Tuesday, November 8, 2022 |
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State Building Code Council Votes to Require Heat Pumps Over Natural Gas |
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After months of contentious public testimony, the Washington Building Code Council voted Friday to require that new homes and apartments, plus retrofits, use electric heat pumps rather than natural gas as their primary heating source. The Spokesman-Review covered the story.
This decision, made by an unelected council, will make it more expensive to heat and build homes and will remove natural gas as a primary heating option even in colder parts of the state, said Peter Godlewski. As it is now, most widely available heat pumps don’t operate well in colder weather, requiring ever-more electricity as temperatures fall.
The council voted on Friday following significant pressure from the governor’s office to pass these proposals, which go in effect in July of 2023, despite the concerns of experts and policymakers present at the council meeting.
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Countdown to Inaugural Business Awards Gala
Join us as we honor local businesses & leaders!
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Tickets on Sale Now!
Thursday, November 17, 2022 6:00 pm
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Join the Greater Kitsap Chamber for our Inaugural Business Awards Gala celebrating individuals and businesses around the Greater Kitsap region on Thursday, November 17th at 6:00 pm.
Sponsorships are available to elevate your business' presence at this community-wide event. To learn more or to secure your sponsorship or advertising space now, please contact the Chamber!
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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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JJM Consulting Services, LLC |
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November Member of the Month:
Bouchard Hauling & Removal
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After a wet and windy weekend like we just saw in Kitsap County, the next call you might want to make is to Chamber member Bouchard Hauling & Removal. Learn more about what this family-run business can do
for your residential or
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Serving Mason, Kitsap & Pierce County
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Pacific Northwest Title 18th Annual Food Drive
Now thru November 11, 2022
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Toys for Tots Looking for Locations |
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Greater Kitsap's local Marines Toys for Tots program is underway - contact them now to have a donation box at your local business.
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1st Security Bank Food Drive |
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P5 Photography Offers Santa Sessions
Monday, November 14, 2022
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Sound Publishing Advertising Opportunities |
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Naval Base Kitsap serves as the host command for the Navy’s fleet throughout the Pacific Northwest, providing exceptional installation services, programs, and facilities to meet the needs of its hosted war-fighting commands, tenant activities, and personnel – all of whom deserve the best there is to offer 24/7.
THE NAVY IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
NBK is the third largest U.S. Navy installation in the United States, and arguably the most complex. NBK is home to a diverse range of high-value strategic missions, including all types of submarines, two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Manchester Fuel Depot. These facilities provide critical support to the National Defense Strategy. NBK is also the home of several Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation commands that ensure the Navy’s technological advantage. NBK and its supported commands produce substantial economic benefits to its surrounding communities.
NBK is geographically located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington state, and is a conglomerate of installations at Bangor, Bremerton, Jackson Park, Keyport, and Manchester. NBK encompasses more than 12,000 acres supporting more than 70 tenant commands, including Commander, Navy Region Northwest, Commander, Submarine Group 9, and Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest headquarters. The base is also responsible for Naval Hospital Bremerton.
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Photos courtesy of US Naval Base Kitsap. |
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It's Election Day
In-Person, Ballot Drop Boxes & Mail-In Available
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Vote Centers and Accessible Voting Locations
Vote Centers open the Saturday and Monday before the Primary and General Election Day and on Election Day for Special Elections.
The centers are designed primarily for new voters needing to register, voters who lost or did not receive their ballots in the mail, voters needing to change their addresses, and voters wishing to vote using the Accessible Voting Unit.
Voters who want to vote in a voting location are also welcome. A ballot from the vote center is the same as the one you receive in the mail. If you receive a ballot in the mail but want to vote in the vote center, bring that ballot and step into one of the voting partition spaces. This will help keep the line short for voters who need to register or receive a replacement ballot.
Dates and Times:
Saturday and Monday before the Primary or General Election
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Nov. 5, 7)
Election Day: Tuesday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Nov. 8)
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Mailing Your Ballot
Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 8, to be counted. We recommend that if you use mail to return your ballot that you do so about a week before Election Day. If you take your ballot to the post office on Election Day or the day before, please ask USPS staff members to hand stamp the date at the counter to ensure your ballot is postmarked on time.
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Ballot Drop Locations
Beginning 18 days before each election (Oct. 21), ballot drop boxes remain open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
There are 25 ballot drop boxes located throughout Kitsap County. Ballot drops provide a safe, secure way for voters to deposit their ballots. No postage is required. Our ballot drop boxes also meet accessibility requirements for voters with disabilities.
Please note: In some elections some boxes may not be in use if there are no elections in that part of the county.
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November Member Luncheon
"Bring Your Voice for the Vision of Greater Kitsap"
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 11:30 am
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Join us as we welcome Kitsap County Special Projects Manager, Eric Baker, and City of Bremerton Planning Manager, Garrett Jackson, as we learn about the City and County's comprehensive plans and what the updates now will mean for us as we live and work in the Greater Kitsap region. Bring your questions and comments to add your voice to the planning process for what the future of Kitsap will be. Moderated by Education Committee Chair, Beth Wolfe.
Please note our schedule has changed this month!
11:00 - 11:30 am
Check-In & Networking
11:30 am
Lunch Opens
11:50 am
Chamber Business
12:00 pm
Program Begins
12:45 pm
Chamber Wrap-Up, Announcements & Raffle
Don't forget to bring an item for the raffle! All proceeds of the raffle go to the Chamber Scholarship Fund on behalf of the students of Greater Kitsap.
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Thank you to our November sponsor: |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Cyber Security Awareness Workshop
Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 1:00 pm
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Join us for an in-person cybersecurity workshop hosted by the WWU Cyber Range. Keeping information safe and secure is challenging for businesses of all sizes. While big companies make headlines, small businesses make attractive targets for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming, it’s really about people. In this workshop, we’ll debunk common cybersecurity misconceptions and give you the knowledge and resources you need to protect your business. |
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Puget Sound Business Journal: Let's Talk Tax
How Small Businesses Can Remain Compliant in 2023
Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 11:00 am
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As a growing business, preparing for tax compliance can be an intimidating task. By embracing technology and developing a better understanding of the ever-changing tax landscape, compliance becomes easier to tackle.
Join us in this FREE webinar to hear:
- Key tax changes, economy trends, and IRS rulings that will affect small businesses.
- Business-owner insights on how to address compliance in varying circumstances.
Advice on how technology can help a business maintain compliance throughout the year.
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WSHRMA Fall Fast Forward Conference
Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
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WSHRMA is so excited to be back in person for this year's Annual Fall Conference!
With this year's theme, Fall Fast Forward, our focus is on Moving Ahead Today for Tomorrow's Leaders.
Diverse presenters will be speaking on topics that every one of us will need to be informed upon as we are rounding out 2022 and heading into 2023.
Register today! Lunch and parking are included!
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Business News & Resources |
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Actuaries Predict WA Long-Term Care Program Likely to Remain Solvent into 2098 |
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In 2019, the Legislature passed HB 1087 authorizing a Long-Term Care Program (LTCP) funded by a 0.58% tax (called “premiums”) on all employee earnings. The payroll tax was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2022. However, due to questions regarding eligibility and long-term solvency, the Legislature delayed the payroll tax until July 2023 and authorized an independent actuarial analysis of the program.
The analysis released last week predicts the program will likely remain solvent into 2098 under the 0.58% authorized payroll tax level. It carefully states, “We estimate WA Cares Fund will require a level premium assessment on gross wages between 0.52% and 0.63% for the Baseline analysis to cover program expenditures over the 75-year period….”
The analysis examined a broad range of scenarios and found that, under most, the program would remain solvent under the 0.58% payroll tax. However, the analysis also reveals certain factors that could lead to higher payroll tax levels, above 0.63%, over the 75-year period. Those factors include lower wage growth, lower overall employment levels, higher inflation, and lower investment earnings.
The payroll tax funds the Washington Cares Fund, which will provide up to $36,500 in long-term care benefits for eligible recipients. Under current law, the payroll tax is scheduled to take effect in July 2023, with benefit payments beginning in 2026.
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Prep for Holiday Shopping & Shop Local Season
Marketing Questions Answered by the Experts
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Book a free marketing consulting session with a Kitsap-based marketing professional!
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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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How to Find and Activate
Non-Donors on Giving Tuesday
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Giving Tuesday reached unprecedented levels in 2021: Giving in the U.S. totaled $2.7 billion. I’ve seen two truths: People want to help those in need and be part of a movement. Giving Tuesday offers both opportunities in one day — Nov. 29 this year — which is why your organization should start planning a Giving Tuesday appeal now.
Resist the urge to focus only on your loyal donors. Giving Tuesday presents the perfect opportunity to get non-donors — those in your database who have never donated — involved in your cause.
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Photo Credit: Pexels by Karolina Grabowska
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Veterans Day Holiday Service
Effective Friday, November 11
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Routed buses will operate reduced service schedules or may not operate on Friday, Nov. 11. Please see your route schedule for availability and times of service or use our route lookup tool online at: kitsaptransit.com/holiday-schedule.
- Port Orchard Ferry will operate on a Holiday schedule from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM.
- Kitsap Fast Ferries will operate regular weekday service.
- BI Ride will operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (after 4:00 PM must be booked through the app).
- Kingston Ride Fast Ferry Commuter will operate regular weekday service.
- Southworth Ride Fast Ferry Commuter will operate regular weekday service.
- Kingston Ride, SK Ride, Nollwood Dial-A-Ride and Purdy Ride will NOT operate.
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ACCESS service will operate from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Any pre-scheduled trips for Veterans Day will be canceled. Call ACCESS at 1.800.422.2877 to rebook your ride.
- There will be no Worker/Driver service. Some Vanpools may not operate; call your vanpool driver for information.
Kitsap Transit's Customer Service Office and call center will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Administrative Office and ORCA call center will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions before the holiday.
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Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served
Friday, November 11, 2022
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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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November is Family Caregiver Month |
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Planned or not, at some point most of us will find ourselves helping an adult family member or friend with maintaining their independence. Being in a caregiver role can be a lot to juggle and it's not always easy, even with the best intentions.
The 2022 theme of Caregiving Happens reflects the reality of how and when caregiving happens. It's not always convenient or expected. We understand and can help.
Click the flyer below to learn about a free, virtual discussion on November 16th about what it means to be a family caregiver and local options to support YOU and the person you help.
You may also visit our website at: www.agingkitsap.com for family caregiver month information and event details.
Register for one of two sessions on Zoom via links below:
Registration is not required to attend only by phone for the call-in option.
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12:30pm-1:30pm Session Registration: Here
Call-in option: (253) 215-8782, Meeting ID: 891 6489 5510 Passcode: 476271
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5:30pm-6:30pm Session Registration: Here
Call-in option: (253) 215-8782, Meeting ID: 896 9496 5223 Passcode: 065215
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The Roxy Theatre Presents:
60 Years of Bond, James Bond
November 11-13, 2022
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Admiral Theatre Presents:
Jefferson Starship
Friday, November 11, 2022, 7:30 pm
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When founding member Paul Kantner formed Jefferson Starship in the 70s, he envisioned the band as a cast of musical adventurers, contributing to his epic concept albums and eventual deep catalog of rock classics. When the current lineup of the band came together alongside Kantner as a unit in 2012, with many members joining years before, he couldn’t have imagined that the band would become the road-conquering heroes they’ve been in the last few years.
Jefferson Starship’s five members describe themselves as both a “family” and a “gang,” and that comes across in talking to them, and in their robust live performances, which have taken them to all 50 U.S. states, five continents, and too many countries to list, drawing from a massive setlist of hit after hit. In addition to original member David Freiberg, the band includes drummer Donny Baldwin, keyboardist Chris Smith, guitarist Jude Gold, and singer and guitarist Cathy Richardson.
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Day Trip from Central Kitsap:
Elf the Musical @ NK Auditorium
Now thru November 20, 2022
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Returning to the North Kitsap Auditorium, Kitsap Children's Musical Theatre presents Elf, The Musical. Based on the popular 2003 movie, Elf chronicles Buddy the Elf as he searches for his place in the world after discovering he is, in fact, a human. Bring the whole family for this heartwarming show filled with songs you'll want to sing along to; KCMT's production is the perfect kick-off to the holiday season!
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Dance Arts Theatre:
34th Annual Nutcracker
Saturday & Sunday, November 26-27, 2022
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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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