Wednesday, February 22, 2023 |
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Photo Credit: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun |
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Kitsap Transit Eyes Relaunching Sunday Service |
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Kitsap Transit is targeting a plan to reintroduce Sunday bus service cut during the Great Recession starting in August.
Staff reported at the agency’s board meeting earlier this month that they are eying plans to activate the Sunday service in phases, with Bremerton getting an initial round in August; Port Orchard, Poulsbo and Silverdale getting service in a second phase in December; and Bainbridge Island getting service in a third phase in February 2024.
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February Membership Luncheon
Today, February 22, 2023, 11:00 am
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Online registration has closed, but drop-ins are welcome, though lunch is not guaranteed. Payment must be made at the door.
Join us today and learn how your Chamber benefits will make you a Catalyst, Convener and Champion in Greater Kitsap. Members who bring a soon-to-be-Chamber member will be entered into a drawing for a special prize!
Don't forget to bring a raffle item - proceeds to benefit the Chamber Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.
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Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, February 25, 2023, 11:00 am
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Travel with the Greater Kitsap Chamber
Rooms are selling fast - reserve yours now!
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Looking for an escape in 2023? Join the Chamber as we resume Chamber travel opportunities with a 7-night Alaska Glacier Cruise.
Special rates have been reserved on this cruise for Chamber members and friends with a savings of nearly $2k on what you might normally book. For just $2745, you and a guest can enjoy this weeklong adventure aboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.
But do I have to vacation with my Chamber colleagues? Only if you want! With 16 decks, you can see as little or as much of your Kitsap connections as you'd like!
Suitcases on Standby's Amy Zinkhon, will be at the January and February membership luncheons to answer your questions. Book now and help us celebrate the Greater Kitsap Chamber's inaugural year!
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RECAP: Bremerton Mercantile Grand Opening |
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We were excited to celebrate the grand opening of The Bremerton Mercantile in downtown Bremerton on the 9th with Mayor Greg Wheeler, City Councilmembers, Chamber Board members, Ambassadors and more! The sun was out as we celebrated business #4 for Jimmy Harris, also the owner of Cups Espresso & Cafes, Harborside Market and Scoops & Bites. The Bremerton Mercantile is open 7 days a week at the corner of 4th and Pacific. |
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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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Personal & Professional Organization - Mary Miles |
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The Bridgeford Insurance Team |
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We are not a team because we work together. We ARE a team because we trust, respect, and care for each other.
When you’re a client of The Bridgeford Insurance Team, you get a team that will care and look out for your best interest. We can’t promise to work miracles, but we can promise that we will always advocate for you and make sure you carry the proper insurance limits to protect your family and also promise to keep you informed of other products that can fill your family’s needs.
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8745 Pacific Ave NW Ste. 201 | Silverdale, WA 98383 | (360) 998-3986 |
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Kitsap Bank Announces
Valentine's Day Donations
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Kitsap Bank announced on Valentine’s Day that it was donating $15,000 to local nonprofits as part of the bank's “#causegood” mission.
For every hour that Kitsap Bank employees volunteered in 2022, the bank donated funds to a nonprofit of its choice, a release said. Employees volunteered a total of more than 2,700 hours.
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Headshot Day at the Chamber
Monday, February 27, 2023
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Early Bird Registration Now Open
Thursday, March 30, 2023, 11:30 am
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Accuracy is key. Most likely your notarized documents carry legal implications, and a document incorrectly notarized could be called into question. Precision Notary's Linda Benningfield is experienced and knowledgeable and will handle your documents with care and confidentiality.
Whether you need one or two documents notarized, such as a power of attorney, will, or deed, or perhaps a full set of estate planning documents or a real estate loan, we are able to help.
Not only do we provide quality professional services, but we will bring our services to you at a time and location convenient to your schedule.
By entrusting Precision Notary with your notary needs you will experience the convenience of mobile notary service and can rest assured your documents will be correctly notarized.
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Weekly Legislative Updates
2023 Session: Week 5 & 6 Reports
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As an exclusive benefit to our paid membership, the Greater Kitsap Chamber has again enlisted the services of Brad Boswell and team from Boswell Consulting to provide weekly legislative updates during the 2023 legislative session. Brad will also host a monthly Q&A on the last Friday of each month via Zoom to answer your questions directly. |
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Live Zoom with Brad Boswell
Friday, February 24, 2023, 11:00 am
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Join us for our monthly Zoom with Brad Boswell and get your questions answered about current legislation that may impact your business in 2023. |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SBA Federal Funding Workshop
Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 11:30 am
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Rep. Derek Kilmer and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are inviting local small business owners to participate in a virtual federal funding workshop today from 11:30AM to 12:30PM Pacific Time. The virtual workshop will cover SBA funding opportunities including:
The workshop will also cover how Rep. Kilmer’s office can be helpful throughout the federal funding process.
Virtual link: Will be sent out to RSVPs prior to event.
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13 Funding Opportunities
for Black-Owned Businesses
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In the world of entrepreneurship, Black Americans have been historically underrepresented. One of the largest factors holding back Black-owned businesses is access to financial capital: In the first half of 2021, just 1.2% of total U.S. venture capital went to Black entrepreneurs. Historical research shows that Black-owned non-employer businesses are far less likely to receive financing than white-owned firms, and Black entrepreneurs are about three times as likely to have growth and profitability hindered by a lack of financial capital.
Knowing that obstacles still exist, both public and private organizations have worked to boost funding opportunities for Black-owned businesses. Here are thirteen government agencies, programs, and venture capital firms that can assist Black-owned businesses with getting capital.
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5 Science-Backed Tactics to
Help You Work with Difficult People
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Photo: Maskot/Getty Images
The world is filled with “difficult” people. So, if you want to grow and shape your destiny, you must master the art of transforming difficult situations with difficult people into productive ones.
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Redesigning Your Talent Strategy
High-Performing Borderless Teams
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Pay Transparency Law Webinar
Thursday, February 23, 2023, 11:00 am
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The “pay transparency” law became effective January 1, 2023. The law affects all job postings for employers with 15 or more employees and contains some surprising nuances. To help businesses navigate these new requirements successfully, the Washington Retail Association has partnered with Lane Powell PC to offer a free webinar on February 23.
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Military Relations Committee |
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Naval Base Kitsap conducts a change of command ceremony at NBK-Bangor on Friday. Rear Adm. Mark Sucato, commander at Navy Region Northwest; Derek Kilmer, U.S. Representative for Washington's 6th District; Capt. Rich Massie, outgoing commanding officer of NBK; Capt. John Hale, incoming commanding officer of NBK; and Cmdr. Robert Wills, NBK command chaplain (left to right) participates in the ceremony. |
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Naval Base Kitsap Changes Command
CO Capt. Massie Retires
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Photo: NAVAL BASE KITSAP
Leadership changed at Naval Base Kitsap as Capt. John Hale relieved Capt. Richard Massie as commanding officer of NBK in a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor on Friday.
The new commanding officer, Capt. Hale, was assigned as deputy for training at Submarine Squadron 19 on NBK-Bangor before he took the role to lead the Navy’s third-largest fleet concentration area in the U.S., according to a statement from the Navy.
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Reserve Your Sponsorship & Booth Space Now
Deadline Extended: February 28, 2023
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Business News & Resources |
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New Report: 92% of Jobs Require Digital Skills |
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Digital skills are in high demand across every industry, according to a new analysis from the National Skills Coalition and Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Previous research has shown one-third of workers don’t have the digital skills to thrive in today’s jobs.
The Digital Equity Act, part of the bipartisan infrastructure law, provides $2.75 billion for digital equity projects. The National Skills Coalition will hold a webinar Feb. 22 on Closing the Digital Skills Divide.
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Recession Unlikely with
Slight Growth Expected in 2023
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According to an economist’s report last week, a recession is unlikely. The economy is expected to see slight growth this year, while consumers continue to navigate inflation and high interest rates.
Debates as to whether a recession is ahead will continue, as they did in 2022, but a downturn is not expected to result in an actual recession.
Following two consecutive quarters of negative numbers in the first half of the year, gross domestic product grew 3.2% year-over-year in the third quarter and growth slowed to 2.9% in the fourth quarter. The year still concluded at 2.1% higher than 2021.
The National Bureau of Economic Research refused to declare an official recession because the decline in the first half of the year affected only certain sectors and there wasn’t a significant decline seen across the economy.
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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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Giving Day Strategy & Tips
Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 12:00 pm
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Is your nonprofit registered for the 2023 Kitsap Great Give and now you are wondering what's next? Please register for our free webinar with Mightycause when we go over Giving Day Strategy & Tips!
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Top 5 Ways Text Messaging
Will Retain Donors in 2023
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While text messaging has remained a reliable conversion channel since then, nonprofits are taking advantage of texting’s strong and immediate open rate to focus on retention. According to a Mobilesquared report (opens as a pdf), 99% of text messages are opened and 90% are opened within the first three minutes.
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The Mills Crossing Townhomes are one of the first housing projects that the Kitsap County Affordable Housing Task Force have been working on. Kitsap Community Resources plans to purchase the newly-constructed buildings and turn them into affordable housing. |
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Community Leaders Establish
Task Force on Affordable Housing
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Photo: MEEGAN M. REID/KITSAP SUN
The idea of establishing a Kitsap County Affordable Housing Task Force was generated from a conversation between Joe Crain, executive director at St. Vincent de Paul Bremerton, and other community partners about one year ago.
Crain wondered how St. Vincent de Paul's vision of creating affordable housing projects could best fit the community's housing needs. At the same time, he wanted to make sure his nonprofit wasn't competing for resources with housing projects that larger entities like the city of Bremerton or Kitsap County were already working on.
Subsequent discussions between community partners — involving Crain, Tony Ives at Kitsap Community Resources, Jill Stanton at Bremerton Housing Authorities, Bremerton city officials, Kitsap County officials, and more — have lead to a plan to create affordable housing countywide in a collaborative way.
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Changes to Police Pursuit Laws Needed
Kitsap County Sheriff Shares Opinion with Kitsap Sun
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Opinion Column published in the Kitsap Sun, February 17, 2023
In 2021 the Washington State Legislature enacted new laws regarding the use of police pursuits. Prior to these changes, police pursuits had limited restrictions. However, recognizing that police pursuits were dangerous, the Legislature in 2021 enacted a police pursuit law that was extremely restrictive as part of a package of police reform legislation. It should be noted that while the previous law had fewer restrictions, many law enforcement agency leaders had already understood the seriousness of police pursuits and had enacted restrictive policies and training. This was the case for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies.
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Race & Equity Summit 2023
Friday, March 24, 2023
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Business Revitalization: From Sizzler to Sushi |
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Photo: Meegan M. Reid/KITSAP SUN
It was the mid-1990s, when the restaurant salad bar was still common and sought after, and on certain days in East Bremerton you could count on seeing one thing.
"I remember when doing the Sunday opening, like 11 a.m., if we had an all-you-can-eat shrimp or something, we'd have a line out the door," said Kevin Ayers, now 45, who during his teenage years worked at the former Sizzler Steak House, for a time overseeing the popular salad bar. "We knew it was going to be a busy one."
It's been nearly a decade since drivers have seen anything like a line of customers outside 3558 Wheaton Way, where Sizzler shut down operations in June 2013. In fact, the building is now much worse than simply being vacant, with boarded-up windows, at times abandoned vehicles out back, graffiti and years of mildew decorating a site that was once well-loved by diners looking for a deal to load up. But Jason Shin, a Port Orchard resident who's launched five restaurants over his career and currently co-owns Domo Sushi in Gig Harbor, sees potential.
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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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Federal Hiring Event
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
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Steps You Can Take to Prepare for Disaster
Small steps each month can help
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KBA Home & Garden Expo
Vendor Registration Open
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Registration for the Peninsula Home, Garden & Remodel Expo is OPEN!
Come help us plan and be part of the Expo! The next committee meeting is
February 7th at 9 am at the KBA.
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Bremerton Symphony's 80th Anniversary
Sunday, March 5, 2023, 3:00 pm
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Come and celebrate the Symphony's 80th anniversary at the Admiral Theatre in downtown Bremerton. The orchestra will begin with Rossini's Barber of Seville Overture, which was the very first piece performed at the inaugural concert in 1942. Next, guitarist Mark Hilliard Wilson, founder of the Seattle Guitar Orchestra, will solo with the symphony in Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, the work that inspired recordings by both Miles Davis and Chick Corea. The concert concludes with highlights from Carmen, perhaps the world's most famous opera, featuring the Bremerton Symphony Chorale, with costumes provided by the Kitsap Opera. |
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Port Gamble Theater: Buz Whitely's Big Band
Saturday, March 11, 2023, 7:00 pm
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Get your glad rags on and get ready to dance at this fundraiser in support of the historic Port Gamble Theater!
Tickets: $25.00 - available only at the Box Office
Box Office opens at 5:00 pm for tickets.
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Bainbridge Community Theatre
March 16-26, 2023
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Based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens. See the world through Christopher’s eyes as he embarks on an extraordinary journey where he challenges assumed truths and discovers life-changing secrets. A thrilling, heartwarming, and uplifting adventure story for every one of us. |
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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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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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