Join us for Whaling Days this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and visit the Greater Kitsap Chamber information booth! | |
WA Voters Will Get to Weigh In
On New Income Tax in November
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Published in the WA State Standard, July 15, 2026
Photo: Jerry Cornfield/WA State Standard
Washington voters will get their chance in November to embrace or reject the state’s new income tax on households with earnings greater than a million dollars a year.
The secretary of state’s office certified Initiative 645 on Wednesday, two weeks after sponsors turned in more than 500,000 signatures on petitions to put the measure on the ballot.
“We’re grateful for the dedication of the Secretary of State’s office to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of signatures gathered are validly counted,” said Brian Heywood, founder of Let’s Go Washington, the political committee that ran the signature-gathering effort.
He poked at Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson and state Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, sponsor of the income tax law, for not putting the controversial measure directly on the ballot themselves. Ferguson signed the law in March. Collections of the tax are set to begin in 2029.
Read the article here
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July Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 11:00am
| | Join us at our July luncheon at Olympic College for "Bingo & BBQ" as we celebrate summer with our annual luncheon benefiting the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation and scholarship programs. Enjoy fun games and networking while we fundraise to support foundation programs. | |
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Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Byron Street Bites
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 12:00pm
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GKC Primary Mixer
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 5:30pm
| As Washington's Primary Election approaches, the Greater Kitsap Chamber warmly invites the membership to our inaugural GKC Primary Mixer. This is an important networking event designed to connect local candidates with the Kitsap business community just ahead of the Aug. 4th Primary. Bring your questions and concerns to the folks who may be representing our community in 2027! | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Care Should Keep Up With Full Calendars
Summer and early fall don’t leave much room for healthcare delays. When work is busy, kids are home or heading back to school, and schedules are stretched, a hard-to-use plan can cost more than money. It can cost half a day.
Through our chamber’s partnership with Business Health Trust, members can compare benefits from major carriers and build plans that work better for small teams. Many BHT medical plans also include Nice Healthcare, giving employees a simple first stop for care when something comes up.
With Nice, employees can get same-day help for many common needs, start with virtual care, and get guidance if more support is needed. For everyday concerns, starting with Nice can help avoid an unnecessary urgent care trip and keep the week moving.
🔗 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! | |
KPUD to Host Community Listening Session
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 6:00pm
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Press Release, June 30, 2026
Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting dedicated to hearing from community members about electric service in Kitsap County on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for the KPUD Board of Commissioners to hear directly from members of the public. Commissioners are seeking community feedback about electric service, including what customers value, the challenges they experience, what they believe is important in the delivery of electric utility service, and their expectations of a locally governed, public-owned electric utility.
Click here to read the full press release
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PSE: Powering Kitsap Today
Utility shares information on their work in Kitsap
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Puget Sound Energy is proud to serve more than 130,000 residential and business customers in Kitsap, focused on providing safe, reliable energy service while meeting growing energy needs and Washington state’s clean energy requirements.
As Washington’s most experienced utility, PSE provides Kitsap customers with a broad array of energy-efficiency programs, rebates, bill assistance options and tools to help lower energy costs.
PSE also brings the expertise needed to operate an increasingly complex electric system amid extreme weather, growing wildfire risk, rising energy demand and evolving clean energy requirements. Combined with our local employee base and deep understanding of the community, PSE is well positioned to meet Kitsap County’s energy needs today and for years ahead.
Click here to learn more about PSE's work in Kitsap
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Fishline Partners with GPC
for Petersen Farm Project
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Press Release, North Kitsap Fishline & Great Peninsula Conservancy, July 14, 2026
Silverdale, WA – Fishline, a local human services organization operating a food bank in North Kitsap, has signed a lease to begin farming a 2-acre plot at the historic Petersen Farm in Clear Creek Valley. The project will turn a portion of recently preserved farmland into a source of fresh, locally grown food for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The new Fishline Farm is the first tenant since Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) acquired the 142-acre property in January 2025.
Petersen Farm’s roots run deep in the Clear Creek valley. The property includes parts of the original homesteads of the Levin and Holm families, who settled the area in the 1880's. Gerald and Dorothy Petersen bought what was known then as Meadowlark Farm in 1948 and continued to run its dairy operations before shifting to grass-fed beef cattle in 1970. With a strong desire to preserve the farm’s legacy, Gerald Petersen included in his will his wish that the land remain a working farm. GPC first placed an agricultural conservation easement on the farm’s core acreage in 2014, and in 2025, formed Kitsap Conservation Lands, LLC as a separate legal entity to purchase the farm and develop an affordable farm lease program to support beginning and underserved farmers and our local food system. “Partnering with a local food bank in growing food for the community is the exact sort of thing that we are hoping to do in reactivating this farm,” explains Monica Montgomery, Conservation Project Manager at GPC.
Fishline’s decision to lease a two-acre parcel at Petersen Farm reflects both a growing community need and a long-standing belief in the value of local food production. The organization has seen firsthand what is possible through the success of the Swank Grow & Share Garden, where volunteers cultivate nearly 10,000 pounds of fresh produce each year on just a quarter-acre of land. “Growing food locally is about far more than produce—it’s about building resilience, strengthening community connections, and ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy, nutritious food close to home,” said Charlie Thompson, Executive Director of Fishline. “We’ve seen what’s possible through the incredible success of the Swank Grow & Share Garden, and as food insecurity continues to rise, expanding our ability to grow food locally is a natural next step in our commitment to the community.”
To help guide the future of the Petersen Farm property, Fishline has established a dedicated Petersen Farm Task Force made up of board members, staff, volunteers, agricultural experts, and community stakeholders (such as individuals from Kitsap Conservation District and Washington State University (WSU) Kitsap Extension Program). This group will evaluate opportunities for sustainable food production, educational programming, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships, while ensuring the land is stewarded responsibly and strategically. “The opportunity to cultivate two acres at Petersen Farm represents a natural evolution of our investment in local food systems,” Thompson added. “By bringing together diverse voices and expertise through the Task Force, we can thoughtfully explore how this land can best serve our mission and help meet the growing needs of our community for years to come.”
Kitsap Farmland Preservation Coalition first identified Petersen Farm as a priority for protection in their 2023 publication, “In Our Hands: The Future of Farming in Kitsap County”. The publication analyzed local farmland preservation strategies and provided specific recommendations for Kitsap County. When the property was listed for sale in 2022, GPC began working with a coalition of partners and funders to protect and revitalize it. These partners include Kitsap Conservation District, WSU Kitsap County Extension and WSU Regional Small Farms program, Business Impact NW, WA State Housing and Finance Commissions’ Farm Protection and Affordability Investment (FarmPAI) program, WA State Conservation Commission’s Farm Protection and Land Access program, and The Russell Family Foundation. Together, these partnerships are creating a pathway for the next generation of farmers to access farmland in Kitsap County, and in turn, supporting community access to locally grown, nutritious produce. The partnership with Fishline is a natural step in accomplishing these goals.
"The Fishline Farm at Petersen will be an important source of fresh, nutritious, and culturally appreciated produce for our community," says Diane Fish from Kitsap Conservation District. "This aligns with the farm and food system support offered by Kitsap Conservation District's GRACE Program for school, community and food bank gardens, and farms. We are excited to help Fishline get growing!"
“A partnership with Fishline is one piece of the larger vision for Petersen Farm,” explains Montgomery. “GPC and our partners are developing a farm lease program that will support beginning and underserved farmers with access to affordable farmland and shared agricultural infrastructure, with a public application process expected in the future.” The Fishline lease is separate from the program, but it shows what’s possible: a once-threatened farm, reactivated to grow food for the community that fought to save it.
Learn more at greatpeninsula.org or at fishlinehelps.org.
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2026 Kitsap Entreprenuer
Funding & Growth Survey
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What Are Your Biggest Barriers to Funding?
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur in Kitsap County?
Matchstick Lab wants to hear from you!
We're conducting a brief survey to better understand how entrepreneurs access funding, the challenges they face, and what resources would help businesses start, grow, and thrive locally.
The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete, and your responses will help inform recommendations to strengthen access to funding for entrepreneurs across Kitsap County.
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WorkSource: Invisible Disabilities Panel Event
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 9:30am
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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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Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Becoming a Better Borrower
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9:30am
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Topics to be covered are potential sources of financing; what lenders look for in a loan applicant; what a credit score is and why it matters; what’s included in a loan application, including more on the importance of a Strategic Plan and solid cash flow projections; and avoiding predatory lending practices.
When considering possible sources of business funding, you need to be aware of limitation of financing sources in rural areas, and seek opportunities from lenders outside of the communities.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SBDC: Hiring Employees in Today's Environment
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 11:00am
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A look at the changing workforce and how to attract and hire more effectively. Help your team shift from just completing tasks to actually owning the results. This session gives you practical ways to build accountability, raise expectations, and create a culture where people step up instead of waiting to be told.
The presenter, Steve McCaslin, is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor and is located in Coupeville, WA. Steve is a retired Naval Flight Officer and has spent 20+ years in the corporate world in sales, strategy and business development, business consulting, corporate training, and leadership development training, mentoring, and coaching. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BS in Agriculture, where he majored in Poultry Science.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: AI Marketing
Techniques Using ChatGPT
Monday, July 27, 2026, 12:00pm
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Immerse yourself in the latest advancements where AI becomes a powerful ally in amplifying your marketing strategies. Join us for an engaging introduction to harnessing the potential of ChatGPT to propel your business forward. Uncover the secrets of applying ChatGPT across key marketing domains, including SEO optimization, crafting compelling copy, sparking creative brainstorming sessions, refining email marketing tactics, and elevating your social media presence. Don't miss this opportunity to discover innovative ways to enhance your business promotion efforts and stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of AI-driven marketing!
Registration Fee: $10
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Business News & Resources | | |
Small Business Funding:
A Breakdown of Business Loan Types
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Published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, July 15, 2026
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small business loans are a path for qualified entrepreneurs to get much-needed capital for growth. Before you apply for one, though, it's important that you understand your options and determine which type of loan is right for your business and financial circumstances.
Here's what you need to know about the different types of small business loans, how to choose one, and how to improve your chances of approval.
Types of small business loans
Small business loans can vary greatly depending on the scope of your business and its needs. Here are some common types of small business loans.
Traditional or term loans
A term loan, also referred to as a traditional loan, is financing borrowed from a bank that has to be repaid over a set period of time. It could be either for a short or long period, ranging from a few months to several years. The size of the loan you may receive depends on several factors, including the lender's requirements your company’s capital needs, how you intend to use the money, as well as your business's industry, size, and history.
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. | | |
Workplace Rights Refresher:
Youth and Young Workers
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With summer break upon us, teens and young adults are taking on their first jobs and entering the workforce. I thought this would be a good time to discuss youth workers and share some stats from Young Worker Safety: By the Numbers.
For starters, employees ages 15-24 are a whopping 2.3-times more likely to be injured on the job than those who are 25 and older. Additionally, at 49%, sprains and strains are the most common type of injury this demographic receives. Sprains and strains are both a frequent and costly type of workplace injury, so consider scheduling a no-cost and confidential ergonomics consultation with L&I.
So, what are some things we can do to help young workers stay safe?
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
Beyond Attendance: Is Your Board Equipped
for Today and Tomorrow?
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Published by Kitsap Community Foundation, July 9, 2026
Photo courtesy of the KCF
At Kitsap Community Foundation, we regularly hear from nonprofit leaders that getting your board engaged in the right ways can be a challenge. And that’s on top of the already high bar to recruit board members in the first place! Finding—and motivating—qualified people who are passionate about your mission, willing to volunteer their time, and prepared to serve as ambassadors for the organization can feel harder than ever.
At the same time, the expectations placed on nonprofit boards continue to grow. Today's board members are not simply expected to attend meetings and vote on motions. They are expected to provide oversight, ensure financial accountability, uphold the organization's mission, support fundraising efforts, and help position the nonprofit for long-term success.
Read the article here
| Unlocking the Mystery: Three Ways to Build Relationships with Donor-Advised Fund Holders | | |
Published by Kitsap Community Foundation, July 9, 2026
Photo courtesy of the KCF
As we discussed above, donor-advised funds continue to play a growing role in charitable giving. Across the country, more donors are using donor-advised funds to organize their philanthropy, make grants to favorite nonprofit organizations, and involve family members in giving decisions. Kitsap Community Foundation offers donor-advised funds to families, individuals, and businesses to help maximize the dollars that ultimately flow to support a wide range of charities, including local organizations like yours that are making a difference every single day.
Yet despite the growth of these vehicles, many nonprofit organizations still find them somewhat mysterious. One of the most common frustrations nonprofit leaders express to the KCF team is that, because grants arrive from Kitsap Community Foundation rather than directly from the donor, nonprofit leaders may feel disconnected from the people whose generosity is supporting their mission.
The good news is that donor-advised fund donors are often exactly the type of supporters that you and other nonprofits want to cultivate. Research and industry reports consistently show that donor-advised fund donors tend to be thoughtful philanthropists who are actively engaged in charitable planning and frequently work with attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors to maximize their impact.
Read the article here
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Commissioners Plan to
Name Interim Sheriff in August
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, July 16, 2026
Photo courtesy of the Kitsap Sun
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners' pick for an interim Kitsap County Sheriff will be announced in a month.
Commissioners Oran Root, Katie Walters and Christine Rolfes expect to appoint a short-term leader for the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office the week of August 17, according to update sent by Root on Wednesday, July 15. The selected candidate, either Brandon Myers, Jeffrey Menge or Ken Dickinson, will be sworn in as interim sheriff during commissioners' regular meeting on the following Monday, August 24.
The three candidates nominated by Kitsap County Democrats were interviewed on July 14, part of the transition process after former Sheriff John Gese's departure along with four other KCSO leaders at the end of June. Gese was elected as a Democrat, which gives the local party the task to nominate the replacement, to be approved by the commissioners. Root said commissioners are now deliberating and conducting state-mandated background checks in the month ahead.
Read the article here
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Bridges Over Sinclair Inlet Part of
New Options for Gorst Highway
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, July 15, 2026
Photo: WA State Department of Transportation
The latest round of ideas to address highway congestion in Gorst have been announced, with options, including two plans that call for bridges across Sinclair Inlet, ready for public review via an in-person meeting this month.
In June 2024, WSDOT began a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to look at Highways 3, 16, 166, and 304, which converge around the Gorst area between Port Orchard and Bremerton. The study evaluates a range of alternatives that improve transportation for all roadway users, who often get stuck in traffic during commuter times related to the shipyard.
The study results show that three alternatives best met the study's purpose and need, and avoided major effects on the environment and community. They offer alternatives to widen Highway 3; create a partial bypass via a Windy Point Bridge; and a full Windy Point Bridge bypass.
Read the article here
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Port Orchard Concerts by the Bay
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 6:30pm
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Summer Nights at the Bay
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 6:00pm
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Catch A Wave - Beach Boys Tribute
Friday, July 24, 2026, 8:30pm
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Hair Nation - 80s Top Hits
Saturday, July 25, 2026, 8:30pm
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Whaling Days 2026
July 24 - July 26, 2026
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Kitsap Rock & Blues Music Festival
July 31 - August 1, 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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