Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | | The Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center will be closed on Monday, September 1st to honor the hard work of our team and yours. | |
Port to Port Pop-Up @ Blackberry Festival
August 30 & 31, 2025
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Join us for a sail during Bremerton's Blackberry Festival! Catch the pop-up in Silverdale or Bremerton for a 1-hour sail along Dyes Inlet. Grab a bite to eat at one of Old Town Silverdale's amazing restaurants or check out the musical lineup and all things blackberry at the annual Blackberry Festival on the Bremerton Boardwalk. Free parking available in Silverdale at the Kitsap Mall, with a courtesy shuttle running from the mall to the Silverdale Waterfront.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help this event sail smoothly! Sign up to volunteer here. Thank you for helping us make this a memorable experience for our community and visitors to our region.
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TODAY: August Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 11:00am
| Online registration is closed, but we welcome walk-ins (event fees still apply). Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center. | |
Silverdale @ Sunset: Joel Gibson Jr.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 6:30pm
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Save-the-Date: GKC Business Awards Gala
Friday, December 12, 2025, 5:30pm
| Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Business Health Trust and Nice Healthcare are making it easier for businesses in Washington to offer high-quality, low-cost health care.
No more waiting rooms, no more long commutes. Nice Healthcare® is now available for eligible Business Health Trust members.
Easily book same-day care with the NICE app and access virtual primary care, mental health support, physical therapy and more at no cost to you or your employees. In-home visits are available in many areas starting in July.
Learn more about benefits and eligibility from our partner, Business Health Trust.
🔗 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.
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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!
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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! |
Tim Ryan Family Donates $1 Million to
Advance Healthcare Education at OC
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Press Release, Olympic College,
August 20, 2025
BREMERTON, Wash. – Tim and Bev Ryan, Founder of Tim Ryan Construction Inc., continue to transform lives in Kitsap County through their enduring support of Olympic College. The college recently received a $1 million gift from the family that will significantly enhance healthcare education in the region for years to come.
The funds will be used to purchase cutting-edge equipment and upgrade existing facilities across all healthcare programs, including the expansion project and remodel at the Poulsbo Campus. In recognition of their generosity, the college will dedicate the sonography lab in their name as the Tim Ryan Family Diagnostic Medical Sonography Lab.
Mr. Ryan, whose mother was a nurse, has long been a champion of healthcare education in the region.
“There is a clear and urgent need for skilled healthcare workers in our community, and I am proud to support these efforts at Olympic College,” he said. “My hope is that this gift inspires the generosity of others, helping to build a healthier, stronger Kitsap.”
In 2024, Olympic College announced an ambitious plan to expand access to healthcare programs at its Bremerton and Poulsbo campuses. Phase 1 called for the creation of five new academic programs and a remodel of the Poulsbo Campus to create space for Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technologist and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs. Under Phase 1, the college also launched a Phlebotomy program and a pathway for Navy Corpsmen and Air Force Medics to become Practical Nurses – the first program of its kind in Washington state to award college credit for prior military experience.
Olympic College will celebrate completion of Phase 1 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Poulsbo Campus in October.
“The community support for this project has been phenomenal,” said Interim Olympic College President Joan Hanten. “This donation is an example of what can be accomplished when private industry and public service work together to meet community needs. We are forever grateful to the Ryan family for their generosity.”
Other project partners include the Kitsap County Commissioners, which contributed $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, which provided $2.5 million. The state legislature also allocated $100,000 in annual funding to support faculty salaries for healthcare programs.
Read the article here
| KPUD is Preliminary BEAD Award Recipient | |
Media Release, KPUD,
August 25, 2025
Poulsbo, WA – Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) is proud to announce that it has been preliminarily awarded funding in the Washington State Broadband Office’s (WSBO) Benefit of the Bargain (BotB) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, part of a $1.2 billion statewide investment to close the digital divide.
KPUD’s preliminary award covers seven of the eight project areas it applied for. When combined into a single large project, KPUD’s award will bring high-speed broadband to almost 4,000 homes across Kitsap County via all fiber builds.
The preliminary federal awarded results in $14.98 million for KPUD. “This is an exciting milestone for Kitsap,” said Angela Bennink, KPUD General Manager. “Highspeed internet is essential for education, healthcare, business, and daily life. This preliminary award represents a big step toward ensuring every resident of Kitsap County has access to reliable, affordable broadband.”
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Admiral Theatre Presents: Kitsap Blues Festival
August 29 - 31, 2025
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Latin American Jazz Experience @ Roxy
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 7:30pm
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The Life Ledger Workshop
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 5:00pm
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Fall for the Arts Auction & Gala @ OC
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 6:00pm
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Facility Maintenance Trades Training
September 15 - November 26, 2025, 2:00pm
| | Register Now: LKPI Fall Seminars | | Leadership Kitsap's Premier Institute is thrilled to announce the fall seminar schedule with registration now open. These hands-on workshops are built for leaders across Kitsap and their teams to learn and grow together. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! | | |
Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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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.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is honored to announce Dana’s Heating & Cooling as our August 2025 Member of the Month. Members since 2010, Dana’s Heating & Cooling has been a pillar of service and reliability in Kitsap County. Family-owned and operated, the team at Dana’s is deeply committed to both their customers and the community.
Where Comfort Meets Community
Based in Bremerton, Dana’s Heating & Cooling has spent nearly three decades keeping homes and businesses across Kitsap County safe, warm, and energy efficient. From heat pump installations to air purification systems, their services are designed to meet the unique needs of our region’s climate and residents.
But Dana’s is more than just a heating and cooling company—they’re a community partner. Their team actively supports local events, provides educational resources on energy savings, and offers programs like the Ultimate Savings Agreement, which helps families maintain their HVAC systems with ease and affordability.
Local Expertise, Lasting Impact
Led by a team of skilled technicians and customer service professionals, Dana’s Heating & Cooling combines technical excellence with a genuine care for people. Their approach is simple: treat every customer like a neighbor, and every job like it matters—because it does.
Whether it’s responding quickly to emergency repairs or helping a homeowner choose the right system for their space, Dana’s brings integrity, professionalism, and heart to everything they do.
A Legacy of Service
Dana’s Heating & Cooling has grown alongside Kitsap County, and their commitment to the region remains stronger than ever. As proud members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber, they continue to invest in the well-being of our community—one home, one business, and one relationship at a time.
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Eggs & Issues Returns
Annual election forum beginning Oct 7th
| | The Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Candidate Forums are a long-standing tradition started by the Bremerton Chamber over 25 years ago. They are a moderated public forum that brings candidates together with the public over breakfast. The Greater Kitsap Chamber carries on that same tradition with our series of forums at the Cloverleaf Bar and Grill in East Bremerton. Following the same practices, we offer an opportunity for candidates to discuss issues and answer questions posed by the voters in attendance and moderated by a member of the Chamber’s Advocacy Committee. We strive to ensure that we provide an unbiased, judgment-free platform and will remain unfettered by the media. | | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SBDC: Small Business
Cybersecurity Webinar Series
August 7, 2025, - August 28, 2025, 11:00am
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This webinar will introduce the cyber security maturity model, a nationally recognized cyber security framework, and discuss the first two domains: Physical Protection and Media Protection. These domains cover the cyber security standards and practices small businesses can implement to physically secure their business and equipment, and the proper disposal of digital media. Tonya Zimmerer, Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Sales Director of Banner Bank, will present on tips for securely banking online.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Cultivating a Business Mindset
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 10:00am
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 | | In today's competitive business landscape, a successful entrepreneur requires more than just technical expertise and a keen sense of market trends. They also need a resilient mindset that can help them weather the storms of uncertainty, overcome obstacles, and stay motivated during ups and downs. This interactive and inspiring workshop, "Cultivating a Business Mindset for Success," will help you unlock your potential as an entrepreneur by teaching you practical strategies for developing a growth mindset and overcoming limiting beliefs. You'll learn how to shift your focus from fear to opportunity, embrace failure as a valuable learning experience, and harness the power of positive thinking to achieve your goals. With real-life case studies and actionable advice, this workshop will empower you to cultivate a winning attitude and create abundance in your life and business. So, if you're ready to transform your mindset and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level, this workshop is the perfect opportunity for you.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Financial Basics for Small Businesses
Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1:00pm
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This workshop is designed to give you, the business owner, the financial skills and know-how needed to perform key tasks like to determine how to accurately compute the amount of funding you’ll need to start your business. You will also learn how to project your future financial results realistically including:
- Projecting sales for a new business
- Understanding your cost of goods sold and gross margin
- Being able to project your operating expenses
- Calculating your net income.
- Planning your cash flow successfully.
This workshop includes a special section on creating financial statements for service businesses.
Proper management of finances is crucial to any business’s success and a special set of skills is needed to understand and create these critical financial statements. This workshop is suitable for everyone whether you are starting a new business or need to update your skills.
Registration Fee: FREE
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Evergreen Goodwill
Kitsap County Job Training and Education
August 11 - October 2, 2025
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Business Education Support & Training
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
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WTIA Founder Cohort 13
Application deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025
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WTIA Founder Cohort program helps approximately 20 venture-scale, seed-stage startups
grow and scale over the course of 6 months. The program blends virtual and in-person
elements and is open to early stage tech startups based in Washington. WTIA and their partners will provide founders with a roadmap that will help guide them through their next
milestones as they navigate increasing revenue, securing investment, and growing the team. The program kicks off on Friday, November 10, 2025. Apply here
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Biz Fair is Coming to Puyallup
Saturday, September 20, 2025
| | Business News & Resources | | Retail Sales See Strong Growth in July | | |
Published in WA Retail Association, August 21, 2025
July proved to be a strong month for US retail sales, with total sales up 4.3 percent compared to last year. While some of this growth was supported by inflation, underlying volume sales still rose 1.4 percent, signaling steady consumer demand.
Core retail sales, excluding categories such as autos, gasoline, and foodservice, grew 4.7 percent, or 2 percent in volume. Non-store sales rose 8.3 percent, boosted by Prime Day promotions and related online events. Consumers also showed enthusiasm for value-driven deals, with an estimated $6.2 billion in spending pulled forward from August, much of it related to back-to-school shopping and even early holiday purchases.
Seasonal events played a role as well, with Independence Day contributing to higher spending on food, apparel, and home products. Apparel sales climbed 7.4 percent, while furniture and home stores grew 5.8 percent, both supported by promotions. Food and beverage sales rose 3.3 percent, though electronics and home improvement categories softened.
While consumers remain mindful of budgets, the data shows that they continue to prioritize retail spending, especially when presented with strong value. The results mark a positive start to the second half of the year, giving retailers momentum heading into the fall season.
Read the article here
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The Small Business Guide
Linking you to success
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The Small Business Guide (provided by Business.Washington.gov) is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business. Whether you’re launching a new business, managing an existing one, or looking to expand, you’ll discover valuable information and resources here. The guide offers essential details, links to important resources, and a clear outline of the steps needed to start and run a business in Washington State.
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The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, is proud to announce the launch of its newest certification category: LGBTQ Business Enterprises. This important milestone expands Washington’s commitment to inclusion by formally recognizing businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | 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. | | |
Seasonal Safety
High Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke May Trigger Protections for Workers
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Be Prepared
Hot temperatures and wildfire smoke are making for hazardous conditions for outdoor workers in our state.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is reminding employers and workers of the rules to protect workers and what weather conditions trigger extra precautions.
The state heat rules include protections for outdoor workers that kick in at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with additional requirements in the kind of high heat that much of the state is currently experiencing.
State rules require employers to prepare in advance to protect workers from wildfire smoke by putting together a response plan. They must plan for how they’ll communicate with workers, train employees to report smoke, and coordinate medical treatment for employees who say they’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain and dizziness. They also must inform their employees of their right to medical care without retribution.
Employers can use indexes like the NowCast Air Quality Index (AQI) to track air quality. As air quality gets worse, employers must provide increasing protections.
Go online to learn more about L&I’s heat rules and wildfire smoke rules.
Ergonomics Ideas Bank
A withdrawal from the Ergonomics Ideas Bank won’t cost you a thing. In fact, with sprains and strains being a frequent and costly source of workplace injury claims, the idea bank is likely to save you money!
- Search by industry or hazard type to find all sorts of resources on ergonomic safety.
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And, don’t forget you can always schedule a free consultation!
Visit L&I's Safety & Health page for a wealth of information and resources!
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
The Legal and Ethical Risks of
Using AI in Nonprofit Grant Reporting
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Published in Nonprofit Pro, August 20, 2025
Photo: Getty Images/shapecharge
Artificial intelligence (AI) has swiftly entered our personal and professional lives, reshaping how we live and work. As with any new technology, this means new opportunities, but also new risks. The nonprofit sector’s use of AI in grant reporting and program analysis is no exception.
For many nonprofits stretched thin on staff and resources, AI’s ability to make grant reporting more efficient and effective is extremely appealing. As nonprofits consider integrating AI into operations, it is critical to understand the benefits, as well as the legal, ethical and operational risks.
Here are key areas of risk for nonprofits to consider when using AI for grant reporting and program analysis.
1. Mishandling Sensitive Internal, Donor and Client Data
AI tools rely not only on publicly available data but also on user-provided inputs to generate content and insights. If a nonprofit enters sensitive information, such as personally identifiable health, personnel or financial information into an AI platform, without proper safeguards, it may inadvertently violate confidentiality agreements, privacy obligations or applicable federal and state laws.
2. Bias Amplification in Outcome Analysis
When your team is considering the use of AI for program evaluation purposes, it is important to understand that AI tools generally reflect and reinforce existing biases in datasets, particularly when analyzing program outcomes across demographics. Accordingly, if the historical datasets used underrepresent certain groups or reflect structural inequities, this could lead to AI-generated reports that appear data-driven but actually misrepresent the experiences and outcomes for the marginalized populations that the nonprofits are intending to help.
3. AI Does Not Eliminate Accountability or Human Touch
AI can help synthesize data and even draft narrative sections, providing the opportunity to work more efficiently, but it is no substitute for thoughtful program analysis or sound judgment, which requires a human element.
Read the article here
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Kitsap Community Foundation
Grant Cycle Open!
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Funding opportunities are now available for nonprofits serving Kitsap and North Mason Counties. Hosted by Kitsap Community Foundation, this annual grant cycle connects local nonprofits with resources to power their mission and strengthen our community. Applications are due by 5pm on Monday, September 15.
This cycle includes funding opportunities through:
- KCF Community Impact Grants – up to $5,000 for programs and operations that strengthen our communities
- Foster Care & Family Reconciliation – up to $7,500/year for two years for programs supporting youth transitions or family healing
- Youth Mentoring – up to $1,400 for programs pairing young people with supportive mentors
- Kitsap County Association of Realtors Foundation (KCAR) – New this year! Details coming soon
- Women’s Giving Circle of the Kitsap Peninsula – up to $10,000 for large orgs, $2,500 for small orgs serving women and/or children
| | New Hybrid-Electric Ferry Sidelined | | |
Published in The Kitsap Sun, August 21, 2025
Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
The state's first hybrid-electric ferry, which launched on the Bainbridge-Seattle route in July, is now sidelined as WSF crews try to address an electrical issue that caused a power outage on August 15.
The Wenatchee was pulled from the route that Friday morning after arriving at Colman Dock, where two of four drive motors on the ferry went off-line, causing a temporary loss of power, according to WSF spokesperson Callie Meleedy. The power came back approximately a minute later, Meleedy said, and the vessel was able to sail to the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.
The Wenatchee was replaced by the Walla Walla, and the Bainbridge-Seattle route has remained on a normal sailing schedule. Walla Walla had been on stand-by since the Wenatchee returned, according to reporting by the Seattle Times.
WSF crews determined that control system communication wires were causing "intermittent instability," Meleedy said. The issue is not unique to the hybrid-electric propulsion system that was installed during the Wenatchee's $133 million conversion process, which took place from September 2023 to July. The same wires are present on the standard diesel ferries across the rest of the system. The Wenatchee now has large batteries on board supplying electric power, but retained two diesel electric generators to supply backup power.
Meleedy said that a return date for the Wenatchee has not been determined, and the ferry remains at Eagle Harbor as crews work to determine what caused the instability, and isolate and address the issue. The ferry will undergo sea trials before returning to service as well, she said.
The next round of hybrid-electric ferries will be new boats, rather than conversions, after the state awarded a $715 million contract to Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group for three ferries, each capable of carrying up to 160 cars and 1,500 passengers. Deliveries are now estimated to begin in 2029.
Read the article here
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Open House: 6th Street Improvement Project
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
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Silverdale Greendrinks @ Toad House
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 5:24pm
| Come join us for our September 2025 Event at the Toad House. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with your community and enjoy good food, drinks, and conversation while supporting the Central Kitsap Food Bank! | |
Poulsbo Kids Day 2025
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10:00am
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9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance
Sunday, September 7, 2025, 9:00am
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BSD: Meet the New Superintendent
September 11 - September 22, 2025, 5:00pm
| Drop by and get to know Dr. Slade McSheehy, the new Bremerton School District Superintendent! He looks forward to meeting and hearing from you! | |
Bridging Bremerton
Saturday, September 13, 2025
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Bobby Jo Valentine Concert
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:00pm
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Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
Life's a Game - Live it Up on the Waterfront
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Situated along the pristine shores of Agate Passage on the Kitsap Peninsula, the luxurious AAA Four-Diamond Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort® epitomizes the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Northwest. Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, you’ll find a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, with world-class gaming, award-winning dining, and luxurious accommodations at your fingertips. Whether you’re unwinding at the spa, enjoying a round of golf just 15 minutes north of the resort, or taking in live entertainment, Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort offers something for everyone. Our unbeatable combination of fun, comfort, and natural beauty makes us the perfect getaway, offering an ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—whether you’re stopping by for the evening or staying through the weekend.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Rock Shop - 80s Hair Rock Tribute
Friday, August 29, 2025, 8:30pm
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Good Times Roll - Cars Tribute
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 8:30pm
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Explore Kitsap Trails
Ueland Tree Farm
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Location: The most convenient way to access Ueland Tree Farm in Bremerton is by taking Dickerson Trail from the trailhead located at the end of Lebers Lane, just off Northlake Way. A trailhead parking area is located on the right side of the gravel road, just after you cross the railroad tracks.
The trailhead parking area accommodates 60+ vehicles, including pull-through parking for horse trailers. Please note the lot sometimes reaches capacity, particularly on sunny weekend days.
Dickerson Falls is the easiest and most popular hike on Ueland Tree Farm. The approximately 2 mile round-trip hike on Dickerson Trail from the Lebers Lane Trailhead has an elevation gain of about 150ft. Dickerson Creek flows year-round and the falls are particularly impressive after heavy rains.
For those interested in a more strenuous hike to a great viewpoint loop, take the 6.5 mile roundtrip Dickerson Trail all the way from Lebers Lane Trailhead (240ft in elevation) to Zach’s Lookout (1,040ft in elevation). Zach’s Lookout is the highest point on the tree farm and offers views that on a clear day extend from the Olympic Mountains to Hood Canal, Mount Baker, and into Canada. After Dickerson Falls, the Dickerson Trail uses forest road U1100 as it begins west and then quickly takes a right turn to cross over Dickerson Creek just below Beaver Dam Lake. The forest road winds its way up hill through open, young forest before reaching Zach’s Lookout.
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GKCVC: Presents Silverdale @ Sunset
Summer concert series returns to Waterfront Park
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Bloedel Reserve: The Summer Social
Friday, August 29, 2025, 2:00pm
| Whether you come for the art, the music, or just to savor a late-summer day surrounded by nature, The Summer Social is a celebration of connection, creativity, and community. Join us for a fun-filled, relaxing sunny afternoon of food, art and games! | |
Bremerton Blackberry Festival
August 30 - September 1, 2025
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BCT Presents: To Die For
September 5 - September 28, 2025
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Step into the gothic mansion of Carla Woods, a best-selling historical romance writer whose life is anything but dull. Carla has a penchant for playing dangerous mind games—especially with her secretaries. But when a mysterious, devastatingly handsome stranger appears on a dark and stormy night, the game takes an unexpected turn.
Is this charming newcomer merely payback from a disgruntled past employee, or could it be... love's destiny? As secrets unravel and the line between fantasy and reality blurs, Carla finds herself caught in a thrilling battle of wits where every twist could be her last.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours.
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Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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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 our weekly Community Connections!
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Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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