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Initiative to Preserve Natural Gas
Options Moves Forward
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Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business
Ballot bound: An initiative that would repeal Washington's phase-out of natural gas in most new homes and buildings is on its way to the November ballot. Supporters of the measure submitted more than 500,000 signatures last week, well above the 324,000 required.
Preserving energy options: Initiative 2066, sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Washington and others, would nullify recent changes to the state's energy code that effectively ban the use natural gas in favor of electric heat pumps in new buildings. The proposed initiative also repeals elements of two bills passed in the 2024 legislative session, HB 1589 and HB 2131.
The initiative says the state code, as well as cities and counties, "may not in any way prohibit, penalize, or discourage the use of gas for any form of heating, or for uses related to any appliance or equipment, in any building."
AWB's perspective: AWB has long supported an all-of-the-above energy strategy which includes the use of natural gas. Removing natural gas as an option for builders only makes housing more expensive. Once the initiative is officially confirmed, it will come before AWB’s board for an endorsement decision.
Next steps: The Secretary of State’s office will need to verify the signatures for the initiative to make it onto the ballot.
Contact AWB Government Affairs Director Peter Godlewski to learn more and get involved.
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July Membership Luncheon: Education Carnival
Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 11:00 am
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Contact Tiffany at the Chamber to learn more and to reserve your
booth today or use the forms below to sign up now!
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Kitsap Credit Union
Thursday, July 11, 2024, 5:00 pm
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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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New & Renewing Members for June
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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RECAP: Mercurio's Grand Opening | |
Congratulations again to new members, Mercurio's Heating & Air Conditioning, located in Old Town Silverdale, on their official grand opening and ribbon cutting at the end of June. Welcome to the Greater Kitsap Business Community! | |
Congratulations to the team at B&B Auto Repair Inc. on their selection as the Greater Kitsap Chamber Members of the Month for July! Members of the Silverdale Chamber, now Greater Kitsap, since 2005, B&B Auto has grown to be a trusted service provider across Kitsap and a generous partner to the Chamber. Owner Joel Baxter served on the Silverdale Chamber Board since 2012 and only recently retired from the board of the GKC last month. The business regularly supports Greater Kitsap Chamber events throughout the year, including regular participation in the Armed Forces Day Parade each year. We're excited to share more about this amazing Kitsap business as we celebrate them this month! Congratulations, Joel, Mieke and team! | |
Member Education & Training Resources | |
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Lunchtime Lightning Talks @ Vibe Coworks: Unleashing AI
Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 11:30 am
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Join the Kitsap business community and members of the general public for monthly lunchtime lightning talks guaranteed to spark new ideas, conversations and collaborations.
BYO lunch and arrive at 11:30 for conversation and networking. Lightning talks begin at 12pm and end promptly at 1pm. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.
You do not need to be a member of Vibe to attend.
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GSBA Presents: Inclusion 101
Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 3:00 pm
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For the first time, GSBA is giving members a peek into our inclusion training series with an in-person workshop led by River Teslar, hosted at the GSBA Offices.
But it’s just business. Why does inclusion matter?
It’s simple. Businesses that overlook the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion risk more than just falling behind competitors. They risk alienating their most valuable assets: their people. When your employees feel understood and seen for who they are, they’re more engaged, productive, and committed to your organization’s success.
What to expect?
Learn the ABCs of gender, sexuality, and pronouns! We’ll discuss the importance of navigating the world empathetically and learn how understanding these diverse identities creates safer and more welcoming work environments. Then, you can take these skills with you and utilize them better to support your friends, family, and community!
Cost is $15 for GSBA members and $25 for non-members.
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SCORE: Tips for a Website that Sells
Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 1:00 pm
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Whether you have a website or are thinking of getting one, there are several factors to know for a website that sells. A website is a 24-hour salesperson. What kind of salesperson would you hire for your business? Learn the 10 most common web design mistakes and how to avoid them.
This workshop includes tips for successful websites on:
- Appearance
- User experience
- Site navigation
- Content
- Clarity and Authenticity that sells
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Business News & Resources | |
Wildfire, Extreme Heat & Snow Toolkit | |
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Courtesy of the Washington Hospitality Association
The 2024 heat season is here! While that means your patios are open, Washington’s permanent heat rules trigger as soon as the temperature reaches 80 degrees outside. Make sure you review these rules with your employees and managers.
The Department of Labor and Industries has also implemented year-round rules to protect workers from wildfire smoke. This is a change from previous years when temporary rules were adopted only during wildfire season.
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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. | |
Safety & Health Includes Mental Wellness | |
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Courtesy of the L&I Small Business Newsletter
Did you know for every $1 invested in mental health treatment, there is a $4 return in improved health and productivity? When people thrive at work, they are more likely to feel physically and mentally healthy overall, and contribute positively to their workplaces, families, and communities. Labor & Industries offers guidance on mental wellness topics such as:
With 1 in 5 adults living with a mental illness according to the CDC, it is important to be prepared to acknowledge and talk about mental wellness. Labor & Industries has created a robust tool box to help you do just that!
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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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Promoting Planned Giving to
Your Donors & Volunteers
Thursday, July 18, 2024, 11:00 am
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Courtesy of the Kitsap Community Foundation
Join the Kitsap Community Foundation for an exclusive, one-hour free webinar dedicated to empowering local nonprofits with the tools and strategies needed to elevate their planned giving initiatives. During this dynamic session, we will share actionable insights and proven techniques to help you secure lasting contributions that support your mission. Whether you are new to planned giving or looking to enhance your current efforts, this webinar is designed to provide valuable knowledge and practical resources tailored to your organization’s needs.
Why Attend?
Gain Expertise: Learn about the best practices in planned giving and how to leverage “Make-a-Will” Month this August.
Enhance Campaigns: Discover innovative strategies to boost your planned giving efforts and engage your donors more effectively.
Access Resources: Receive a toolkit filled with templates, guides, and tips to implement immediately.
Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered by our knowledgeable panelists in real-time.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is perfect for nonprofit leaders, board members, development officers, volunteer coordinators, and anyone involved in fundraising and donor relations. Don't miss this opportunity to take your planned giving campaigns to the next level and ensure your organization’s long-term sustainability.
How to Register
Secure your spot today and set your nonprofit up for success. Register here to attend the online webinar on Thursday, July 18, from 11am to 12pm. Don't delay! Empower your nonprofit with the knowledge and tools to inspire generosity and secure a brighter future. We look forward to seeing you there!
Where: Online
Cost: Free!
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Fire Danger Increases in Kitsap County
Outdoor burn ban went into effect July 6th
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The Kitsap County Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs’ Association, announced today that they will impose a Phase I Outdoor Burning Ban at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6. Local fire danger is projected to increase dramatically over the weekend. Officials are imposing the ban in an effort to limit the most common cause of wildfires – outdoor burning – and urge the public to exercise extreme caution with all ignition sources.
Under a Phase I Outdoor Burning Ban, outdoor burning permits are temporarily suspended and no outdoor burning is allowed except for cooking fires in contained barbecue units and recreational fires. A “recreational” fire is defined as follows:
- Built in a designated fire pit space
- No larger than three feet in diameter
- Containing seasoned firewood or charcoal briquettes only
- Located in a space well clear of vegetation and at least 25 feet from buildings, fences, or anything that might burn
- Attended at all times by an alert adult with immediate access to a shovel and a water source
- Officials hope that the coming burn ban will limit potential incidents in Kitsap County. The ban will remain in place until significant and sustained rainfall improves conditions.
For more information on outdoor burning and local restrictions, contact your local fire agency:
- Bainbridge Island Fire Department at 206.842.7686
- Bremerton Fire Department at 360.473.5380
- Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue at 360.447.3555
- North Kitsap Fire & Rescue at 360.297.4888
- Poulsbo Fire Department at 360.779.3997
- South Kitsap Fire & Rescue at 360.871.2425
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Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Planning New ER and Urgent Care Facility in Port Orchard | |
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, July 9, 2024
Photo: Conor Wilson/Kitsap Sun
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health announced Tuesday that it plans to open a new hybrid emergency room and urgent care facility at its Port Orchard campus on South Kitsap Boulevard.
Currently, VMFH offers only urgent care and other specialty services at the Port Orchard site. Creating the dual purpose facility, the health care providers say, will vastly improve care throughout the West Sound amid a shortage of providers.
“This is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to improve access to needed care across Kitsap County and beyond,” Ketul J. Patel, CEO of VMFH, said in a statement. “The hybrid ED/urgent care model is one great example of how we can improve our patient experience, getting patients to the right level of care while also reducing costs, and alleviating some strain on our hospitals."
Read the full story here
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Silverdale GreenDrinks @ The Point
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
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The Concert Truck Returns to Kitsap
July 10 - July 14, 2024
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Enjoy a special treat for your ears at this week's Bremerton Community Farmer's Market in Evergreen Rotary Park with the return of The Concert Truck. If you can't make the farmer's market, you'll have 9 other opportunities to catch a concert all over Kitsap. Many thanks to Concert Truck Sponsors: City of Bremerton Parks & Rec, Admiral Theatre, and the Kiwanis Club of Bremerton.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - Fountain by the Conference Center 11:30 am -1:30, Concert 12pm – 1 pm
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 – Mike Wallace Park, Kingston, WA 6 pm – 8 pm, Concert 6:30 -7:30
Thursday, July 11, 2024 - Christa Shores Silverdale 11:00 am – 1:00 Concert 11:30 – 12:30
Thursday, July 11, 2024 – Evergreen Rotary Park (Farmers Market) 3 pm – 6pm, Concert 4:30 – 5:30
Friday, July 12, 2024 – Kiwanis Park, Bremerton 11:30 am – 1:30, Concert 12:00 – 1:00
Friday, July 12, 2024 - Lions Park, Bremerton 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Concert 7:00 – 8:00
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Bainbridge Waterfront Park 12:00 – 2:00, Concert 12:30 – 1:30
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Silverdale Waterfront Park 6:30 – 8:30, Concert 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 14, 2024 - Bay Vista Commons Seniors Home 12:00 – 2:00, Concert 12:30 – 1:30
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – Forest Ridge, Port Gamble, 6:30 – 8:30, Concert 7:00 – 8:00 pm
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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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Admiral Theatre Presents:
As We Speak: Bela Fleck, Zakie Hussain, Edgar Meyer feat. Rakesh Chaurasia
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 8:00 pm
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Bremerton's Admiral Theatre is proud to present As We Speak: Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer featuring Rakesh Chaurasia - all masters of their craft with an astonishing 30 GRAMMY Awards between them.
Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, and Edgar Meyer are virtuoso musicians and collaborators from three entirely different musical realms — bluegrass for Fleck, Indian classical music for Hussain, and Western classical music for Meyer. Sharing a gift for improvisation, they reach across musical genres as casually as neighbors might chat over a backyard fence.
Their latest collaboration, As We Speak showcases the group’s breathtaking versatility as instrumentalists — gliding easily between the cerebral complexity of Indian rhythm, the gut-level groove of a funky bass line, and the rigors of raga. Rakesh Chaurasia, a young master of the bansuri, an Indian bamboo flute, joins the group, adding to the magic.
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
Spike and the Impalers
Friday, July 12, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Silver Blue & Gold - Bad Company Tribute
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Bainbridge Island Art Museum
Nikki McClure: Something About the Sky
July 13, 2024, 3:00 pm
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Papercut artist, author & illustrator Nikki McClure will take us on a journey through the natural world, the Salish Sea, her travels in Japan, and concepts of time and place, among other topics, both in conversation with Jenna d’Anna, Senior Manager of Museum Education & Community Engagement, and in a live spoken word performance.
Nikki’s numerous books will be available in the Museum Store and she will do a book signing during the reception that follows this presentation.
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50th Annual Whaling Days Festival
July 26-28, 2024
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Silverdale @ Sunset Concert Series
Wednesdays beginning July 31st, 6:30 pm
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West Sound Film Festival
August 2, 3, 4, 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 17 & 18, 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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