Power of Buyer Personas
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 10:00am
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What is a Buyer Persona? A buyer persona is a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer based on market research and real data about your existing customers.
Marketing to everyone the same way doesn’t work anymore. These in-depth personas help us relate to your customers uniquely and as real humans. Buyer personas can help you better understand who your customers are and how to best market to them.
The goals of this hands-on workshop include developing clear definitions of your typical buyers, a clear sense of the customer journey that customers take, and how to generate marketing strategy to start marketing to the right people.
Registration Fee: $10
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SHRM West Sound: Rise & Learn
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 9:00am
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SBDC: Profit-Driven Pricing
Mastering the Essentials for Small Businesses
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 1:00pm
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Join us for a focused session on building smart pricing strategies that drive profitability. We’ll cover:
- Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis and break-even points
- Key factors in setting effective prices
- The Four P's of Marketing and how pricing fits in
- A brief look at tariffs and their impact on global pricing
This webinar is ideal for business owners, marketers, and professionals involved in pricing decisions. Gain the tools to price with confidence and strategy.
Registration Fee: FREE
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The Exit Planning Journey
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 11:30am
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Ever thought about what's next in your business?
Most small business owners are so focused on day-to-day operations that exit planning falls to the bottom of the list. But waiting too long can cost you value, time, and peace of mind.
Exit With Intention: The Exit Planning Journey is a free, expert-led workshop that gives you a practical roadmap for exiting your business on your own terms — whether that's in 2 years or 20 years.
You'll learn how to:
➡️ Build and protect your business value
➡️ Reduce operational and financial risk before you sell
➡️ Prepare confidently for your next chapter
This is an affiliate event of Matchstick Lab and is presented by a collaborative team of experts: a certified exit planner, a business coach, a certified exit financial advisor, an operations specialist, and a certified business broker.
🌐 Full details: https://exitwithintention.netlify.app
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FEMA Releases FIFA World Cup
2026 Safety Toolkits
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Published by the WA Retail Association, May 28, 2026
Photo courtesy of the WRA
As communities across the United States prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026 activities, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has released two public safety toolkits designed to help organizations, businesses, and local leaders prepare for large-scale events. The tournament is expected to bring more than five million international visitors to the U.S. and generate billions of dollars in economic activity over a 38-day period.
The new resources provide guidance on emergency preparedness, crisis communications, business continuity, and public safety messaging. FEMA developed the toolkits in coordination with partners nationwide to support safe and informed communities during World Cup-related activities.
One toolkit is designed for emergency managers, local governments, public safety agencies, and community organizations. The second focuses on private-sector businesses and includes information related to emergency response planning and information technology preparedness.
Both resources encourage five key safety practices: having an emergency plan, following local guidance during emergencies, signing up for emergency notifications, preparing for weather conditions, and remaining aware of surroundings during large events.
Additional information and downloadable resources are available through FEMA and Ready.gov as preparations continue for FIFA World Cup 2026 activities.
Read the article here
| Business News & Resources | | |
State Budget Debate
Highlights Growth in Spending
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Published by the WA Retail Association,, May 28, 2026
Photo courtesy of WRA
A recent analysis of Washington’s state budget has renewed debate over how government spending should be measured and evaluated. The discussion centers on whether state spending should primarily be viewed as a share of personal income or on a per-person basis.
Recent data shows Washington’s spending from key state operating funds has risen significantly over the past decade when adjusted for inflation. Spending per resident has also increased following the Great Recession, even as spending measured against personal income has remained comparatively lower due to growth in the state’s economy.
Supporters of increased spending argue that a growing economy can support expanded public investments and services. Others contend that spending growth has outpaced projected revenues, creating long-term budget challenges despite recent tax increases approved by lawmakers.
The debate also reflects broader questions about the demand for public services as Washington’s population, economy, and workforce needs continue to change. Analysts note that some areas, such as K-12 enrollment, have declined while other services continue to face increasing costs.
The conversation is expected to continue as policymakers address future budget priorities and revenue forecasts.
Read the article here
| | 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. | | How L&I Helps Keep Workers Safe on the Job | | |
While many businesses are familiar with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) as the administrator of the state’s workers’ compensation system, the agency is also committed to protecting the safety, health, and security of Washington’s 3.3 million workers. With 19 offices located throughout Washington and approximately 2,800 employees statewide, L&I supports employers in meeting safety and health standards, enforces rules designed to protect workers from hazardous job conditions, and provides medical and limited wage-replacement coverage to workers who experience job-related injuries or illnesses.
L&I carries out this work through several divisions and programs focused on prevention, enforcement, and recovery. One key division is the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), which develops and enforces workplace safety rules. DOSH conducts inspections to ensure businesses comply with safety and health regulations and offers free, on-site safety consultations to help employers identify hazards, improve safety practice, and prevent injuries before they occur.
In addition, L&I claims managers oversee benefits for injured workers and coordinate closely with medical providers, employers, and counselors to support recovery and a safe return to work. L&I also enforces laws that protect workers’ wages, working conditions, and required breaks, helping ensure fair and lawful workplaces across the state. Beyond employee protections, L&I’s technical experts safeguard the public by inspecting electrical systems, elevators, boilers, and manufactured homes.
To help businesses understand and comply with workplace safety rules, L&I provides a wide range of free resources, including online tools, workshops, and formal training opportunities. These offerings make it easier for employers to build effective safety programs, reduce the risk of injuries, and stay in compliance with state regulations. Employers can explore upcoming workshops and training opportunities by visiting Lni.wa.gov/workshops-training.
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
State of Nonprofits 2026: 3 Dire Realities
Facing the Sector Right Now
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Published by Nonprofit Pro, May 28, 2026
Photo: Getty Images/Tom Merton
The nonprofit sector has endured a lot in recent years, but a new report found a significant escalation in 2025. The "State of Nonprofits 2026: What Funders Need to Know" report from The Center for Effective Philanthropy paints a picture of a sector under compounding pressure: more demand, less money, exhausted leaders and staff, and no clear path to stabilization. The last time nonprofits saw demand spike this sharply was 2020 — but then, the government and foundations both increased funding in response. Today, both have pulled back simultaneously.
The report draws on surveys of 380 nonprofit CEOs in February 2026 through the organization’s Nonprofit Voice Project, a panel of U.S. nonprofits receiving funding from at least one foundation giving $5 million or more annually. Here are the three realities that stand out.
Read the article here
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New Plans to Make Bangor Home to
Up to 8 Columbia-Class Subs
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, May 26, 2026
Photo provided by U.S. Navy, Submarine Group Nine
BANGOR — A five-year construction is planned to start next summer at three places and a pier site in the Bangor submarine base on Hood Canal. Some facilities there will be demolished and upgraded so the Navy can handle the nation's future Columbia-class submarines on the West Coast for the next half century.
Bangor will be home to up to eight Columbia-class submarines. The class is a hybrid of the current Ohio-class SSBN and Virginia-class SSN design and processes, incorporating several innovative technologies, including improved quieting technology and an electric propulsion system in lieu of traditional mechanical gears, as noted in the Navy's latest shipbuilding plan published in May.
The Navy will use them to replace eight aging Ohio-class submarines currently homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, though it is unclear which eight Columbia-class subs will be assigned to Bangor. On May 27, the Navy released its draft environmental assessment that contains analysis of potential envornmental impact associated with the plan. The public can now review the document at www.nepa.navy.mil/Columbia-West-Coast/, provide written comments from May 27 to June 25, and attend a public meeting on June 4 in Silverdale to learn more about the analysis.
Read the article here
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Poulsbo Film Festival
Call for 2026 Film Submissions
Deadline to submit Monday, June 8, 2026
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Calling all filmmakers! The final day to submit your film to the 5th Annual Poulsbo Film Festival is June 8th. Films can be submitted through Film Freeway.
All genres are accepted! Shorts and features.
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Happy 15th Birthday to the
Haselwood Family YMCA
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Bremerton Boardwalk Night Market
Friday, June 5, 2026, 5:00pm
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Encore Communities: Annual Car Show
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11:00am
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Spike & The Impalers - Classic Rock
Friday, June 5, 2026, 8:30pm
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Whiskey River - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 8:30pm
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The Dreamboats @ The Admiral Theatre
Friday, June 5, 2026, 7:30pm
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Juneteenth Comedy @ The Roxy Theatre
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 8:00pm
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Get ready for a night of culture, comedy, and nonstop laughs as Ms. MyMy Presents brings AFNO – A Funny Night Out to the Roxy Theater in Bremerton for a special Juneteenth celebration!
Produced by Ms. MyMy Presents, AFNO has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s growing comedy experiences — known for lively crowds, high energy, great music, and carefully curated talent that keeps audiences laughing all night long. More than just a comedy show, AFNO creates an atmosphere where community, culture, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable experience.
This special Juneteenth edition features an incredible lineup of comedians bringing raw storytelling, fearless humor, and authentic perspectives to the stage.
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Bremerton Air Show 2026
July 11 - July 12, 2026
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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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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.
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