Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Summer Wildfire Risk has PSE

Planning for Potential Power Shutoff

Published in the Kitsap Sun, June 11, 2024

Amid a growing wildfire risk in Western Washington, Puget Sound Energy announced it could preemptively shut off power in Kitsap County when weather conditions increase the risk of its utility infrastructure igniting a blaze.

A Public Safety Power Shutoff – or PSPS – is a tool where utility companies de-energize specific power lines during conditions conducive to wildfire. Those conditions can include high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.

Shutoffs will be uncommon, but could be enacted under extreme circumstances, said Ryan Murphy, director of electric operations for PSE.

“This is a tool of last resort for us,” he said. “It’s us making the very difficult decision to turn power off to make sure that community safety is number one.”

Read the full story here

Join Us: Ribbon Cutting @ NW 4x4 Outfitters

Friday, June 14, 2024, 10:00 am

Please join us on Friday as we celebrate the re-grand opening and ribbon cutting for NW 4x4 Outfitters, formerly Line-X Truck Gear in Silverdale. We hope to see you there!

New Member Benefit: Get Yours Today

Unique Experience offers promotional package to new members

Mystic Movement

DBA Presents: Femmes & Thems

Thursday, June 20, 2024, 4:30 - 8:00 pm

Advocacy Committee

Stop the Gas Ban Initiative Launched

Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association & Washington Hospitality Association

The landscape of energy usage and regulation is a topic of ongoing discussion and debate in Washington state. One initiative that has recently gained attention is the I-2066 Stop the Gas Ban Initiative. As part of our commitment to keeping our readers informed, we're sharing details about this initiative and its current status.

The I-2066 initiative aims to address concerns surrounding the availability and affordability of natural gas services in the state. It proposes measures to mandate the continued provision of natural gas to eligible customers by utilities and local governments. Additionally, it seeks to restrict state approval of rate plans that may terminate gas service, restrict access, or make it cost-prohibitive. The initiative also aims to prevent penalties on natural gas usage by the state energy code, local governments, and air pollution control agencies. Furthermore, it includes repealing certain sections of Chapter 351, Laws of 2024, related to electrification planning and gas rebates.

As part of the democratic process, the signature collection for the I-2066 initiative has been launched. This allows citizens who support the initiative to express their endorsement and potentially influence its inclusion on the ballot for public vote. It's important to note that the collection of signatures is a crucial step in the initiative process, providing an opportunity for citizens to participate in shaping state policies.

Washington Retail is committed to providing information to empower our readers to make informed decisions. We encourage you to consider I-2066 and stay engaged with the ongoing discussions and developments surrounding the state's energy policies.

SCORE: Developing a Success-Driven

Business Mindset

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 4:00 pm

In today's competitive business landscape, a successful entrepreneur requires more than just technical expertise and a keen sense of market trends. They also need a resilient mindset that can help them weather the storms of uncertainty, overcome obstacles, and stay motivated during ups and downs. This interactive and inspiring workshop, "Cultivating a Business Mindset for Success," will help you unlock your potential as an entrepreneur by teaching you practical strategies for developing a growth mindset and overcoming limiting beliefs. You'll learn how to shift your focus from fear to opportunity, embrace failure as a valuable learning experience, and harness the power of positive thinking to achieve your goals. With real-life case studies and actionable advice, this workshop will empower you to cultivate a winning attitude and create abundance in your life and business. So, if you're ready to transform your mindset and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level, this workshop is the perfect opportunity for you.

Workshop Fee: FREE

Lunchtime Lightning Talks @ Vibe Coworks

Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 11:30 am

Join Matchstick Lab Microbusiness Accelerator Founders and members of the general public for monthly lunchtime lightning talks guaranteed to spark new ideas, conversations and collaborations.

Lunchtime Lighting Talks are FREE and open to everyone. You do not need to be a Vibe member to attend.

BYO lunch and arrive at 11:30 for conversation and networking. Lightning talks begin at 12pm and end promptly at 1pm. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.

Servsafe Manager Training Class

Monday, July 8, 2024, 8:30 am @ The Point Casino

A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) must be certified through an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited program. ServSafe Manager is an ANSI-certified program with a proctored exam. It is listed by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for accredited Certified Food Protection Manager programs (ID 0655).

ServSafe Manager is an advanced food safety certification developed by the National Restaurant Association for foodservice and hospitality personnel. The ServSafe brand offers the highest standard of training to your staff and was named one of America’s Top Online Learning Providers of 2024. It also keeps customers safe with advanced food safety knowledge and complies with the Demonstration of Knowledge (DOK), Person In Charge (PIC) and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirements within the Washington State Food Code.

Why an in-person class?

Participating in the material review increases student pass rates and provides an opportunity for questions.

Trainers are industry veterans and help students bridge the connection between knowledge and application.

Students come away with the skills to implement active managerial controls into their workplace.

How Businesses Can Champion

Opportunities for Military Spouses

Courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Military spouses are dedicated, adaptable employees with a strong work ethic. Yet these talented individuals still face significant barriers to meaningful employment. 

‌

What happened: The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Employment Summit brought together allies and advocates on May 22 to address military spouse unemployment. 

‌ 

Why it matters: The unemployment rate for military spouses is four times higher than for an average American, even though military spouses tend to have higher levels of education than their civilian peers. Employment opportunities for military spouses not only contribute to the financial stability of military families but also improve military readiness and retention.

Chamber in action: The Summit featured a powerful call to action for employers to participate in the 4+1 Commitment.

This initiative encourages companies to create a more inclusive hiring strategy by committing to four key actions to support military spouse employment and joining an existing government spouse employment program, including:

1. Creating remote and flexible job opportunities to support career growth. 

2. Being aware of the challenges military spouses face with portability of licensing and credentialing. 

3. Establishing targeted hiring programs and partnerships with military spouse employment initiatives. 

4. Supporting military spouse entrepreneurs by considering their businesses for vendor opportunities and investing in them.

Bottom line: Hiring military spouses offers a strategic edge, benefiting both companies and resilient, ready-to-contribute talent. 

Courtesy of the Puget Sound Business Journal

Progressive’s $1 million Driving Small Business Forward grant program

Insurance giant Progressive is awarding 20 small businesses with $50,000 grants to buy a new vehicle and an invitation to a 12-week virtual Boost Camp business-coaching program as part of its new grant program.

To be eligible, businesses must have 10 or fewer employees and less than $5 million in annual gross revenue and have a demonstrated need for a qualifying commercial vehicle. That purpose, however, cannot be for a ride-share business as a driver, or for a third-party delivery service. Progressive is working with fintech Hello Alice to administer the grant program.

Applications close June 14 at 6 p.m. ET.

QuickBooks offering $10,000 grants

Small-business owners in the United States can apply for one of 20, $10,000 grants being awarded by QuickBooks and parent company Intuit. Winners also get access to three months of mentorship resources, including a series of webinars.

Businesses will be asked to submit a brief essay describing how the grant will help them overcome business challenges or achieve a business dream. 

Applications will be accepted until June 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Creative Business Boost Initiative offers $5,000 grants

The Creative Business Boost Initiative, presented by Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, with support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund!, will pick 100 creative entrepreneurs to get $5,000 grants and access to a coaching program. 

The program is open to “creative entrepreneurs,” but that does not mean owners have to be Etsy sellers or on the platform at all. They must, however, have a business in operation for at least a year and have an existing product or service on the market.

Applications close June 21 at 6 p.m. ET. 

Grubhub and National LGBT Chamber of Commerce team up

The Grubhub Community Fund and the NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program are providing grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to LGBT-owned bars, restaurants and other food-related small businesses across the country.

The program debuted earlier this year, with applications opening up by region. East Coast applications have already closed, as of May 21. Central Region applications close June 4, and West Region applications close June 25.

eBay launches fifth-annual Up & Running Grants program

E-commerce giant eBay will be awarding 50 sellers on its platform $10,000 each as part of a bid to fuel the growth of their respective businesses. The money can go toward physical and digital store improvements, equipment, inventory, hiring, training, marketing and other expenses. The company also is offering recipients a stipend worth $500 each that sellers can use for office technology from the eBay Refurbished online store.

The application window closes June 7.

LegalZoom offers $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA

LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small-business owners and $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.

Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Winners will be announced on social media. Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards.

The window to apply closes September 13.

Jobber offers grants for home-services businesses

Jobber, which provides operations-management software for home-services businesses, has launched a grant program in which 15 businesses could get $10,000 each. Business owners can apply for and use the grant however they want, whether it's purchasing new equipment, marketing or training their team.

Applications are being accepted until June 12.

Verizon Wireless Small Business Grants

Verizon Wireless has partnered with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to provide $10,000 small business grants. Verizon has launched a new round of grant funding for small businesses that can be accessed by completing two grant-eligible courses and applying before June 28th.

Courses are completely free, involve minimal time investment, and provide helpful business information on a variety of topics.

Learn more, take courses, and apply now!

Additional opportunities for small businesses

Entrepreneurs and business owners looking for assistance have other resources available to them as well. We've compiled a rundown of some of the other grant opportunities and types of training and technical assistance available to companies throughout 2024.

Courtesy of FastCompany.com

• How to find the balance between telling it like it is and displaying good people skills
• They have a 'halo' resume, but are they right for your team?
• 5 ways to avoid the 'isolation trap' at work

Courtesy of forbes.com

• Forbes EQ BrandVoice: Coworking Vibes That Also Drive Revenue

If Family Members Work for You

SEO: A Guide for Nonprofits

Published on NonprofitPro.com, June 10, 2024

Photo: Getty Images by damircudic

To spread the word about your cause and inspire much-needed support, your nonprofit must elevate its marketing with innovative strategies. Since nearly one-third of donors are inspired to give via nonprofit websites, this channel is a powerful marketing tool that can grow your audience — when built strategically.



While 91% of nonprofits have a website, only 37% do what’s necessary to enhance their online visibility: Implement a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. Let’s explore the basics of SEO and how your nonprofit can build a great website by optimizing its online presence. With a thoughtful strategy, your organization will be well-positioned to increase awareness and support of your mission.

Read the full article here

MultiCare Breaks Ground on Emergency

Room Coming to East Bremerton

Published in the Kitsap Sun, June 6, 2024

MultiCare Health Systems broke ground on a new “neighborhood” emergency room in East Bremerton Thursday. 

The vacant 2.4-acre lot at 5900 State Highway 303 NE, just north of Lowe’s, will eventually be home to a 10,500-square-foot medical facility. 

It is expected to open sometime in spring 2025. 

Read the full story here

[Above] The lot on the corner of Fuson Road and Highway 303 in East Bremerton is the future home of a MultiCare Health Systems emergency room. The project broke ground on Thursday and is expected to be completed by spring 2025. MEEGAN M. REID/KITSAP SUN

[Below] City of Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler participates in the groundbreaking for the new neighborhood emergency room on Thursday along with leaders from MultiCare Health Systems and Emerus Holdings Inc., the nation's leading developer of neighborhood hospitals. IRENE MOYER/GREATER KITSAP CHAMBER

Sunday Bus Service in Port Orchard, Silverdale and Poulsbo starts June 16

Starting on Sunday, June 16, Kitsap Transit will begin Phase 2 of its Sunday Service plan, which adds Sunday bus service in Port Orchard, Silverdale and Poulsbo.

Route 8–Bethel will operate in South Kitsap every half-hour from 8:00 AM to 4:25 PM on Sundays. Route 332–Poulsbo/Silverdale will operate every hour between Poulsbo and Silverdale from 8:30 AM to 4:25 PM on Sundays.

Sunday On-Demand service will operate between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM in Silverdale, Port Orchard and Poulsbo:

• Passengers can schedule an on-demand ride using the Ride Pingo app anywhere within the service area or call 1-844-475-7433 to schedule a ride. Rides can be booked up to two hours in advance on Sundays.
• On-Demand buses will also make a few scheduled stops in each service area. Visit kitsaptransit.com/Sunday for service area maps and a list of scheduled trips.

On Sunday, June 16, and Sunday, June 23, Sunday bus service in Silverdale will operate out of the current transit center next to The Trails Shopping Center. Starting on Sunday, June 30, Sunday bus service will operate out of the new Silverdale Transit Center on Ridgetop Boulevard.

ACCESS service will be available within 3/4 of a mile of our fixed routes during the same hours. Starting Sunday, June 30, ACCESS areas of service in Silverdale will change when the new Silverdale Transit Center opens. Contact ACCESS customer service at 1-800-422-2877 for more information. 

If you have questions, please contact Kitsap Transit's Customer Service staff by calling 360.373.2877 or 800.501.RIDE.

Kingston Rotary Hosts Fundraiser

Friday, June 21, 2024

Make Music Day Line-Up Announced

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Join the Music Discovery Center at Evergreen Rotary Park on June 22nd for an unforgettable Make Music Day event!

With 18 live performances, our lineup promises a non-stop musical experience featuring a variety of genres and styles that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Beyond the live entertainment, enjoy a feast of delicious offerings from local food vendors and explore engaging community booths. For those eager to get hands-on, our TOUCH AND TRY instrument area invites you to experiment with different instruments and discover new sounds.

Make Music Day is all about participation. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply love to tap your feet to the beat, this event welcomes everyone. Showcase your talents, join a jam session, or just soak in the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.

Come and create beautiful music and lasting memories with us as we celebrate Worldwide Make Music Day. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to let the music move you!

Admission is FREE and open to everyone. See you there!

BCT Presents: Arsenic and Old Lace

Now thru June 30, 2024

Laugh with Pride

Saturday, June 15, 2024, 7:00 pm

Clearwater Casino Resort:

Weird Science: 80's New Wave Hits

Friday, June 14, 2024, 8:30 pm

Hair Nation: 80's Rock Hits

Saturday, June 15, 2024, 8:30 pm

See Community Events for the full line-up!

Save-the-Date: Whaling Days Festival

July 26-28, 2024