Wednesday, November 22, 2023 |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from noon on Wednesday, November 22nd through the holiday weekend. We will reopen on Monday, November 27th. We hope everyone has a safe and restful holiday!
We also want to encourage everyone to enjoy Small Business Saturday on the 25th in all of our Kitsap communities. Look for Kitsap Kelly for some amazing deals and promotions as part of our Gnome on the Roam program. And be sure to shop small and shop local to support those who live and work here in Kitsap!
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Prepare for Long Waits Over Holiday Weekend as Ferries Continue to Flounder |
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Photo: Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times
Nearly 300,000 people will take a trip on a state ferry over Thanksgiving weekend, and all are likely to encounter a hobbled system and lengthy wait times.
Officials with Washington State Ferries warn travelers to pack their patience if their holiday includes crossing Puget Sound and to consider leaving earlier than they may have otherwise.
The late November rush would be straining any year, but in 2023 it comes as WSF deploys just 14 workable boats out of a fleet of 21. That means several routes will be on reduced service, including Seattle to Bremerton; Fauntleroy to Vashon Island and Southworth; and Edmonds to Kingston.
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RECAP: November Chamber Luncheon |
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Many thanks to the nearly 2 dozen nonprofits who joined us last week as we shared all the amazing work they do here in Kitsap County. Thanks also to our guest speakers for November - Kitsap Bank's Carol Kowalski and Tina O'Brien of the Kitsap Community Foundation. Many tangible examples were shared of how giving back to the nonprofit community around us is good for business. Special thanks to our sponsors and hosts for the luncheon - the Kitsap Conference Center in Downtown Bremerton.
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Gnome on the Roam is Here
Shop local program runs Nov. 24th to Dec. 23rd
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Come find Kitsap Kelly (and some great deals) as you're out this weekend for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Find our Gnome on the Roam at these amazing locations:
Kitsap Crafters Market (Kitsap Mall)
Meals on Wheels - Jingle Fest (Kitsap County Fairgrounds)
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Seaport Salon
The Wax Artist (Kitsap Mall)
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Host Kitsap Kelly for 3 days in your store – this option is reserved for our true retail and hospitality businesses, places that offer goods and services that people are looking to purchase during this season OR restaurants for people to patronize and/or purchase gift cards from. Kelly can visit you for Fri/Sat/Mon (they sleep on Sundays unless you are open!) or Tues/Wed/Thur. If you elect to host Kitsap Kelly for a 3-day period, we ask that you:
Offer an incentive – a gift with purchase, discount, raffle, business swag, etc. It doesn’t need to be big, but we want people to see Kelly and know that it will benefit THEM to shop at a location where Kelly is because of your amazing inventory and the incentives you might offer.
Post on your social media when you’ll be hosting Kitsap Kelly and be sure to tag #greaterkitsapchamber, #gnomeontheroam, and #findkelly. Make sure to announce when Kelly arrives. Encourage your customers daily to take selfies with Kitsap Kelly and post to their social media accounts and tag your business and one of the above hashtags for the Chamber. The lovely algorithms of Facebook and Instagram will ensure that the more you and your customers post, the further your business name will go!
OR, you can try option two! If your business doesn’t really sell a physical product but you want the community to know that you support the shop local movement, then option #2 is for you!
Take a selfie with Kitsap Kelly and share on your social media channels throughout the Shop Local/Holiday Shopping season. Let us know you’d like a selfie, and someone from the Chamber will come by with Kelly for a quick picture. If you’ve got customers around when Kelly stops in, make sure to get some pictures of Kelly with your customers. Then post, post, post on social!
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Celebrating Spark Commons
Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 3:00 pm
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You're cordially invited to the Grand Reopening of Spark Commons, where innovation meets community! Spark Commons is thrilled to unveil its latest enhancements, featuring brand-new phone booths designed to elevate your work experience. Join us in celebrating this milestone and exploring our upgraded facilities amidst a gathering of local entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries. Experience firsthand how Spark Commons continues to evolve to meet the dynamic needs of today's workspace. Save the date!
258 4th Street | Bremerton, WA 98337
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Insurance done differently. Our benefits partner BHT offers quality, cost-effective medical plans plus a whole lot more, including concierge level customer service and innovative cost-saving programs and resources.
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and learn how purchasing your benefits package through an Association Health Plan can benefit you.
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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? Contact Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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Rice Fergus Miller Receives
AIA Honorable Mention Award
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Rice Fergus Miller is pleased to announce that Quinault Wellness Center (QWC) has won the Honorable Mention Award at the 2023 AIA Honor Awards for Washington Architecture. This project was one of nine projects which were selected for the Honorable Mention category, and one of 113 total submissions this year. The AIA Seattle community added special considerations for this year’s judging process in addition to the standard scoring criteria: inspiration, problem-solving, environmental sensitivity, and social impact.
Located in Aberdeen, WA, this 18,000 square foot out-patient medication assisted treatment (MAT) facility provides wraparound services, including primary care, dentistry, Child Watch, and more. For nearly a century, Aberdeen’s economic prospects and growth have been hurt by the steady decline of the region’s lumber industry and as a result, its population has been severely impacted by the opioid epidemic.
Among those most impacted have been Native American and Indigenous people of this region. The Coast Salish tribal nation of the Quinault (QIN) made a commitment to invest in creating a facility that brings essential substance use disorder services not only for their recovery, but for all people of Aberdeen and the greater Grays Harbor County.
The judges recognized QWC’s incorporations of tribal centered design elements throughout the interior and exterior, the high impact design of the facility despite its modest resources, and the significant social impact this facility will bring to Indigenous communities and beyond.
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Downtown Bremerton: Winterfest
December 1 & 2, 2023
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901 Hildebrand Lane | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | (206) 842-5450 |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Expert Advice on Winning Small Business Saturday: Five Tips to Make the Most of the Day |
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Consumers threw their support behind small businesses during the pandemic, but these local shops will need to continue to find ways to differentiate themselves from their competition during the upcoming holiday season. Small Business Saturday provides a key platform for such efforts.
Here, experts share tips on how to optimize the opportunities this November 25.
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Vibe Coworks Lunch + Learn
Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 11:30 am
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Why Good Accounting Matters at Tax Time
Thursday, December 7, 2023, 9:00 am
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Join us on December 7 at 9:00 am PST for our latest CO-- Strategy Studio: Why Good Accounting Matters at Tax Time. Prepare Now. We'll share the best tax prep methods to set you up for a smoother, more manageable tax season. Hear from industry experts and small business leaders who are shaping the way with better practice and planning at the ground level. |
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Guarding Against Cybersecurity Threats
Over the Thanksgiving Holiday
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As we gear up for the holiday season, it’s essential to be aware of the increased cybersecurity risks that come with the festivities. Cyber threat actors are well aware that our lives become busier during this time, diverting attention away from work-related tasks and communications. Exploiting this distraction, they capitalize on the decreased focus, planning, and policy reviews. While cybersecurity experts consistently caution us about this threat, the allure of holiday activities like feasting, family time, and tempting shopping deals often takes precedence.
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Business News & Resources |
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New Capital Gains Tax Brings in $890 Million
First year estimate was only $427 million
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Photo: Getty Images
Washington’s new capital gains tax brought in $890 million in its first year, state officials said Wednesday.
Those proceeds, garnered from the state’s wealthiest residents, will be funneled into early learning and child care programs, and to school districts in need of dollars for construction and renovation projects.
“The new funds could not come at a more needed time given the budget shortfalls that school districts across the state are seeing,” said Treasure Mackley, executive director of Invest in WA Now, which pushed for the tax. “These projections show that we have the ability to invest in our kids’ futures – when the wealthy do their part. I’m thrilled.”
Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, anticipates many conversations on how to spend the collections when the legislative session begins in January.
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Inflation Cools, Likely Ending Fed Rate Hikes |
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A significant slowdown in inflation was observed in October, signaling that the Federal Reserve might halt its series of interest rate increases. Data from the Labor Department showed that overall consumer prices remained stable compared to the previous month and experienced a 3.2% rise over the prior year, a slower increase than in September, primarily due to lower gasoline prices.
Core prices, which exclude the often fluctuating costs of food and energy, saw a modest rise of 0.2% from September to October and a 4% increase from the previous year. This is the smallest annual rise since September 2021, influenced by reduced vehicles and air travel prices, along with smaller housing cost increases. Core inflation is generally considered a more accurate indicator of future inflation trends.
This welcome news positively impacted the stock and bond markets, leading investors to believe that the Fed would cease raising rates. Yields on government bonds, like the 10-year Treasury, fell notably. For five consecutive months, core prices have risen at a slower pace, aligning with the Federal Reserve's requirements to consider stopping rate hikes. The overall inflation rate peaked at 9.1% in June 2022.
Investors are now less inclined to expect further rate increases from the Fed in the near future, and there's growing anticipation that rate cuts could begin as early as May. The slowdown in inflation is a positive sign for the Fed, which had been concerned about persistent high inflation due to robust consumer spending. This year's inflation rate slowdown is one of the most significant in decades, suggesting that the Fed's efforts have effectively controlled inflation without triggering a recession.
The Federal Reserve's next meetings will likely focus more on adjusting their public statements to reflect the recent progress in controlling inflation and the reduced likelihood of further rate increases. This shift in focus comes after a period of uncertainty, where many had expected a higher core inflation rate. The goal remains to achieve a "soft landing," reducing inflation without causing a recession, a balance that now seems more achievable.
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Dept of Commerce Launches Equitable
Access to Credit Program
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The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the Equitable Access to Credit Program, which awards grants to qualified lending institutions to provide businesses and individuals in historically underserved communities with access to credit. Using funds generated by contributions in exchange for tax credit, the program will award up to $8 million annually in grants.
The program offers businesses and individuals with state business and occupation (B&O) tax liabilities a unique opportunity to contribute and receive tax credits. By making cash contributions equivalent to their B&O tax liability, participants can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the Department of Revenue. Businesses can contribute up to $1 million annually to the program and receive tax credit.
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AWB Workforce Board Seeks Input |
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The Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board is asking employers, workers and all community members to share their thoughts on Washington’s workforce system through a new survey.
The survey is part of the Workforce Board’s community outreach as the state’s next workforce plan is created. The plan, Talent and Prosperity for All, is being developed now and will guide investments of roughly $1.3 billion in state and federal dollars that serve nearly 500,000 Washingtonians.
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Paid Family & Medical Leave
Premiums to Decrease in 2024
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Premiums, collected from employees and employers through quarterly reporting, fund the Paid Leave program. By law, the Paid Leave premium rate is recalculated every October. The premium rate is adjusted based on premiums contributed and benefits paid during the previous year.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024:
- The total premium rate will decrease to 0.74%.
- Employers will pay 28.57% of the total premium and employees will pay 71.43%.
- Businesses classified by the Employment Security Department as having fewer than 50 employees for the 2024 calendar year are not required to pay the employer portion of the premium. However, you must still collect the employee premium or pay employees’ premiums on their behalf.
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Business Grants to Apply for in November 2023 |
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$500,000 in grants from Verizon Small Business
Here's how it works: Business owners can sign up for the free online resource, which aims to provide technical assistance, mentoring and other resources to underserved small businesses, and complete either courses, coaching or participation in community events to be eligible to apply for the grant.
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grant application process is open until Dec. 20, 2023.
$25,000 grants to women in food and beverage businesses
The Stacy’s Rise Project, from the maker of Stacy's Pita Chips, aims to provide $25,000 grants to 10 women-founded small businesses in the food and beverage industry in the United States. Specifically, a company must be selling a consumer packaged good and have annualized sales between $25,000 and $1 million to be eligible.
Business owners must be willing to participate in a 16-week mentorship program that consists of virtual webinars, online office hours and virtual training and support.
AICPA and CPA.com are offering $25,000 for accounting startups
Those selected for the accelerator will be offered a $25,000 grant, access to members of the professional organizations, firms, press and customers and subject matter experts and mentors.
The deadline for applications is Nov. 30, 2023, and winners will be announced in January 2024.
The $10,000 Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant
Black and Latino-owned restaurants and related businesses can apply for a financial stipend of $10,000 and free financial education, consulting and marketing assistance through Feed The Soul’s grant program.
Applications open Oct. 5, 2023, and run through Jan. 31.
Hello Alice to offer $1,000 in “American Dream” grants
Visitors can nominate a small business, making it eligible for $1,000 grants and additional publicity and support in the form of a small-business accelerator.
Federal grant and loan options for small businesses
In addition to those options, there are several federal grants and loans from the federal government targeting small businesses.
The America's Seed Fund program from the National Science Foundation, open to early-stage companies that need to prove their technology and find their market potential, has made about 3,400 awards to startups and small businesses since 2012, with 153 exits by those companies and $9.1 billion in private investment. The grant program gives out roughly $200 million per year to eligible businesses.
For those looking for government-backed loans, the USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, part of an umbrella loan program offered by the USDA under its OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative, offers loan guarantees of up to 80% on everything from purchasing a building, modernizing equipment, working capital or acquiring a company.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community.
To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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4 Ways to Become a Better Leader
Photo: Getty Images by Morsa Images
Leading a nonprofit is no easy task, particularly in 2023, when 40% of nonprofit leaders cited “lack of resources” as their biggest challenge, with another 35% indicating “staff turnover,” according to NonProfit PRO’s “2023 Nonprofit Leadership Impact Study.”
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County Urges Preparation for Possible
High King Tides Around Kitsap
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At this time of the year, the combination of abnormally high tides, heavy rain, and the gravitational pull between the Earth and the moon can cause a phenomenon known as King Tides. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts possible higher ‘King Tide’ levels on certain days between November and February in Kitsap. Kitsap County and the Department of Emergency Management urge residents to prepare for potential flooding.
“The most important thing shoreline property owners can do is stay informed by learning about flood prevention and how to respond to flooding,” says Jan Glarum, Director of Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management.
Residents can find actionable preparation tips on the flooding information page at the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management website, kcowa.us/flooding. Information and resources for what to do during a flooding incident and what to do after the flood water subsides can also be found.
“Residents are urged to check into flood insurance coverage, gather emergency supplies, and sign-up for emergency information alerts. These are just a few of the many tips we suggest on our flooding information webpage. You can never be too prepared!” continues Glarum.
The NOAA predicts possible flooding from ‘King Tides’:
- November 28 through December 2
- December 13 through December 19
- December 26 through December 30
- January 11 through January 18
- January 24
A King Tide is colloquially used to describe an extremely high tide. Ordinary tides are caused by the gravitational pull between the Earth and the moon; King Tides happen when astronomical events amplify that pull. While astronomical events are one factor that affects tidal height, other factors such as weather, topography and seafloor features (bathymetry) also play a role. Learn more about King Tides at the Washington King Tide Program webpage.
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Draft of Kitsap County's 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update will be Available Soon
County staff have been working on updating the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations and plan to release draft documents for public review on December 15, 2023.
Curious to know how our roads and infrastructure will accommodate population growth? Take a look at our draft Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), which provides needed improvements to roads, utilities, parks and services such as schools and fire necessary to accommodate growth.
Wondering about the environmental impacts of different land uses as our county grows? Check out the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which provides an overview of significant environmental impacts and will discuss alternatives, including mitigation measures, that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts.
These documents will be available to review on our Comprehensive Plan Update webpage. Be sure to follow our webpage and sign up for notifications to learn about upcoming public meetings and outreach events over the next several months.
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Thanksgiving Day & Day After Service, Nov. 23-24
No Service on Thursday, Nov. 23
- Kitsap Transit will NOT operate service on Thursday, Nov. 23.
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Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 for service information.
- Our 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.
Holiday Service on Friday, Nov. 24
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Routed buses will operate holiday schedules or may not operate on Friday, Nov. 24. Please see your route's holiday schedule for availability and times of service or use our route lookup online at: kitsaptransit.com/holiday-schedule.
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Kitsap Fast Ferries and the Port Orchard Ferry will operate normal weekday service.
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The Annapolis Ferry will NOT operate.
- BI Ride will operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Trips after 4:00 PM must be booked through the Ride Pingo app.
- Kingston Ride Fast Ferry Commuter and Southworth Ride Fast Ferry Commuter will operate regular weekday service.
- Kingston Ride, SK Ride, Nollwood Dial-A-Ride and Purdy Ride will NOT operate.
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Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 for service information.
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Some Worker/Driver buses may operate; visit kitsaptransit.com/service/workerdriver-buses/ for more information.
- Some Vanpools may not operate; call your vanpool driver for information.
Our Customer Service phone lines, Customer Service Office at the Bremerton Transportation Center and the Administrative Office will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The ORCA call center will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.
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Donate Ahead of the Holidays |
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Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23, 2023
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Please join the Silverdale Rotary Club as they have some fun and help those in need at the Annual Thanksgiving morning "Turkey Trot" in the woods of the Newberry Hill Heritage Park. Get ready to spend a day with family and friends on a community run, with all proceeds benefitting the food-at-risk in our community. The entire event is run in the woods -- no roads, no cars, no sidewalks! Please join the Silverdale Rotary Club as we have some fun and help those in need! This event includes Kid's Dashes, a 1-Mile, 5-K, and 10-K run as well as a surprise or two for participants.
Online registration has closed but in person registration is still available at Dick's Sporting Goods inside the Kitsap Mall, or on race day.
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50th Annual Christmas Lane at Port
December 1-3, 2023
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Calm Your Mind & Prepare for the Week |
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits 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 or COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Poulsbo Tree Lighting
Friday, November 24, 2023
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69th Annual Silverdale Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 25, 2023
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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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Standup Comedian Dante
Saturday, November 25, 2023, 7:30 pm
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When he was a kid growing up in Ridgecrest, CA, Dante knew he wanted to be a comedian. Dante is now one of the top headlining comedians in the United States, appearing on numerous television shows and in films, and appearing to sold-out crowds across the country, as well as making regular stops each year at U.S. military bases around the world, entertaining the troops in every branch of the Armed Forces. He has performed for the US troops more than any other comedian since Bob Hope. Dante has been a comedian since 1986. Most people know him as a cast member on season 5 of NBC's Last Comic Standing. On Last Comic Standing he received every audience favorite award and got the first standing ovation at the Semi-finals. |
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Krampusnacht Bremerton
December 1, 2023
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 1 - 17, 2023
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Kingston Cove Christmas
Saturday, December 2, 2023
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BCT: A Christmas Carol
December 8 - 10, 2023
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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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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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