Countdown to Silverdale @ Sunset
Sponsorships available!
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this growing list - find out how by contacting the Chamber today!
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July Luncheon & Education Carnival
TODAY! Wednesday, July 26, 2023
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New this year: Pie a Pro! Purchase raffle tickets to vote for which Chamber leadership team member you'd like to see pie'd in the face at the luncheon!
All proceeds benefit the Chamber Scholarship fund.
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Save-the-Date: Heroes Golf Tournament
Friday, September 29, 2023
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It's time to start rounding up your golf foursomes - the Heroes Golf Tournament returns on September 29th! Enjoy a day on the links at Gold Mountain Golf Club, try your luck at winning our "Wheelbarrow of Booze," connect with the Greater Kitsap Business community and more! |
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Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? 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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Columbia has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and
equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938 with products that keep
people warm, dry, cool and protected year-round.
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9990 Mickleberry Road NW | Silverdale, WA 98383 | (360) 536-9865 |
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Kitsap Humane Society:
Wine & Whiskers
August & September 2023
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Growing Greater Businesses Grant Spotlight:
Spark Commons
Perseverance and community thrive in Downtown Bremerton
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Maureen Jann and Holly Moss are the dynamic co-owners of Spark Commons, a vibrant coworking space nestled in the heart of downtown Bremerton, WA. With a hint of sass and boldness, they have created a thriving community where entrepreneurs and professionals come together to pursue their dreams.
Perseverance is their mantra, as they encourage new business owners to take risks and make hard decisions, all while prioritizing self-care and work-life balance. Through their extensive network and deep-rooted community connections, Maureen and Holly have built a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and growth. At Spark Commons, they prove that success is achieved through resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions.
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258 Fourth Street | Bremerton, WA 98337 | 774-2-COWORK |
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26th Legislative District's Sen. Emily Randall Offers Summer Community Hours |
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Please join Sen. Emily Randall to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply listen to other neighbors during these summer coffee hours.
4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 – Carter’s and Company, 707 Bay St. in Port Orchard
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SCORE: Strategies to Identify and
Reach Your Target Customers
Thursday, July 27, 2023, 9:00 am
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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.
Workshop Fee: $40
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Best Practices for Creating How-To Videos |
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In the world of content marketing, video is the most favored type of content by website visitors and search engines. Creating video content can help keep your brand relevant and improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).
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Simple Guide for Businesses to the
Federal Contractor Tik Tok Ban
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The FAR Council has implemented a new rule that aims to limit Chinese government access to government contractor supply chains. In this blog, we’ll address the most common questions and provide helpful compliance tips to help you stay on track with your business compliance.
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Evergreen Goodwill Free
Job Training & Education
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Goodwill offers job training and education programs to people in the community, as well as help finding a job. All completely free.
Upcoming Registration Periods:
- Session 2: July 24 - August 4, 2023,
- Session 3: October 2 - October 13
- Session 4: December 11 - December 29
- Session 5: February 26 - March 8
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Military Relations Committee |
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STEP: Cammies to College
Sunday, August 20, 2023, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Business News & Resources |
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Washingtonians Face Shrinking Paychecks & Continued Public Safety Concerns |
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With recent 4th of July celebrations, Washington state citizens faced a sobering reality amid the festivities. - From diminishing paychecks to growing public safety and retail theft issues, summer 2023 has brought new challenges.
One big concern is a noticeable reduction in paychecks. Most of Washington’s working citizens will likely experience this due to the newly implemented long-term care payroll tax. Despite significant resistance from House Republican leaders, this tax was implemented on July 1, associated with the WA Cares Fund. Established by 2019’s House Bill 1087, the Fund intends to support long-term care costs.
The program, however, imposes a payroll tax of $0.58 per $100 of earnings on all Washington state workers. The potential forfeiture of contributions for unused benefits or those retiring out of state has fostered a perception of the program as unfair and unpopular. Despite calls for repeal in the 2023 legislative session, the program continues. Yet, the quest for its reversal remains ongoing.
Another factor facing the state’s residents is escalating gas prices, with the new carbon pricing program significantly contributing to the rise. As businesses are charged for the greenhouse gases they emit, the incurred cost is transferred to consumers. This has led to Washington’s gas prices being among the highest nationwide as of July 17, 2023.
Such price hikes impact individuals and ripple across the broader economy, affecting the costs of goods and services sold through Washington’s retailers and diminishing donations to charitable organizations and food banks.
Equally pressing are the ongoing challenges surrounding public safety and retail theft in Washington. Random acts of violence, such as the recent tragic shooting of a pregnant woman and her husband at a Seattle intersection, highlight the urgent need for policy revision and increased investment in mental health systems.
Current vehicular pursuit policies also remain problematic, excluding law enforcement’s capacity to engage in many serious crimes. The current pursuit law does nothing to prevent stolen vehicle and property crimes. However, there is hope in the recent “Blake fix” bill, aimed at reducing open drug use and related criminal activity. Its efficacy will need to be closely monitored.
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AWB: No Surprise that Climate Commitment Act Resulted in Higher Gas Prices |
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Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business
Gov. Inslee responded to Washington’s surging gas prices by holding a press conference Thursday, blaming the increase on oil companies and calling for legislation next session to force greater transparency about their costs.
Costs in line with carbon auction predictions: AWB responded with a press statement pointing out that it shouldn’t surprise anyone that gas prices went up after the state enacted the Climate Commitment Act. It was clear from the start the program would lead to higher fuel costs — and it has.
“It’s unfortunate the governor and some legislators continue to direct blame at employers to distract from the real issue: Washington now has the highest gas prices in the nation largely because of the way the Climate Commitment Act has been implemented,” AWB President Kris Johnson said. “This is something the business community warned about extensively in testimony, public comment and economic modeling before the program started, and something we continue to call on lawmakers to address. Rather than propose new legislation, as we heard today, it’s time for lawmakers to get serious about fixing the Climate Commitment Act.”
Higher carbon costs, higher fuel prices: AWB’s Peter Godlewski told KEPR television in the Tri-Cities that there is a clear link between the high cost of carbon credits and the rising price of fuel: “"We have argued from the beginning both in public testimony as the bill moved through the legislature and public comment at the rulemaking and further on this year that the CCA, Climate Commitment Act, is going to raise prices of transportation fuels."
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A new AWB Amplified video explains in a short, clear way how the state’s new carbon auctions have gone awry and how to fix them.
Fact check: During last week's press conference, Inslee also repeatedly claimed that Washington’s highest-in-the-nation fuel prices are due in part to an extended closure of a key pipeline, and that prices would likely go down once the pipeline reopened. However, as The Washington State Standard reports, the pipeline was only closed for three days in June, and has been open for almost a month.
Learn more: Contact Government Affairs Director Peter Godlewski to more information about the costs of compliance with the Climate Commitment Act and how the bill should be modified to create predictable carbon costs for fuel producers and consumers.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community.
To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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The End of Traditional Fundraising Jobs
and What to Do About It
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Photo: iStock.com by anyaberkut
Since the pandemic, more distance has occurred between donors and nonprofits. Further, technology has grown exponentially. And by this point, we’re all familiar with generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how technology is shifting every aspect of fundraising. The fact is that there’s a massive paradigm shift happening in society and the nonprofit sector. So, what does that mean? For one, it means the end of fundraising as we know it.
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Join the Central Kitsap Community Council from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2 at its new meeting location in the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters and Silverdale Water District building, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale.
The meeting features a presentation and discussion with county staff from the Department of Community Development on Kitsap County's Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). Critical areas are considered land with natural features that need to be protected such as wetlands, aquifers, streams and other wildlife habitat, and geologically hazardous or frequently flooded areas. The CAO was last reviewed in 2017 and is being updated in conjunction with the County's 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, with adoption planned in June 2024. Learn more about the CAO at kcowa.us/CAO.
The August meeting of the Central Kitsap Community Council also includes an update from the Council's Comprehensive Plan Committee. The group has been getting together the last two months to review and provide feedback on the current Silverdale Subarea and Silverdale Regional Center Subarea plans. Learn more about the county's Comprehensive Plan update at kcowa.us/compplan.
View the meeting agenda and find more information about the Central Kitsap Community Council at the Council's website.
The Central Kitsap Community Council currently has a vacancy for a local college student. For details and an online application, visit kcowa.us/advisorygroups.
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Kitsap County Disposal Facilities to Begin Charging for Unsecured Loads |
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Effective August 1, 2023, Kitsap County solid waste disposal facilities will charge a $10 fee to customers who arrive with an unsecured vehicle load. The purpose of the fee is to improve road safety and reduce litter on Kitsap County roads.
To avoid the fee, customers must show staff their secured load without removing tarps, netting, straps, and other tie-downs outside the facility. All materials must be properly secured, including bagged items, loose debris, trash cans, trash can lids, recyclables, yard debris, tarps, coverings, large or heavy items, and small items.
The fee will apply at the following facilities:
- Olympic View Transfer Station;
- Hansville Recycling and Garbage Facility;
- Silverdale Recycling and Garbage Facility; and
- Olalla Recycling and Garbage Facility.
Failure to secure a load can result in more than just a fee. Law enforcement may issue a $237 ticket for improperly secured loads. Additionally, if items fall out and cause property damage or injury to others, drivers can be fined up to $5,000 and charged with a gross misdemeanor, including up to a year in jail.
Washington law requires motorists to cover and secure their loads to prevent cargo from breaking free (RCW 46.61.655) and requires solid waste facilities to charge a fee for unsecured loads (RCW 70A.200.120). Kitsap County Code (KCC 9.18) authorizes staff to collect the $10 fee at county solid waste facilities.
Every year, unsecured vehicle loads cause over 300 traffic crashes and 30 injuries in Washington. In 2022, this included five fatalities attributed to debris in the roadway.
The fees collected will be utilized to clean up and prevent roadside litter in Kitsap County. According to the Washington Department of Ecology, up to 40% of roadside litter is caused by materials flying or falling from vehicles.
Enforcement of the fee is part of Kitsap County's Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign, which launched on May 24, 2023 to educate the community about the importance of load security.
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Kitsap County Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan Needs Assessment Survey |
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Kitsap County Parks is excited to introduce the Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, known as the PROS Plan. This visionary blueprint will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our parks, ensuring an even more enriching environment for you, your family, and generations to come.
To achieve this vision, we need your valuable input. We are conducting a Needs and Assessment Survey to better understand how our beloved Kitsap County residents currently utilize the facilities and programs available, as well as to gather preferences for potential park improvements.
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WA State Ferries Offering Scholarship to Apprenticeship Program |
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Washington State Ferries is offering a full-ride, two-year scholarship worth over $34,000 plus a stipend for each day of training onboard a Washington State ferry. This two-year apprenticeship program, in partnership with the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, will provide the academic training and onboard experience to become a licensed deck officer.
To learn about this exciting career opportunity, click here.
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Meals on Wheels: 41st Annual Whale of a Run
Saturday, July 29, 2023, 8:15 am
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Meals on Wheels Kitsap is looking for volunteers to help on race day from 7:00 am to noon. There are many opportunities for individuals, families and groups. Interested? Please contact Deborah or Jennifer at (360) 377-8511. |
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Bridging Bremerton 2023
Saturday, July 29, 2023
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Voices of Pacific Island Nations Benefit
Saturday, August 12, 2023
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits 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 or COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Whaling Days is Here!
July 28 - 30, 2023
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Silverdale @ Sunset Presents:
Joel Gibson Jr.
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
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Rock the Dock 2023
Saturdays in August @ Bremerton Waterfront, 5:00 pm
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Taste of Kitsap
August 4 & 5, 2023
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Trace Adkins @ Kitsap County Fair & Stampede
Sunday, August 27, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Save-the-Date: Bremerton Blackberry Festival
September 2 - 4, 2023
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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 Tuesday's 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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Brenda Kelley
Tourism 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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