Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | | |
Winners, Losers, and Takeaways
from WA's Legislative Session
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Published in the WA State Standard, March 14, 2026
Photo: Bill Lucia/WA State Standard
The curtain fell Thursday night on the Washington Legislature’s 60-day session. A lot happened before it did. Passage of Democrats’ income tax on millionaire earners was the big storyline. It followed House debate on the bill that was one of the longest in the state’s legislative history. Here are some highlights, plus who came out ahead and behind.
Progressive breakthroughs and walkbacks
Passage of the income tax is an indisputable win for Democrats eager to see Washington’s tax code rebalanced to tap wealthy residents for more cash, while relieving some of the burden for lower-income households. The question now is whether it holds up in court and on the ballot.
But while there was glee over approval of the “millionaires’ tax,” lawmakers also moved this year to roll back major tax hikes they approved in the last session — including added sales taxes on a range of services and increases in the estate tax.
These walkbacks were a tacit acknowledgment that they overreached with policies to tax businesses and the rich last year.
Progressive voices led by Democratic Socialist Rep. Shaun Scott of Seattle prevailed in a notable skirmish within the income tax bill, when a Senate-backed provision calling for the early sunset of a tax surcharge on large corporations was stripped out in the House.
Read the article here
| | RECAP: Military Appreciation Day 2026 | |
We had a great time at Military Appreciation Day on March 14th! Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating our local service members, and to all the vendors who came out to connect with and support our military community.
Also, a big thank you to our event sponsors whose generous support made
the day possible.
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March Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 11:00am
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Social Security 101: Just the Basics
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 11:30am
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Armed Forces Day 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00am
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First celebrated in 1948, the festival includes the nation’s largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day parade. This long-standing event is designed to thank the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America Armed Forces and recognize their service and commitment to our country and community.
Applications to participate are now open! Apply here
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Join the GKC Board of Directors
Applications open through April 8th
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Are you interested in increasing your engagement with the Greater Kitsap Chamber and the larger business community? We are currently accepting applications for a variety of volunteer leadership roles at the Chamber, including: Chamber Board of Directors, Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation Board of Directors, and Committee Members.
If you are interested in being considered for service, please submit an application no later than April 8, 2026.
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Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Care that fits real life.
Benefit updates can be a blur in the new year. So start with the part that is easiest to use.
Nice Healthcare is one place to begin for primary care, mental health, and everyday needs.
For many common issues like colds, sinus, UTIs, rashes, or a quick checkup, employees can start with Nice instead of heading to urgent care first. Visits are designed to feel like real care, not a rushed stop. There’s also a Care Team chat thread, so follow-ups and questions stay in one place.
🔗 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 us 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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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 proud to recognize Details Property Management as our March Member of the Month. Locally owned and operated, Details Property Management has become a trusted resource for homeowners, renters, and investors across Kitsap County. Since joining the Chamber, Details Property Management has demonstrated outstanding engagement, strong community advocacy, and a consistent commitment to elevating the voice of local business.
Advocacy in Action
Details Property Management plays an active role in supporting and elevating the voice of small businesses in the region. Earlier this year, owner of Details Property Management, Heidi Hartman, participated in the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Hill Climb, helping represent Kitsap County in conversations with state leaders. Her involvement demonstrates a business-wide commitment to advocacy and to ensuring that the needs of local employers, property owners, and community stakeholders are heard at the state level.
Active Partners in Community Connection
The team at Details Property Management continues to be a friendly and reliable presence at Chamber events, engaging with peers and contributing to the collaborative spirit that defines our business community. Their ongoing participation helps strengthen relationships, foster new partnerships, and support a thriving and connected Kitsap economy.
A Business Built on Trust and Stewardship
With a focus on responsive service, transparent communication, and excellent care for both property owners and tenants, Details Property Management consistently demonstrates what it means to be a dependable community partner. Their dedication to quality, professionalism, and local engagement makes them a valued member of the Chamber and a standout business in Kitsap County.
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Advocacy Committee
New Meeting Time & Location!
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber’s Advocacy Committee has a new meeting time and location!
When: Every third Wednesday of the month
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Location: Details Property Management
3378 NW Lowell Street, Silverdale, WA 98383
Interested in joining the Advocacy Committee? Contact Alysa Grimes at alysa@silverdalelawyers.com to learn how you can help shape policies that affect our business community.
| Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: QuickBooks Online Basics
Friday, March 20, 2026, 9:00am
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Are you an aspiring or established business owner looking to get started with QuickBooks? Are you trying to figure out what you’re doing but keep getting lost? Do you like bagels? Well, then this is the workshop for you!
Who You Are: Although anyone interested in QuickBooks is welcome to take this workshop, it is designed for aspiring and established business owners looking to learn the basics.
What To Have When You Sign onto Zoom: You will need your laptop and possibly power cable. We will be performing exercises together using a sample QuickBooks Online data file.
What You Will Learn: In this SCORE workshop, you will learn how to use QuickBooks Online to record your daily business transactions. (No QuickBooks signup required!)
Subjects covered include:
- Customer sales and payments
- Supplier purchases and payments
- Banking and Chart of Accounts
- Reporting from QuickBooks Online
- Best practices and common mistakes
Please note that this workshop is only training on QuickBooks Online and not QuickBooks Desktop.
Registration Fee: $10
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2026 Cruise Summer Job Fair
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00am
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World Cup Ready: Capture the Crowd
With Fan-Focused Marketing
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 11:00am
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Get your business ready for the surge of global consumer attention coming this summer. With billions of fans expected to follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup and more countries represented than ever before, this summer promises nonstop excitement and a flood of globally engaged customers seeking places to eat, shop, gather, and celebrate.
This practical training session with Erin Combs of Artio Strategies and Todd Olsen of Mother Bear will equip small businesses and retailers with clear, actionable strategies rooted in current consumer behavior and marketing data. World Cup fans flock to social feeds, mobile apps, fan zones, and local hotspots — and brands that show up in the right moments see huge boosts in attention and purchase intent, with sports-aligned messaging delivering major gains in engagement.
You’ll learn fun, creative ways to grab the attention of fans and locals: what to think about as you set your goals for the games, how to make your soccer related messaging authentic to your brand, where to advertise so your message gets seen, and how to tap into the passion of sports culture.
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SBDC: Say It Better. Sell It Faster. With AI.
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 11:00am
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Part 2: Attract the Right People with the Right Message "Your Messaging Blueprint"
Smarter Messaging & Marketing for Real-World Business Owners.
Live, hands-on marketing series for small business owners.
This is the second of a three-session series where you will learn how to turn your business into a content machine—one AI prompt at a time. No fluff. Just real-world output you can actually use.
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
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WTIA Founder Cohort Applications are Open!
Apply by March 30, 2026
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Founder Cohort Applications are OPEN!
The WTIA Founder Cohort program helps Washington state based seed stage startups grow and scale over the course of 4 months through a mix of curriculum, introductions, and other resources while also allowing you to build relations with other similar staged founders. To date, 350+ companies have gone through the program and raised over $500M. The program is free to apply for, free to participate in, and no equity is exchanged.
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World Cup Ready: Mobility for the Match
Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 11:00am
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our region is gearing up to move fans, residents, and visitors during the Seattle-hosted World Cup matches. Hear from Kimley-Horn, WSDOT, Sound Transit, King County Metro, and Seattle DOT as they share what travel could look like on match days, how agencies are coordinating across the region, and what tools and resources will help everyone navigate a busier-than-usual summer.
Whether you're a business, community partner, or simply curious about how a global event comes together, this session will give you a clear picture of what to expect—and how you can prepare to keep people moving with confidence.
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Become a Rideshare Driver
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 6:00pm
| | Business News & Resources | | OMWBE Academy Registration is Open | |
The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) Academy was developed to help certified businesses navigate the complex world of government contracting. Courses focus on common barriers businesses face in the capacity building and bidding process.
Join the OMWBE Academy, to access FREE business resources that will help you compete for government contracts. You can also take our Certification 101 and 201 courses that will walk you through the application process.
Certification 101:
- Understand the benefits of certification
- Discover which certifications are the right fit for your business
- Take the follow-up 201 course for a deeper dive into the application
Certification 201:
- Move step-by-step through the OMWBE certification process
- Find out how to submit one application for both Federal and State Certification
- Learn about federal rule changes affecting requirements
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L&I Seeks Input on Proposed
Child Labor Rule Updates
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Published by the Washington Retail Association, March 12, 2026
Photo courtesy of WRA
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed updates to state child labor standards for agricultural and non-agricultural work, filing the Proposed Rulemaking CR-102 in response to legislation passed in 2025. Key bills include SHB 1121, allowing minors in career and technical education programs to work expanded hours; ESHB 1644, requiring safety consultations and increasing consequences for violations; and HB 1722, permitting certain licensed minors to work around bloodborne pathogens.
The proposed rules clarify existing standards, consolidate duplicate or outdated sections, and strengthen protections, including retaliation safeguards. L&I has prepared summaries of the proposed agricultural and non-agricultural child labor rules for public review.
Three public hearings are scheduled in April, with pre-hearing overviews to explain the proposals. Written comments are accepted until 5 p.m. on April 17, 2026, via email, mail, or fax. Interpretation services are available on request.
For details on hearing dates, times, locations, and to track the rulemaking, visit L&I’s rulemaking page.
Read the article here
| | 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. | | Workplace Rights: Common Mistakes to Avoid | | |
A big workplace right for employees is the protection provided to them through workers’ compensation coverage (workers’ comp). Workers’ comp is mandatory for all employees and even some contractors. Check out RCW 51.12.020 for the state law explaining which types of employment are excluded from coverage. Here are a few answers to my workers’ comp FAQs:
- How do I set up workers’ comp?
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Update your WA state business license with the Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service and indicate you are going to have employee(s). For help, follow these steps.
- Where do I find my…?
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Are you looking for a certificate of coverage? Your account manager? Maybe rates and risk classes or your L&I account ID? You can find all of that using the Verify Tool. However, if you’re looking for your Participant Activation Code (PAC), you’ll want to call your account manager or give us a call at: 1-800-987-0145.
- Can my payroll company or other third party file for me?
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Yes. Be sure you and the service provider review “Filing on Behalf of Clients” to find an option that fits. But, beware! While payroll companies can file workers’ comp quarterly reports on your behalf, it’s not always the case! Be sure to verify directly with the payroll company to confirm if that’s a service they provide. Otherwise, you risk accruing late fees.
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Is coverage required for business owners?
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No. Most business owners are exempt from mandatory coverage per RCW 51.12.020, even if you pay yourself as an employee in a S-Corp or other structure. However, owners can opt into elective coverage and receive workers’ comp benefits such as medical care coverage related to a workplace injury and partial wage replacement if your workplace injury results in you missing three or more consecutive work days.
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | | 5 Fraud Red Flags Nonprofits Can't Ignore | | |
Published in NonprofitPRO, February 23, 2026
Photo: Kiyoshi Hijiki/Getty Images
Nonprofits rely on funding support from the public. Those charged with governance are responsible for protecting those funds. Fraud often starts as a tiny spark. Ignore the warning signs, and it can quickly become an inferno.
Nonprofit fraud can take many forms, from external scams targeting staff to internal financial oversight failures. Whether you serve as a board member or staff member, understanding common fraud schemes and internal risk areas is essential. Here are five red flags nonprofits can’t afford to ignore.
1. Urgent Gift Card Requests From ‘Your Boss’
A nonprofit staff member receives a text or email from a scammer posing as their boss. The fake boss asks the staff person to purchase a gift card for them with their personal account because, for whatever reason, the boss’ company card is not working. The fake boss indicates that it’s urgent and asks the employee to text or email the card number and PIN right away.
If the employee complies, the scammer has just made off with the money.
How to avoid this? Be on alert and always verify the request. If you receive an unusual financial request via text or email — even if it appears to come from your supervisor — pick up the phone and call them directly to confirm. Communicate this risk to all staff so they know these scams are common.
Read the article here
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Here's How Much WA Gas Prices
Rose From Last Week
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, March 13, 2026
Photo courtesy of the Kitsap Sun
State gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $4.52 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week's price of $4.20 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The average fuel price in state rose about 66 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the state in the last year have been as low as $3.64 on Jan. 12, 2026, and as high as $4.54 on Sep. 15, 2025.
A year ago, the average gas price in Washington was 15% lower at $3.94 per gallon.
The average gas price in the United States last week was $3.50, making prices in the state about 29.1% higher than the nation's average. The average national gas price is higher than last week's average of $3.02 per gallon.
Read the article here
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Construction Starts at McCormick Village's
New Commercial Area
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, March 16, 2026
Photo courtesy of McCormick Communities
PORT ORCHARD — Construction has started at the commercial area of McCormick Village, located on the north side of Old Clifton Road in South Kitsap. And nearly half of the area's retail buildings are already pre-leased, McCormick Communities announced.
At least six businesses will be leasing at the McCormick Village Retail Center in Port Orchard. They are Forestview Dental, McCormick Veterinary Clinic, Wilson Patisserie, Salt & Sage Massage and Skincare, Village Pharmacy, and Honey & Mane Hair Studio. A yoga studio and gym may also join, according to the developer.
"Those are all folks that are local to the Greater McCormick area," Michael Eney, CFO at McCormick Communities, said. "We really believe in that concept as we continue to move forward, (that) is finding restaurateurs, finding other retailers that are on the peninsula in Pierce County, Kitsap County, that Puget Sound area really know, and get, and love the benefits and attraction."
McCormick Village Retail, a new neighborhood retail center at the McCormick master-planned community in Port Orchard, is located at the intersection of SW Old Clifton Rd. and McCormick Village Dr. It will deliver approximately 30,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and service space for residents and visitors of the McCormick area, according to the developer.
Read the article here
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GPC: Walk & Talk
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00am
| Connect with the natural spaces around you by tapping into the power of nature journaling at Banner Forest Heritage Park! Led by GPC Stewardship Manager Micaela Petrini, participants will travel through the quiet grandeur of Banner Forest and explore their thoughts and observations in written and illustrated form. Prepare to slow down, relax your busy mind, and engage more deeply with the natural world through journaling exercises and artistic prompts. Bring your notebook, mobile art supplies, and your best journaling questions! | |
Daffodil Festival
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 1:00pm
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Enjoy family fun along the way, including antique tractor hayrides, face painting, crafts, the Navy Band NW Passage, tasty treats, and more.
Come dressed for the Daffodil Walk around Waterfront Park. Wear your favorite daffodil attire or yellow best! Awards will be given. Decorated strollers, wagons, and furry friends are welcome!
Every can counts! Please bring non-perishable food to support our local food banks.
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Port Gamble Theater: Something's Afoot
March 13 - 29, 2026
| A zany, entertaining musical that takes a satirical poke at Agatha Christie mysteries and musical styles of the English music hall of the 1930s. Ten people are stranded in an isolated English country house during a raging thunderstorm. One by one, they’re picked off by cleverly fiendish devices. As the bodies pile up in the library, the survivors frantically race to uncover the identity and motivation of the cunning culprit. | |
Easter Bunny Photos @ The Kitsap Mall
March 13 - April 4, 2026, 12:00pm - 8:00pm
| Easter Bunny photos available at the Winco Court in the Kitsap Mall. Click here to reserve your spot. | |
KHM: Writing Your Personal History
Monday, April 6, 2026, 10:00am
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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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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Heart by Heart - Heart Tribute
Friday, March 20, 2026, 8:30pm
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Fastlane - Eagles Tribute
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 8:30pm
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Bainbridge Performing Arts:
The Highest Tide
March 6 - 26, 2026
| Adapted from Jim Lynch’s beloved novel, The Highest Tide is a poetic, funny, and deeply personal coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Puget Sound. When 13-year-old Miles O’Malley discovers a gigantic squid washed up on shore during a midnight low tide, his small coastal town is thrown into the national spotlight. Through his growing fascination with marine biology and his search for understanding in a world of chaos, Miles’ journey becomes one of connection—to the sea, to science, his friends and to his own emerging self. Presented with Book-It’s signature style of storytelling through narrative and action, this production invites us to rediscover the importance of caring for our natural world. | |
The Paperboys @ The Admiral Theatre
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:30pm
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Six Gun Rebels @ The Roxy Theatre
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 8:00pm
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Jay Mabin @ The Roxy Theatre
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 8:00pm
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Jay Mabin is a dynamic harmonica virtuoso whose soulful sound has shaped the Pacific Northwest jazz and blues scene for over five decades. A Chicago native mentored by blues legend Sonny Terry and trained by harmonica masters Toots Thielemans as well as Howard Levy, Mabin blends jazz, blues, and pop with deep emotion and playful flair. He’s shared the stage with icons including Bo Diddley and Bud Shank and has also been a featured artist with the Quincy Jones Square Celebration Orchestra in the highly acclaimed "For the Love of Quincy!" show. Jay continues to captivate audiences of all ages from major venues to intimate stages. His exciting band includes Mason Hargrove on guitar, Steve Kim on Bass and Jeff Busch on drums.
If you like blues and jazz you're going to LOVE this show!
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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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