Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | | |
US Senate Passes Bill to End Shutdown,
House to Vote Friday
| | |
Published in the Washington State Standard, November 10, 2025
Photo: Jane Norman/States Newsroom
The U.S. Senate approved a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week.
The 60-40 vote sends the updated funding package back to the House, where lawmakers in that chamber are expected sometime during the next few days to clear the legislation for President Donald Trump’s signature.
The Senate-passed package will provide stopgap funding for much of the federal government through January 30, giving lawmakers a couple more months to work out agreement on nine of the dozen full-year spending bills.
The package holds several other provisions, including the full-year appropriations bills for the Agriculture Department, the Legislative Branch, military construction projects and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Seven Democrats and one independent broke ranks Sunday on a procedural vote that advanced the package, drawing condemnation from some House members and outside advocacy groups unhappy that no solution was arrived at to counter skyrocketing health insurance premium increases for people in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
Read the story here
| |
One Week Early: November Luncheon
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 11:00am
| | If you are a nonprofit interested in tabling at the luncheon, please email us here to reserve your spot. There is no cost to reserve a table, but luncheon registration is still required for all attendees and you must let us know you would like a display table. Confirmation emails and set-up information will be sent on Monday for those signed up to table. | | Get Tickets for the 2025 Business Awards Gala! | | |
Lock In Your Gala Sponsorship Today
Elevate your business or organization at this annual gathering of Who's Who in Kitsap Business!
| | Interested in elevating your business' exposure in the community? Looking to put your name on this year's Gala? Planning to bring a table-full of attendees? We have sponsorships available for all sizes of businesses across all industries that will provide a level of elevation in the Greater Kitsap business community like no other event. Interested in sponsoring or purchasing an ad in the Gala program? Contact the Greater Kitsap Chamber to secure your sponsorship or ad space today! | | GKC Giving Away UW Football Tickets | The GKC is giving away 20 tickets for the UW Football game on Saturday, November 15th at 4:00pm against Purdue. Tickets are for GKC members only and awarded on a first come first served basis. Email us here with an upcoming Chamber event or resource that you're excited about for a chance to win a ticket! | |
Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5:05pm
| |
Greater Kitsap Chamber & Leadership Kitsap: 2026 Kitsap Women's Summit
Deadline for proposals is this Friday - November 14th
| | |
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.
Interested in speaking at KWS 2026? Apply here!
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.
| | |
Hospitality Workshop: Service that Sells
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 11:00 am
| | |
Join us for an engaging workshop designed especially for the hospitality industry! Learn how to build systems that empower your team to deliver consistent, high-level service, and see what truly exceptional hospitality looks like in action. Hear from two successful restaurant owners who will share practical insights, proven strategies, and real-world examples that keep guests coming back for more.
Brought to you by the Greater Kitsap Chamber in partnership with Visit Kitsap Peninsula.
| | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
| | |
Are you ready for 2026 healthcare costs?
Don’t get left behind amidst the rising healthcare costs next year. BHT partners with top carriers on 80+ plan designs, supporting 1200 employers and over 25,000 employees.
With BHT, members can attract and retain top talent, while offering big-company benefits and keeping their costs to a minimum. Do your employees get free primary care visits at work? Do your employees get free X-rays and blood draws in their living room?
🔗 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.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | | |
PNWT 21st Annual Food Drive
Now thru November 14, 2025
| We're excited to be a donation drop-off location for the 21st Annual Food Drive hosted by Pacific Northwest Title of Kitsap County! Drop off your donations at our Bremerton or Silverdale offices during business hours. | | |
The Coffee Oasis
The Family Christmas Project
| |
What is the Family Christmas Project?
It is a way to show tangible love to homeless and at-risk youth during the holidays! Youth participating in The Coffee Oasis youth programs fill out gift request slips. Then community partners like you “sponsor” youth so their gifts can be purchased. $50 provides gifts for one youth! If we receive donations above and beyond what is needed to provide presents for youth for Christmas, the funds go towards our youth programs.
How are gifts bought?
The youth fill out individual gift request slips and then we shop for them. We are always amazed at the practicality of many of their requests. Most ask for shoes and clothes, others for gift cards. The majority of the asks are NEEDS not WANTS."
If you are interested in partnering with The Coffee Oasis please reach out to Cody at cody.clark@thecoffeeoasis.com!
| |
You're Invited: Harbor of Hope Auction
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 6:00pm
| | |
MVMS Squire Career Day: Call for Presenters
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
| |
Mountain View Middle School is looking for guest presenters for the annual Squire Career Day on Wednesday, November 19th.
This is your chance to inspire the next generation by sharing your career journey, a typical workday, and the education or training that got you there. Many students are eager to learn about different career paths—some they may have never even considered! Your story could be the spark that ignites their passion for a future career.
Get details and sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gkxXrxrtRAIbTfQSUg1XRtiwm-XXEeJ_Owo-uge5vEY/edit?usp=sharing
| |
LKPI: Tactical Leadership Seminar
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 9:00am
| | |
Is your team falling short of its potential—but you’re not sure why, or what to do about it?
Spend the day with leadership coach Cara Wilson and walk away with three powerful tools to lead more effectively, build a healthier team, and get better results. Bring your real-world challenges and get live expert coaching in the room.
| | Whaling Days: Vendor Tree Space Presale | | |
Continuing Ed for Insurance Agents
January 2026 - March 2026
| |
Don’t miss out on the opportunity for FREE continuing education classes in 2026!
Reach out to Lyndzee Doolittle at SERVPRO of Kitsap today to schedule your next class.
📞 Phone: 360-373-1290
📧 Email: ldoolittle@servprokitsap.com
Secure your spot and stay ahead in your field!
| |
Get A Head Start on the
November Edition of Kitsap Business
| | |
The November issue is hitting mailboxes soon, but you don’t have to wait! Access it early on our newly updated website, now easier to navigate and filled with local business stories, insights, and inspiration.
At Ward Media, we’re proud to be a locally owned and deeply rooted community member. From Kitsap Business to our digital marketing division and our promotional products company, Northwest Swag Works, we’re here for you real people with real ideas, working to help your business grow.
| | | |
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is excited to announce our November Member of the Month: Business Health Trust! As Washington’s source for affordable, high-quality employee benefits, Business Health Trust (BHT) empowers small and mid-sized businesses to compete and thrive.
Where Benefits Meet Business Growth
Founded to level the playing field for small businesses, BHT offers large-company benefits at small-company prices. Through its Association Health Plan model, BHT helps employers attract and retain top talent with access to more than 80 medical plan designs, dental and vision coverage, mental health resources, and wellness programs. These benefits don’t just keep employees healthy; they strengthen the backbone of our local economy by helping businesses remain competitive and sustainable.
More Than Insurance - A Community Resource
Business Health Trust is more than a benefits provider; it’s an advocate for Washington’s business community. By partnering with Chambers and associations statewide, BHT ensures that even the smallest companies can access comprehensive health coverage and HR tools. Their commitment to innovation is evident in partnerships like the recent collaboration with Nice Healthcare, bringing affordable virtual and in-home primary care to employers across the state that remove barriers to care and improve employee well-being.
Driving Economic Impact
With over 1,000 employers and 25,000 employees covered statewide, BHT plays a critical role in workforce stability and economic development. Their programs reduce costs for businesses, improve productivity, and foster healthier communities. By offering consolidated billing, compliance support, and cost-saving resources, BHT allows business owners to focus on growth while ensuring their teams are supported.
Business Health Trust exemplifies the Chamber’s mission to build a stronger Kitsap through collaboration, advocacy, and resources that matter. We are honored to spotlight their impact and continued dedication to Washington’s business community.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SBDC: Setting Yourself Up to Make a Profit
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 1:00pm
| |
Often we skip over our understanding of our own costs and go straight to pricing. But how can we begin to figure out how much to charge a customer until we know our costs?
In this webinar, we will dive into the development of financial projections with a focus on costing. We will review the characteristics of your costs, learn about the contribution margin approach, and how to calculate what your break-even sales are for your business.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to apply your understanding of the cost structures for your own business and have the tools to begin to set goals for yourself.
The instructor, Ann Zimmerman, is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor. She earned her BA in Accounting from Western Washington University and received her Master’s degree in Accounting and Tax from Washington State University. Ann has over thirty years of experience in business and has worked in various industries including retail, construction services, manufacturing, healthcare, and not-for-profit.
Registration Fee: FREE
| |
SCORE: Starting a New Business in WA
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:00am
| |
This workshop will give you the following skills to take those first critical steps in starting a successful business:
- Understand the different business entities and choose the best one for your business.
- Learn how to properly license your business in Washington state.
- Select the correct insurance for your business.
- Understand the options for financing your business.
First, we review what you need to know about setting up your business with the best legal entity. Whether you choose a sole proprietorship, LLC or another entity, we will help you understand how to get the right business licenses along with understanding the state and federal taxes you need to manage.
Understanding how to protect your business and yourself with the correct business insurance is critical. You’ll learn about the various commercial insurance policies available, and we’ll help you determine what’s best for you.
We’ll describe to you various financing options for your business and then show you how to apply for the financing that makes sense for you.
Registration Fee: $10
| |
SCORE: Instagram Marketing 101
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00am
| |
A great Instagram feed reinforces your brand, supports your marketing message, helps you engage directly and sincerely with your customers, and attracts new, loyal followers! Are you ready to “Level Up” your Instagram for your business?
In this workshop you’ll learn how to:
1. Create an effective bio on your Instagram profile
2. Develop a focused Instagram marketing strategy
3. Use apps that save you time and improve your Instagram feed
4. Develop the two most important habits for Instagram marketing success
5. Navigate the ethics of reposting
6. Use hashtags, tagging, and more to grow and engage your following
7. Outsource effectively when it’s time to delegate your Instagram marketing
This isn't about getting a huge number of followers (though that *could* be a result of the effort you put in). Rather, it’s about making sure your *brand* is consistent, that the *message* you’re putting out there on Instagram reinforces your brand, and that the *time* you spend on social media marketing is well-used. By the time we finish you’ll have better tools for making a powerful first impression with Instagram for your business!
Registration Fee: $10
| | |
Firebrand Unconference
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00am
| | |
Trident Refit Facility Bangor Job Fair
November 21 - November 22, 2025, 10:00am
| | Business News & Resources | | |
Paid Family and Medical Leave Premiums
to Rise 23% in 2026
| |
Published in the WA Retail Association, November 6, 2025
The Washington State Employment Security Department has announced new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) premium rates beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The total premium rate will rise to 1.13 percent of each employee’s gross wages, up from 0.92 percent in 2025. Employers will contribute 28.57 percent of the total premium, while employees will pay 71.43 percent.
For employers, the 23% rate increase from 2025 to 2026 represents an additional $608 in annual PFML taxes for every $1 million in payroll. An employer with a $17 million payroll would therefore pay approximately $10,000 more per year. For workers earning the 2024 average wage of $95,000, the increase amounts to roughly $56 more in annual PFML premiums.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are not required to pay the employer portion but must continue collecting employee premiums or pay them on behalf of workers. Employers should begin withholding the updated rate from wages paid on or after Jan. 1, 2026, and note that the Social Security wage cap will increase to $184,500. First-quarter premiums using the new rate will be due by the end of April 2026.
The Employment Security Department will release updated employer resources by the end of November, including new guides, posters, and paystub inserts. Additional program updates include expanded job protections, clarified health care benefit requirements, and changes to small business assistance grants.
More details and resources can be found at paidleave.wa.gov/employer-roles-responsibilities.
Read the full article here
| | AWB News Recap: Webinar on New Sales Tax | | |
Published in AWB, November 7, 2025
Photo courtesy of AWB
More than 500 people attended an AWB-hosted webinar Tuesday on the state’s new sales tax on services, which began Oct. 1. Senate Bill 5814, passed by the Legislature in April, applies the sales tax to a broad range of services that were previously untaxed. Businesses must start collecting sales tax on the following services:
- Advertising
- Custom software
- Custom website development
- Information technology services
- Investigation, security and armored car services
- Live presentations
- Temporary staffing
In AWB’s fall employer survey, more than three-quarters (76%) said their company was directly impacted by the new sales tax on services and B&O tax changes that took effect in October. Of those, 58% are paying the new sales tax.
During the webinar, AWB Tax & Fiscal Policy Director Max Martin led a discussion with three tax specialists from the state Department of Revenue (DOR), who gave an overview of the new law. They encouraged businesses to review the interim guidance – which includes industry-specific examples – on the newly taxable services.
Read the article here
| | |
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. | | |
Workplace Rights Refresher
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| | |
There's a lot to know as an employer - get clarity on, and learn about, some of the commonly misunderstood or lesser-known employee rights.
Immigration Status Coercion
Employers may not use immigration status to coerce an employee from engaging in protected activities or exercising labor law rights. Workers may file a complaint with L&I that is enforceable with civil penalties.
Job Posting Restriction
Employers cannot require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment or include such a statement in a job posting unless driving is one of the essential job functions or is related to a legitimate business purpose for a position.
PSL for Employees
It’s fall which means it’s PSL time, and I'm not talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes here; I'm talking about Paid Sick Leave. Don’t forget your paid sick leave basics:
- Employees accrue one paid sick leave hour for every 40 hours worked, paid at their normal hourly compensation
-
You must provide a one-time written or electronic notification to each employee detailing their paid sick leave rights.
- Review what paid sick leave can be used for, which includes a few new additions:
- self or family’s health needs;
- child’s school or daycare closures for government-declared emergencies;
- absences related to domestic violence;
- and for absences resulting from the need to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings involving the employee or the employee's family member.
- Note: Family also includes anyone living with the employee where there is some expectation of care.
-
Be sure to visit the Paid Sick Leave page to see all the requirements
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
How to Create Multichannel Donors
Who Give More Often
| | |
Published in Nonprofit Pro, November 10, 2025
Photo: iStock/boonchai wedmakawand
Multichannel donors are incredibly valuable. They give more frequently and are more likely to stay with your organization than single-channel donors. This is because multichannel donors are simply individuals who immerse themselves in your mission and engage with your content across various channels.
By immersing themselves in your mission across channels, these donors demonstrate their passion for your mission and ultimately support that mission across channels — usually making gifts in various ways through events, direct mail, email, SMS or online.
This donor segment is incredibly valuable, but for many nonprofits, it’s a small segment of donors.
One reason multichannel donors make up a small segment of many donor files is that they’re made — not found.
Read the article here
| |
WSF's Hybrid-Electric Ferry Returns
After Missing Months for Repair
| | |
Published in The Kitsap Sun, November 7, 2025
Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
After nearly three months Washington State Ferries has brought its first hybrid-electric ferry back to service, after it lost power temporarily and was sent for repair in August.
WSF announced that the Wenatchee returned to the Bainbridge-Seattle route on Friday, Nov. 7, replacing the Walla Walla "after successful repairs."
The Wenatchee was pulled from the route in mid-August after arriving at Colman Dock in Seattle, where two of four drive motors on the ferry went off-line, causing a temporary loss of power, a WSF spokesperson said at the time. The power came back approximately a minute later and the vessel was able to sail to the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility, where assessment and repairs were performed. The Walla Walla replaced the Wenatchee on the Bainbridge-Seattle route at the time.
Converting the Wenatchee to hybrid-electric propulsion was a $133 million project that took place from September 2023 to July this year, when the vessel debuted on the Bainbridge-Seattle route. The problem that disabled the boat in August, which WSF described as control system communication wires causing "intermittent instability," was not related to the propulsion system and the wires are common to WSF diesel-powered ferries as well.
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
| |
Kitsap County Seeks Community Input
for New 5-Year Homeless Housing Plan
| | |
Press Release, Kitsap County, November 7, 2025
Under the direction of the Washington Department of Commerce, the Housing and Homelessness Division of Kitsap County is seeking public comment on its new five-year Homeless Housing Plan. This comprehensive initiative aims to make homelessness a rare, brief, and one-time occurrence in Kitsap County through an efficient and effective homeless response system.
"Every resident deserves a safe and stable place to call home. This plan helps to identify the current gaps and improvements to the system, along with targeted strategies to better serve our community's most vulnerable members," said the County's Housing and Homelessness Program Manager Carl Borg.
A committee met several times throughout the year to review the current plan and develop updated strategies. During that time, three community surveys were conducted seeking information from the community, providers, and those with lived experience. Now, the County is actively seeking community comment on the plan, as it will guide how local funding is allocated over the next five years.
Last updated in 2019, the current Homeless Crisis Response and Housing Plan has provided a strong foundation for the County's efforts to address homelessness.
For more information, visit: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hs/Pages/HH-Housing-and-Homelessness-Landing.aspx.
| | |
Salmon Stories of Donkey Creek
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00am
| | Join Greater Peninsula Conservancy for an exploration of the North (AKA Donkey) Creek Conservation Easement and the many chum salmon that spawn in this stream! Hear about the efforts made by local stakeholders, non-profits, and community volunteers to support the growth of this and other nearby salmon runs. We will also discuss how GPC can support you in the creation of conservation easements, helping you protect your property while benefiting both your finances and the environment. | | |
BARN Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00am
| | |
Science Project Launch
Saturday, November 22, 2025
| | |
Silverdale Rotary Club Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 2025
| |
For the fifth straight year we're going free-range with our wild Turkey Trot at Newberry Hill Heritage Park. All events are run in the woods -- away from streets, sidewalks, and cars. The park offers a scenic 2.7 mile loop fire road which offers a great course for our
1-Mile, 5K and 10K events.
| |
Bremerton Foodline Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 2025
| |
Downtown Poulsbo Tree Lighting
Friday, November 28, 2025, 5:30pm
| | |
Silverdale Community Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 29, 2025, 1:00pm
| | |
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.
| | |
Clearwater Casino Presents:
Hella Good- Gwen Stefani Tribute
Friday, November 14, 2025, 8:30pm
| | |
Sky of LMFAO with Magic!
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:00pm
| |
Chicago Tribute Authority - Chicago Tribute
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 8:30pm
| | |
Indigenous Film Series @ Roxy Theatre
November 6 - November 20, 2025, 7:00pm
| |
This November, the historic Roxy Theatre in Bremerton’s Quincy Square will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a free three-film series that amplifies Indigenous voices, history, and leadership. Each night features a film and discussion.
Thursday, November 6 - Sugarcane
Thursday, November 13 - From Earth to Sky
Thursday, November 20 - Fish War
| |
The Fabulous Thunderbirds @ The Admiral
Friday, November 14, 2025, 7:30pm
| | |
Concerts in Port Gamble:
Jeffrey Martin w/ Anna Tivel
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:00pm
| |
Kitsap Wine Tasting & Shop
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12:00pm
| |
Spend an afternoon with your favorite local winemakers as all the Kitsap wineries come together under one roof for a special tasting and bottle sale event.
Your $30 ticket (available at the door) includes a taste of every wine being poured, straight from the winemakers themselves. Stock up for the holidays or pick out the perfect bottle to pair with your Thanksgiving table.
Sip, shop, and celebrate our Kitsap wine community, all in one afternoon.
| |
DBA: Winter Fest
Saturday, November 29, 2025, 4:00pm
| Join us for another year! Stroll through downtown and shop small this holiday season at Winter Fest. Enjoy a family-friendly experience with local businesses bringing the cheer and get a start on holiday presents by shopping small in downtown and at Quincy Square's holiday market, and more! | |
Krampusnacht Bremerton 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2:00pm
| Krampusnacht Bremerton brings the old-world Alpine tradition of Krampus—the horned, folkloric companion of St. Nicholas—to life in the heart of downtown Bremerton. Expect a day packed with music, mischief, and holiday magic, with plenty of fun for all ages. | |
Country Christmas in Port Gamble
December 6 - December 7, 2025
| |
Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
| | |
Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
| | |
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.
| | | | |
