Bremerton's Quincy Square Opens to
the Public with Street Festival
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, July 12, 2025
Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
The opening bash of Quincy Square kicked off a new beginning in downtown Bremerton Saturday.
With the stage in place and key stakeholders lining the block, there was no shortage of community and entertainment offered. The event, put on by the Downtown Bremerton Association and City of Bremerton in collaboration with Black Night Market, showcased the vision of Fourth Street that so many had been hoping for.
In the making for more than decade, the revamped streetscape has come to life after a lengthy project process. Throughout the plan's years, there have been a multitude of hands involved to cultivate a community center that honors African American culture, city heritage and the power of music.
Read the article here
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July Luncheon: Summer Member Picnic
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
| | Summer is here and we're celebrating our members with our annual luncheon benefitting the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation and scholarship programs. Join us on the campus of Olympic College and enjoy networking while we fundraise for scholarships with our business bingo, pie-in-the-face raffle, and more! You won't want to miss this fun summer-slowdown where business connections are made and networking is next level. | | |
Coffee with Mayor Greg Wheeler
Monday, July 28, 2025, 8:00 am
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GKCVC Presents: Silverdale @ Sunset
Summer concert series returns to Waterfront Park
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Port to Port Pop-Up @ Blackberry Festival
August 30 & 31, 2025
| | 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. Reservations and ticketing coming soon! | | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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One Stop for Quality Care
With Nice Healthcare®, Business Health Trust continues to make it easier for businesses to provide competitive benefits that improve employee well-being and save employees money, all while keeping costs under control.
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Get started today and help your employees access quality care from the comfort of their home.
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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! | | |
Kitsap Pride
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 3:00 pm
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Celebrate Illuminate Me's 4th Anniversary
July 24, 2025, 4:30 pm
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Downtown Bremerton Seeks Survey Input
Group aims to reduce storefront vacancy in Downtown
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The Downtown Bremerton Association is working to reduce the 26% storefront vacancy in their Main Street corridor and they need input from local businesses.
If you own a business or property in Downtown, Charleston, Manette, or Lebo/Harrison Heights, please take our quick survey. Your feedback will help us understand local challenges and shape data-driven recommendations for the City and our partners.
Bremerton’s blend of creative, unique, and heritage-driven businesses is what makes our city special. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and help shape Bremerton’s economic future.
| | 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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For 80 years, Kitsap Regional Library has been a cornerstone of learning, connection, and community across Kitsap County. Founded in 1945, this beloved institution has grown alongside the community it serves, evolving far beyond books to become a vital hub for information, inspiration, and engagement for residents of all ages.
A proud member of the Chamber since 2001, Kitsap Regional Library’s commitment to Kitsap County is unwavering. From its humble beginnings, the Library has expanded to nine locations and a robust digital presence, ensuring that no matter where you are — from Bainbridge Island to Bremerton — you have free access to knowledge and community resources that enrich everyday life.
At the heart of the Library’s mission is a simple yet powerful belief: everyone deserves access to the tools they need to dream, learn, and grow. Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of reading, a job seeker learning new skills, or a lifelong learner exploring new ideas, Kitsap Regional Library provides programs, spaces, and resources that make it possible.
A Vital Community Partner
Kitsap Regional Library doesn’t just serve the community — it’s a vital part of it. By partnering with local schools, community organizations, and businesses, the Library supports literacy, lifelong learning, and local economic vitality. The Library’s free programs and welcoming spaces create a place where people connect, share ideas, and build a stronger, more resilient Kitsap County.
As the Library celebrates 80 years of service, its impact is visible in every branch and every person who walks through its doors or logs in online. From book clubs that spark new friendships to workshops that help people learn new skills, the Library’s influence ripples through generations.
Looking Ahead: A Community Choice This August
In August 2025, Kitsap County voters will have the opportunity to help shape the Library’s future by voting on a levy to maintain and expand essential services. This important measure will help ensure that Kitsap Regional Library can continue to grow with the community, invest in new programs and technology, and keep library spaces welcoming and accessible for decades to come.
Kitsap Regional Library’s story is one of connection, progress, and unwavering dedication to Kitsap County. As they celebrate 80 years of service, they invite the community to look forward together — continuing a legacy of learning, belonging, and discovery for generations to come.
To learn more about Kitsap Regional Library, its services, or the upcoming levy, visit www.krl.org or follow them on Facebook.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Pay Per Click Advertising - Or How Not to Lose Your Shirt on Google
Thursday, July 17, 2025 1:00pm
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This workshop will cover the following key aspects of advertising on Google:
1. Introduction to Google advertising
2. Different types of ads
3. Keyword and targeting strategies.
4. Measuring success
This workshop is presented by Matt Cail. Matt started out in the world of message boards and web design. During five years as a Washington, D.C., consultant, he became knowledgeable about emergency communications and competition in the online video industry. He has worked in social media, search engine marketing, web design, and online advertising. Matt leads Super Charge Marketing, which is your one-stop social media firm for all of your social media marketing needs!
Registration Fee: FREE
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Summit Workshop: Transition Your Business
to Employee Ownership
Friday, July 18, 2025, 10:00 am
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SCORE: Federal Taxes and Your New Business
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1:00pm
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This workshop covers many topics for new business owners: Employer Identification Number, Record keeping, Bookkeeping, Accounting Methods, and Types of Business Structures.
David Higgins works for the IRS in the Communications and Liaison Division as a Tax Specialist in Seattle, WA. David serves as the primary IRS contact to community, industry, and business organizations throughout the State of Washington. David coordinates, educates, and presents a variety of tax topics to all taxpayer communities, including employers, community groups, small business resource partners and tax practitioner organizations. David began his career with the Internal Revenue Service in 2010, and worked in many general program areas concentrating on Taxpayer Service, education, compliance, and technical tax law issues. Before joining the IRS, David served in the US Census providing outreach to community groups.
Registration Fee: FREE
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What's the Pointe? Seminar Series
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 3:00pm
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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+.
| | Business News & Resources | | The U.S. Labor Market Remains Solid, with Employers Adding 147,000 Jobs Last Month | | |
Published in NPR, July 3, 2025
Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Employers continued to hire at a solid pace in June, which could encourage the Federal Reserve to take its time in cutting interest rates.
U.S. employers added 147,000 jobs last month, according to a report from the Labor Department on Thursday. That's roughly in line with the average pace of hiring over the last 12 months. Job gains for April and May were also revised up by a total of 16,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, from 4.2% in May, as 130,000 people dropped out of the workforce.
Job gains were concentrated in health care and state and local government last month, while the federal government continued to shed jobs, cutting 7,000 in June.
Read the article here
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AWB Summer Webinars: Government Affairs
July 22 & 23, 2025, 11:00 am
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A slew of new state laws takes effect in July, including higher fees and taxes, employment law changes, and increased transportation fees. AWB will hold two free webinars this month for employers to learn more about the changes. Register for the employment law webinar at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, and the tax and fiscal policy webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23.
Registration Fee: FREE
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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
Stay cool with these seasonal safety ideas
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Outdoor workers
Fire hazards, increased construction activities, and outdoor heat all create risks for injuries to outdoor workers during summer months. Plus, heat can make workers more susceptible to falls, equipment-related injuries, and other on-the-job safety hazards.
Consider some of the many resources available like:
Head over to the summer section of the seasonal safety page on our website for training materials, videos, and more!
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.
-
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 | | Reduce Your Nonprofit's Workload and Get More Done with These Tips | | |
Published on NonprofitPRO.com, date July 9, 2025
Photo: Getty Images by Luis Alvarez
As a nonprofit professional, you’re probably always looking for ways to get more accomplished, faster. Working as efficiently as possible helps your organization be a good steward of funds. It also helps you (and/or your staff) to be more productive and ultimately have greater job satisfaction.
When brainstorming how you and your team can work more efficiently, you might not always think about your software. Or, if you do think about it, you might think wistfully about the latest technology that you wish your organization had.
But there are things you can do to put your current software to work to reduce your workload and even get more done. Let’s look at some specific ways to use the tech you already have to work more efficiently.
Read the article here
| | Washington's First Electrified Ferry Sails | | |
Published in The Seattle Times, July 10, 2025
Photo: Erika Schultz/The Seattle Times
Moments after the ferry Wenatchee set sail Thursday, Gov. Bob Ferguson floated the idea that the first of the state ferries to be converted to hybrid-electric power should be renamed for the person standing just behind him, former Gov. Jay Inslee.
Inslee, who set the state ferry system on course to be fully electrified by 2040, smiled and said it should be named for his wife, Trudi, before later saying it actually should be named for the head of ferries, Steve Nevey.
In all likelihood, it will remain the Wenatchee, which Ferguson said would reenter service sometime next week, sailing between downtown Seattle and Bainbridge Island.
Aside all the congratulatory cheer, the presence of two governors reflected the importance of the moment. After 22 months and $133 million, the conversion of the Wenatchee from diesel to hybrid-electric power is the first step in a larger endeavor to completely convert the ferry fleet from diesel to electric power, a cornerstone of Inslee’s environmental legacy.
In all, the state plans to spend nearly $4 billion on the project, which will go toward retrofitting six diesel ferries with hybrid-electric engines, building 16 new hybrid-electric vessels and adding charging stations to 16 terminals. Washington State Ferries, which runs the nation’s largest ferry system, also plans to eventually retire 13 diesel ferries.
Read the article here
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Silverdale
Expect daytime and nighttime delays on Silverdale Way NW (from Bucklin Hill Rd to Waaga Way) and NW Bucklin Hill Rd (from Silverdale Way NW to Blaine Ave) due to a road and stormwater improvement project. Work will take place Monday through Friday and is expected to be completed by fall 2025. Visit the project website for details.
Expect delays on Provost Rd NW between NW Shelley Dr and NW Newberry Hill Rd for a Silverdale Water utility project.
Expect delays on NW Eldorado Blvd between Newberry Hill Rd and Eldorado Pl NW for construction work related to a private development. Traffic control in place during work hours.
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Tunes, Trees & Tacos @ Bloedel Reserve
Friday, July 18, 2025
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Summer Nights at the Bay
Freckles Brown Band
Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 6:00pm
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Coffee Oasis Day at the Tacoma Rainiers
Sunday, July 27, 2025
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You're invited to a fun and meaningful afternoon at the ballpark! Come cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers while supporting youth experiencing homelessness in our community. This special afternoon is a great opportunity to enjoy a game, connect with others who care about the community, and support The Coffee Oasis.
Your $20 ticket will include:
+ Admission
+ Hot dog
+ Chips
+ Bottled Water
+ And you support youth programs and shelters at The Coffee Oasis
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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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The Marshall Suites
Modern Suites Inspired by Nature
| | The Marshall Suites is a boutique hotel located on beautiful Bainbridge Island, Washington just 1.2 miles from the ferry landing from and to Seattle. This 100% non-smoking, 50-room hotel is ideally located less than a mile away from Downtown Winslow, the island’s hub of dining, shopping and museum attractions. Guests that choose The Marshall Suites will experience friendly, attentive service and cleanliness from the experienced staff and General Manager. The Marshall Suites is the perfect place to stay when visiting family and friends or for leisure and business travel. | | |
Clearwater Casino Presents:
Catch a Wave - Beach Boys Tribute
Friday, July 18, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Sammy Johnson & The Expendables
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 7:00 pm
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Summer Concerts on the Lawn
Shoot to Thrill AC/DC Tribute
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 7:00 pm
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Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Artist Talk: Michael Stasinos
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 4:00 pm
| | Michael Stasinos’ extremely detailed urban landscapes pursue the culture and “anthropology” of a place. What isn’t seen at first comes to life as one gets closer to the canvas and discovers a new world. Capturing a moment in time through observation and meditation, Michael is a visual archeologist, digging up clues in the minutia of detail and debris that he observes and documents while painting on location. With an introduction by Chief Curator Greg Robinson, Michael will speak about his current work and process in conversation with BIMA’s Education & Community Engagement lead, Jenna d’Anna, with audience Q&A. All guests are welcome to attend the Summer Exhibition Artists reception and party to follow! | | |
Whaling Days
July 25, 26, 27, 2025
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Silverdale @ Sunset: Ranger & the Re-Arrangers
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 6:30 pm
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West Sound Film Festival
August 1, 2, 3, 2025
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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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Bremerton 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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