The Port Orchard Marina will receive much-needed repairs with funding. |
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Kilmer Announces $9.4M Federal Grant
for Port of Bremerton Breakwater Project
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On Monday, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the Port of Bremerton has been awarded a $9.4 million RAISE Discretionary Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant will be used to replace a 48-year-old public breakwater, which spans approximately 1,500 feet, along the Port Orchard waterfront.
“I’ve been advocating for the federal government to invest in ports – like the Port of Bremerton – because these are investments in the future of this region’s economy and in growing jobs,” said Rep. Kilmer.
“Folks on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas can really benefit from federal infrastructure investments to strengthen economic opportunity here. And when the federal government makes these investments in improving port facilities, it means the costs won’t fall entirely on the backs of local taxpayers. Today’s news is a big win – for taxpayers, for community resiliency, and for jobs.”
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June Luncheon: Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 11:00 am
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Ribbon Cutting @ Studio K
Thursday, June 29, 2023, 4:00 pm
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Apply for Chamber Foundation Scholarship
Applications available on July 1st
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Kitsap Credit Union
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Bremerton Greendrinks is excited to join Kitsap Credit Union where we'll be treated to a gorgeous view in a rooftop setting. Enjoy food, beverages, and community! Please note that there is a limited capacity for this event.
Join us on Thursday, July 13th, 5-7:30pm for Greendrinks with a Purpose, where hosts team up with local nonprofits to showcase their contributions to the community. Kitsap Harvest is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to the reduction of food waste:
"Kitsap Harvest is an organization that harvests and distributes surplus urban fruit and vegetables in Kitsap County, WA. At Kitsap Harvest we believe that resilience begins with community. That’s why we organize community harvests, where trees are harvested seasonally by volunteers. The fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, are distributed to food banks, shelters and soup kitchens throughout Kitsap County."
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Save-the-Date: Education Carnival
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Reserve your carnival booth now - spaces are limited!
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Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Contact Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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Harris Family Holdings: Scoops & Bites |
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Scoops & Bites is the definition of delicious! Founded in March 2019, we proudly make all of our ice cream in small, handcrafted batches from premium ingredients, right here at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal.
Our premium ice cream is made from sweet cream that is 14% milk-fat, making it super rich & creamy. We get our sweet cream from Edaleen Dairy in Lynden, Washington.
We take our guest feedback very seriously and incorporate it into all of our recipes. But we offer more than just high-quality, delicious ice cream! We are a full-service Ice Cream Shop, along with all of the Bites to keep your family fed for the ferry ride or just hanging out at the Bremerton Boardwalk. Try our 1/4lbs all beef hot dogs, premium sandwiches & paninis, colorful bags of cotton candy, loaded nachos, retro sloppy joes, or decked-out chili.
Come down and meet us the next time you are in downtown Bremerton!
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50 Washington Ave | Bremerton, WA 98337 | (360) 582-7560
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BECU Offer for New Graduates |
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Live Well Kitsap! Networking Group
Monday, July 10, 2023, 5:45pm
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Sound Publishing Advertising Opportunity |
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Growing Greater Businesses Grant Spotlight:
The Barber & Beauty Lounge
The power of love and connection
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Discover the extraordinary tale of Reuben Wilkins, co-owner of The Barber & Beauty Lounge in Bremerton, Washington. From a troubled past in San Diego to prison to redemption, Reuben's journey is one of resilience and personal growth. His barbershop isn't just a place for haircuts—it's a community where lives are transformed, dreams are nurtured, and connections are forged.
Reuben's path to success was unconventional, but it led him to his true calling. After discovering his talent for cutting hair during his prison sentence, he moved to Bremerton and found purpose through his faith. He worked hard, obtained licenses, and acquired The Barber & Beauty Lounge, turning it into a beacon of hope for those seeking transformation.
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717 Pacific Avenue | Bremerton, WA 98337 | (360) 479-9199
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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How Commercial Real Estate Owners Can Combat Organized Retail Theft |
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The widespread issue of organized retail theft is creating substantial challenges across the United States, particularly impacting retail tenants, landlords, and customers in Washington state. This form of criminal activity, which involves multiple individuals stealing goods to fund various illicit pursuits, has been expanding in magnitude and intricacy. In response, property owners and retailers are on a quest to find effective ways to safeguard the welfare of their customers and staff while also trying to mitigate the economic impact of such crimes on their businesses.
In a recent episode of The Property Line podcast, an enlightening discussion on this rising problem took place. The guests on the show, Alesha Shemwell, WR Vice Chair, and Carl Kleinknecht from the Kemper Development Company and the Bellevue Collection, joined hosts Brian Atherton and Eric Greenberg to share their encounters with organized retail theft. They also discussed various technological solutions and resources that landlords and retail tenants can leverage to deter these criminal activities.
Carl Kleinknecht mentioned the ‘Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime.’ This guide is a complimentary resource WR offers on its Public Safety and Retail Crime webpage. It is designed to equip retailers with knowledge and tools to effectively respond to and prevent such theft.
This engaging and insightful 16-minute podcast will give listeners a better understanding of organized retail theft’s scale, impact, and practical methods to counteract it. The discussion sheds light on an increasingly prevalent issue, offering practical guidance for those in the retail industry striving to create safer and more secure shopping environments.
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Public Private Strategies Institute: Medicare 101
For You, Your Business & Your Employees
Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 11:00 am
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Join AARP on Tuesday, June 27 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT) for a free educational webinar on Medicare and what it means for your business. Becoming eligible for Medicare is an important milestone in anyone’s life. Whether before, after, or at age 65, the transition to Medicare can be a confusing process. As employees are living and working longer many more will be eligible to make this transition during their working lives, so employers need to be able to provide their employees with the resources and information they need to make an informed decision.
During this session, you’ll learn the following:
- Overview of what Medicare is and what it means for your business
- How to talk to your employees about Medicare
- What resources and organizations to share with your employees
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Pricing Products and Delivering Satisfaction
Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 1:00 pm
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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.
Workshop Fee: $40
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Power Partner GSBA Gender Inclusion Training |
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Every business and organization runs a little differently with unique specialties, strengths, and weaknesses. With that in mind, we tailor our trainings individually to help organizations thrive as LGBTQ+ inclusive brands and environments.
Trainings are designed to be easy to access regardless of prior knowledge, and our goal is to push your organization further in your inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. GSBA leads in creating safe spaces where folks can learn, process, and create goals for their own DEI journey. Intentions are an important foundation, but more important is the impact they have on your employees, customers, and team.
GSBA is here to support your organization in the first steps and connect you to our recommended DEI experts to continue your journey.
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Business News & Resources |
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Pathways to WA CARES Benefits |
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As employers are busy preparing for deducting and remitting WA CARES premiums from their employees to Employment Security Department, many employees are inquiring about ways to qualify for benefits, especially those nearing retirement. The premium deductions will affect payrolls beginning July 1.
The WA CARES website states that there are two primary options for beneficiaries to obtain full benefits - Lifetime Access and Early Access.
Lifetime Access is for Washington employees who have paid into the program for at least ten years. They can receive up to $36,500, the full benefit amount. This route ensures permanent access to full benefits for long-term contributors to the fund. To be eligible, individuals must have made contributions for at least a decade without any break of five consecutive years. Beneficiaries under this category can use care services costing up to $36,500 (subject to inflation adjustment) at any point during their lifetime.
Early Access, on the other hand, is an expedited route for Washington employees who have contributed for three out of the previous six years and unexpectedly need care. It allows access to the full benefit amount of up to $36,500 for workers requiring care during their employment or shortly after exiting the workforce. These individuals are eligible for benefits even if they haven't contributed for at least ten years. To be eligible, they must have made contributions for at least three of the last six years when they apply for benefits and demonstrate an immediate need for care due to conditions, including injury, illness, or disability. Beneficiaries can use care services costing up to $36,500 (subject to inflation adjustment) for the duration of their care needs.
Those nearing retirement may find it challenging to meet either the Lifetime Access or Early Access criteria. However, workers born before 1968 can accrue 10% of the benefits ($3,650) for each year of work and contribution. These workers can access the plan's benefits for a lifetime until their partial benefit is exhausted.
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Are You America's Top Small Business?
Time is running out - apply today
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Apply for America’s Top Small Business — a small business awards program from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline to apply is July 7.
Find out everything you need to know, including eligibility and how your business can win a $25K cash prize.
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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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The Key to More Revenue? Moving Out of a Transactional Fundraising Mindset |
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Photo: Getty Images by Ridofranz
People today are craving connection and nonprofit volunteers and donors are no exception. The time is now to rethink your strategies for donor interaction and shift into a mindset of community, where donors experiences, journey, preferences and partnership are valued.
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NAWA Resources: Boards in Gear |
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Boards in Gear, which intentionally abbreviates to BIG, recognizes the large role boards play in a nonprofit’s success. As a board, you want your nonprofit to thrive and make a difference in the communities served by your organization. Designed to provide actionable information and tools to elevate your board practices, this is a starting point and an invitation to be curious, ask questions, and share your learning with others at your organization. Whether your nonprofit is just starting or is long established, getting your board in gear can help put your organization on a clear path forward. |
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Raydient Places + Properties Hosts Public Forum
Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 6:00 pm
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Kitsap Bank's New HQ Approved
by Port Orchard City Council
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Photo: Kitsap Bank
Kitsap Bank's new headquarters on Bay Street will likely be a glassy 43,000-square-foot three-story timber building that's across from the city's future community events center, including a plaza between the two buildings as a key part of the major overhaul planned near the waterfront.
The latest design of the new office building at 625 Bay Street was presented by Kitsap Bank to the Port Orchard City Council early this month. The city bought the company's headquarters at 619 Bay Street in December 2021, part of a plan is to build a South Kitsap Community Events Center at the bank's original site. That project is planned to also include a Kitsap Regional Library branch and some public space. Before knocking down the bank property, a new home for Kitsap Bank, located at the corner of Bay and Frederick streets, will be built to keep the nearly 115-year-old company in downtown Port Orchard.
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Independence Day Service
Kitsap Transit will NOT operate service on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
- Kitsap Transit's Routed buses, Worker/Driver buses, Local Ferries and Fast Ferries will NOT operate service on Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4.
- On-Demand/Dial-A-Ride buses will NOT operate.
- Contact your Vanpool operator for information about holiday vanpool service.
- Kitsap Transit's Customer Service Office, Call Center, ORCA Call Center and Administrative Office will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.
Service will resume on Wednesday, July 5.
Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 to find out details on their service.
***Fireworks are not allowed on board Kitsap Transit vehicles & vessels.***
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Community Conversation
Thursday, June 29, 2023, 4:30 pm
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Please join us June 29, 2023, at the Norm Dicks Center, 345 6th Street in Bremerton, 4:30PM sign-in, for a community conversation on opioids and fentanyl, opioid use, and fentanyl trends.
Learn what you need to know to be safe, keep others safe and prevent access by children and youth. Opportunity to receive free Narcan and medicine lock bags. For more information email: Deanne Jackson at djackson@kitsap.gov.
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Community Hikes with Live Well Kitsap! |
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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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.
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Kingston 4th of July
July 3 - 4, 2023
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Bainbridge Island: Grand Old 4th of July |
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KCMT Presents Into the Woods
July 7 - 16, 2023
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Port Gamble Theater: Romeo & Juliet
July 14 - 30, 2023
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Join the Port Gamble Theater as they present Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Two star-crossed young people, separated by an ancient family hatred must navigate the obstacles against them for true love.
Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:00 pm, Sunday performances at 2:00 pm.
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Admiral Theatre Presents: Prom Date Mixtape
Saturday, July 15, 2023, 8:00 pm
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Prom Date Mixtape is the Ultimate Live 80s New Wave Experience!
Recently named “The Greatest 80s Tribute Band in the Pacific Northwest” by KOMO TV 4’s Seattle Refined, Prom Date Mixtape delivers the most authentic and energetic renditions of your favorite decade-defining new wave, pop, and rock tunes that you will ever hear.
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Kitsap Pride
Saturday, July 22, 2023
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Entertainment, vendors, food and drink, community, support - join us for the family-friendly Kitsap Pride Festival at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton. |
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Save-the-Date: Trace Adkins
Kitsap County Fair & Stampede
Sunday, August 27, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Know Before You Go with TREAD Map |
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The new and improved TREAD Map app is now available to download on iOS and Android! The app has been fully revamped for an improved user experience.
In addition to a sleek new interface, you’ll find new and improved features, including:
- Air quality and weather
- Traffic cameras and mountain pass reports
- Expanded activity filters
- All national park entrance points
See Trail Alerts and Conditions
Know before you go with announcements and alerts from local land managers and verified organizations. If a trail you’re researching is closed or crowded, TREAD can provide great alternatives that are nearby and similar to the trail you were hoping to explore.
Read Community Stories
Find stories and recommendations specific to your interests. Community stories are created by local experts, destinations, outdoor recreation groups, and others.
Share Your Adventures
Post about your outing, share photos, and report on trail conditions to help other outdoor enthusiasts.
If you enjoy the app, please consider sharing it with your friends and family. Let's work together to help make outdoor recreation in Washington State fun, safe, and sustainable. You can preview the app features and new look below.
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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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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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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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