Next Wednesday is June Luncheon & Annual Meeting

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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

The Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center will be closed on

Thursday, June 19th in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

We will return to our normal hours on Friday.

Important News for You

Olympic College Board of Trustees

Names Interim President

Kitsap's Joan Hanten returns at a pivotal moment for OC

The Olympic College Board of Trustees appointed Joan Hanten as Interim President at its May 15 special meeting. Hanten will begin her tenure as Interim President on June 16.

“I am honored to step into this role,” said Hanten. “This is a pivotal moment for Olympic College as we begin the search for a new president and continue building momentum around our healthcare expansion and other strategic initiatives.”

“Joan is exceptionally qualified to lead the college during this period of transition,” said Board Chair Harriette Bryant. “She brings deep institutional knowledge and strong community connections built through years of service and volunteerism.”

Hanten brings nearly two decades of leadership experience at Olympic College, having served in several key roles:

Special Projects Administrator, Office of the President (2019 – 2020)
Interim Vice President, Human Resources (2017 – 2019)
Vice President, College Relations (2012 – 2014)
Executive Director, Institutional Advancement & Olympic College Foundation (2002 – 2012)

She currently serves as Managing Trustee of the Bremer Trust, a charitable organization established by the Bremer family with Olympic College as its sole beneficiary.

Hanten has held numerous community leadership roles, including:

Commissioner, Bremerton Housing Authority (since 2016)
Board Member, Admiral Theatre Foundation
Member, Bremerton Rotary (2002 – 2014)
Executive Director, Leadership Kitsap (1996 – 1998)

Hanten holds a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland.

In February, President Marty Cavalluzzi announced his retirement after seven years of leadership to Olympic College and 24 years of service to the community college system in Washington state, including as President of Pierce College Puyallup, Executive Vice President for Instruction and Chief Academic Officer at Edmonds Community College. Board Chair Bryant expressed gratitude for Dr. Cavalluzzi’s service to the College.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we would like to thank Dr. Cavalluzzi for his dedication to Olympic College. He has set the bar high for student success. His efforts and support of Olympic College will have a lasting impact on our community,” Bryant said.

Dr. Cavalluzzi will continue to serve as President Emeritus through September 1, to assist Interim President Hanten with transition and administrative matters, and continue to work on the Healthcare Expansion Project at Olympic College Poulsbo.

Chamber News

Check out and like the

Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!

June Luncheon: 2025 Annual Meeting

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Please join us for our June Membership Luncheon and 2025 Annual Meeting. This is a special luncheon for the Chamber as we celebrate all of the work we've done over the last 12 months and introduce our newly-elected Board members. You'll hear from outgoing-Chair, John Morrissey and learn more about what the Chamber has planned for the coming year.

Bring your business cards and get ready to network - you won't want to miss!

Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center.

Now Hiring: Join the GKC Team

Support the business community of Kitsap County

LEARN MORE

NEW DATE: Port to Port Pop-Up

August 30 & 31, 2025

Join us for a sail during Bremerton's Blackberry Festival!

Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon

Make Preventive Care a Priority Now

Business Health Trust Has You Covered

Did you know that preventive health screenings and primary care consultations significantly increase life expectancy, especially for those aged 30 to 49?

Making preventive care a priority now can help reduce future health complications, and with virtual care, it has never been easier to get the support you need. Telehealth can provide easy access to preventive care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and mental health support.

Learn more about why it matters in this article from our partner, Business Health Trust.

🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/benefit/the-importance-of-preventive-care/

Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.

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!

Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?

View all the past issues on our website HERE.

Member News

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

Help Shape the Future of Ferries in Kitsap

Kitsap Transit Seeking Input on Passenger-Only Ferries

Courtesy of Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters

Photo: Kitsap Transit

Kitsap Transit is exploring new passenger-only ferry routes within Kitsap County and wants your input. The agency currently operates five ferry routes—two connecting Bremerton to Port Orchard and Annapolis, plus three to downtown Seattle from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth.

Now they're studying potential new intracounty connections, including routes from Bremerton to Silverdale, Manchester, and Bainbridge Island. The study will also consider up to two additional routes based on community feedback and demand.

The study will help Kitsap Transit create a plan for adding new ferry routes based on what the community wants and needs.

Take the survey by June 25: The community survey closes at noon on June 25, 2025. Share your thoughts on the proposed routes and suggest additional connections at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LX3HJ32.

For more information about the Intracounty Passenger-Only Ferry Project, visit https://www.kitsaptransit.com/intracounty-passenger-only-ferry-project. The study is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

Save-the-Date: The Coffee Oasis Hope Gala

Friday, September 12, 2025

Tickets are on sale now for The Coffee Oasis' annual Hope Gala. All proceeds support shelter, job training, mentorship, and other vital programs for youth in crisis. The evening will include dinner, auctions, a dessert dash, and moving stories from youth whose lives have been impacted by The Coffee Oasis.

The Coffee Oasis is also seeking sponsorship from local businesses. Learn more here.

Changing Faces, Changing Places

Share your business news today

Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.

Member Spotlight

Kitsap Community Foundation

Since its founding in 1993, the Kitsap Community Foundation has been a cornerstone of philanthropic impact throughout Kitsap County, Washington. Dedicated to strengthening the region through thoughtful giving and nonprofit support, the Foundation has become a trusted resource for donors, nonprofits, and community leaders alike.

At its heart, the Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) is driven by a clear mission: to connect people who care with causes that matter. From Bainbridge Island to Bremerton, and Silverdale to Port Orchard, KCF channels resources to local organizations doing critical work across education, health, housing, the arts, environmental protection, and more.

Championing Local Nonprofits

What sets KCF apart is its strategic focus on nonprofit sustainability. Rather than simply issuing grants, the Foundation serves as a long-term partner to nonprofits, helping them grow capacity, improve leadership, and access vital funding. One of its flagship efforts is the Kitsap Great Give, an annual online giving campaign that has helped raise millions for local organizations. It’s more than a fundraiser—it's a celebration of community generosity and collaboration.

KCF also manages donor-advised funds, which allow individuals and families to create tailored philanthropic legacies. These funds not only simplify charitable giving but also ensure that community investments continue for generations to come. With more than $20 million in assets under management and dozens of active funds, the Foundation ensures a lasting financial pipeline for regional progress.

A Legacy of Generosity

As Kitsap County continues to grow and evolve, the Kitsap Community Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to build a stronger, more resilient region through philanthropy. Whether you’re a donor seeking to make a lasting impact or a nonprofit in need of support, KCF is a resource you can trust to turn vision into action.

Members of the Chamber since 2013, we are thrilled to honor the Kitsap Community Foundation as this month's Member of the Month.

www.kitsapcommunityfoundation.org

Business & Professional Development Committee

Member Education & Training Resources

SCORE: Become a Facebook Expert

Newest Tips & Tricks

Friday, June 20, 2025, 11:00 am

Knowing how to use Facebook can change your business overnight by driving customers to your website and your business. Getting more customers will lead to more sales in this very competitive business environment. And more sales means more profits for you!!

Attendees to this workshop will learn the following key features about Facebook:

How people see and react to content on Facebook.
The connection between Facebook pages and profiles.
Facebook content strategies and other best practices.
Understand the basics of Facebook advertising

Registration Fee: FREE

SCORE: Increase Sales & Profits

Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 1:00 pm

You’ve developed a wonderful new product or service and understand the costs but how should you price it? This workshop is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series. We start by reviewing different distribution and channel strategies and help you choose the method that best gets your product or service in front of your satisfied customers. The rest of the workshop is focused on pricing, and we start by covering some pricing basics. Then we review a detailed process to determine how you can determine the price of your product. Since pricing, a service is very different than a product, we have a special section the covers the separate process for pricing your services.

Registration Fee: FREE

State Worker Statewide Virtual

Rapid Response Webinar

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 9:00 am

The Employment Security Department, along with state and local partners, will host a layoff assistance webinar for state of Washington employees and contractors. The webinar is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 25.

Registration is free and is open until the event starts. There is no limit to the number of participants who can register.

The webinars, part of the state’s rapid response efforts for large layoffs, are intended to help state workers who were laid off, facing a furlough or expecting a workforce reduction. The information will help affected workers navigate available unemployment benefits and reemployment resources.

Webinar topics include:

Unemployment benefits, how to file and get help.
What to do about health care benefits.
Expanding your job skills through training and educational programs.
Career guidance, job search assistance, and other free resources.

The webinars are hosted by partners including Employment Security, WorkSource, Local Workforce Development Boards, Washington Health Plan Finder, Washington State Community & Technical Colleges and the Washington State Labor Council.

This webinar receives support and funding from a U.S. Department of Labor grant.

Business News & Resources

Coalition Urges Action

to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions

Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association

As tariff pauses near expiration, national trade groups are sounding the alarm over potential supply chain disruptions reminiscent of those seen during the pandemic. The 90-day suspensions on reciprocal tariffs (ending July 9) and China tariffs (ending August 12) have prompted a surge in import activity, contributing to rising freight rates and early signs of port congestion.

In response, the National Retail Federation, National Industrial Transportation League, and National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America are leading a multi-association coalition urging swift federal action. A joint letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Federal Maritime Commission Chair Louis Sola calls on the administration to collaborate with industry stakeholders to avoid widespread port delays and economic ripple effects.

WR has signed on in support of the letter, joining other organizations advocating for proactive planning to maintain stable supply chains and protect consumers and businesses alike.

Trade and logistics experts warn that failing to act could result in shipping bottlenecks, rising costs, and delays in merchandise movement across the country. The coalition is requesting immediate engagement to prevent repeat disruptions to U.S. commerce.

Washington State Introduces LGBTQ Certification for Small Businesses

Washington State is launching LGBTQ Certification for small businesses! Starting July 1, 2025, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can apply to get certified with the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). This program would not be possible without the partnership of Washington State LGBTQ Commission, and many community advocates.

LEARN MORE

Business Quick-Reads

Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,

local leaders, and everyone in between!

Courtesy of FastCompany.com

L&I Resources

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.

L&I Business Owner & Employer Survey

Washington's Department of Labor and Industries is excited to share the Business Owner and Employer Survey (also available in Spanish). L&I would love to hear from you about how they are doing! In this brief and confidential survey, you'll have the chance to share your experiences and feedback with L&I. Your input helps the agency understand what they're doing well and what they can do to better serve you. Thanks for your participation!

TAKE SURVEY NOW

Got a question or issue to be solved?

Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.

Phone: 1-800-987-0145

Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.go v | Negocios@Lni.wa.gov

Online: Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

Nonprofit News & Resources

How Busy Fundraisers Can

Overcome Email Writer's Block

Published on NonprofitPRO.com, June 12, 2025

Photo: Getty Images by Hinterhaus Productions

Whether you’re a seasoned communications professional or a time-crunched executive, there’s one universal hurdle that stops many of us in our tracks: writer’s block. It’s that frustrating moment when you’re staring at a blank screen, knowing you need to write an email for your fundraising campaign — but no words come. And when your campaign’s success hinges on clear, persuasive communication, the pressure to write something meaningful only intensifies.

So how do you push past the block and get your message flowing so you can inspire donors and attract new supporters?

Read the article here

Greater Kitsap News

Board of Commissioners to Consider Residential Rural Rezone Requests

June 23rd meeting seeks public input

Following a comprehensive staff review at their Monday, June 9, 2025, PM briefing, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners made decisions regarding 17 rural rezone requests as part of the County's 'Year of the Rural' initiative.

The Board unanimously moved three rural commercial and industrial rezone requests forward for additional review. A final decision for these three will not be made until the end of the year.

Then, in a split 2-1 decision, they voted to remove residential rezone requests. Commissioners Katie Walters and Christine Rolfes affirmed the decision, while Commissioner Oran Root dissented.

A revised docket removing all residential reclassification requests will be presented at a public hearing during the June 23, 2025, regular business meeting of the Board of Commissioners. This action could potentially remove 14 residential rezone requests that would have added up to 135 to 140 additional residential units across rural Kitsap County.

A Department of Community Development evaluation found that the cumulative effect of residential requests conflicted with the County's rural growth targets and Comprehensive Plan policies to direct growth to urban areas.

Public comment will be accepted during a public hearing at the Board’s June 23, 2025, regular business meeting. Written comments are preferred no later than Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. Comments can be emailed to compplan@kitsap.gov. All correspondence will be shared with the Board of Commissioners.

Next Steps

Monday, June 23, 2025: Public hearing for the amended docket will be held during the Board of Commissioners regular business meeting at 10 a.m.

This decision represents one component of the broader 'Year of the Rural' initiative, which includes updating rural policies, reviewing development codes, and engaging with rural communities throughout 2025.

Information about Board of Commissioner meetings is available on our e-Agenda page. For questions, contact compplan@kitsap.gov.

Permit-Ready ADU Program Aims to

Expand Housing Options in Kitsap

Published in the Kitsap Sun, June 17, 2025

Rendering courtesy of City of Poulsbo

Ready to build but not ready to wait in line for the permitting process? For certain homeowners looking to expand on their property, there's a new program to solve that problem.

To boost affordable housing in the region, Kitsap County and each of the five city governments in its boundaries have collectively launched a program that streamlines the process of building secondary housing units. Homeowners can use free, pre-approved plans for these units, making the process faster and more affordable.

Accessory dwelling units, often called mother-in-law apartments or backyard cottages, are smaller residential spaces on the same lot as a single-family home. ADUs include a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.

The permit-ready ADU program allows homeowners interested in building ADUs to skip the design process and costs by selecting one of several pre-approved building plans. The first four pre-approved designs were released in early June.

Read the full article here

CENTRAL KITSAP ROAD REPORT

Silverdale

Expect daytime and nighttime delays on Silverdale Way NW (from Bucklin Hill Rd to Waaga Way) and NW Bucklin Hill Rd (from Silverdale Way NW to Blaine Ave) due to a road and stormwater improvement project. Work will take place Monday through Friday and is expected to be completed by fall 2025. Visit the project website for details.

Expect delays on Provost Rd NW between NW Shelley Dr and NW Newberry Hill Rd for a Silverdale Water utility project.

Expect delays on NW Eldorado Blvd between Newberry Hill Rd and Eldorado Pl NW for construction work related to a private development. Traffic control in place during work hours.

BREMERTON ROAD REPORT

Community Information

Community Conversations

Thursday, June 19, 2025, 10:30 am

Kitsap Community Foundation and WSECU invite you to Community Conversations: Secure Your Family's Future. Sustain Your Community's Strength!

Thursday, June 19, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Kitsap Universalist Unitarian Fellowship

4418 Perry Ave., Bremerton

Learn how to care for the people and causes you love—now and into the future. You’ll walk away with practical knowledge about wills, trusts, tax-wise giving strategies, and free tools you can use right away (such as FreeWill.com/kitsapfoundation, where you can create your will for free in just 20 minutes). Whether you’re just getting started or ready to refine your plans, this is a space to get trusted advice and ask questions.

Featuring:

Tina O'Brien, MNPL, CAP, CEO, Kitsap Community Foundation
Andrea Grosso Holdcroft, Financial Advisor, WSECU

You are welcome (and encouraged) to bring guests and advisors.

Questions? Email us at info@kitsapfoundation.org or cal (360) 698-3622.

Bainbridge Pride @ Waterfront Park

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Year of the Rural: Shape the Future

of Kitsap's Rural & Resource Lands

All-American Classic Car Show

Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Kingston 4th of July

Activities for the entire family

8-11 am Pancake Breakfast

Kingston Cove Yacht Club 25815 Washington Blvd NE

Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, ham, orange juice and coffee. Open to the public. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.

10 am-5 pm Tiny Town

Village Green Park 10810 NE W Kingston Rd

Inflatable bouncy house attractions along with other activities from Scouts and KR Library. Food and Non Food vendors. Tiny Town closes for one hour at noon for the parade.

Noon-1 pm Kingston 4th of July Parade

NE State Hwy 104, Linvog Rd NE to Washington Blvd NE

Viewing areas on N and S sides of NE State Hwy 104

1 pm Free Hot Dogs for Kids

Kingston Cove Yacht Club 25815 Washington Blvd NE

Free hot dogs for children 12 & under, nominal charge for adults, until supplies run out. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.

Immediately following the Parade Ball Race

Central Ave, between Ohio Ave & Washington Blvd NE

Race starts immediately following the parade, as soon as parade traffic has cleared Central Ave. Sponsored by the Kingston Beautification Committee & Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club.

1-9 pm Beer, Wine & Spirits Tent

Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston

Beer, wine & spirits will be available for guests 21 & over. Open to the public. Acoustic Music 2pm-3:30pm Bannister & Maine, 3:30pm-5pm James Murray solo. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.

6-10 pm Music

Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston, Main Stage

Enjoy the sounds of Soul Siren & Planet Groove. Sponsored by the Kingston Ale House

11 am-10 pm Entertainment

Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston

Food Vendors located in the parking lot area.

10:15 pm Fireworks

Mike Wallace, Port of Kingston Harbor

Fireworks commence when it is dark. Sponsored by The Point Casino & Hotel.

4th of July Car Show

July 4, 2025, 3:00 - 6:00 pm

Coffee Oasis Day at the Tacoma Rainiers

Sunday, July 27, 2025

You're invited to a fun and meaningful afternoon at the ballpark! Come cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers while supporting youth experiencing homelessness in our community. This special afternoon is a great opportunity to enjoy a game, connect with others who care about the community, and support The Coffee Oasis.

Your $20 ticket will include:

+ Admission

+ Hot dog

+ Chips

+ Bottled Water

+ And you support youth programs and shelters at The Coffee Oasis

TICKETS

Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.

Tourism Information

Hotel Scandi

A boutique stay in the heart of Little Norway

The building that now houses Hotel Scandi has stood at the corner of Front Street for over a hundred years. Originally opened as the Olympic Hotel in the early 20th century, it served travelers, tradesmen, and ferry passengers in the years when Poulsbo was still growing into the waterfront village it is today. Its narrow stairways, pressed tin ceilings, and simple bones are echoes of a different era—one we chose to preserve.

When we began restoring the space, we knew it wouldn’t be a conventional hotel. The scale is small, the rooms modest in footprint, but the history is deep. Poulsbo’s roots as a Norwegian fishing and shipbuilding community are still visible in its architecture and traditions. We’ve drawn from that lineage in the design and pace of this space: warm wood tones, natural light, and a sense of calm.

The result is a quiet, self-guided stay just above the rhythm of town—a place to pause, take in the view over Liberty Bay, and feel something of what’s always made Poulsbo special.

BOOK NOW

Clearwater Casino Presents:

Cherry Cherry - Neil Diamond Tribute

Friday, June 20, 2025, 8:30 pm

TICKETS

Silver, Blue & Gold - Bad Company Tribute

Saturday, June 21, 2025, 8:30 pm

TICKETS

Kitsap Fest

Saturday, June 21, 2025, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Make Music Day Festival

Saturday, June 21, 2025, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

BCT Presents: Suspect

Now thru June 29, 2025

In Suspect, the enigmatic Mrs. Smith, living in a remote part of England, finds herself once again under the shadow of suspicion for a murder case from which she was previously acquitted with a “not proven” verdict. As her son falls in love with the daughter of a journalist who covered the original trial, old suspicions resurface, and Mrs. Smith must navigate a web of intrigue and deception. With her housekeeper by her side, she battles to clear her name and secure her son’s happiness, turning the tables on her accusers in a dramatic and suspenseful showdown. This play is a masterful blend of tension and resolution, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with its clever twists and turns.

Content Advisory: The play deals with themes of murder, suspicion, and deception, all presented in a dramatic and suspenseful manner; mature themes related to crime and suspicion, but they are handled with a focus on drama and suspense. The play is suitable for teens and adults, with its blend of mystery and drama making it an engaging experience for a wide audience.

TICKETS

KCMT Presents: The Wizard of Oz

Now thru June 29, 2025

TICKETS

Bremerton Bridge Blast

June 28 & 29, 2025

Live @ the Roxy: For the Love of Quincy

Saturday, June 28, 2025, 6:30 pm

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, memory, and magic as we pay tribute to one of Bremerton’s most iconic sons—Quincy Jones. This powerful concert will honor Quincy’s legendary career spanning over seven decades, from his groundbreaking work as a composer, arranger, and producer to his influence across jazz, pop, film scores, and beyond.

TICKETS