Wednesday, April 24, 2024 |
|
Announcing the 2024 Armed Forces Day Parade Grand Marshal: Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher |
|
The Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council of the Navy League is pleased to announce the selection of the 2024 Armed Forces Day Parade Grand Marshal as Vice Admiral Robert M. Gaucher.
Vice Adm. Gaucher is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He is a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Central Florida.
Gaucher’s operational assignments include service in both fast attack and ballistic missile submarines including service as division officer, USS Flying Fish (SSN 673), navigator/operations officer, USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), executive officer, USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (BLUE), commanding officer, USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), and Commodore, Submarine Development Squadron 5.
Gaucher assumed his current duties in December 2023 as commander, Submarine Forces. He is the undersea domain lead, and is responsible for the submarine force's strategic vision. As commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, he commands all Atlantic-based U.S. submarines, their crews and supporting shore activities. These responsibilities also include duties as commander, Task Force (CTF) 114, CTF 88, and CTF 46. As commander, Allied Submarine Command, he is the principle undersea warfare advisor to all North Atlantic Treaty Organization strategic commanders.
|
|
April Luncheon: 2024 Legislative Update
Special Guest: Dave Mastin, VP Gov't Affairs, AWB
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
|
|
Join us this month for our annual Legislative Update. Speaking to us is VP of Gov't Affairs for the Association of Washington Business (AWB), Dave Mastin. Dave will share with us how the 2024 session evolved and what legislation local businesses should be on the lookout for in the coming year.
Don't forget - be sure to bring an item for the raffle benefitting the Chamber's scholarship programs.
Strengthen your business and your business connections at the Greater Kitsap Chamber monthly membership luncheon - you won't want to miss! This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club.
|
|
Join Us: Ribbon Cutting @ Floor & Decor
Friday, April 26, 2024, 10:00 am
|
|
You're Invited: Culinary Arts Competition
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00 am
|
|
Become a Sponsor Today!
Join us for the 77th Annual Armed Forces Day Festival
|
|
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is thrilled to announce that parade registration is now open for the 77th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade & Festival. Parade participants can sign up online at www.greaterkitsapchamber.com.
This is also a great opportunity for you to advertise your business or organization through a sponsorship of this long-time event. Sponsorship information can be found by clicking on the form below or here. We hope you will join us on Saturday, May 18 for a fun-filled day in Bremerton!
|
|
Enter a Community Float
Cash prizes given for the top three entrants
|
|
If you have a convertible that we can use for the Armed Forces Day parade to drive our VIP parade participants, please let us know by contacting the Chamber today!
|
|
GreenDrinks @ Chiropractic Lifestyle Center
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 5:00 pm
|
|
Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
|
According to the Harvard Business Review, 54% of job seekers considered better health, dental and vision insurance worthy of “heavy consideration” when evaluating job offers.
If you’re competing to attract and retain top talent, just making benefits available in not enough – employees need to regularly make use of their benefits and understand what is available to them.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has put together six post-enrollment strategies to help your workforce thrive – and help you keep them happy. Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news-insights/welcome-to-the-post-open-enrollment-playbook-ensuring-your-workforce-thrives/
|
|
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 Irene now!
|
|
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! |
|
Start Planning for Teacher Appreciation |
|
There's still time to get a great deal at Haselwood Auto as part of the April Drive for a Cause Event - don't miss ou! |
|
Haselwood Auto Group
515 West Hills Boulevard
Bremerton, WA 98312
|
|
Member Education & Training Resources |
|
SCORE: Learn How to Report & Pay Taxes
Friday, April 26, 2024, 9:00 am
|
|
Paying taxes is inevitable. But reporting and paying the right amount of 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 and employees.
- City and local taxes imposed on your business.
- Record keeping requirements to ensure you are ready for that taxing agency audit.
Workshop Fee: FREE
|
|
KEDA: Meet the Agencies
Thursday, April 25, 2024, 2:00 pm
|
|
Business News & Resources |
|
Washington Joins 15 States with Auto-Enrollment Retirement Program Initiative |
|
Washington state is gearing up to implement a new retirement program, joining 15 other states with similar initiatives. The recently passed ESSB 6069 establishes "Washington Saves," an automatic enrollment individual retirement savings program. Employees of covered employers will have the opportunity to contribute to an IRA through automatic payroll deductions, with enrollment being automatic but opt-out options available. Employers will have to register with Washington Saves and either participate or enroll employees in a retirement plan through associations.
The program aims to improve retirement security, building on the state's existing small business retirement marketplace. A study by Pew Charitable Trusts recommended such automated savings programs, estimating significant participation and asset accumulation over time. The bill appropriates funds for implementation, with expectations of recouping costs in the long run.
Despite initial confusion with other state programs, the auto-enrollment retirement plan offers individuals the opportunity to save for their future independently. With details left to a governing board, the program is set to launch by July 1, 2027, potentially phasing in by employer size.
|
|
Report: WA's Educational Attainment Levels Falling Short of Employer Demand |
|
Need for educated workers: A new report from the Washington Student Achievement Council shows that jobs requiring credentials beyond high school are on the rise. The report estimates that 70% of jobs in 2023 and 72% in 2031 will require college degrees or other post-secondary credentials.
The report was in collaboration with the AWB Institute, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
Shifting economy: Jobs requiring a bachelor's degree will grow the fastest at 12.1%, while jobs requiring some college or a postsecondary certificate will grow by 10.4%, according to the report. Jobs requiring a high-school diploma are projected to grow by 9.4%.
"This is a structural shift in the economy, stemming from technological innovations, that results in increased relative demand for educated and skilled labor," Daryl Monear, the report's head author, told the Washington State Standard.
At the bachelor's degree level, the highest demand careers were nurses, software developers and general managers; at the associate's degree level, it was truck drivers, accounting clerks and K-12 teaching assistants.
Survey data: The report tracks with data from AWB's quarterly employer surveys. In the fall 2023 survey, a lack of qualified workers for job openings was the second top problem, with 53% listing it as a major problem.
|
|
Small Businesses Think Cyberattacks
are Biggest Threat, Survey Shows
|
|
The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index for Q1 2024 surveyed respondents about future threats and crisis planning. The survey includes compelling findings on how small businesses perceive—and plan to respond to—those threats.
Small businesses say cybersecurity attacks are the threat they’re most concerned about—but supply chain disruptions and another pandemic round out the top three perceived threats.
A majority (60%) of small businesses say cybersecurity threats, including phishing, malware, and ransomware, are a top concern. A majority also say supply chain breakdowns (58%) and another pandemic (54%) are top concerns. Less than half of small businesses say they are concerned about inclement weather (45%), theft (42%), natural disasters (39%), or an act of terrorism (37%).
|
|
AI Revolutionizes E-Commerce: Personalized Shopping Experiences & Seamless Integration |
|
AI in e-commerce is reshaping online shopping, offering a personalized experience worth over $8 billion in investments. With AI, businesses craft tailored recommendations and manage inventory efficiently, revolutionizing how we shop.
Virtual assistants, powered by AI like Amazon's Alexa, simplify shopping with voice commands, enhancing customer satisfaction. Visual and voice search make finding products intuitive, especially on mobile devices. AI is also used to enhance existing fraud detection procedures, ensuring secure transactions.
Despite the technical hurdles that come along with implementing new technology, the future of AI in e-commerce looks promising. For businesses, embracing AI advancements is key to staying competitive. The personalized recommendations, enhanced customer service, voice shopping, and augmented reality experiences offers a pathway to memorable shopping experiences that keep customers coming back for more.
|
|
Business Grants to Apply for in April 2024 |
|
Courtesy of Andy Medici, Senior Reporter, The Playbook, The Business Journals
(Puget Sound Business Journal)
PepsiCo launches small-business accelerator, grants
The program will target food and beverage businesses who can apply to the accelerator. Those selected will receive a $20,000 grant and will join a five-month mentorship program centered around business challenges. One business will receive an additional $100,000 grand prize.
To apply, businesses need to be Hispanic-owned and operating within the United States and have earned between $100,000 to $2 million in revenue in the last financial year.
Applications close on May 6, and business owners can find out more information on the program website.
LegalZoom expands $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. Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.
Winners will first be announced on social media and Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards. Grant applications close on September 13, 2024, at 8 p.m.
Other small-business grants open to applications right now
|
|
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. |
|
A Safe and Healthy Workplace Begins with You
What employers need to know
|
|
Got a question or issue to be solved?
Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.
Phone: 1-800-987-0145
|
|
Nonprofit News & Resources |
|
NAWA: Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 12:00 pm
|
|
We each have our own experiences with finance that may stir up excitement, mixed feelings, or uneasiness. These feelings can shape how we approach our relationship to nonprofit finance. Approaching nonprofit finance in a welcoming way, the Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits virtual workshop aims to help unlock your financial literacy. From key words and forms to understanding how everything fits together, you will increase your basic nonprofit finance knowledge.
The virtual workshop will cover:
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- IRS Form 990
- Giving
- Oversight
This workshop will be recorded. Registrants will receive the recording by email after the event. If you can’t attend the training but you are interested in learning about this topic, please register so you we can send you the recording and materials.
Workshop Fee: FREE, thanks to a partnership with the Washington Office of the Secretary of State
|
|
Gen Z Generosity: 5 Ways Nonprofits Can Engage the Next Generation of Donors |
|
date: April 22, 2024
Photo: Getty Images by Alessandro Biascioli
Gen Zers — individuals born between 1997 and 2012 — are redefining what it means to be philanthropic. Raised in a world where smartphones and social media have always been prevalent, Gen Z donors are true digital natives. Along with their technological know-how, Gen Z is also the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in America. Encouragingly, they are also on track to be the most educated, according to Pew Research Center.
But often correlated with higher levels of education is a hefty amount of student debt. With an average of more than $20,000 in student debt (13% more than millennials), Gen Z is faced with a strain on their bank accounts due to these loans and an economy experiencing inflation.
It’s clear that Gen Z is poised to be an exceptionally generous group of people. So, how can fundraisers capture the passion and attention of these young donors to earn their support?
|
|
Earth Day Award Recipients Named |
|
Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners celebrate environmental stewardship every year with Earth Day Awards. Recipients are nominated by the public for their dedication to preserving, enhancing, and protecting Kitsap’s environment.
The County received over 50 nominations this year, recognizing 40 individuals, groups, projects, and businesses doing amazing work. Thank you to all who submitted nominations. We're grateful to the many dedicated environmental stewards making a positive impact in our community. Congratulations to the 2024 Earth Day Award recipients!
Clear Creek Salmon in the Classroom Program
Joshua Wright
Kai Brock
Lisa Gordon Ramstad
Reama Schuldt, Owner of Spread Supplies
|
|
Kitsap Fest Seeks Vendors & Sponsors
Live Well Kitsap Hosts Event at Silverdale Waterfront
|
|
Silverdale GreenDrinks @ Maynard's
Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 5:24 pm
|
|
KNKX Connects to Bremerton
Thursday, May 16, 2024
|
|
The public is invited to join KNKX at the Admiral Theatre in downtown Bremerton on Thursday, May 16 for a live broadcast of KNKX’s All Things Considered with host Emil Moffatt from 3 to 6 p.m. The broadcast will feature reporting centered on Bremerton and live interviews. Then from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., mingle with fellow listeners and KNKX staff while enjoying refreshments and live music from Kitsap-based artists, vocalist Eugenie Jones and saxophonist Mark Lewis (with pianist Randy Halberstadt, bassist Steve Luceno and drummer Bob Merrihew). The event is free. The Admiral Theatre is located at 515 Pacific Avenue.
More information about KNKX Connects can be found here.
KNKX is an ambassador for jazz and blues, and a vital source of quality, non-commercial news, including NPR and regional coverage. KNKX operates a network of 12 radio signals that cover Western Washington, reaching 200,000 listeners weekly.
|
|
Come Visit CKFR's Newest Station
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11:00 am
|
|
Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
|
|
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.
|
|
The Admiral Theatre Presents: |
|
The Brothers Doobie:
A Doobie Brothers Experience
Friday, April 26, 2024, 8:00 pm
|
|
Always delivering a high-energy, high-level performance, BROTHERS DOOBIE – A Doobie Brothers Experience performs the full range of DOOBIE BROTHERS top hits, including some of the most complex and challenging songs performed for live audiences. Comprised of some of the best musicians and performers in the industry, BROTHERS DOOBIE also introduces Sean Byrne, a world-class vocalist who is no stranger to commanding the stage. BROTHERS DOOBIE – A Doobie Brothers Experience consistently delivers a remarkable show that will exceed your expectations! |
|
Clearwater Casino Resort:
Pretenders UK: The Pretenders Tribute
Friday, April 26, 2024, 8:30 pm
|
|
OZ3:16 - Ozzy Osbourne Tribute
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 8:30 pm
|
|
Bremerton Community Theatre: Titanic
Closing Soon! Now thru May 5, 2024
|
|
Epic and majestic, with moments of heartbreaking intimacy, Titanic captures the triumph and tragedy of the hopeful passengers on the ill-fated Ship of Dreams, including workers in the boiler room, first-class attendants, the poorest passengers who scraped together their life savings to purchase third-class tickets to America, to some of the wealthiest men of the Victorian age, including John Jacob Astor and Benjamin Guggenheim. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score in 1997.
|
|
Port Gamble Theater: On Golden Pond
Closing Weekend!
|
|
Bainbridge Performing Arts: Cabaret
Now thru May 12, 2024
|
|
Step into the intoxicating world of Berlin's nightlife in the 1930s as BPA presents the iconic musical, "Cabaret"! Experience an unforgettable night of song, dance, and powerful storytelling that examines the thrilling and yet turbulent life under the growing shadow of the Third Reich.
Witness the life of Sally Bowles, a flamboyant performer at the Kit Kat Klub, and her relationship with the young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw. As they navigate love and life amidst the pulsating beats of the nightclub, reality begins to cast a looming shadow over their lives, echoing the profound changes that await them outside.
Our talented cast will bring this provocative and compelling narrative to life, complete with riveting performances and unforgettable musical numbers. "Cabaret" promises an exhilarating theater experience that's both deeply moving and wildly entertaining.
This spectacular production is a must-see event, as it explores the duality of hope and despair, love and loss. Purchase your tickets today and immerse yourself in the captivating and exhilarating world of "Cabaret."
Life is a cabaret, old chum, come to the Cabaret!
|
|
Bremerton Airshow Returns this Summer
August 17 & 18, 2024
|
|
Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
|
|
Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
|
|
David Emmons
President/CEO
|
|
Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
|
|
Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
