Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | | |
Sponsorships Still Available:
78th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade
| | May is Armed Forces month here in Kitsap, and what better way to show your support of our military community than as a sponsor of the 78th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade? Show your business or organization's love for our local service members with an entry in the parade (it's free!), hosting a booth at our information fair, or displaying your name proudly across Pacific Avenue as one of our event sponsors. Opportunities are still available - contact the Chamber or click the button below for more information! | | |
April Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 11:00 am
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Join us this month as we re-cap the 2025 Legislative Session with AWB's Vice President of Government Affairs, Morgan Irwin. Find out what businesses can expect from this session, how our communities are being impacted, and where Washington is headed next.
You won't want to miss this opportunity to network and be informed. Be sure to bring your business cards and we'll see you one week later than usual on Wednesday, April 30th!
Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center.
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Armed Forces Culinary Arts Competition
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:00 am
| | Join us as we kick off a month of Armed Forces celebrations, beginning with the Annual Culinary Arts Competition at Olympic College! The public is invited to attend to sample some of the tastiest dishes in Kitsap prepared by our military service members. Enjoy a battling chef competition, free food samples, and Master of Ceremonies, The Great Cris Larsen! | | RECAP: Ribbon Cutting @ Jolie Bean Coffee | | Congratulations again to the team at Jolie Bean Coffee at 6th and Naval in Bremerton, and welcome to the Greater Kitsap Business Community! | | Insurance Needs for You & Your Employees: Business Health Trust Has You Covered | | |
Big changes are coming to healthcare and insurance in 2025. Did you know the IRS has expanded preventative care benefits for high-deductible health plans? This includes coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, continuous glucose monitors, and certain insulin products.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has summarized the insurance and healthcare changes impacting Washington employers and employees this year.
Click the link to read:
đź”— Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news_insights/insurance-changes-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.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 David 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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Moving into Spring @ United Moving & Storage
Thursday, April 17, 2025, 5:00 pm
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Applications Still Open to Chamber Members:
Leadership Kitsap Signature Program
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Applications are still being accepted for Leadership Kitsap's Signature Program - a special deadline extension exclusive to Chamber members and Tribal members throughout Kitsap. Apply now to become a part of a decades-long tradition of building strong leaders for our community.
Worried about the cost? Apply for the Hanten-Berger Scholarship to help cover up to 50% of tuition costs, regardless of your job title or experience. Questions? Contact Leadership Kitsap at info@leadershipkitsap.org or call (360) 782-1058.
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KCAR: 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament
Friday, April 18, 2025, 11:00 am
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Central Kitsap Food Bank 2025 Gala & Auction
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 5:00 pm
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Protecting Those Who Protect Us
Nestled in Bremerton, Washington, SAFE Boats International has built a global reputation for designing and manufacturing some of the most rugged, high-performance watercraft on the market. Since its inception, SAFE Boats has been dedicated to a singular mission: building boats that protect those who protect us. From military and law enforcement agencies to fire and rescue teams, SAFE Boats provides vessels that ensure safety, durability, and unmatched performance in the most challenging conditions.
A Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship
Founded in 1997, SAFE Boats International has grown from a small startup to an industry leader in maritime security and defense. The company’s name—SAFE—stands for "Secured Around Flotation Equipped," reflecting its pioneering use of foam flotation collars that make its vessels nearly unsinkable.
Over the years, SAFE Boats has expanded its product lines and capabilities, delivering cutting-edge vessels to agencies worldwide, including the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies, and international defense forces. With a commitment to American manufacturing, every SAFE Boat is built in Washington State, maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance.

A Commitment to Community and Service
Beyond its role in supplying world-class vessels, SAFE Boats International is deeply committed to its employees, community, and the industries it serves. The company supports numerous initiatives for veterans, first responders, and maritime professionals, recognizing the importance of those who dedicate their lives to safety and service.
SAFE Boats also plays a role in the Bremerton economy, providing skilled jobs and contributing to the region’s reputation as a hub for advanced maritime manufacturing. By investing in local talent and maintaining a 100% U.S.-based production, SAFE Boats strengthens both national security and the local workforce.

Connect with SAFE Boats International
To learn more about their industry-leading vessels or to discuss custom maritime solutions, visit safeboats.com or follow them on Facebook.
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Bills on the Move Impacting Hospitality, Consumers Across Washington
Contact your lawmaker today
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Courtesy of the Washington Hospitality Association
Legislation is still on the move with the next major deadline being today to pass most bills out of their opposite house chambers. This deadline impacts all measures except those that relate to the budget. There is still time to contact your lawmakers on issues that impact you or your business.
| | SB 5786, which increases alcohol license fees, was passed from out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and is moving forward. The bill will increase liquor license fees 25 – 50% overnight. | | HB 1213, Expanding Paid Family Medical Leave, has passed out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and is moving forward. This bill voids the carefully negotiated program that balances the needs of workers with the needs of businesses and removes the small business exemption. Employers with as few as eight employees would have to comply with federal requirements of big businesses by 2028 and reduce the number of days an employee must work for an employer to 180 days. | | SB 5798, the Senate’s property tax increase proposal, raises the property tax cap from 1% to inflation plus population growth. This has the real life potential to force many small businesses out of their buildings, raise their prices, and/or cut jobs just to stay afloat. | | SB 5796 would create a new payroll tax on annual employee wages. A similar measure was adopted in Seattle, and it resulted in businesses leaving the city. | | HB 2045, the House’s B&O tax increase, raises B&O tax on businesses with an annual income of $250 million and higher. This increase will have systemic effects, increasing costs across the supply chain, ultimately leading to greater costs for our guests. | | HB 2049, the House’s property tax increase proposal, is similar to the Senate proposal, but increases the 1% cap to 3%. Hiking property taxes would create undue strains and burdens on our industry, and force us to make tough decisions around staffing, price increases, and operating costs. | | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
Washington State Dept of Labor & Industries: Business Essentials Webinar
Friday, April 18, 2025, 9:30 am
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SCORE: QuickBook Online Basics
Friday, April 18, 2025, 1:00 pm
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Are you an aspiring or established business owner looking to get started with QuickBooks? Are you trying to figure out what you’re doing but keep getting lost? Do you like bagels? Well, then this is the workshop for you!
Who You Are: Although anyone interested in QuickBooks is welcome to take this workshop, it is designed for aspiring and established business owners looking to learn the basics.
What To Have When You Sign onto Zoom: You will need your laptop and possibly power cable. We will be performing exercises together using a sample QuickBooks Online data file.
What You Will Learn: In this SCORE workshop, you will learn how to use QuickBooks Online to record your daily business transactions. (No QuickBooks signup required!) Subjects covered include:
- Customer sales and payments
- Supplier purchases and payments
- Banking and Chart of Accounts
- Reporting from QuickBooks Online
- Best practices and common mistakes
Please note that this workshop is only training on QuickBooks Online and not QuickBooks Desktop.

Registration Fee: FREE
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MBA Workshop: How to Build Business
Value Through Strategic Branding
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 9:00 am
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Kitsap Executive Association Spring Mixer
Monday, April 28, 2025, 5:00 pm
| | Business News & Resources | | |
WA Dept of Commerce Launches Online
Tariff Information & Resource Guide
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The Washington State Department of Commerce launched an online Tariff Information and Resource Guide in response to questions and confusion around recently implemented tariffs.
The site includes information about tariffs and the rates imposed on different countries, strategies for business owners dealing with the tariffs, training, and other support resources. This new guide also includes export-related support from across communities and at the state and federal levels.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | 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. | | |
Unlocking Success: How L&I Supports
Washington’s Small Businesses
Running a business comes with countless challenges—compliance, safety regulations, hiring, and keeping up with ever-changing workplace laws. Fortunately, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is more than just a regulatory agency; it’s an invaluable partner for small businesses across the state.
More Than Workplace Inspections
L&I is widely recognized for its role in workplace safety, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and investigating hazards. However, many business owners don’t realize the wealth of resources and expertise L&I provides to support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.
With 19 offices statewide and a team of nearly 3,000 skilled professionals—including consultants and advisors—L&I is uniquely positioned to help businesses stay compliant, improve workplace safety, and navigate labor laws. Moreover, L&I offers confidential, no-fee consultations that can help you find and fix hazards in your workplace and strengthen your safety program. No fines or penalties will result from issues uncovered during a consultation.
A One-Stop Shop for Small Business Support
The L&I Small Business Office is a hidden gem for business owners looking for guidance on compliance, safety, and operations. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing workforce, L&I offers a variety of free services, including:
âś… Hiring Guidance: Confused about what paperwork you need to hire an employee? L&I provides step-by-step guidance to help businesses onboard new workers correctly.
âś… Safety & Compliance Templates: Need a workplace safety plan or record-keeping templates? L&I offers ready-to-use resources to simplify compliance and protect your employees.
âś… Workshops & Training: From L&I Essentials for Business (in English & Spanish) to ergonomics to retail safety to independent contractor guidelines, L&I hosts free educational workshops and maintains a video library covering essential topics for Washington businesses.
✅ Workers’ Compensation Expertise: As administrators of the state’s workers' compensation system, L&I acts like a large insurance provider, ensuring that injured workers receive medical care and wage-replacement benefits—while also helping employers understand their responsibilities and reduce risks.
A Vital—and Free—Resource for Local Businesses
Navigating Washington’s labor laws and safety requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With L&I’s free resources and expert guidance, small businesses can stay compliant, reduce risks, and build a safer, more productive workplace.
Want to take advantage of these valuable business tools? Learn more at Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | | |
Tools for Running an Effective Nonprofit
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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During Tools for Running an Effective Nonprofit, we will cover the basics of running a nonprofit. We will draw on tested tips and tools, including NAWA’s four learning toolkits on boards, finance, law, and planning. You will leave with concrete next steps on how to strengthen your organization to better achieve your mission.
Topics include:
- The right size for your organization to be sustainable
- Legal and finance information for compliance and protection
- Budgeting
- Program design
- Volunteer management
- Fundraising
- Grant readiness
You will leave ready to:
- Define to others what success looks like for your organization
- Name one way your organization can be more sustainable
- Name two elements to track for legal and financial compliance and protection
- Explain how your programs tie back to your mission
- Describe how your organization understands overhead
- List at least two things that need to be in a volunteer or board job description
- Name one way your organization can raise money without spending any money
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: This workshop is designed for board, volunteers and staff of smaller organizations. Anyone who wants to know nonprofit basics and have concrete actions to move their organizations forward will find something in the day. While a team is not necessary, it is helpful to have at least two people from an organization.
A light meal will be served. There will be plenty of breaks for networking and connection, and you will have opportunities to ask about specific resources your organization needs.
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Summer Camp Registration Open:
Kitsap Summer Music Discovery Camp
August 4-8, 2025
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Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 4:00 pm
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Suquamish Community Cleanup
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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2025 Spring Stand Down for Veterans
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
| | For more information, contact Richard Becker, coordinator of the Kitsap Veterans Assistance Program at rbecker@kitsap.gov, 360.337.4811. | | |
Live Well Kitsap Community Hike
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 am
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Bremerton Central Lions Club
Centennial Celebration
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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KBA Presents: Home & Model Expo
May 2-4, 2025
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Masks Still Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Can I still get COVID-19 tests?
You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov
Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance.
If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.
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Free immunization clinics for children
Kitsap Public Health is offering free immunization clinics for children 18 and younger on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 in Bremerton. Our clinic provides flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and routine childhood immunizations.

Learn more and book an appointment at kitsappublichealth.org/clinic.
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Bremerton Community Theatre Presents:
Jesus Christ Superstar
Now thru May 4, 2025
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Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber
In Jesus Christ Superstar, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber take the last week of Jesus Christ's life and transform it into a rock opera spectacle. Seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the musical delves into the personal and political turmoil surrounding Jesus, blending rock with gospel, folk, and funk. With iconic songs like "Superstar" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him," the show captures the tension, fame, and ultimate betrayal that define this timeless story. It's a bold, energetic, and thought-provoking portrayal of one of history's most famous figures, wrapped in a dazzling musical package.
Content Advisory: The musical features contemporary and sometimes provocative language, but no strong or offensive language, . It deals with themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and political unrest, all presented in a dramatic and musical context; some dark humor and irony, particularly in the portrayal of certain characters and situations; includes religious and supernatural themes, focusing on the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ; mature themes related to betrayal, death, and sacrifice, but they are handled within the context of the story; some depiction of violence, particularly related to a suicide and the crucifixion. Some suggestive situations and innuendos, particularly involving Mary Magdalene, but nothing explicit.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Bell Bottom Blues - Eric Clapton Tribute
Friday, April 18, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Poker Face - Lady Gaga Tribute
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Candlelight @ The Roxy:
Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragon
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 5:30 pm
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Candlelight @ The Roxy
Tribute to Queen & More
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 8:15 pm
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New Old Time Chautauqua
Sunday, April 20, 2025, 7:00 pm
| Prepare to have your socks knocked off and your funny bone thoroughly tickled! This high-energy spectacle will leave you laughing in awe as some of the world's finest vaudeville talent take the stage. From dazzling jugglers and mesmerizing magicians to giant puppets, hula hoopists, acrobats, and more—this variety extravaganza will keep you on your toes and at the edge of your seat! Starring Broadway sensations The Flying Karamazov Brothers, Soundgarden’s legendary Artis the Spoonman, and the incomparable Manny Moore (he can do anything!), this show is an experience like no other. And if that wasn’t enough, the night will be fueled by the Northwest’s longest-running, wildly eclectic marching band—The Fighting Instruments of Karma Marching Chamber Band/Orchestra (tooting since 1975)! Don’t miss out—get your tickets today for New Old Time Chautauqua in Bremerton! | | |
The Importance of Being Earnest
Opening April 25, 2025
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The Spinners @ Admiral Theatre
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 7:30 pm
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Timeless in a way that few other acts can claim, The Spinners are one of the most iconic and enduring groups in R&B history. With a towering legacy spanning over six decades, The Spinners have never lost their universal appeal, as evidenced most recently by the group’s long-awaited induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

The quintet created and came to define the smooth sound of Philadelphia Soul, channeling the highs and lows of romance and heartbreak into a catalog of classic hits, beloved across generations. Throughout the years the Spinners remained perched atop the Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary Charts, with smash singles like “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “Then Came You,” “The Rubberband Man'' and many more – earning six Grammy nominations, 18 Platinum and Gold Albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and selling millions of records worldwide in the process. Their legendary repertoire has earned a permanent place in the American songbook.
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Purchase Tickets Now: Bremerton Air Show
July 12 & 13, 2025
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If you are a vendor looking to be a part of the 2025 Bremerton Air Show,
please visit their vendor site HERE.
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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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Bremerton 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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