Tuesday, December 6, 2022 |
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Annual Krampusnacht Brings Crowds
to Shop in Downtown Bremerton
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One of Bremerton's newest annual traditions, Krampusnacht, returned on Friday night with crowds of locals and visitors filling the streets of downtown Bremerton. Krampusnacht Bremerton began as a collaboration with Bremerton First Friday Artwalk when one of the local businesses wanted to host a Krampus-themed art show and thought it would be fun to have a live Krampus show up for photos. Though it had small beginnings, the popularity was so overwhelming that an annual event was born.
Krampusnacht is intended to support local businesses and the community, by bringing a fun tradition to the city, while inviting tourists and people looking to celebrate the Yuletide season. The Greater Kitsap Chamber got in on the action as well, with Kitsap Kelly making appearances at many of the participating businesses.
During Krampusnacht, costumed participants roam the streets of downtown Bremerton (around Pacific and 4th Avenue), visiting participating businesses, and posing for photos with fans. Participation is free and open to all businesses and people interested in getting into costume.
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Chamber Night @ Columbia Sportswear
Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
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New Chamber Members, Columbia Sportswear, invite all Greater Kitsap Chamber members to a special shopping event on December 6th. Shop great holiday gifts for the whole family at your local Silverdale Columbia Factory Store and enjoy light bites and beverages. The store is open to the public, but Chamber-member specials and goodies (free tote bag included!) are reserved for Greater Kitsap Chamber attendees. |
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Minder Meats
Thursday, December 8, 2022, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
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Mark your calendars, reserve your tickets, and get ready for a return to the most unique holiday party experience!
Your hosts are the Downtown Bremerton Association, the Greater Kitsap Chamber and Minder Meats. Come learn more about a business that has been located in Bremerton since 1943!
Minder Meats 'JC' and team will be providing you with some delectable bites of many of their products. But be careful, you will find yourself placing orders at this event!
So get ready to MIX, ENGAGE, REPEAT. But don't forget to bring those business cards, bring your glass (we want to be green), and dress warm (like you'll be outside warm), it gets a little chilly in their space. 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.
Don’t forget to keep the green in GreenDrinks by bringing your own cup!
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Chamber Seeking Nominations |
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The Chamber Board of Directors is seeking member input for our monthly selections of Member of the Month. Do you know a business that deserves recognition? Are they involved in the community and active with the Chamber? Nominate a business - it could be your own - and let us know why they should be recognized as a Member of the Month! |
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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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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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New Members & Renewals for November
Thank you for your support of the Chamber!
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Community Connector
Growth
Main Street
Business
JJM Consulting Services, LLC
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SAFE Boats International
Named Manufacturer of the Year by AWB
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Chamber member SAFE Boats International was recently named Manufacturer of the Year by the Association of Washington Business at their annual Evening of Excellence.
SAFE Boats International LLC, received in 2021 the largest single contract award in company history to produce eight Mark VI patrol boats for the Ukraine Navy. Designed to the highest standards for military watercraft, the 85-foot-long Mark VI features the latest in electronic navigation, communications and weapon systems. SAFE Boats worked closely with the U.S. and Ukrainian governments to develop the Mark VI program in support of Ukraine’s efforts to combat Russian aggression. SAFE Boats also recently earned its ISO 9001:2015 certification and reactivated its Tacoma large craft production facility.
AWB's Manufacturer of the Year recognizes a manufacturer that has a commitment to business excellence, has found creative solutions to challenges that raise or enhance the industry standard, and is involved in state and/or local public policy issues that affect manufacturers.
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Sound Publishing's
Show the Love, Holiday Edition Guide
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Check out Sound Publishing's latest shop local guide, the Show the Love, holiday edition. Learn more about all the activities happening in and around Kitsap this holiday season, along with where to shop or have your own staycation.
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1st Security Bank & Live Well Kitsap Fundraise for Bremerton's Georgia's House
Annual Holiday Food Drive Also Supports Local Food Banks
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DECEMBER 17TH FUNDRAISER
Live Well Kitsap is partnering with 1st Security Bank in Silverdale to raise money for Georgia’s House in Bremerton, a safe haven for homeless women and children.
Bring your unwrapped Christmas presents to 1st Security Bank in Silverdale from 1-4p and we will wrap them for you. All we ask is that you make a donation for the gift-wrapping service our volunteers will provide! You get your presents wrapped, reduce your stress, and we all help Georgia’s House have a better Christmas!
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Drop off your food donations in Silverdale or Poulsbo at 1st Security Bank and be a part of the solution to help feed families in need through the holidays. These food drives benefit Fishline in Poulsbo and the Central Kitsap Food Bank in Silverdale. |
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Coffee Oasis' Family Christmas Project
A personal present. A place to stay. And people to celebrate with.
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Opportunities Available at Seaport Salon |
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The historic Roxy Theatre was first opened on May 29, 1941 and was originally owned by Benjamin F. Shearer. It was designed by Bjarne H. Moe, one of the Pacific coast’s foremost theatre architects.
The theatre still displays its original Pioneer Northwest Photographer Asahel Curtis photo mural of Bremerton, The Navy Yard with the White Fleet of 1908. At the time it was one of the largest photo murals ever produced in the Pacific Northwest.
Legends like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and recently Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell have graced our stage. Along with local favorites MXPX frontman Mike Herrera.
The newly renovated theatre is open in a partnership between the Roxy Bremerton foundation, Far Away Entertainment and Sound West Group as a movie theatre, live event and music venue, and community event space.
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270 Fourth Street | Bremerton WA 98337 | (360) 627-7409 |
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Advocacy Committee Outlines
Chamber's 2023 Legislative Priorities
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In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, beginning on January 9, 2023, the Greater Kitsap Chamber Advocacy Committee has published its 2023 legislative priorities. The priorities center around 8 main issue areas and the Chamber will keep members updated on these issues in the weekly Business Brief.
Bremerton and Kitsap County Comprehensive Plans
Growth Management Act
Crime
Employment Issues
Childcare/Early Learning
Paid Family Medical Leave
Supply Chain
Energy & Climate
Building Code Council Natural Gas Ban
Energy Costs
Healthcare
Access & Staffing
Long-Term Care
Housing
Entry/Mid-level Affordable Housing
Permit Timeline Reform
Streamline Reform
Transportation
Gorst Coalition
Kitsap Transit/WSDOT
Tax & Fiscal Policies
Please contact Stacey Saunders, Chair, if you are interested in getting involved with the Advocacy Committee in 2023.
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Save-the-Date: February 1st
AWB Legislative Day & Hill Climb
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The event includes both in-person and virtual options. AWB will coordinate 15-minute Zoom meetings with legislators as availability allows. You may also register for in-person lunch discussions and the evening legislative networking reception. Register now!
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AWB Institute Seeks Input on
Industry-Recognized Credentials
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The AWB Institute and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) are partnering to help ensure high school students are prepared to join the workforce—and they need your help.
Please complete a survey about the non-degree credentials that are helpful — or required — in your workplace. The AWB Institute and OSPI will use this information to develop a state-approved resource of industry-vetted non-degree credentials validated by experts representing education, business and labor. Survey results will guide program development and improved, equitable outcomes for students who are our state’s future employees.
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December Member Luncheon at The Admiral
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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US Chamber: Talent Forward
Thursday, December 8, 2022, 10:00 am
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Join us virtually at Talent Forward on Thursday, December 8, 1 – 3:30pm ET, to hear from leaders in business, government, nonprofits, and education about how to tackle the biggest workforce challenges today and for our future.
We’ll host sessions on topics including:
- tackling the worker shortage crisis
- historic investment in infrastructure
- strengthening American competitiveness
- maximizing data to fill jobs and upskill workers
- training untapped talent into the workforce
- addressing learning loss for the next generation of workers
- building better workplace culture to attract and retain employees
You won’t want to miss this event. Register now to reserve your spot and share this email with anyone looking for more information on driving Talent Forward.
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Military Relations Committee |
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Mark your calendars now for the Chamber's annual Military Appreciation Day, brought to you by Gesa Credit Union - Saturday, March 4, 2023 - at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
Booth reservations and sponsorships will open in January. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with and thank the Military Community of Kitsap County!
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Business News & Resources |
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Help Available for Employers & Employees Seeking Coverage through WA HealthPlanFinder |
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Enrollment is now open through January 15 via Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s official online marketplace for individuals and families to find, compare and purchase high-quality health insurance.
Support to navigate the process of getting health insurance is available online, via email, and over the phone to help all business owners and workers:
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SBDC Welcomes Asche Rider to Kitsap Office |
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The WWU SBDC is pleased to announce that Certified Business Advisor Asche Rider has joined the Kitsap Center.
Over the past 20 years, Asche has worked in restaurants, wealth management, value-added agriculture and as a Certified Business Advisor. Asche is particularly skilled at analysis and finding the root causes in complex issues. Welcome, Asche!
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WA Workers' Compensation Insurance
Will See Modest Increase in 2023
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The rate increase, prompted by wage inflation and rising medical costs, means employers and workers will jointly pay an additional $61 a year, on average, for each full-time employee. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.
“We’re adopting this modest increase in the workers’ compensation rate to boost the long-term health of our state workers’ comp system. This move will assure that our contingency reserves, which we’re using to buy-down the impacts of the rate increase, will continue to be healthy and viable,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “We want to keep rates steady and predictable. When the new rates go into effect, on average rates will be about the same per employee as they were back in 2016.”
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Piroshky Piroshky Seeks Local Drop-Off Location |
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Seattle's long-popular bakery is looking to continue it's deliveries to the Kitsap Peninsula and is seeking a pick-up location in Central Kitsap for the end of December. If your business is interested in offering up your parking lot, please contact the Chamber!
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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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Photo: Getty Images by Halfpoint Images |
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5 Ways to Get Your Donors Excited Again to Give |
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Today's giving climate is more competitive than ever. Donors are bombarded with messages and offers all day, every day. So, it's up to you to give your donors a reason to choose your nonprofit over another one. In short, you need to move past the same old boring dynamic that inspires few people and belongs in the past.
Giving is the backbone of any nonprofit. Full stop. But keeping your donors interested is challenging, especially when so many other philanthropic options are available. Regardless, money isn't the only way to motivate someone to donate. What you need to do is to find the right incentive for each donor.
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Kitsap Public Health District
Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 12:30 pm
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ATTENDING IN PERSON
The in-person meeting will be held in the Chambers Room of the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th Street, Bremerton. If you plan to attend in person, please be aware of the following:
- Do not enter the building or meeting room if you are positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Face masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the meeting location and are encouraged to be used.
- Maintain adequate spacing between others when possible.
ATTENDING ONLINE
Members of the public can attend the meeting and provide public comment online or by phone via Zoom. A Zoom link and instructions are included on page 2 of the meeting agenda. The agenda also includes instructions for submitting public comments before the meeting and public participation guidelines.
In addition to Zoom, the meeting will be broadcast live on Comcast channel 12, WAVE Broadband channel 3, the BKAT website, and the Kitsap Public Health District page on Facebook.
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, December 7, 2022, 5:00 pm
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Colin Puff of the Kitsap County Department of Community Development will review the Comprehensive Plan and Silverdale Regional Center update process and answer questions. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend to learn how to provide input into creating a plan to make Silverdale a more livable, sustainable and balanced mixed-use urban area serving everyday essentials to residents, employees and visitors.
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management provides local businesses with free KN95 masks and COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both Greater Kitsap Chamber locations today. |
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COVID-19 Support & Resources |
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Kitsap County Health District is now posting a regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County. This list can be found here.
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Kitsap Mall Photos with Santa
Now thru December 24, 2022
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Santa Claus has arrived in Kitsap! Get your pictures in the Center Court between the Chamber and Barnes & Noble.
Pet Days every Monday.
PHOTO SET OPERATING HOURS (THROUGH 12/8):
Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
PHOTO SET EXTENDED OPERATING HOURS (12/9 – 12/24):
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Friday (12/23):11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, BREAK: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday (12/24): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, BREAK: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Reservations are highly recommended for pictures with Santa 2022.
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Divas of the Northwest
Thursday, December 8, 2022, 7:00 pm
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Holiday Classics at Historic Roxy Theatre
Sunday, December 11, 2022, 6:00 pm
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The desire to play a Holiday show together has inspired this duo for many years. In a style truly their own, they have crafted a performance that you will remember for years to come. With lights, flocked trees and sparkles you will enjoy an enchanting performance of holiday classics with new arrangements and personality!
Holiday Classics will be featuring musicians Christopher Jones, Colby Ostheimer and Jason Swanson. A full band that embraces the spirit of the season!
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Port Gamble's Annual Country Christmas
December 10-11, 2022
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Port Gamble Weddings: Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 11, 2022
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Cinderella @ Port Gamble Theater
December 2-18, 2022
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The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers and Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Join us this December as Cinderella’s dream comes true. |
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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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Joe Barboza
Operations Manager
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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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