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Kitsap Transit Raising Fares,
Eliminating Transfers for Fast Ferries
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, May 26, 2025
Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Fast ferry riders into Seattle will see fares increase this fall, due to a planned hike by Kitsap Transit as well as a new policy enacted to help shore up agency finances.
The cost of a fast ferry ticket from Seattle to Bremerton, Kingston or Southworth will increase by $1 on October 1, 2025, to $13. The cost from Kitsap ports into Seattle will remain at $2, part of a two-phased fare increased adopted by Kitsap Transit's board of commissioners in 2024. Fares from Seattle rose $2, from $10 to $12, in 2024 as part of that plan.
The second change that will occur in October is that Kitsap Transit will no longer accept transfer credits or PugetPass on fast ferry trips, a move that the agency estimated could have resulted in an additional $800,000 in revenue from fares during 2024.
Read the full story here
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TODAY: May Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 11:00 am
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Please join us for our May Membership Luncheon featuring guest speaker Captain John Hale, Commander, Navy Region Northwest. We'll also be honoring our Armed Forces Day Ambassadors at this event as we round out our month of celebrating our military community, an integral part to the economic vibrancy of Kitsap County.
Bring your business cards and get ready to network - you won't want to miss!
Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center.
Online registration has closed but we will try our best to accommodate any walk-ins.
| | Vote Now: Board of Directors 2026 Slate | | |
Per the bylaws of the Greater Kitsap Chamber, the following individuals are presented to the greater membership for a vote open for 14 days. If approved, the individuals included in this slate will sit for a three-year term. Please respond to each of the 6 positions with a yes or no vote. Thank you for your participation!
SLATE FOR CONSIDERATION
Christine Cochran, General Manger, Marina Square Suites, Bremerton
Susan Larsen, Business Development, Land Title of Kitsap County, Silverdale
Jason Ritter-Lopatowski, Architect, Rice Fergus Miller, Bremerton
Shauna Washburn, Owner, United Moving & Storage, Bremerton
Amy Yaley, COO, Ward Media, Poulsbo
Amy Zinkhon, Owner, Suitcases on Standby Travel, Poulsbo
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Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Integrity Roofing & Construction
Friday, June 6, 2025, 4:00 pm
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Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 5:05 pm
| | Make sure to grab your ticket now to Kitsap's newest night of networking! Join us in the Sky Lounge at Fieldstone Silverdale for connections and networking with the best view in Silverdale. $20 covers sips and bites - get your ticket online to reserve your spot (cash and card also accepted at the door). | | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | Insurance Needs for You & Your Employees: Business Health Trust Has You Covered | | |
Big changes are coming to healthcare and insurance in 2025. Did you know the IRS has expanded preventative care benefits for high-deductible health plans? This includes coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, continuous glucose monitors, and certain insulin products.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has summarized the insurance and healthcare changes impacting Washington employers and employees this year.
Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news_insights/insurance-changes-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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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? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact David now!
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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! | | |
You're Invited: Farewell Celebration
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 5:00-6:30 pm
| | Northwest Swag Works: Be Seen with Top-of- the-Line Promotional Products | | |
Maintaining a consistent brand presence, even on a tighter budget, can not only preserve your customer base but it can also help you grow it.
Let Northwest Swag take the hassle out of your brand building. We work with thousands of manufacturers to bring you the best prices and the best quality.
Call today to get started!
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Scarlet Road Hosts Annual Gala
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 6:30 pm
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At Scarlet Road, we believe in creating opportunities for survivors to find safety, engage in healing, and thrive. Our mission is to offer the hope of freedom to survivors throughout our community. You can be a part of their remarkable journey by joining us at the Annual Scarlet Road Gala!
There are many ways to support this vital community organization, from donations for this event as well as sponsorship. To learn more about sponsorship, CLICK HERE.
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Live Well Kitsap! Seeks Vendors
for Annual Kitsap Fest
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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Suitcases on Standby Hosts Tour
Friday, July 11, 2025, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
| | Geico Local Office - Silverdale | | |
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is pleased to honor the Geico Local Office - Silverdale as our May 2025 Member of the Month. Members since 1990, the Geico Office led by Kevin Krieger, are hyper-engaged in the Central Kitsap Community supporting not just clients, but the greater community and we're excited to celebrate them this month.
Where Local Service Meets National Strength
In the heart of Silverdale, Washington, just a short drive from the bustling waterfront and scenic views of the Olympic Peninsula, the GEICO Local Office led by Kevin Krieger is redefining what it means to blend local customer care with one of the nation's most trusted names in insurance. As part of the GEICO family, this local office offers all the reliability and innovation of a national brand, while focusing intently on serving the unique needs of Kitsap County and beyond.
Local Roots, National Power
Kevin Krieger brings more than just industry knowledge to the table—he brings a passion for connecting with his community. With years of experience and a commitment to service, Kevin and his team are more than just insurance agents; they’re trusted advisors and neighbors. Located conveniently in Silverdale, the office provides a warm, welcoming space where individuals and families can sit down face-to-face and have their insurance questions answered clearly and thoroughly.
The mission at the Silverdale GEICO office is simple yet powerful: offer personalized service backed by the strength and resources of GEICO's national network. That means faster claims processing, better rates, and real-time support—delivered by people who live and work in the same community as their customers.
Customized Coverage for Every Need
What sets the Silverdale GEICO office apart is its ability to tailor insurance solutions to a wide range of needs, whether you're a first-time driver, a military family, or a small business owner seeking liability coverage. The team takes pride in guiding clients through the insurance maze with clarity and care.
A Commitment to Community
The Silverdale GEICO office isn't just about policies—it’s about people. Kevin and his team actively support local events, collaborate with area businesses, and strive to be a helpful resource both inside and outside the office. Whether it's sponsoring local sports teams or participating in community outreach efforts, this team embodies the values of service and connection.
Congratulations to Kevin and his team on this recognition and for 35 years with the Chamber!
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
WorkSource Resource Fair
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 11:00 am
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Kitsap County Young Professionals Networking
Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:00 pm
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SCORE: Lead Generation
Friday, May 30, 2025, 2:00 pm
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Is your business generating enough leads to meet your revenue requirements? Do you have an organized, and automated way to capture leads? If not, then join us for a workshop on generating leads for your business.
Using marketing techniques centuries old, and tools of today, you can generate leads, track them, and monitor your success cost effectively. Leads are the lifeblood of every business, profit or otherwise. You can even integrate traditional media with digital methods for a highly effective lead generation process. You will also learn highly effective long-term customer or client sustainment processes as well.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: QuickBooks Online Basics
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 9:00 am
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Are you an aspiring or established business owner looking to get started with QuickBooks? Are you trying to figure out what you’re doing but keep getting lost? Do you like bagels? Well, then this is the workshop for you!
In this SCORE workshop, you will learn how to use QuickBooks Online to record your daily business transactions. (No QuickBooks signup required!) Subjects covered include:
- Customer sales and payments
- Supplier purchases and payments
- Banking and Chart of Accounts
- Reporting from QuickBooks Online
- Best practices and common mistakes
Please note that this workshop is only training on QuickBooks Online and not QuickBooks Desktop.
Registration Fee: FREE
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Lunchtime Lightning Talk @ Vibe Coworks:
Imposter Syndrome No More
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 11:30 am
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For many people, feeling like an outsider isn’t an illusion — it’s the result of systemic bias and exclusion, with direct impact on our leadership and approach to business.
We're diving in deep this month for real talk with 3 local entrepreneurs, here to share their entrepreneurial journey with imposter syndrome, including all the highs and lows, the roadblocks they’ve encountered, and the support that has made a difference.
Hear from peers who’ve successfully navigated impostor syndrome, as well as those currently tackling it head-on, and expect leave with a few new tools for recognizing your value and full potential as an entrepreneur.
Come ready to listen, learn, and find new inspiration. Leave your ego at the door, and engage in authentic conversations from peers who are in the trenches and 'doing the thing', battle scars and all.
Informal conversation and networking begins at 11:30am. Lightning Talks begin at 12pm and end promptly at 1pm. BYO lunch!
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Deep-Dive Business Series - Part 2:
Cultivating Customers
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 2:00 pm
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Ready to attract the right customers and turn them into loyal supporters?
This session is designed to help you go beyond general marketing and focus on what really works—understanding, targeting, and truly connecting with the people you serve.
Topics Covered:
🔹 Defining Your Ideal Customer – Learn how to create a clear customer persona to better understand who you’re trying to reach and what they truly want.
🔹 Targeting with Local Tools – Discover how to leverage a free local resource to identify, locate, and effectively market to your ideal customer base.
🔹 Crafting a Compelling Story – Explore how to tell your business/brand story in a way that builds connection, trust, and turns customers into loyal advocates.
Why Attend?
✅ Learn practical, actionable strategies for identifying and connecting with your ideal customers in meaningful ways.
✅ Leave with a clear plan to refine your messaging, build trust through storytelling, and attract the right audience to grow your business.
Reserve your spot now and get ready to connect with your customers like never before!
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Business Summit Workshop:
Strategic Branding - Building Business
Value Beyond the Logo
Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:00 am
| | Business News & Resources | | |
U.S. Economy Showing Resilience
Despite Consumer Concerns
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Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association
Despite growing caution among consumers, key economic indicators point to a steady and resilient U.S. economy in 2025.
In April, the U.S. labor market remained strong, with payrolls expanding by 177,000 jobs and the unemployment rate holding at a historically low 4.2%, signaling continued confidence in hiring across sectors.
Price pressures also showed signs of easing. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased just 0.2% last month and 2.3% over the past year, the slowest annual inflation rate since early 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Retail spending, though slightly moderated, remained in positive territory with a 0.1% gain in April following a strong 1.7% rise in March, based on data from the Commerce Department. These figures suggest that consumer activity is holding up, even amid broader concerns.
While economic fundamentals appear solid, some consumers remain wary about the outlook. “There is a continued sense of caution among the public,” noted economist Joanne Hsu, reflecting on consumer sentiment.
On the trade front, recent developments have introduced both opportunities and challenges. The Trump administration recently agreed to reduce certain tariffs in partnership with the U.K. and lowered duties on imports from China to 30%, down significantly from 145%. This 90-day reprieve is designed to allow room for further negotiations and reduce cost pressures in the short term.
Nonetheless, U.S. households continue to feel the effects of existing tariffs, which now average 17.8%, the highest level since the 1930s, according to research from the Yale Budget Lab. The group estimates that these trade measures could increase consumer prices by 1.7% and add roughly $2,800 in annual costs per household.
Inflation expectations have edged up recently, with year-ahead forecasts rising among both Democrats and Republicans. Long-term inflation expectations climbed to 4.6%, a modest increase from 4.4% the month prior.
Retail giant Walmart acknowledged the potential impact of these tariffs on pricing. CEO Doug McMillon stated that the company is well-prepared to manage these cost pressures. “We’re in a strong position to adapt, but tariffs at any level are likely to affect consumer prices,” he told analysts.
Meanwhile, tariff-related concerns have become a key topic for corporate America. A record 411 companies in the S&P 500 referenced tariffs during earnings calls between March 15 and May 15, according to FactSet analyst John Butters. This surpasses the previous high of 260 mentions recorded during Q4 of 2020.
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2025 Community Accelerator Grant Open
Deadline to apply is June 6th at 5:00 pm
| | The Community Accelerator Grant is a $10M investment in Washington State's arts and culture sector funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and administered by ArtsFund. This program provides unrestricted grants to cultural nonprofit organizations and tribal entities in amounts of $2,500 - $25,000 in order to boost the organization's ability to invest in their missions and essential roles. | | |
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. | | L&I Business Owner & Employer Survey | | |
Washington's Department of Labor and Industries is excited to share the Business Owner and Employer Survey (also available in Spanish). L&I would love to hear from you about how they are doing! In this brief and confidential survey, you'll have the chance to share your experiences and feedback with L&I. Your input helps the agency understand what they're doing well and what they can do to better serve you. Thanks for your participation!
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | | |
Why Nonprofits Struggle to Network -
And How That's Holding Us Back
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Published on NonProfitPRO.com, May 27, 2025
The nonprofit sector thrives on relationships — including among organizations, funders and the communities they serve. Yet despite being rooted in collaboration, many nonprofit professionals operate in isolation, lacking the networking culture common in the for-profit world.
This isn’t just a missed opportunity — I believe it’s actively limiting innovation, funding and sector-wide impact.
To understand why networking hasn’t become second nature in our field, we need to look at the environmental and cultural barriers that shape nonprofit work.
Read the article here
| | Housing Kitsap Preserves Affordable Apartments for Seniors in Kingston | | |
Published in the Kitsap Sun, May 22, 2025
Housing Kitsap has purchased a 16-unit apartment complex in Kingston, preserving it as affordable housing for low incomes seniors and residents with disabilities.
The acquisition keeps the Time Square Apartments, which includes 14 one-bed and a pair of two-bed units, affordable to those making 30% or less of the area median family income. For a single adult in Kitsap County, that is about $26,000 a year, according to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In a statement, Heather Blough, executive director of Housing Kitsap, called the purchase a “thrilling moment."
The apartments at 26234 Illinois Ave NE in Kingston, just a north of Highway 104 near downtown Kingston, were first listed for sale at the end of 2023, according to a news release. Housing Kitsap credited Hetty Hicks, a late resident of the complex, for alerting them of its pending sale.
Read the full article here
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Silverdale
Expect daytime and nighttime delays on Silverdale Way NW (from Bucklin Hill Rd to Waaga Way) and NW Bucklin Hill Rd (from Silverdale Way NW to Blaine Ave) due to a road and stormwater improvement project. Work will take place Monday through Friday and is expected to be completed by fall 2025. Visit the project website for details.
Expect delays on Provost Rd NW between NW Shelley Dr and NW Newberry Hill Rd for a Silverdale Water utility project.
Expect delays on NW Eldorado Blvd between Newberry Hill Rd and Eldorado Pl NW for construction work related to a private development. Traffic control in place during work hours.
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Bremerton Foodline & NK Fishline FOODproject
Green bag drop-off is Saturday, June 14th
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The Neighborhood Food Project is a grassroots initiative spreading across the U.S., bringing neighbors and food banks together in communities like Gig Harbor, Issaquah, and Thurston County. Now, Kitsap and Mason County Food Banks are joining together in a collaborative effort to fight hunger smarter and more efficiently.
Every other month, Bremerton Foodline (BFL) Coordinators share a county-wide wishlist that includes items most needed by the member organizations of the Kitsap County Food Bank Coalition. This means that instead of guessing what’s needed, theFOODproject donors can confidently donate, knowing their contributions will directly meet the needs of families throughout Kitsap County.
As this program grows, it has the power to consistently bring in tens of thousands of pounds of targeted donations, transforming how we meet the demand for food and essential products across Kitsap County. Our ultimate goal is to foster a stronger sense of community while ensuring no one goes hungry. Together, we can build a network that nourishes people and connections. The result? Fully stocked shelves and less waste ensure our clients can always find what they need, and donors feel the impact they are making.
Sign up today to be a Neighborhood Coordinator (NC). Each NC will bring in an average of $3,000 worth of products yearly by rallying 5-10 donors to join them in doing JUST 6 food drives a year. Help Kitsap and Mason County reach our goal of bringing in 20,000 pounds of food each food drive by the end of 2025!
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Kitsap Humane Society: Pets Walk
Saturday, June 7, 2025
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Bainbridge Pride @ Waterfront Park
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Oxford Suites Silverdale
Salt air & sweet dreams
| | Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest! Overlooking picturesque Dyes Inlet on the Puget Sound, Oxford Suites Silverdale offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Western Washington. With the best of the region in easy reach and Seattle just a ferry ride away, memorable stays start here at Oxford Suites—discover a better way to travel. | | |
Admiral Theatre Presents:
Comedian Don Friesen
Friday, May 30, 2025, 7:30 pm
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Live Standup Comedy is back at Bremerton's Admiral Theatre with an all-new series produced in coordination with and hosted by Bremerton Comedy Legend The Great Cris! We are proud to welcome back Comedian Don Friesen in an all new show this May.
Husband. Dad. Idiot.
His kids think he’s fun. His wife thinks he’s an idiot. Audiences think he’s hilarious!
Don is a modern suburban dad just trying to raise his kids and get through the day with a bit of money in the bank and a scrap of dignity intact. With a unique style that can best be described as frenetic and engaging, Don captures the irony of parenting, marriage and everyday absurdities through characters, voices, parodies and some of the best written routines around. He’s a wanna-be geek who constantly upgrades to the latest technology, but can never get it to work, leading to signature bits about tech support, Idiots Guides, texting and passwords.
Friesen has recently taken his smart, savvy, and highly-caffeinated comedy to the stage at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA, for the taping of his new Showtime one-hour special titled "Ask Your Mom." In his first nationally released concert special, Don delivers a winning hour of clever, true-to-life “he’s talking about my family up there” comedy that manages to be adult-smart yet family-friendly.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Spike and the Impalers - Classic Rock
Friday, May 30, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Whiskey River - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Bremerton Night Market
@ the Bremerton Boardwalk
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Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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BCT Presents: Suspect
June 6 - 29, 2025
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In Suspect, the enigmatic Mrs. Smith, living in a remote part of England, finds herself once again under the shadow of suspicion for a murder case from which she was previously acquitted with a “not proven” verdict. As her son falls in love with the daughter of a journalist who covered the original trial, old suspicions resurface, and Mrs. Smith must navigate a web of intrigue and deception. With her housekeeper by her side, she battles to clear her name and secure her son’s happiness, turning the tables on her accusers in a dramatic and suspenseful showdown. This play is a masterful blend of tension and resolution, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with its clever twists and turns.
Content Advisory: The play deals with themes of murder, suspicion, and deception, all presented in a dramatic and suspenseful manner; mature themes related to crime and suspicion, but they are handled with a focus on drama and suspense. The play is suitable for teens and adults, with its blend of mystery and drama making it an engaging experience for a wide audience.
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KCMT Presents: The Wizard of Oz
June 12 - 29, 2025
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Kitsap Fest
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Make Music Day Festival
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Purchase Tickets Now: Bremerton Air Show
July 12 & 13, 2025
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If you are a vendor looking to be a part of the 2025 Bremerton Air Show,
please visit their vendor site HERE.
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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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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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