Wednesday, December 6, 2023 |
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Krampusnacht Bremerton is a
Hit for Local Business
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Celebrating the age-old Bavarian tradition of Krampus, Krampusnacht Bremerton brought thousands of visitors to downtown Bremerton Friday night for an evening of Yuletide fun. In partnership with the Bremerton Arts District First Friday, Krampusnacht helped many downtown businesses set new sales records as visitors from as far away as St. Louis, Missouri, enjoyed the centuries-old tradition that pre-dates St. Nicholas, inspiring people to be nice by deterring naughty behavior. Krampus is a horned, half-goat creature that traditionally emerges every year.
A boost to the local creative economy was felt at the first annual Krampus Craft Market hosted by Marina Square, which brought over 40 craft booths from as far away as Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, selling goods with a Krampus theme.
Children of all ages enjoyed the Krampuslauf, the traditional walking parade down Pacific Ave., with over 80 Krampus dressed in authentic wood-carved masks and handmade fur suits. Krampus from all over the region attended the parade, but a real honor for Bremerton was the addition of Krampus Seattle, who has been celebrating the tradition for many years.
Krampus Bremerton founder and organizer, Eric Morley, is grateful to the dozens of businesses and sponsors who started this event and have kept it going for the last several years. “City leaders and staff took a leap of faith in something different,” Morley shared. “The Greater Kitsap Chamber and Visitor Center and Bremerton First Friday Art Walk enabled this event to grow in the last four years from one Krampus walking the streets of Manette to the thousands that attended the Friday night festival.”
Krampus Bremerton will continue to make appearances around the peninsula throughout the rest of December. Visit www.KrampusBremerton.com for all upcoming events.
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Chamber Open House @ White Barn Decor
Friday, December 8, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Make sure to join us for what will surely be one of the highlights of your holiday season - the GKC Open House at White Barn Decor in Belfair. Come check out the winter wonderland owner Jimmi Cook has created and enjoy 25% off any purchases, along with refreshments and some tasty holiday cocktails. We hope to see you there!
23611 NW State Highway 3 | Belfair, WA 98528
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Minder Meats
Thursday, December 14, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Grab those goggles, onesie ski suits, and bundle up - Bremerton GreenDrinks is excited to join Minder Meats in celebration of their 80th Anniversary because we're having a party!! This is our year-end celebration for all of the nonprofits we've successfully amplified, all of the bridges you've helped us build, and for all of the collaboration you've helped us achieve.
This IS a costume party, but you don't have to dress up. DO dress warmly and expect a full spread of delicious food supplied by Minder Meats!
On Thursday, December 14th, 5-7:30pm, GreenDrinks will showcase Docluvthekids, a 501c3 nonprofit which provides activities, programs, community support for at risk youth, and also supplies the less fortunate with essential needs such as water, food, clothing, and hygiene products.
So get ready to MIX, ENGAGE, REPEAT. But don't forget to bring those business cards and don't forget your glass (we want to be green). This is a 21-and-over event, where we welcome everyone to meet new people and make new connections in Bremerton.
Get your tickets now. Space is limited!
Greendrinks is a monthly, social networking event for community leaders, concerned citizens, elected officials, business professionals and anyone who wants to make Bremerton a thriving, sustainable community. This event is for adults only (age 21 and older). $10 helps to offset the costs of food and drink.
Advance tickets are available at eventbrite. Tickets at the door are $20.
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December Luncheon @ Admiral Theatre
Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 11:00 am
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Make sure to register now for the Chamber's annual holiday luncheon, featuring amazing networking, our annual Ugly Sweater Contest, holiday entertainment and a visit by Ho Ho Santa! Registration is open now!
And don't forget to bring your raffle donations - proceeds benefit the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation's scholarship and education programs!
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Gnome on the Roam is Here
Shop local program runs Nov. 24th to Dec. 23rd
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Come find Kitsap Kelly (and some great deals) as you're out this week and coming weekend. Kitsap Kelly will be out and about in Bremerton for Krampusnacht this Friday, December 1st, so after your selfie with Krampus, be sure to get one with Kitsap Kelly! You can also find our Gnome on the Roam at these amazing locations throughout this week:
TUES/WED/THURS LOCATIONS:
Ahoy Kitsap
BV Espresso
St. Vincent de Paul Super Store
Tessio
Tracyton Movie House
FRI/SAT/MON LOCATIONS:
White Barn Decor
Wilco Farm Store
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Host Kitsap Kelly for 3 days in your store – this option is reserved for our true retail and hospitality businesses, places that offer goods and services that people are looking to purchase during this season OR restaurants for people to patronize and/or purchase gift cards from. Kelly can visit you for Fri/Sat/Mon (they sleep on Sundays unless you are open!) or Tues/Wed/Thur. If you elect to host Kitsap Kelly for a 3-day period, we ask that you:
Offer an incentive – a gift with purchase, discount, raffle, business swag, etc. It doesn’t need to be big, but we want people to see Kelly and know that it will benefit THEM to shop at a location where Kelly is because of your amazing inventory and the incentives you might offer.
Post on your social media when you’ll be hosting Kitsap Kelly and be sure to tag #greaterkitsapchamber, #gnomeontheroam, and #findkelly. Make sure to announce when Kelly arrives. Encourage your customers daily to take selfies with Kitsap Kelly and post to their social media accounts and tag your business and one of the above hashtags for the Chamber. The lovely algorithms of Facebook and Instagram will ensure that the more you and your customers post, the further your business name will go!
OR, you can try option two! If your business doesn’t really sell a physical product but you want the community to know that you support the shop local movement, then option #2 is for you!
Take a selfie with Kitsap Kelly and share on your social media channels throughout the Shop Local/Holiday Shopping season. Let us know you’d like a selfie, and someone from the Chamber will come by with Kelly for a quick picture. If you’ve got customers around when Kelly stops in, make sure to get some pictures of Kelly with your customers. Then post, post, post on social!
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Insurance done differently. Our benefits partner BHT offers quality, cost-effective medical plans plus a whole lot more, including concierge level customer service and innovative cost-saving programs and resources.
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and learn how purchasing your benefits package through an Association Health Plan can benefit you.
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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? 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 November
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Community Connector
Growth
Main Street
Business
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Reserve Your Spot Now:
White Barn Wreath Class
Saturday, December 9, 2023, 6:00 pm
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The Board of Directors for the Greater Kitsap Chamber is excited to share that White Barn Decor has been selected as the Member of the Month for December 2023. White Barn was selected as the New Business of the Year at last year's Business Awards Gala, and returned this year as a sponsor and designer extraordinaire, not only creating the amazing look for the 2023 gala, but also designing and hand-crafting the actual awards. Stay tuned this month as we share more about this amazing business just beyond Kitsap's borders! |
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23611 NE WA-3 | Belfair, WA 98528 | (360) 277-4598 |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Why Good Accounting Matters at Tax Time
Thursday, December 7, 2023, 9:00 am
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Join us on December 7 at 9:00 am PST for our latest CO-- Strategy Studio: Why Good Accounting Matters at Tax Time. Prepare Now. We'll share the best tax prep methods to set you up for a smoother, more manageable tax season. Hear from industry experts and small business leaders who are shaping the way with better practice and planning at the ground level. |
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Top 10 Year-End Tax Strategies
Monday, December 11, 2023, 12:00 pm
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Ready for an expert year-end tax strategy session that can save you thousands of dollars?
Join our exclusive webinar on Monday, December 11th at 3 PM ET/12 PM PST as renowned tax experts Mark J. Kohler, CPA, and Mat Sorensen dive into the ten strategies that you need to know to walk away from the upcoming tax season with as much money as possible.
- Common purchases and expenses many small business owners don’t realize they can write off
- How to maximize IRA and 401(k) contributions for the highest tax benefit
- The tax benefits of transitioning from an LLC (sole prop) to an S-Corporation by year-end
- How to close out old entities by year-end to avoid new FinCEN registration in 2024
- Deciding the best time to set up your business entity—before year-end or on Jan 1, 2024
Don't miss this golden opportunity to organize your year-end tax planning and save big money for your small business. Secure your spot now!
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SBDC: How to Write a Business Plan
December 14, 2023, 11:00 am
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Do you want to start your own business? Are you wondering what steps you need for a successful start? Join us in this webinar to learn all about writing a business plan. Business plans are the blueprints of your business.
Whether you need a loan or plan to self-finance, business plans should be on every start-up's list to do. We will review topics included in standard business plans such as executive summary, business structure, management, marketing, and financials. You will come away from the webinar with solid ideas of how to get started on your business plan.
You will learn:
- The information needed for a solid business plan
- Why business plans are integral for a business loan
- How a business plan will serve you no matter your industry
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AWB's Human Resources & Employment Law Webinar Series Returns |
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Discount: You can get the 2024 webinar series at 2023 prices if you sign up by Dec. 31.
- The complete series package includes access to all six webinars, pertinent topic materials, as well as a comprehensive wrap-up package featuring all webinar materials, supplementary information, and sample documents.
- Additionally, upon request, attendees can obtain continuing education credits through SHRM or HRCI.
Made for you: This series is tailored to the needs of CEOs, HR managers, payroll personnel and other departmental managers and small business owners. Topics include:
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Military Relations Committee |
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Spring 2024: Military Appreciation Day
Booth registrations & sponsorships available now
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Contact Tiffany at the Chamber to learn more and reserve
your space or sponsorship!
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Business News & Resources |
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Washington State Building Code Council Adopts Strict Natural Gas Rules for 2024 |
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The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) on November 28, adopted rules restricting the use of natural gas/propane appliances to adhere with lawmaker’s goals of building zero fossil-fuel greenhouse gas emission homes and buildings by the year 2031. The new effective date for all building codes is March 15, 2024.
“Despite hundreds of messages urging the council to reject these restrictive new laws, the Building Code Council moved forward with a de facto ban on natural gas in new homes,” said Greg Lane, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Washington. “These new rules clearly continue to violate the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which expressly preempts state and local regulations concerning the energy use of many natural gas appliances.”
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WA Workers' Comp Premium Rate Going
Up an Average of 4.9% in 2024
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The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) on Thursday announced a 4.9 percent increase in the average workers’ compensation premium rate for 2024.
The increase, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, means employers and workers will jointly pay, on average, an additional $65 a year in workers’ compensation insurance premiums for each full-time employee. Similar to last year, workers will pay about a quarter of the premium.
Employers and workers pay into the workers’ compensation system to help cover the cost of providing wage and disability benefits for injured workers, as well as medical treatment of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Every fall, L&I determines the proposed workers’ compensation rates for the following year by looking closely at several factors, including the expected workers’ compensation payouts, the size of the contingency reserve, wage inflation and other financial indicators.
“We do our best to be good stewards of this important program that helps tens of thousands of injured workers recover and return to work every year,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “Helping prevent workplace injuries and illness is our number one goal, yet we have to make sure that we have a healthy workers’ compensation system. This increase will help us do that so workers know they’ll have the help they need when they need it.”
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Credit Card 'Swipe' Fees Drive Up Holiday Costs |
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Rising credit card “swipe” fees are significantly impacting holiday expenses. These hidden fees charged by the credit card industry are piling onto the cost of holiday meals and presents under the tree. These fees, often unknown to consumers, average 2.24% of the purchase amount, sometimes reaching 4%, and have doubled over the past decade. This increase is attributed to Wall Street banks and card networks like Visa and Mastercard. The fees, costing families over $1,000 annually, are the second-highest operating cost for grocers after labor and rent.
The impact of swipe fees extends to all aspects of the holidays, including groceries, dining out, and travel. A home-cooked meal for ten people averages $61.17, with swipe fees constituting $1.37 of the total cost. For those dining out, the expense can reach over $1,000 for a party of ten, including over $22 in swipe fees at high-end restaurants. Travel expenses also include these fees, with AAA noting a 7.5 cents per gallon cost due to swipe fees for gasoline and airfares having swipe fees averaging $6 per ticket.
In response to these rising costs, Congress is considering the Credit Card Competition Act, aiming to create more competition over swipe fees. The legislation proposes that banks with assets over $100 billion enable cards to be processed over competing networks, potentially saving merchants and customers $15 billion annually and enhancing security. Visa and Mastercard, controlling over 80% of the market, currently set swipe fees centrally and limit processing to their networks. This act could allow merchants to choose the processing network, fostering competition over fees, security, and service. Make your voice heard! Tell your congressperson to pass the Credit Card Competition Act.
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Shop Smart this Holiday Season |
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The holiday shopping season is already in full swing. With stores offering discounts across a variety of must-haves for the holiday season, shoppers and businesses alike should be alert to the increased risk of counterfeit products that can spoil the festive cheer.
Why it matters: Counterfeit versions of popular holiday gifts have been found to contain serious dangers, ranging from undisclosed choking and fire hazards to lead paint and high levels of mercury and arsenic.
By the numbers:
- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reports that international trade in counterfeit and pirated goods amounted to as much as $509 billion in 2016.
- From 2000 through 2019, seizures of infringing goods by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased from 3,244 to 27,599.
- Globally, it is estimated that counterfeiting has resulted in the loss of more than 2.5 million jobs and more than 60 billion euros in tax revenue losses among the G20 economies.
Be smart: Here are 5 tips you can use to avoid counterfeit goods:
- Trust your instincts: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. So, if a deal or product seems off, it's best to keep away.
- Prioritize secure payments: When shopping online, only buy from sites that begin with https:// — the 's' stands for secure. Also, check for a lock symbol in your browser to confirm the site's safety.
- Examine every detail: Pay close attention to labels, packaging, and contents. Watch out for out-of-date perishable items, broken or missing safety seals, missing warranty information, or unusual packaging. These could all be signs of fake goods.
- Protect your data: Keep all your devices, including computers and smartphones, updated with the latest cybersecurity protections to fend off any potential cyber threats. Stay alert to suspicious websites that could conceal harmful software.
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Say something: Spread awareness among your friends, family, and coworkers about counterfeit goods. If you encounter a fake good, report it to CBP or the National IPR Center. Your actions can make shopping safer and smarter for all.
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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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3 Tips to Make Sure Your Nonprofit's Tech
is Up to the Task - Even in a Crisis
Credit: iStock.com by witsarut sakorn
Of course, every nonprofit wants to be able to answer the call to fulfill its mission no matter the circumstances. This is especially true in dire situations.
In order to make sure that your organization is able to provide services to those in need — even and especially in an emergency — it’s crucial to have technology that will make you successful.
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3 Tips to Build Trust Through Digital Identity |
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Many nonprofits depend on building strong relationships with supporters, service users, volunteers, and other individuals in order to pursue their mission. There are many small changes you can make to your online presence that will encourage people to engage with you more and make them feel more comfortable doing so.
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Join the Central Kitsap Community Council from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters and Silverdale Water District building, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale. Everyone is welcome and there are opportunities for public comment.
The meeting features an overview of the proposed 2024 Kitsap County Budget with Amber Dunwiddie, Administrative Services Director, and Kris Carlson, Financial Manager of the county's Budget Office. The council will also review its membership for 2024, recognize outgoing members and share announcements.
Stay informed and engaged! Learn more about the Central Kitsap Community Council and view the meeting agenda at kcowa.us/CKCC.
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Kitsap Welcomes New County Administrator |
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Kitsap County Commissioners announce the appointment of Victoria (Torie) Brazitis as Kitsap County Administrator. She fills the position vacated after the July 2023 departure of Karen Goon, who served as administrator since September 2014. Torie begins her job with Kitsap County on January 2, 2024.
The administrator is responsible for the management of county programs and services overseen by the Board of County Commissioners, serving as an advisor to the board and a liaison between departments and elected officials. The administrator leads strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development and implementation.
“The Board of Commissioners is delighted to welcome Torie to Kitsap County. Her depth of administrative experience and fresh perspective will provide guidance and oversight to ensure county departments maintain a high level of services, programs and resources,” said Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Board of Commissioners. “Her experience in customer communications, employee and constituent relationships, and policy and contract management will be valuable to the county.”
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Help Shape the Future of Kitsap County Parks |
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At Kitsap County, we are committed to making the wonders of nature accessible to all corners of our community. This commitment is embodied in the Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, also known as the PROS Plan. This forward-thinking blueprint will be instrumental in molding the future of our parks, ensuring an even more fulfilling environment for you, your loved ones, and future generations.
As the Parks Department continues the second phase of public engagement to shape the future of our parks, recreation, and open spaces, your voice matters! We kindly request you to take a few moments to complete survey #2, focusing on the vision for our Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan.
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Prevent Localized Flooding During Excess Rain |
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Clear storm drains and report flooding
We need your help to keep neighborhood storm drains clear! The Kitsap Peninsula is currently taking a beating with heavy rains. You can help prevent flooding by keeping storm drains clear.
Kitsap County Public Works and your local jurisdictions are working hard to keep roads clear, and residents can help reduce the chance of flooding in their neighborhood. Thank you for your patience as we respond to flooding reports.
Blocked Storm Drains - What to Do
- Monitor neighborhood storm drains. Rake away any leaves or debris blocking the drain.
- NEVER remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.
- Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth.
To report blocked storm drains or flooding issues in your area, use the SeeClickFix app or call Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777.
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Silverdale GreenDrinks@ CK Food Bank
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
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124th Army vs. Navy Football
Saturday, December 9, 2023, 11:30 am
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Bremerton School District: Community Forums
December 11 & 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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Krampus Visits Bremerton
Visit with Krampus Bremerton throughout December
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 1 - 17, 2023
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Christmas in Big Valley
Now thru January 1, 2024
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BCT: A Christmas Carol
December 8 - 10, 2023
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Port Gamble's Country Christmas
December 9 & 10, 2023
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Battle of the Bands
Thursday, December 14, 2023, 7:00 pm
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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits
Friday, December 15, 2023, 7:30 pm
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The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits (The Original Stars of Broadway’s Jersey Boys)
The Midtown Men, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit JERSEY BOYS, will ring in the Christmas season this year with their "Holiday Hits" show. This evening of songs and stories will feature iconic Yuletide classics such as "Winter Wonderland," "Let It Snow," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," as well as their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s. The popular vocal group will treat their audiences to the songs of The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, and more! Additionally, The Midtown Men will perform their holiday single, "All Alone on Christmas," which they recorded with Stevie Van Zandt and members of Bruce Springsteen's The E Street Band. Come celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year" with these seasoned Broadway veterans!
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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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