Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Important News for You

Ready Kitsap: 2026 Business & Tourism Summit

Businesses and nonprofits across the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas convened at the Kitsap Conference Center in mid-January as the region prepares for the FIFA World Cup^TM games coming this summer. Seattle will play host to six games between mid-June and mid-July.

Attendees first heard from Washington State Director of Commerce, Joe Nguyen, on the economic impact the games will have on Kitsap as well as the opportunities the business community has due to the anticipated increase in visitor traffic. Among the dozen other speakers included Jorge Gotuzzo from Visit Seattle, who introduced a statewide Community Brand, created for businesses to use to co-brand themselves with the summer events, as well as Seattle Metro Chamber’s Lynnette Buffington who introduced a statewide megaevent playbook.

Local Destination Marketing Organization, Visit Kitsap Peninsula, shared how various assets around the County, including parks, trails and other attractions, can be leveraged to promote individual businesses and locations. The day was rounded out with a presentation from local nonprofit, Scarlet Road, who provided insight on recognizing human trafficking during major events like this summer’s tournament and the resources available to local businesses.

The Greater Kitsap Chamber has a resource page on our website for those interested in learning more and preparing their business for megaevents and increased visitor traffic. For more information, please contact the Chamber at (360) 479-3579 or hello@greaterkitsapchamber.com.

Chamber News

Check out and like the

Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!

Military Appreciation Day 2026

This interactive event is designed to show appreciation to the men and women of our military: Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, including Retirees, and their families. Military Appreciation Day includes an information fair for new service members coming to our community in 2026. The general public is welcome!

Questions? Contact Mindy Rocha-Barella at parade@greaterkitsapchamber.com.

January Membership Luncheon

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 11:00am

Parking is ONLY available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center. If you park on the first level (Anthony's or the Hampton Inn), you may be subject to tickets and towing.

Double the Impact: Print & Digital Map Ads

Reserve your space now!

Your ad in the Chamber Map appears in both print and digital versions, giving you exposure in the community and online. One placement, double visibility!

Contact Brandom Burton at brandon@communitymattersinc.com or 360-362-0929

View the media kit: https://springhillpress.net/greaterkitsap/

LEARN MORE & RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Greater Kitsap Chamber & Leadership Kitsap: 2026 Kitsap Women's Summit

The Kitsap Women's Summit planning committee is proud to present Kitsap Women's Summit 2026: Breakthrough. Join us for our 3rd annual summit where we're diving into topics meant to create and sustain momentum - breaking through limits, beliefs, transitions and noise. This day-long gathering is curated for women, by women, and was brought to life by the need for real space for conversation, community, connection, and personal and professional development, amplifying women's voices and experiences across Kitsap County.

Business Health Trust is proud to serve as our 2026 Visionary Sponsor. For more information on how you can join them in sponsoring this event, please visit our website at www.greaterkitsapchamber.com/kitsap-womens-summit.

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening:

Waxing the City Silverdale

Friday, January 30, 2026, 4:00pm

Accessible Healthcare with NICE

Business Health Trust Has You Covered

Benefits: Not sure what changed? Start with one first stop.

After benefits updates, hesitation is normal. People are not sure what’s covered or what it will cost. With BHT, Nice is your first stop for care.

Nice Healthcare removes that pause. $0 care makes it easier to get help sooner, often same-day or within a day. For many common needs, starting with Nice can replace an urgent care visit. Nice also includes 550+ common medications at $0 when prescribed by Nice, with pick-up at most major pharmacies.

🔗 Webpage Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/products/nice-healthcare/

Questions? Contact BHT!

(425) 201-1972

nice@businesshealthtrust.com

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 us now!

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

View all the past issues on our website HERE.

Member News

SERVPRO Continuous Education

for Insurance Professionals

Hey Insurance Professionals - we hosted our first Continuing Education classes today - and they were a hit! Not only did 18 people get CE credits - it was also an opportunity to network and learn from others across the state!

If you are in the insurance industry and looking for FREE CE credits - please Lyndzee Doolittle- ldoolittle@servprokitsap.com.

BSD: Community Info Sessions EP&O Levy

January - February, 2026

Scandia Studio: Digital Marketing 101

January 21st & February 2nd

The Local Business Game Plan

January - March, 2026

Essential Headshots @ Scandia

4th Tuesdays in Poulsbo

Olympic College: Careers A La Carte

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10:00am

Kitsap Antique Show

February 21- February 22, 2026

LKPI: The Manager's Guide

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00am

NEW OFFER: Free Jacket for New Members

Courtesy of Unique Experience Custom Embroidery

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

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to recognize Ward Media as our January Member of the Month. Serving Kitsap County with creativity and expertise, Ward Media has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow, connect, and thrive. Their team specializes in marketing solutions that make an impact - from website design and SEO to social media strategy, branding, and advertising.

Where Marketing Meets Community

Ward Media’s influence extends beyond individual businesses. Through their flagship publication, Kitsap Business magazine, they shine a spotlight on the innovators and leaders shaping our local economy. Each issue delivers stories that celebrate entrepreneurship and strengthen the bonds within our community.

But Ward Media is more than a marketing agency—they’re a connector. For nearly a year, the Chamber has partnered with Ward Media to feature our newsletter content in Kitsap Business. This collaboration ensures Chamber news and resources reach a wider audience, helping members stay informed while supporting Ward Media’s mission to amplify local voices.

Local Expertise, Lasting Impact

Ward Media’s approach is simple: combine technical excellence with a deep commitment to Kitsap County. Whether it’s helping a small business build its online presence or sharing stories that inspire, their work reflects a passion for community and economic vitality.

Visit their website or pick up the latest issue of Kitsap Business to see how they’re driving growth across Kitsap County.

https://ward.media/

Advocacy Committee

Legislative Day & Hill Climb 2026

Kingston Town Hall

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10:00am

Bainbridge Town Hall

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 2:00pm

Business & Professional Development Committee

Member Education & Training Resources

SCORE: E-Mail Marketing Essentials

Thursday, January 22, 2026, 1:00pm

Research says that for every $1 spent on E-Mail marketing there is an average $44 return on investment. To generate such positive outcomes, businesses have to reach the right customers with targeted campaigns. If you feel your E-Mail efforts don't yet pay off, this workshop is for you! This class will teach basic and advanced techniques to propel your E-Mail efforts.

You Will Learn:

The 5 C’s of E-Mail Marketing Basics
How to create a content calendar with a complimentary digital version sent to all students
How to pick the E-Mail platform right for your business
Anatomy of E-Mail design
Subject Lines
Best times and days to send E-Mails
Why List Segmentation is important (case study provided)
Basic Automations
A/B Testing Tips

Registration Fee: $10

SBDC: Building a Business Plan That Works

Thursday, January 22, 2026, 11:00am

Build a practical business plan you can actually run your company with, not one that just sits on a shelf. This session walks you through the core pieces step by step so you leave with a plan that’s clear, usable, and ready to put into action.

Presented by:

Steve McCaslin is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor and is located in Coupeville, WA. Steve is a retired Naval Flight Officer and has spent 20+ years in the corporate world in sales, strategy and business development, business consulting, corporate training, and leadership development training, mentoring, and coaching. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BS in Agriculture, where he majored in Poultry Science.

Registration Fee: FREE

SCORE: Taxes on WA Businesses and Owners

Friday, January 23, 2026, 10:00am

Running a business in Washington means navigating a complex tax landscape. This workshop will guide you through federal, state, and local taxes that impact your business and personal income. Learn how to properly report and pay taxes, avoid common pitfalls, and implement best practices for record keeping. Gain confidence in managing your business finances and ensuring compliance with tax laws.

Registration Fee: $10.00

Funding Available for Clean

Buildings Compliance Support

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 12:00pm

Please join the WA State Department of Commerce on January 28, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. for their pre-proposal conference for the new Request for Applications (RFA) aimed at assisting both public and private building owners in complying with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).

This combined RFA offers 4 funding sources that can potentially cover the cost associated with some CBPS requirements:

Clean Building Performance Grants ($4.8 million)
Energy Audits for Public Buildings ($12.2 million)
Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants ($10.6 million)
State Project Improvement Grants ($4.8 million)

This combined RFA format provides a single application process for building owners to apply for any or all 4 programs. The application mostly asks for short, factual responses instead of long written explanations. This reduces the paperwork burden for building owners applying for funding provided by the Washington State Legislature. Access the RFA materials (on Box)

Key dates:

Performance period: Through June 30, 2027
Click this link to Register for Preproposal Conference 2 on Jan. 28, 2026, 12-1 p.m.
Question and answer period closes: Feb. 18, 2026
Applications due: March 4, 2025, at 3 p.m.

Please email CBPSGrants@commerce.wa.gov with questions regarding this RFA or review the Q&A document (PDF). Visit the RFA webpage for more information.

OC: Airbnb Hosting - Get Guest Ready

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00pm

Whether you're new to Airbnb or looking to level up your hosting game, this hands-on workshop will walk you through the essentials of preparing your home for international guests—just in time for summer soccer visitors. Learn how to create a standout listing, communicate clearly with travelers, and streamline your cleaning and turnover process. Discover how to showcase your local flair while meeting guest expectations—and maximize your bookings while you're at it!

Business News & Resources

Study Highlights Challenges for

New Business Survival in WA

Published in the Washington Retail Association, January 15, 2026

Photo courtesy of WRA

A recent national study places Washington at the bottom of the country for new business survival, raising questions about the factors shaping the state’s small business environment. The analysis, conducted by Ringy, followed businesses launched in 2019 and tracked whether they were still operating in 2024.

Nationally, about 51 percent of new businesses remained open after five years. In Washington, that figure was notably lower at 41.1 percent. Of the 22,326 businesses that opened in the state in 2019, only 9,183 were still operating five years later. This ranked Washington last among states reviewed, behind Missouri and the District of Columbia.

The findings suggest that a high volume of new businesses does not necessarily translate into stronger long-term survival. California, for example, saw more than 139,000 new businesses start in 2019 and retained over half of them. Alaska, despite having far fewer startups, posted a similarly strong survival rate. Washington appears to fall between, with many new ventures launching, but a smaller share making it through the early years.

Ringy Chief Operating Officer Carlos J. Correa noted that location plays a significant role in business outcomes. States with higher survival rates often benefit from lower operating costs, reduced competitive pressure, or policies that are perceived as more supportive of small businesses. He emphasized that reaching the five-year mark is a critical milestone, as businesses that do so have typically developed stable customers and more efficient operations.

For Washington retailers and entrepreneurs, the study underscores the importance of careful planning and sustained support during the early years of operation.

Read the article here

Small Business Readiness Playbook

The Small Business Readiness Playbook from the Seattle Metro Chamber is here! This is your practical guide for preparing for major events, so you can stay open, compliant, and ready to serve customers with confidence.

Inside the Playbook:

How large-scale events work, and who’s involved across government and industry
Steps you can take now to prepare and stay compliant
Guidance on:
Operations and staffing
Cash flow and financial readiness
Marketing, technology, and customer experience
Public safety and Coordination with nearby businesses
Sustainability

LEARN MORE

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.

Changes Affecting WA Workers' Pay

& Improving Workplace Safety

State law requires the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to calculate several wage standards, including the minimum wage, each year. The department makes the calculations using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

State minimum wage going up

Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $17.13 an hour on Jan.1, 2026. That’s 2.8 percent higher than the $16.66 an hour minimum wage in 2025.

Employers may pay 85 percent of the minimum wage, or $14.56 an hour, to 14- and 15-year-old workers.

Local governments are allowed to set minimum wages that are higher than those of the state minimum. Areas with higher minimum wages include Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien, and unincorporated King County.

The L&I website includes information about the minimum wage along with details about overtime, rest breaks, meal periods, and how to file a wage complaint. The minimum wage information is available in 15 languages online.

New tower crane safety requirements

Starting Jan. 1, prime contractors must obtain a permit and follow manufacturers’ instructions for the operation, assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane. L&I will consider a prime contractor’s history of safety and health violations as part of the application process for a permit.

Information about the new crane tower requirements is on L&I’s website.

Overtime-exempt workers

Certain types of employees are considered exempt from rules requiring they be paid overtime if they are paid on a salary basis, perform work consistent with Executive, Administrative or Professional duties, and are paid at, or above, a certain salary that L&I calculates.

For 2026, all employers must pay overtime-exempt workers at least 2.25 times the minimum wage. That means to be exempt an employee must be paid at least $1,541.70 a week ($80,168.40 a year). The rate for exempt computer professionals who are paid by the hour will be 3.5 times the minimum wage, or $59.96 an hour.

Pay for rideshare drivers

The minimum pay rideshare drivers will earn goes up on Jan. 1:

For trips within Seattle, it’s rising to 70 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.63 per passenger platform mile, or $6.12, whichever is greater.
For trips outside of Seattle, it goes up to 40 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.38 per passenger platform mile, or $3.55, whichever is greater.

Non-compete clauses

L&I is also responsible for calculating the minimum annual salary required for a non-compete clause or employee contract to be enforceable. In 2026, the threshold for employees will be $126,858.83. For independent contractors, the minimum will be $317,147.09. A non-compete clause or employee contract for a worker earning less than these amounts is not enforceable.

Wage complaints

L&I enforces the state’s wage-and-hour laws and investigates all wage-payment complaints. A worker rights complaint can be filed online, downloaded and mailed to the agency, or at a local L&I office.

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

Why Values-Driven Leadership Matters

During Economic Uncertainty

Published in NonprofitPRO, January 14, 2026

Photo: Getty Images/ Cecilie_Arcurs

Constant policy shifts are forcing HR leaders to make tough choices about where to spend scarce resources. With sweeping federal changes and rising inflation, leaders who weave company values into every decision preserve trust, while others risk losing it.”

In the nonprofit industry, these shifts can feel especially intense as federal and state funding hang in the balance. Yet even in turbulent times, one thing can remain steady: a strong workplace culture.

Culture is what keeps employees grounded when everything else feels uncertain. It’s the anchor that holds teams together through change, challenge, and ambiguity. And as we head into another year of economic unpredictability, that anchor will define which organizations endure and which drift.

The question isn’t whether culture matters during periods of economic uncertainty — it’s whether leaders are willing to live their values when the pressure is on.

Read the article here

Greater Kitsap News

Nonprofit Plan to Offer Shelter,

Services Faces Opposition From Council

Published in The Kitsap Sun, January 16, 2026

Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun

Two Bremerton City Council members said they would no longer support a proposed homeless shelter project on Sheridan Road during a multi-hour meeting Wednesday, Jan. 14. The comments came as a significant rebuke of a project that could provide a clear path to building a long-coveted shelter, after a process of about two years that began at the council's direction.

Leaders from four nonprofit agencies – the Bremerton Housing Authority, Kitsap Mental Health Services, Kitsap Community Resources, and St. Vincent DePaul – came to the meeting at city hall to once again discuss what's called a "hybrid shelter" project, which was proposed publicly in September. The group has proposed building a type of campus along Sheridan Road at Lower Wheaton Way that features an 80-bed congregate shelter, 60 pallet shelters, and wrap-around services to help individuals into permanent housing.

The coalition leaders asked whether the council would support the project, but left without a clear answer. While two councilmembers, Denise Frey and Jennifer Chamberlin, expressed outright opposition, the council collectively pushed off a decision until later this month, even as deadlines begin to pile up. The council is scheduled to resume the discussions at a meeting on Jan. 28.

“We can’t keep pushing this out,” Monica Bernhard, CEO of Kitsap Mental Health Services, told the council. “If you don’t want it there you need to tell us, because we’ll stop,” she continued. “We want to do this with you, but if it’s not the right answer, we need you just to tell that to us – I’m just being honest.”

Read the article here

CENTRAL KITSAP ROAD REPORT

BREMERTON ROAD REPORT

Community Information

Django's Birthday with Ranger and

the 'Re-Arrangers' @ BIMA

Friday, January 23, 2026, 7:00pm

Hot Club Swing musicians from around Puget Sound are coming together to celebrate Django Reinhardt’s 116th birthday! The concert will feature local band Ranger and the ‘Re-Arrangers’, plus several guest soloists will join the band for a few tunes each. Last year’s soloists played guitar, accordion, saxophone, mandolin, and violin.

Django was an itinerant Romani guitarist who earned international acclaim in the 1930’s. Many of his compositions became jazz classics and he is considered one of the top guitar soloists of all time. Duke Ellington called Django “the most creative jazz musician to originate anywhere outside the United States.” Decades later, Jerry Garcia said, “Nobody has really come to the state that he was playing at…nobody plays with the whole fullness of expression that Django had.”

TICKETS

Pints for Pets @ Ridgeline Brewing

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 3:00pm

Enjoy local brews at Ridgeline Brewing with $2 from each pint donated starting at 3 p.m. We will be hosting raffles and merchandise sales, with new merch hoping to make its way down to the pub! Leashed, respectful pups are allowed on the patio.

Celebrate pets and community, surrounded by pets and community!

Quincy Square Jazz Festival 2026

February 5 - February 6, 2026

On February 5th & 6th, 2026, the Music Discovery Center of Bremerton and Olympic College are proud to present the 2nd Annual Quincy Square Jazz Festival. With his discovery of music in Bremerton, Quincy Jones went on to be one of the most celebrated performers, producers, and promoters of Jazz and modern music in American history. From Bebop to Pop to Hip hop, Quincy has been on the forefront of musical innovation his entire career and the city of Bremerton is proud to honor him with Quincy Square, a brand new music promenade in downtown Bremerton on 4th Street.

LEARN MORE

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

Clearwater Casino Presents:

Fever 103 - Foreigner Tribute

Friday, January 23, 2026, 8:30pm

TICKETS

Washed in Black - Pearl Jam Tribute

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 8:30pm

TICKETS

NW D'Lux @ The Roxy Theatre

Thursday, January 22, 2026, 7:00pm

The brainchild of acclaimed drummer D’Vonne Lewis, NW D’Lux takes you on a musical journey through the legendary sounds of the Pacific Northwest. This dynamic ensemble of Seattle’s top musicians celebrates the region’s rich musical history, from the groundbreaking rock of Nirvana and The Sonics to the timeless grooves of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Ernestine Anderson. The band also honors D’Vonne’s grandfather, the renowned Seattle organist Dave Lewis, bringing a personal touch to their impactful performances. Featuring D’Vonne Lewis on drums, Josh Rawlings on keys, Dean Schmidt on bass, and the soulful vocals of Ayesha Brooks (“The Voice”), NW D’Lux delivers a vibrant, genre-spanning show that’s equal parts homage and high-energy celebration.

TICKETS

The Lovin' Spoonful @ The Admiral Theatre

Friday, January 23, 2026, 7:30pm

The Lovin’ Spoonful were America’s answer to the Beatles! The band, led by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first 7 singles soaring onto Billboard’s top-10 charts virtually overnight.

TICKETS