Wednesday, August 2, 2023 |
|
Coming Soon! Comprehensive, Affordable Employee Benefits from Business Health Trust |
|
Are you ready for insurance done differently? The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to offer Business Health Trust (BHT) to our members – coming this summer! As an Association Health Plan, BHT helps businesses join together as a group to purchase insurance. This means:
-
BHT Is in your corner — as your partner, advocate, and resource — offering you the tools you need to design and manage a competitive employee benefits program.
-
BHT gives employers a choice — offering over 55 affordable medical plans from some of the largest and most respected carriers.
-
BHT provides mental health care with all their plans.
-
BHT makes administration easy with consolidated billing, online payment, and simple online enrollment, you can focus on what’s important: your business.
-
BHT is always adding value — from free HR & safety hotline, and discounted ORCA passes, to IT support, and a free Passport Corporate membership.
|
|
RECAP: July Luncheon & Education Carnival |
|
Many thanks to all the businesses and organizations that participated in this year's Education Carnival last week! We raised almost $3k on just our silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Chamber Scholarship Fund. We couldn't do it without our business members and community.
|
|
Bremerton GreenDrinks @ USS Turner Joy
Thursday, August 10, 2023, 5:00 pm
|
|
Save-the-Date: Heroes Golf Tournament
Friday, September 29, 2023
|
|
It's time to start rounding up your golf foursomes - the Heroes Golf Tournament returns on September 29th! Enjoy a day on the links at Gold Mountain Golf Club, try your luck at winning our "Wheelbarrow of Booze," connect with the Greater Kitsap Business community and more! |
|
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!
|
|
Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
|
|
New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
|
New & Renewing Members for July
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
|
|
Growth
Main Street
Business
Bagwell Law, PLLC
Solar King of Kitsap
|
|
Celebrating 50 years of Chamber membership this year, the Greater Kitsap Chamber is pleased to announce our Member of the Month for August as Puget Sound Energy! During a more than 145-year history of service, one thing has remained constant: PSE's focus on safe, reliable, affordable energy service. Coupled with their commitment to great customer service and helping to make communities better places to live and work, PSE stands as one of our pillar businesses here in Kitsap County. Active supporters of nearly every program that the Greater Kitsap Chamber produces, we are excited to work with PSE as they support businesses and residents across our region.
|
|
PSE Announces Small Business Blitz
PSE is coming to Bremerton small businesses!
Puget Sound Energy is partnering with the City of Bremerton Mayor’s Office, the Greater Kitsap Chamber, and the Downtown Bremerton Association to help your small business save money.
When: August 29th-31st, 2023
What: We will be in your community offering small businesses free energy-efficiency assessments on the spot and easy upgrades to help you save on your energy bill.
Are you a small business owner? Watch for us in the Bremerton community starting August 29th! Learn more about this program or sign your small business up for an assessment at pse.com/smallbiz
Questions about the August 29-31st Bremerton event or questions about programs PSE offers to the small business community? Contact:
Maria Dozeman
Outreach Manager, Kitsap County
206-502-3256
|
|
Vibe Coworks Happy Hour
Following Free First Friday, August 4, 2023
|
|
Kitsap Bank Job Fair
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
|
|
Kitsap Humane Society:
Wine & Whiskers
August & September 2023
|
|
Growing Greater Businesses Grant Spotlight:
Beyond Ride
Rewriting the rules of the transportation industry
|
|
Discover the inspiring story of Navdeep Maju and his revolutionary transportation company, Beyond Ride. From witnessing the struggles of his grandmother to access medical care, Navdeep embarked on a mission to create affordable and accessible transportation options for all. With a vision of empowering communities and making a positive impact, Beyond Ride is transforming the way people travel. Dive into this uplifting blog post to learn how Navdeep's determination, compassion, and commitment to giving back have shaped his journey from a small business owner to a leader in the industry. Experience the power of resilience, empathy, and community as you explore Navdeep's remarkable story and the incredible impact of Beyond Ride.
|
|
WHA Action Alert: Tell Your Senators to Vote
on Credit Card Competition Act
|
|
This week, the Senate may have an opportunity to vote on the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) as it considers must-pass defense legislation. Securing this vote is an uphill battle and the National Restaurant Association needs your help. Please take two minutes to tell your senators why this legislation to lower swipe fees is important to you.
The bipartisan CCCA would lower swipe fees by requiring at least two competing processing networks to be enabled on every credit card issued by the nation’s largest banks. By enhancing competition in the market, this bipartisan legislation would drive down exorbitant swipe fees, improve credit card security and service, and save businesses — including restaurants — and consumers an estimated $15 billion a year.
|
|
26th Legislative District's Sen. Emily Randall Offers Summer Community Hours |
|
Please join Sen. Emily Randall to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply listen to other neighbors during these summer coffee hours.
4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 – Carter’s and Company, 707 Bay St. in Port Orchard
|
|
Member Education & Training Resources |
|
SCORE: Financing Your Small Business
Thursday, August 3, 2023, 9:00 am
|
|
This 2-hour workshop first help you determine how much financing you’ll need to get your business started. Having the proper amount of financing to start your business can be the difference between success and failure. Then the workshop focuses on the following types of debt and equity financing and provides you real examples of how other businesses have financed themselves. Here are some of the types of financing that will be discussed:
- Loans from Friends and Family
- Bank and Credit Union Loans
- Various Non-bank Institutional Lenders
- Crowdfunding
- Equity investments from Friends, Family and Partners
- Equity investments from Angel Investors
Workshop Fee: $40
|
|
WHA Releases Lodging Excellence Handbook |
|
The goal of this initial version of the Lodging Excellence Handbook is to inform current and prospective lodging operators about various laws and rules where L&I has oversight authority over employee rights and employee safety.
|
|
Enhancing Inclusivity: Retailers Embrace Sensory-Friendly Accommodations |
|
In an ever-growing inclusive society, retail businesses and public spaces are adopting sensory-friendly hours and accommodations, supporting a more inclusive environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivities. This practice, known as ‘Sensory-friendly hours,’ is a small yet significant step businesses are taking to welcome a section of the population that often finds participation in regular activities challenging due to sensory overload.
Sensory-friendly hours entail modifications like reducing noise, dimming lights, and possibly decreasing capacity, crafting an environment suitable for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder. A commendable example is the retail giant Walmart, which recently joined this inclusive initiative. In a blog post centered around back-to-school shopping, Walmart announced its commitment to forging a more inclusive shopping atmosphere. The retail giant will introduce sensory-friendly hours from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays throughout July and August, commencing July 22, in most of its stores.
According to a 2018 article in JAMA Pediatrics, 1 in 6 children in the United States face sensory processing difficulties. This initiative aids not just children but also adults with similar challenges. As society evolves, businesses realize that such inclusive practices are good for their reputation and significantly improve the lives of those who need them. So, expect to see the growth of sensory-friendly hours and accommodations as more businesses join this inclusive move.
|
|
Military Relations Committee |
|
STEP: Cammies to College
Sunday, August 20, 2023, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
|
|
Business News & Resources |
|
June Revenues Were $101.1 Million
Greater than Forecasted
|
|
The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) recently released its monthly report on general fund revenue collections, covering payments received between June 11 and July 10. The report encompasses various taxes, including sales tax, use tax, business and occupation tax, public utility tax, tobacco products tax, and penalties and interest, collectively referred to as Revenue Act receipts. Additionally, it includes payments received between June 1 and June 30 for liquor taxes, cigarette tax, property tax, real estate excise tax, unclaimed property, and other sources.
The total revenue collected for the month amounted to $2,444.7 million, surpassing expectations by $101.1 million (4.3%) based on the forecast adopted on June 22. Revenue Act taxes, particularly sales, use, utility, and business and occupation taxes, exceeded the forecast by $102.1 million (5.7%). These taxes generally indicate economic activity in May, with retail sales tax collections increasing by 6.9% year over year and B&O tax collections up by 11.9%.
On the other hand, Non-Revenue Act taxes fell slightly short of the forecast by $224 thousand (0.04%). However, real estate excise tax (REET) collections performed remarkably well, exceeding expectations by $10.3 million (11.7%). Notably, the value of transactions subject to REET has experienced a significant 50% decline since the latter half of 2021. In addition, court fees, fines, and forfeiture payments into the general fund totaled $806 thousand (18.1%) less than the forecasted amount.
In terms of inflation, there has been a downward trend since mid-summer 2022. For seven consecutive months, year-over-year CPI inflation had outpaced the increase in GFS (General Fund State) revenues. However, revenue growth surpassed CPI inflation in June by 1.7 percentage points.
Overall, the report indicates positive growth in Revenue Act taxes, particularly retail sales, and B&O taxes, while Non-Revenue Act taxes showed minor deviations from expectations. Additionally, real estate excise tax collections performed remarkably well despite a previous decline in transaction values. Furthermore, inflation trends have shown promising developments, with revenue growth now outpacing CPI inflation.
The July collections report is available here.
|
|
Washington Employers' Confidence Edges Up |
|
Washington employers are growing slightly more optimistic about the state of the economy but still face major challenges with inflation, according to the results of AWB’s summer survey of 485 businesses. AWB News has a full breakdown of the results.
Thirty-six percent of employers said their business is growing compared to 29% who said their businesses were expanding when asked that question in April. And fewer employers said their business was beginning to experience a slowdown: 18% compared to 24% this spring.
Recession fears: Employers seem a bit less worried about a coming recession: 37% in the summer survey expect a recession in the next year, down from 44% this spring.
Inflation still high, but easing: The biggest challenge for employers continues to be inflation, with 62% rating it a major challenge. There is some good news, too, on that front.
The biggest chunk of employers (38%) say they have seen costs increase by 6-10% over the past year. In the spring survey, the biggest chunk of employers (35%) had seen an 11-20% cost increase.
|
|
Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
|
|
Nonprofit News & Resources |
|
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.
|
|
Tools to Make Time for
Your Nonprofit's Strategic Planning
|
|
Photo: Getty Images by Nitat Termmee
Do you feel like there is never enough time in the day to work on your nonprofit’s strategy? You are not alone. Nonprofit leaders often share this sentiment due to numerous urgent and competing demands, such as taking care of personnel issues, fundraising, grant proposal writing, engaging stakeholders, communicating with the board and on and on.
It’s no wonder why strategy can easily slip through the cracks. While it can be hard to make time and space for strategic planning and execution, having a robust strategy is vital for any organization that wants to ensure long-term success.
Although there isn't a quick fix to find more time, fortunately, with the use of some tools, making time for strategy and other priorities doesn’t need to feel like such a daunting task. Let’s explore ways to make strategic planning more manageable each week by using the Eisenhower Time Management Matrix and the Focus Funnel.
|
|
Mitigating Risks When Using ChatGPT |
|
ChatGPT and emerging technology in general is a huge point of interest in the nonprofit community, and it can be a fantastic tool. While ChatGPT offers exciting functionality that can enable nonprofits to save time and money, it is still very new and does have limitations. In this techsoup post, we'll explore some security, data privacy, and legal risks that you take by using ChatGPT, and discuss how you can mitigate them.
|
|
County Auditor Calls Special Filing Period for Port of Keyport Commissioner Position |
|
Kitsap County Auditor Paul Andrews called a special three-day filing period for Port of Keyport District No. 8 Commissioner Position 2, a nonpartisan office in which no candidate filed for the 2023 Primary.
The special filing period begins at 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2023 and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 4. Candidate filings will be accepted online and in the Kitsap County Auditor – Elections Division office at 619 Division Street in Port Orchard.
There is no filing fee and there is no withdrawal period for candidate filings submitted during the special three-day filing period. Candidates must be residents of the port district. The term of office is six years.
This special three-day filing period will be conducted pursuant to RCW 29A.24.181.
For more information, email auditor@kitsap.gov or call (360) 337-7128 (Press 1 to bypass the recorded message.)
|
|
Central Kitsap Community Council
Tonight, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 5:00 pm
|
|
Join the Central Kitsap Community Council from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2 at its new meeting location in the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters and Silverdale Water District building, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale.
The meeting features a presentation and discussion with county staff from the Department of Community Development on Kitsap County's Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). Critical areas are considered land with natural features that need to be protected such as wetlands, aquifers, streams and other wildlife habitat, and geologically hazardous or frequently flooded areas. The CAO was last reviewed in 2017 and is being updated in conjunction with the County's 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, with adoption planned in June 2024. Learn more about the CAO at kcowa.us/CAO.
The August meeting of the Central Kitsap Community Council also includes an update from the Council's Comprehensive Plan Committee. The group has been getting together the last two months to review and provide feedback on the current Silverdale Subarea and Silverdale Regional Center Subarea plans. Learn more about the county's Comprehensive Plan update at kcowa.us/compplan.
View the meeting agenda and find more information about the Central Kitsap Community Council at the Council's website.
The Central Kitsap Community Council currently has a vacancy for a local college student. For details and an online application, visit kcowa.us/advisorygroups.
|
|
Shipyard Names New Executive Director
ED Tift retiring, HR leader taking over
|
|
Photo: U.S. Navy, Scott Hansen
A Central Kitsap High grad who rose through the ranks to the highest civilian position at PSNS has retired, replaced at the top by a longtime human resources executive.
Executive Director Rick Tift has retired after a 45-year career at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, and in August will be replaced by the shipyard's Chief Learning Officer, Jennifer Herbig, the shipyard announced.
The PSNS executive director acts as the organization’s Congressional liaison and is the main contact for the state and local governments, as well as a representative of the shipyard within the local community. The executive director is the primary interface between the command and the shipyard’s unions and with the commander of Navy Region Northwest, which supports the Navy activities in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska Minnesota and Iowa.
|
|
Kitsap Public Health Begins Search
for Next Administrator
|
|
Appointed by the Health Board and working collaboratively with the health officer, the administrator oversees the administrative and business functions of the Kitsap Public Health District and serves as the executive secretary for the Board. View the job posting for a full position description and application information.
"It has been one of my greatest honors and privileges to be a part of Kitsap Public Health District as we work tirelessly to make Kitsap a safe and healthy place for all," he said. "I am proud of the work and the successes our agency has accomplished and I am excited to remain as a part of this wonderful community."
|
|
Silverdale GreenDrinks
Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 5:24 pm
|
|
Puget Sound Book Festival
Sunday, August 6, 2023
|
|
Come shop and explore some of the Puget Sound region's indie bookstores, meet local authors, and revel in the joy of good books, good company, good drinks, and that summer PNW sunshine. All ages are welcome.
See more details at @pugetsoundbookfestival on Instagram
|
|
Voices of Pacific Island Nations Benefit
Saturday, August 12, 2023
|
|
Kitsap County Cornhole Classic
Saturday, August 12, 2023
|
|
Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
|
|
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.
|
|
Hospitality Highlight: KettleFish
Old Town Silverdale's charm and character
|
|
Photo: Serotonin Creative
Old Town Silverdale is just a few blocks from Kitsap Mall, but this cozy neighborhood with its diminutive storefronts, gridded streets and historic charm feels like a different world compared to the expanses of asphalt and big box stores that typify the rest of the retail core of Silverdale. And that’s just how they like it.
“It’s very cute, quaint, walkable and so close to the water. I think a lot of people don’t even realize that this is here,” explains Dave Montoure, who chose to open his KettleFish fish-n-chips concept in the neighborhood.
|
|
Silverdale @ Sunset Presents:
Joel Gibson Jr.
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
|
|
West Sound Film Festival
August 4 - 6, 2023
|
|
The West Sound Film Festival debuted in 2016 and features talent both local and abroad. The festival shows a large array of films including experimental, documentaries, comedies, horror, music videos, dramas, animated, feature length films and more, with the aim to encourage networking, growth and share stories from all walks of life. The West Sound Film Festival will be hosted at The Historic Roxy Theatre, an independent theater in Bremerton, Washington. Don't miss out on this celebration of film as local business and filmmakers come together. |
|
Taste of Kitsap
August 4 & 5, 2023
|
|
Rock the Dock 2023
Saturdays in August @ Bremerton Waterfront, 5:00 pm
|
|
Kitsap Wine Festival
Saturday, August 5, 2023, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
|
|
Port Gamble Maritime Music Festival
Saturday, August 12, 2023
|
|
Come enjoy a day of maritime music set in a natural amphitheater overlooking picturesque Gamble Bay.
We present the cream of the Northwest maritime music community, plus some more far-flung guests, in the historic town of Port Gamble, Washington. The festival promotes the living legacy of maritime music from all corners of the globe, as played by the many local and national artists who live here in the Puget Sound area and across the country. (Read about the performers from this year and past years.)
Food, drinks, & snacks are available at the top of the amphitheater (which is also the back of the audience) in the Port Gamble General Store. More details on this website's Location page.
|
|
Port Gamble Summer Faire
Sunday, August 13, 2023
|
|
Kitsap Farm Tour
Sunday, August 13, 2023
|
|
Admiral Theatre Presents: Liz Longley
Friday, August 18, 2023, 8:00 pm
|
|
Best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. With her deeply emotional music, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition. |
|
Trace Adkins @ Kitsap County Fair & Stampede
Sunday, August 27, 2023, 5:00 pm
|
|
Bremerton WestSound Symphony @ Fair
Sunday, August 28, 2023
|
|
The Bremerton WestSound Symphony will perform for the first time at the Kitsap County Fair on Sunday, August 28 at 1:30 p.m., with internationally acclaimed soloist Yesong Sophie Lee. Lee will perform the great Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, a work that has been a favorite of audiences and violinists from Jascha Heifetz to Joshua Bell. The concerto is by turns lyrical, passionate, heroic, and full of dazzling violin pyrotechnics and driving energy. This is probably Tchaikovsky’s most performed work, following The Nutcracker.
Also performing at the fair will be the Youth Jazz Ensemble, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26 under the direction of Mr. Derick Polk, and Simply Brass, at noon on Saturday, Aug. 27.
|
|
Save-the-Date: Bremerton Blackberry Festival
September 2 - 4, 2023
|
|
Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
|
|
Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for Tuesday's Community Connections!
|
|
David Emmons
President/CEO
|
|
Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
|
|
Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
|
|
Brenda Kelley
Tourism Coordinator
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
