Legislature Adjourns, Sending Funds
to Kitsap-Area Projects
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, March 11, 2022
The Legislature last week sent millions of dollars of state funding to transit, human service, recreation and other projects in Kitsap County as part of its work in passing supplemental transportation and capital budgets during its 60-day legislative session, which adjourned on Thursday.
The budgets now go to Gov. Jay Inslee, who must sign them to go into law.
The Kitsap projects with the biggest price tags on the transit side include nearly $75 million to begin the effort of widening Highway 3 through the Gorst corridor (a megaproject with a price tag approaching a half-billion dollars) as well as $35 million for widening and safety improvements on Highway 3 in Belfair.
Photo: The sundial near the Capitol in Olympia on Thursday. Washington lawmakers wrapped their work on Thursday. Ted S. Warren, AP
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Register Now - March Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 11:30 am
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Join us this month as we return to an in-person Membership Luncheon with time for networking, professional development and more!
Our guest speaker this month is Micki Peak, Executive Director for BNI Pacific Northwest, who will share her insights on networking leverage.
Register online at SilverdaleChamber.com to reserve your spot now!
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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Member of the Month:
Port Madison Enterprises
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Members of PME's Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort staff celebrate their selection as Member of the Month with a little sunshine on the outside patio of the Events Center. The Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort is one of Port Madison Enterprises six main subsidiaries. They offer a variety of gaming, dining, entertainment and accommodations on the shores of the Agate Passage. |
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Shop.Eat.Spend Campaign Honored by Washington Economic Development Association |
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The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) was recently recognized by the leaders of the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), during their 2022 Winter Conference in Olympia, WA, for outstanding achievement in the category of: Economic Development Award for Economic Response & Recovery for their #Shop.Eat.Spend.Kitsap social media campaign.
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KBA Seeks Vendors & Volunteers
May 13-15, 2022
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Do you have news you'd like to share about your business or organization?
We'd love to share! Please send information to Irene at the Chamber!
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Columbia Bank - Silverdale |
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Warm thanks and congratulations to Columbia Bank - Silverdale as we celebrate 29 years with the Silverdale Chamber this summer! Headquartered in Tacoma, Columbia Bank is a community bank at heart, with comprehensive solutions and expertise to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals throughout the community.
Columbia Bank was recently recognized as the leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lender by the SBA's Portland and Seattle area district offices. In the last year, Columbia Bank provided 186 loans to small businesses in the Seattle region.
Scott Bossom, senior vice president and SBA Manager, noted, "I'm so proud of the work our teams did over the past year to help small businesses across the Northwest. It was not an easy year and many businesses faced so many uncertainties. Ranking in the top spot in the Seattle District is an amazing accomplishment and is a testament to the work and partnerships our teams create with each other and our clients."
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10100 NW Silverdale Way
Silverdale, WA 98383
(360) 692-6196
Open Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fridays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Lobby, Drive-Up, ATM
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Marketing 1: Developing and Promoting
Your Product or Service to Sell More
Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 10:00 am
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In Part 1 of our Marketing workshop series, we start by helping you identify your target market. These are your best potential customers and knowing them helps you create a better product or service. It also makes all your promotional efforts more focused and effective.
We show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market. Then we take you through how to create a value proposition that perfectly captures the unique value your product or service brings to your customers. Next you have to build your marketing message. That’s the information for your brochures, websites, and anything else you use to sell your product or service. We will also review a number of promotional methods and help you draft a promotional plan for your business.
This workshop focuses on hands-on exercises to help you create a target market, value proposition and promotion plan for your business.
Workshop Fee: $50
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Grow Your Business in WA Workshop
Thursday, March 17, 2022, 12:00 pm
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This webinar is for established businesses that are actively seeking opportunities to grow their business from beyond its current model – new markets, new products, new locations, new staffing, and new financing. Its focus is on government-supported opportunities and assistance, and regulatory impacts of growth to factor in your planning.
The webinar includes brief presentations from several state agency small business liaisons with dedicated time for questions and answers.
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Government Affairs Committee |
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The 2022 short session of the Washington State legislature has adjourned, with lawmakers passing more than 300 bills, including the 2022 Supplemental Operating, Capital, and Transportation budgets. Read a full final recap from Brad Boswell and team on what projects were funded, which bills didn't make it through and what we can expect in funding for Kitsap County. We will also have a live legislative recap in April with opportunities for Q&A with Brad. Stay tuned for more details. |
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Military Affairs Committee |
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REPLAY! Military Appreciation Day 2022 |
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Thank you to all of our sponsors and participants! |
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Boots to Business Courses Provide Foundation and Resources for Military Members |
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Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses are eligible to participate. |
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Explore SBA's Resources for
Women Entrepreneurs
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Ascent Learning is a free platform for women entrepreneurs looking to grow or improve their business
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How (and Why) to Get Certified as
a Minority-Owned Business
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The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies small businesses owned and controlled by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged persons. OMWBE certifies business in order to increase contracting opportunities for certified businesses with state and local governments. |
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Free Women's Business Summit
March 29-30, 2022
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In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center for the virtual Women’s Business Summit on March 29-30, 2022. The free event will include power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats, and 'Ask an Expert' workshops to help you build, scale, and grow your business. Panels and discussion topics include:
- Innovation and Investment
- Building an Equitable Recovery Framework for Women Entrepreneurs
- From Essential Worker to Essential Entrepreneur: CARE Economy Entrepreneurship Opportunities
- The $100B Marketplace: Contracting Opportunities for Women-led Firms
- Exporting & E-Commerce
- The Changing Landscape for Entertainment and Hospitality Industries
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Face Masks Still Required on
Public Transit by Law
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the security directive for mask use on public transportation and at transportation hubs until April 18, 2022. Until further notice, masks must be worn at all times when using Kitsap Transit hubs, buses and ferries.
Federal law requires a face mask that covers both nose and mouth when traveling on public transportation and waiting at transportation hubs. Failure to comply may result in denial of boarding or removal. Refusal to wear a mask is a violation of federal law; passengers may be subject to penalties under federal law. To learn more, read the Transportation Security Administration's directive to operators.
Customers who do not have a face mask can obtain one for free on our buses or at our Customer Service Office.
Mask types NOT accepted on Kitsap Transit:
- Face Shields
- Scarves
- Ski Masks
- Balaclavas
- Gaiters
- Bandanas
- Shirts/Clothing as masks
- Knitted or loose fabric masks
- Masks with slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
- Masks that do not fit properly
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The Kitsap Road Report is updated each week. This latest update was released on March 11, 2022. |
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Intermittent road closures on Bay Shore Drive NW and Washington Avenue NW for Sewer/Stormwater/Road improvement project.
Crews are doing various maintenance activities at the locations listed below. Expect moderate delays between 5 and 10 minutes:
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Nels Nelson entire length (MO-TU)
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Fairgrounds Rd. NE from Central Valley Rd. NE to Old Military Rd. NE (WE-FR)
WSDOT Project Alert: Construction crews working on the SR3 Chico Creek fish barrier removal project. Temporary speed limit reduction to 45mph in both directions on SR3 along one-mile section for the duration of the project. For details and to sign up for WSDOT electronic updates, visit the WSDOT Project Page.
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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March 12 Mask Rules Bring Change to Kitsap
Kitsap Public Health Offers Reminders to Public
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For nearly two years, we have worn masks to protect ourselves and each other. It has become second nature to slip mask over our faces when we pop into stores, clock in at work, or join our classmates at school. But starting March 12, masks are optional in most of the indoor public spaces we visit.
Some will be elated to ditch masks and get back to seeing smiles on faces. Others will be more cautious, knowing that COVID remains a risk. Many community members — especially those who are at high risk for severe illness, or live or work with people who are at high risk — will have strong motivation to keep wearing masks. For everyone, the rule change will be a big adjustment.
With that in mind, let's approach this transition with open minds and an abundance of kindness, and give each other space to make the best choices for ourselves and our loved ones.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
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Don't throw out your masks just yet! Masks will still be required in some indoor settings, including healthcare facilities. Per federal rules, masks are required inside transportation hubs and onboard transit buses and ferries through at least April 18.
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Individual businesses, schools, and other organizations can set their own rules for masking. Keep a mask handy and follow posted rules. Parents should watch for guidance updates from their children's schools. Our colleagues at Public Health Seattle & King County shared a thoughtful article with considerations for masking at schools and child cares.
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Community members can still choose to wear masks in any setting as an added layer of protection. Masks are effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 is still spreading in our community. You can reduce your chances of getting or spreading respiratory illnesses by wearing a mask, especially in crowded indoor spaces.
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People who are at high risk for COVID-19, or who care for or regularly visit people who are at high risk, are encouraged to keep wearing masks for added protection.
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With fewer people masking, it is even more important to stay home if you are feeling sick to avoid exposing others. Wear a well-fitting mask any time you are around other people.
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Vaccination and booster shots provide safe and effective protection. We recommend everyone 5 and older stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, especially as masking rules are relaxed.
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COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing Resources |
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Kitsap County Health District is now posting a regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County. This list can be found here.
With the new wave of cases due to the Omicron variant, testing availability and resources are being strained both locally and nationally. Testing appointments or at-home tests may be difficult to find. Please be patient as you seek a test and plan well in advance if you need a test to participate in activities such as travel. KPHD has updated our list of organizations providing COVID-19 testing in Kitsap County here.
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Local Group Seeks New & Used Instruments
for Music Education Programs
Friday, March 25, 2022, 5:30 pm
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Silverdale Visitor Center |
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St. Patrick's with Stark Raving Plaid
Thursday, March 17, 2022, 7:00 pm
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Stark Raving Plaid is an exciting Celtic rock band that brings smiles, dancing, laughter and energy wherever they go. There is a strand of Celtic pride that comes from honoring ancient tradition with an infusion of musical irreverence, fun and mischief. Centuries old songs can sound fresh and their own new material is right at home with the pub classics. They are familiar and approachable like an invitation to join new friends at the bar but dazzlingly accomplished and sophisticated in their musical craft. |
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Navy Band Northwest Free Concert
U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport
Sunday, March 20, 2022, 2:00 pm
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The Navy Band Northwest Cascade Jazz Combo will present a diverse set of familiar tunes like you’ve never heard them before! Popular music, old classics, and jazz all contribute to an entertaining program that will keep you humming along and your toes tapping.
Navy Band Northwest is a force of active-duty musicians who perform free of charge to the public and to support the Navy’s mission and special events. From popular music, to classical, to funk, there's something for everyone.
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Port Gamble Wedding Show Returns
Saturday, March 26, 2022, 12:00 pm
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for Tuesday's Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
Director of Member Relations
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Brenda Kelley
Tourism Coordinator
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