Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Important News for You

Work Underway to Create New

WA Housing Agency

Published in the WA State Standard, April 13, 2026

Photo: Jake Goldstein-Street/WA State Standard

Washington boasts 221 housing-related programs across 30 state agencies.

But despite all of these initiatives, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck thinks the state is still going in the wrong direction developing affordable housing.

“We’re not doing a very good job at all, because the hole is getting deeper,” Heck said last week.

Heck is part of a group of elected officials, state agency staff, tribal members, local government advocates and developers tasked with devising ideas for Washington to set up a new state Department of Housing.

Read the article here

Chamber News

Check out and like the

Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!

Armed Forces Day 2026

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00am

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.

PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE

April Membership Luncheon

Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 11:00am

Join us this month as we re-cap the 2026 Legislative Session with AWB's Vice President of Government Affairs, Morgan Irwin. Find out what businesses can expect from this session, how our communities are being impacted, and where Washington is headed next.

Old Town Kitchen

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:30am

Social Security 101: Just the Basics

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 4:30pm

Armed Forces Day Culinary Arts Competition

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00am

Accessible Healthcare with NICE

Business Health Trust Has You Covered

Not loving your current benefits experience?

If your current plan feels harder to use than it should, it may be time for a closer look. Through our chamber’s partnership with Business Health Trust, members can compare options from major carriers and build benefits that work better for both employers and employees.

Many BHT medical plans also include Nice Healthcare, giving employees a simple first stop for $0 care with virtual visits, mental health support, physical therapy, and in-person follow-ups in many areas.

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

Questions? Contact BHT!

(425) 201-1972

nice@businesshealthtrust.com

Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package?

Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.

Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact us now!

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

View all the past issues on our website HERE.

Member News

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

Scentsy Fragrance Consultant

Up to 60% Off Sale

Vendor Opportunities Available

Mother's Day Pop Up @ The Kitsap Mall

May 2 & May 9, 2026

Join us at the mall leading up to one of the busier shopping weekends of the year!

Kitsap Mall is inviting local small businesses to set up a cart during our Mother’s Day Pop-Up event and connect directly with shoppers looking for unique gifts and special finds.

Pop Up Details:

Location: Kitsap Mall—Off Center Court
Space: Cart Set-Up (Cart will be provided by Kitsap Mall)
Dates: Saturday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 9th. You can choose one or both dates.
Cost: $150 per day
Staffing Requirements: Must be staffed 11:00 am to 5:00 pm each day
Perfect for: Boutiques, handmade goods, gifts, treats, beauty, specialty items and more!

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

LEARN MORE

Small Business Showcase

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 4:00pm

Kitsap Humane Society's Pets Walk

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Changing Faces, Changing Places

Share your business news today

Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.

Member Spotlight

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is pleased to recognize Reliable Storage as our April Member of the Month. A trusted local provider, and Chamber member since 1989, Reliable Storage has built a strong reputation for dependable service, safe facilities, and a genuine commitment to the Kitsap community. Their ongoing involvement with the Chamber reflects a business that values connection, relationships, and local impact.

Secure Solutions, Strong Community Ties

Serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout Kitsap County, Reliable Storage offers clean, accessible, and secure storage solutions designed to meet a wide range of needs. Whether supporting residents during life transitions or providing space solutions for local businesses, their services help make every day logistics simpler and more reliable.

Beyond their facilities, Reliable Storage is an engaged community partner. Their team is a regular presence at Chamber Luncheons and Chamber: Off the Clock, where they actively connect with fellow members and contribute to the collaborative spirit that defines the Greater Kitsap Chamber. Their participation helps foster meaningful relationships and strengthens the region’s business network.

A Reliable Partner in Every Sense

With a focus on customer service, professionalism, and local engagement, Reliable Storage consistently delivers on its promise of reliability. Their active participation in Chamber programs and events highlights their dedication to being more than just a service provider - they are a dependable partner invested in the success and well-being of Kitsap County.

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is grateful for Reliable Storage’s continued engagement and we’re proud to spotlight them as our April Member of the Month.

www.reliablestorage.com

Advocacy Committee

Lattes with Legislators

Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:00am

Members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber are invited to join the Advocacy Committee for coffee and an informal chat with state representatives to discuss the latest legislative session.

Held before our April Membership Luncheon. Coffee will be provided.

Please RSVP to kara@greaterkitsapchamber.com by April 22 to attend.

Business & Professional Development Committee

Member Education & Training Resources

SCORE: Tax Savings Strategies

for Small Businesses

Monday, April 27, 2026, 8:00am

This workshop focuses on the Federal tax saving strategies that work best for small businesses, which are:

Electing S-Corporation status with the IRS.
Maximizing the deduction for business use of the home.
Demonstrating two ways you can compute the deduction for business use of personal vehicle.
Providing you examples of 7 different retirement plans and showing you which one is best for you.
Describing how to maximize the benefits of health savings accounts.
Show you the difference between smart equipment purchases and not-so-smart ones for maximizing the tax benefit.
Explain the difference between cash versus accrual accounting and let you know which is better for you.
And much, much more!

Registration Fee: FREE

SBDC: Business Ownership Decoded

Independent vs. Franchise Models

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 1:00pm

Are you curious whether franchising could be the right path to business ownership? Most people think of McDonald's, but food represents only about a third of franchises in the U.S. The other two-thirds span automotive, home services, senior care, pet services, children's programs, health and wellness, and dozens more. This presentation offers a practical overview of how the franchise model works in the real world and what it takes to invest in and operate one successfully. Attendees will learn what to consider before moving forward, including costs, personal fit, operational expectations, long-term goals, and common risks to watch for. Join us to gain a clearer foundation, ask smarter questions, and decide whether franchising is the right next step for you.

Firebrand Action Lab: How Customers Find You

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 9:00am

Join us for our first-ever Firebrand Action Lab, focused on the question at the heart of every business:

How do customers actually find you—and what makes them decide to buy?

This half-day working session brings entrepreneurs together to tackle these challenges in real time. It’s a working session, not a lecture.

Come ready to work through real business questions alongside your peers and experienced mentors. You’ll walk away with:

A clearer way to talk about your business and value
New strategies for reaching and connecting with customers
Practical tools to strengthen sales conversions and follow-up
Peer and mentor insights tailored to your real business challenges

Whether you’re still figuring out how to start customer conversations or refining your approach, this Action Lab will give you practical strategies you can use right away.

Ready Kitsap

Bremerton Fan Zone is Coming

Is Your Business Ready?

Published by The Downtown Bremerton Association, April 16, 2026

Photo courtesy of Downtown Bremerton Association

This June & July, Downtown Bremerton will welcome thousands of visitors for the Bremerton Fan Zone at Quincy Square.

This is a major opportunity to connect with new customers, showcase your business, and be part of a global moment.

What to Expect

Increased foot traffic from locals, ferry riders, and regional visitors
Major spikes during U.S. match days and weekends
First-time visitors discovering Downtown Bremerton

Our Strategy

We intentionally did not create a traditional vendor market inside the Fan Zone.

Instead, we’re building a stadium-style experience designed to bring people downtown, create energy, and encourage visitors to explore local businesses.

The goal is simple: drive customers directly to you.

Lean Into the Global Energy

Seattle is hosting international teams—bringing a diverse, high-energy crowd to our region.

Fans aren’t just coming to watch—they’re coming to experience.

Simple ways to tap in:

Soccer scarves, flags, and team colors
Match-day specials
International-inspired food, drinks, or retail
Small cultural touches that make your space stand out

You don’t need to overhaul your business—just a few thoughtful additions can create a memorable experience.

Quick Tips to Prepare

Staff up for key dates
Consider extended hours
Simplify offerings for speed and service
Create a reason to walk in (specials, signage, atmosphere)
Make sure your hours and info are up to date online

Fan Zone Schedule + Programming

https://www.downtownbremerton.org/events/bremerton-fan-zones

How to Prepare Your Business

https://dc4181f0-05c9-467c-96a3-59a471f77828.usrfiles.com/ugd/dc4181_4771f93e68d749a5b797870781f5f822.pdf

Business News & Resources

Employment Law Passed

in WA's 2026 Legislative Session

Published by the WA Retail Association, April 16, 2026

Photo courtesy of the WA Retail Association

Washington’s 2026 legislative session introduced a broad set of employment law changes that will have real, day-to-day implications for employers across the state. These updates reflect an ongoing shift toward increased worker protections, greater transparency, and expanded regulatory oversight. For employers, particularly in industries like retail, where workforce size, turnover, and compliance complexity are high, understanding not just what has changed but how and when to implement those changes will be critical.

The legislation outlined below highlights the most relevant updates for members of WR, with a focus on areas that may require operational adjustments, policy updates, or additional communication with employees.

General Employment Law

Eliminate Noncompete Agreements (HB 1155) – This legislation voids all noncompetition covenants prospectively and retroactively. By Oct 1, 2027, employers are required to notify all parties with such agreements that they are now void.
Immigrant Worker Protection Act (2SHB 2105) – All employers must notify their workers within five days of an I-9 inspection notice or inspection results. Enforcement is effective Oct 1, 2026, by the Attorney General or via civil action.
Expand Attorney General’s Pre-Civil Investigation Authority (ESSB 5925) – Effective Jun 11, 2026, the Attorney General’s pre-civil investigative authority is expanded to cover wages and payments to workers, and the WA Law Against Discrimination.
Pregnancy Accommodation Complaints Exempt from Public Records Act (SSB 6014) – Effective Jun 11, 2026, the identity of pregnancy accommodation complainants is exempt from the Public Records Act, and the written certification requirement no longer applies to accommodations related to lifting over 17 pounds.
Prohibits Implanting Microchipping Employees (HB 2303) – This legislation prohibits an employer from requesting, requiring, or coercing an employee to have a microchip implanted in the employee for any reason.
Establish Labor Standards for Domestic Workers (SHB 2355) – Effective July 1, 2026, employees or independent contractors who work in a private residence for at least four hours a month will be protected under the Minimum Wage Act, other protections that were previously exempt for some of them, and the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
Childcare Standards Board (2SHB 1128) – By Sep 1, 2026, the Governor shall appoint a seven-person Childcare Standards Board within Labor & Industries. The Board shall convene to produce a series of reports with recommendations related to childcare worker staffing, recruitment, retention, and staffing ratios.

Read the article here

L&I Resources

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I.

Seasonal Safety Tips

April is Ladder, Stairway & Scaffold Awareness Month.

And next month is Heat Related Illness Awareness Month. How do I know that? By staying in the safety loop with the Northwest Independent Contractors Association’s safety calendar. This amazing training tool, funded by L&I, provides a safety topic for each month, along with a safety meeting tracker and attendance sheet.

Quick ladder safety tips:

Inspect ladders for physical defects before use.
When you ascend or descend a ladder, do not carry objects that will prevent you from grasping the ladder with both hands.
Always face the ladder when ascending and descending.
Labels must be original and weight loads must be followed for each class of ladder.

And let’s look ahead to May with some heat related illness information:

Employers must supply adequate water and encourage workers who work in hot weather to drink regularly
Even for workers who are not thirsty, a small amount of water every 15 minutes is recommended rather than a large amount after hours of sweating.
Learn and look for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
This is especially important for non- acclimatized workers, those returning from vacations, and all workers during heat waves.
Try to do the heaviest work during the cooler parts of the day.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable (e.g. cotton) clothing and a hat.

Want to learn more? Check out these resources:

Got a question or issue to be solved?

Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.

Phone: 1-800-987-0145

Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.go v | Negocios@Lni.wa.gov

Online: Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

Nonprofit News & Resources

Why Nonprofits Are Becoming

Prime Targets for Cyberattacks

Published in NonprofitPRO, April 16, 2026

Photo: Yuichiro China/Getty Images

When people think about cyberattacks, they often picture banks, large enterprises, or government agencies as the primary targets. Yet, one of the most attacked sectors today is one many people least expect: nonprofits — particularly humanitarian organizations.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international governmental organizations (IGOs), and humanitarian groups operate on the front lines of global crises. They provide food, healthcare, education, disaster relief, and protection for vulnerable communities. However, behind that mission lies a growing digital footprint — and an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.

As these nonprofits expand their operations across digital platforms, they are becoming more visible targets for cybercriminals and nation-state actors. The difficult reality is that the very organizations working to protect people are increasingly in need of protection themselves.

Read the article here

Greater Kitsap News

Paid Parking in Poulsbo's Waterfront Lot

Will Start This Summer

Published in the Kitsap Sun, April 17, 2026

Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun

The Poulsbo City Council has settled its heavily debated parking proposal for downtown, reaffirming a commitment to make the transition to paid parking in the waterfront lot off Front Street several months after signs went up with hourly restrictions on some popular streets.

Drivers into downtown Poulsbo will adjust to another change this summer, following the enforcement of parking turnover that began in November 2025, though a start date for the new city ordinance hasn't been set. The city council voted 6-1 on Wednesday, April 15, to formally adopt a plan for paid parking in the city owned lot, despite Mayor Ed Stern's desire to study downtown parking enforcement data for a full year.

Resolution 2026-05 limits paid parking to Anderson Parkway, which mainly consists of the parking lot for the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. Enforcement of time limits will continue on Front Street and Jensen Street within the same downtown perimeter. Rates will differ by season, charging $3 an hour from April 15 to October 15 and dropping to $1 an hour for the remaining days in the year.

Read the article here

CENTRAL KITSAP ROAD REPORT

BREMERTON ROAD REPORT

Community Information

Spring Fling @ The Charleston Business District

Friday, April 25, 2026, 12:00pm

Come to Charleston Business District to celebrate Spring!

Various businesses will be open, featuring fun activities for all ages!

Scarlet Road: 2026 Restoring Hope Gala

Saturday, May 30, 2026, 6:30pm

Experience an evening of hope in support of survivors of sexual exploitation in Kitsap County.

Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, beverages, silent & live auction, keynote presentation, survivor stories, and more on this evening as we celebrate freedom and restore hope.

TICKETS

CSTOCK Summer Camps 2026

Registration open!

Kitsap Summer Music Discovery Camp

Sign your student up now!

Masks Still Available

Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center

The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.

Tourism Information

Clearwater Casino Presents:

Washed in Black - Pearl Jam Tribute

Friday, April 24, 2026, 8:30pm

TICKETS

Rock Shop - 80s Hair Rock Tribute

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:30pm

TICKETS

Umami Jazz Fusion @ The Roxy Theatre

Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:00pm

Get ready for an unforgettable night of sizzling jazz fusion, as UMAMI takes the stage with their electrifying blend of classic 70's fusion anthems and irresistible original compositions. Led by visionary trumpeter John Sakura (Tamaraw, Full Circle, Type A!), this powerhouse ensemble is redefining what it means to experience live jazz.

TICKETS