Silverdale Chamber Monday Morning Memo

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Monday, November 22, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving from the Board and Staff of

the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce!

Important News for You

Please take a few moments to complete our Member Survey below.

Now is your opportunity to weigh in on the future of the

Silverdale Chamber. Please help us reach our goal of 100 member surveys,

which are due by Wednesday, November 24th.

Thank you for your participation and membership!

The Chamber will also not be sending out our regular Business Brief on Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued support of the Silverdale Chamber and we hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Chamber News

Check out and like the

Silverdale Chamber Facebook page!

HOST DALE AT YOUR BUSINESS

ShopCentralKitsap.com

Businesses looking for new ways to market and promote their business have one more way they can do that through the Chamber's new eCommerce page - ShopCentralKitsap. To include your business on this free site, please register now.

November Luncheon Recap

Thank you to our member businesses for their donations to our

monthly scholarship raffle:

Amanda Smith, The Kitsap Life, John L. Scott

Denise Steele, Independent Scentsy Consultant

Shauna Washburn, United Moving & Storage

Member News

November Member of the Month:

Kitsap Golf & Country Club

3885 NW Golf Club Hill Road

Bremerton, WA 98312

(360) 377-0166

Getting the Most from Your Member Portal

Keyword Optimization is a fundamental component of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The purpose of SEO, including Keyword Optimization, is to enhance the content search-ability of your business' digital real estate. Optimizing Keywords helps increase visibility of website pages, blogs, social profiles and posts, both within your platforms and through search engines.

Keyword Optimization Do's

PLAN PLAN PLAN your keyword strategy. Use tools like Google Adwords Keyword Planner, SEM Rush and Uber Suggest to discover the specific keywords and key phrases related to your business, industry, products, services or the topic of your digital content that users actually search for.

OPTIMIZE EVERYTHING your business owns or publishes on the internet. Website pages, blog posts, product pages on-site or places like eBay and Etsy, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, even your Chamber Member Profile in GrowthZone. Optimize profiles, posts, blogs, articles and any other content piece you publish. Different customers search for businesses like yours in different ways, and not just on Google (but don't stop optimizing for Google.)

HEADERS, TEXT, TITLE & PAGE DESCRIPTION elements should always include your keywords, key phrases or synonyms. Keep your keyword density, the frequency of occurrence of keywords in a content piece, to about 2% of the total text or about twice per 100 words.

Keyword Optimization Don'ts

DON'T STUFF, HIDE or PROMOTE keywords to try and get ahead.

Over optimizing or stuffing keyword happens when keyword or key phrase insertion is inflated, accidentally or intentionally. Stick to the 2:100 ratio for webpages and other more substantive content pieces and just once or twice in a profile section or social post.
NEVER try to hide keywords in text in the same color as the background of a page or blog post (this is not 1999).
Don't list out your keywords in meta tags. First, it does not help you and wastes time. Second, your keywords are pretty obvious to anyone who gets keywords. Don't make it any easier for your competitors to research your strategy than necessary.

DON'T ASSUME you know how your customers are searching. Search algorithms are tricky and users' language choices, including things as simple as basic synonyms or plural versus singular words can make the difference between customers seeing your content or seeing your competitors. Use the keyword planning tools before you begin writing your content for the best results.

Silverdale Celebrates Nothing Bundt Cakes

with Grand Opening & Ribbon Tying

SERVPRO Reminder on Cooktop Fires

this Holiday Season

From 2014 to 2018, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that U.S. fire departments were called to an estimated average of 172,900 home structure fires related to cooking each year. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the number of home fires caused by cooking peaks to an average of 470 fires each day.

"These fires are tragic because they result in property damage, displacement of families, injury, and even death," says fire damage restoration specialist Kathleen Arndt of SERVPRO of Kitsap County. "The thing that compounds the tragedy, though, is that there are some simple steps everyone can take to reduce the chance of a cooking fire." Arndt urges homeowners to consider these basic guidelines for cooking safety:

Never leave food unattended on a range or cooktop. That's where 61 percent of home cooking fires start.
Never cook on the stove top when you are sleepy or intoxicated.
Use a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking.
Keep anything flammable - potholders, wooden utensils, towels, curtains, food wrapping - away from the stovetop.
If you must leave the kitchen for any period of time, turn off the stove.

Visit Santa at the Kitsap Mall

Kitsap Mall offers a comfortable and convenient shopping experience for all. Shop many stores you won't find on the peninsula like Macy's, Sephora, Ben Bridge, Seattle Team Shop and Barnes & Noble. Spend time exploring Cost Plus World Market, Famous Footwear, Fuego or any of the other 80 unique stores. Enjoy casual, sit-down restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Red Robin, to quick treats like Baskin Robbins and Pretzel Maker.

And don't forget to schedule some time to visit Santa! See Santa's Schedule.

Paul Linder Educational Foundation

to Award $40,000 in Grants

The Paul Linder Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1986 to promote educational excellence in the Central Kitsap School District. The Foundation funds requests from staff and students to purchase supplementary educational materials and experiences that are not available within the district’s budget. Thanks to our generous contributors over $350,000 has been distributed over the years.

November marks the Annual Paul Linder Educational Foundation Contribution Drive. The Central Kitsap community and local business owners are invited to join efforts to enrich our schools.

If you would like more information about the Foundation visit our website: www.thepaullindereducationalfoundation.org or call Renee Overath (360) 265-8602.

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!

Member Spotlight

We’re an experienced certified public accounting firm with a reputation for quality and lasting results. Our consultants are seasoned experts in the fields of tax, accounting, business, and financial planning. What separates us from the rest is our experience and commitment to staying current with the ever-changing accounting, tax and financial landscapes.

OUR KEY SERVICES

Income tax preparation and planning
Accounting and bookkeeping
Financial and retirement planning
Payroll
Financial statement preparation
Accounting system set-up, training and review
Consulting services

Parker Mooers & Cena, PS

9222 Bayshore Drive Suite 150

Silverdale, WA 98383

(360) 692-8808

Education Committee

Member Education & Training Resources

Tips to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday - November 27, 2021

Small Business Saturday falls on November 27 this year, and here are some ways retailers can best prepare for this important event which encourages consumers to support small local businesses in their communities.

American Express launched the Small Business Saturday holiday back in 2010, at the height of the Great Recession, as a way of redirecting holiday shopping to local stores. A decade later it’s observed in all 50 states. Last year, the U.S. Small Business Administration reported Americans spent nearly $20 billion on Small Business Saturday, and in the years before that, consumers spent a cumulative $100 billion-plus on this shopping holiday.

Here are a few ways retailers can position themselves for a successful holiday:

Get free marketing materials and exposure from American Express
American Express offers free marketing materials, including posters, emails and social media posts. Small businesses can even add themselves to AmEx's "Shop Small" map and join a national directory of other participating businesses.

Find and/or host virtual Small Business Saturday events
Small business owners are stronger when they join forces and work together. Across the country, local businesses are hosting virtual Small Business Saturday events, whether they organize them with other businesses or join existing events. Business owners can advertise the occasion, hold online sales and provide special incentives for customers during these events. Small Business Saturday Event Guides are available to anyone participating in Small Business Saturday activities.

Instant Replay: SEM, SEO and Social

Media Advertising Webinar

Everyone’s heard of SEO, Google Ads, and social media advertising, but what exactly are they, when do they make sense for your business, and how do you get started? Katie Crain, founder of Urban Sherpa Marketing Co. reviewed the basics of these modern marketing techniques to give you the information you need to start building and executing your own marketing plan. Click here to view the slides and watch the presentation now.

Tax Essentials for New & Existing Businesses

Friday, December 10, 2021, 9:30 am

Paying taxes is inevitable. But reporting and paying the right taxes timely is the goal you want to achieve to give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on more important areas, like driving your business forward.

This 2.5-hour workshop will help you learn about:

Federal taxes imposed on your business.
Federal taxes you need to report and pay on amounts paid to your employees.
Federal taxes you need to report and pay based on your business’s profits.
Washington taxes imposed on your business.
City and local taxes imposed on your business.
Record keeping requirements to ensure you are ready for that taxing agency audit.

Workshop Fee: $50

Government Affairs Committee

Redistricting Efforts Fail, State

Supreme Court Will Decide

The Washington State Supreme Court will draw new legislative and congressional maps after the bipartisan redistricting commission failed to meet its deadline, the first time since its inception in 1990.

In a statement on Tuesday, Nov 16, the commission said, “Last night, after substantial work marked by mutual respect and dedication to the important task, the four voting commissioners on the state redistricting commission were unable to adopt a districting plan by the midnight deadline.”

Restrained by law, Washington state could not move its redistricting deadline as several other states have attempted to do. The responsibility of defining new political district map lines is now in the hands of Washington’s Supreme Court justices who have until the end of April to finish the task. The justices serve on a non-partisan basis.

Congressional and Legislative District maps approved by the commission, but published after their November 16th deadline.

Military Affairs Committee

Toys for Tots Drive Continues

Drop Off Your Donation at the Chamber

Business Resources

Apprenticeships in Washington State

Reach Record Numbers

The number of people involved in registered apprenticeship programs statewide has reached an all-time high.

Between September 2020 and August 2021, there were 21,710 apprentices in Washington state. The total would make registered apprenticeship programs the third largest “school” in the state behind only the University of Washington and Washington State University.

“Apprenticeship programs are thriving across the state,” said Jody Robbins, Apprenticeship Program manager for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). “We’re encouraged to see a growing number of employers, educators, and other workforce partners get involved.”

“Employers need a reliable talent pipeline and workers need pathways into rewarding careers,” Robbins said. “Registered apprenticeship programs provide an opportunity for employers and workers, boosting our entire economy.”

Read the full release from Labor & Industries here.

Washington Retail Association Annual Meeting

November 30, 2021, 9:00 am

Meet WR Board Chairman Sean Brownlee and Incoming Chairwoman Theresa Treat.

Hear from President & CEO Renée Sunde and the WR Executive team on how the retail industry has forever changed and how WR has been working on behalf of our members and the retail industry in Washington State.

Learn about our top priorities and how we will plan to position ourselves for 2022.

We will discuss industry advocacy, resources, trends, and the association's strength as we recover from the pandemic.

The event is free to members, potential members, stakeholders, and retail partners.

Joint Compatibility Transportation Plan

Online Open House

December 2, 2021, 5:30 pm

ZOOM MEETING LINK

Kitsap County News

County to Consider Commissioner Redistricting

Public Hearing on November 22, 2021, 5:30 pm

As required by state statute, Kitsap County has reviewed 2020 U.S. Census data and proposed alternatives for revisions to its County Commissioner District boundaries. The district boundaries must meet several criteria including each being equal in population, using logical boundaries that do not split communities and do not disadvantage any racial or ethnic group or political party. The Board of Commissioners must approve a redistricting plan by December 31, 2021 as to not affect operations of the 2022 county election cycle.

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the alternatives during its regular business meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, November 22, 2021 via Zoom and in person at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street , Port Orchard. More information on that hearing will be available on the project website as the hearing date approaches.

For more information, contact Eric Baker, Policy Manager in the Kitsap County Commissioners Office, at [email protected].

Kitsap Transit will NOT operate service on Thursday, November 25

Kitsap Transit's services will NOT operate on Thursday, November 25.

Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 to find out details on their service.

Kitsap Transit's Customer Service Office, Call Center, ORCA Call Center and Administrative Office will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.

Kitsap Transit will operate Holiday Service on Friday, November 26

Routed buses will operate reduced service schedules or may not operate on Friday, November 26. Please see your route schedule for availability and times of service or use our route lookup online at: kitsaptransit.com/holiday-schedule.
Port Orchard Ferry will operate a Sunday schedule 9am to 5pm.
Kitsap Fast Ferries will operate normal weekday service.
For On Demand Services (BI Ride, SK Ride, etc.) please call for details.
Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 to find out details on their service.
There will be no Worker/Driver service. Some Vanpools may not operate; call your vanpool driver for information.

Kitsap Transit's Customer Service phone lines and Customer Service Office at the Bremerton Transportation Center will be open from 8am to 4pm. The Administration Office and ORCA call center will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.

State Commission Recommends $83K in Penalties for Waste Management's

Missed Kitsap Pickups

Waste Management faces the prospect of $83,150 in penalties from the state for failing to collect the recycling and yard waste bins of 14,725 Kitsap County customers over the summer, according to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Staff from the commission, which regulates the rates and services of various industries in the state to include garbage haulers, filed a formal complaint with the commission on Monday, according to a press release. The complaint alleges that the company recorded 16,630 violations in Kitsap County for failing to collect yard and recycling waste.

Read the full article from the Kitsap Sun here.

The Kitsap Road Report is updated each week. This latest update was released on November 19, 2021.

Washington Avenue NW is closed at the intersection of Bay Shore Drive NW to NW Carlton St. 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:

NE John Carlson Rd. from SR303 to Wembly Ave. NE (MO-WE)
W Belfair Valley Rd. from Minard Rd. W to the end of County maintained (MO-WE)

WSDOT Project Alert: Construction is underway on the SR3 Chico Creek fish barrier removal project. For details and to sign up for WSDOT electronic updates, visit the WSDOT Project Page.

COVID-19 Updates & Resources

COVID-19 Mandates: What's Ahead as New State Rule Kicks In, Court Pauses Federal Policy

A new Washington state mandate requiring vaccination or a recent negative Covid test for attending large events took effect last week. Meanwhile, a national vaccination mandate for employers of more than 100 people has been placed on hold after a three-member panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an earlier ruling.

The Association of Washington Business is urging the governor not to add further requirements to the federal order, but to give employees and employers both vaccination and testing options.

“We hope that our state’s leaders consider Washington’s high vaccination rate and do not elect to go beyond the federal government’s requirement by expanding the requirement to smaller businesses or removing the option for testing,” AWB President Kris Johnson said in a quote used by The Seattle Times in a long piece published this weekend on Covid-19 mandates. “Employers need every tool available to attract and retain their workforce.”