Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Newberry Hill Road Opens Early

GKC urges support of local businesses that

struggled during road closure

Kitsap County was pleased to announce late last week that NW Newberry Hill Road has reopened following the completion of repair work by Seton Construction and County Staff. Despite facing setbacks due to vandalism, the teams managed to expedite the project, finishing earlier than the anticipated reopening date of November 3, 2024.

This project replaced the deteriorating culvert at Little Anderson Creek with a new concrete box culvert to ensure long-term stability for the roadway. The improvements will enhance stream function and fish passage and restore the natural wildlife corridor to improve habitat connectivity. Additionally, the project will provide safe and reliable access for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Minor shoulder work and temporary lane closures might occur due to ongoing utility work.

Businesses impacted by the closure have reported varying degrees of disruption throughout the project. As we enter into the unofficial "shop local season," the Greater Kitsap Chamber urges all to patronize businesses who might have been negatively impacted by road closures, along with your usual favorites around Kitsap. "Shopping local keeps money in Kitsap and keeps locals employed," shared Chamber VP, Irene Moyer. "We have so many unique stores and experiences, you really can shop local for most of your needs and be a positive force in our County's economic success."

The Chamber will be launching its 2024 Shop Local Program - #ShopLocalKitsap (formerly affectionately known as Gnome on the Roam) at this week's Chamber luncheon.

October Membership Luncheon

Today @ Kitsap Golf & Country Club, 11:00 am

We're so excited to welcome Bittina Sheen, Co-Owner of Away With Words Book Shop in Poulsbo, and Social Media Manager for Windermere Real Estate, where she has also served as a business blogger and email marketing coordinator. As a small-business owner and marketing professional, Bittina understands the need to do all the marketing and advertising things for her business, but how do we actually do all the things? Learn tips from this busy professional on how to get things done, support your own small business, (run a film festival), and still make time to connect with loved ones. An insightful Chamber luncheon you won't want to miss!

This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Golf & Tennis Club.

Get Your Tickets Now for the

2024 Business Awards Gala

We're looking for dessert donations for the Gala! If you or your business would like to donate a cake for our Dessert Dash Fundraiser, please contact the Chamber.

Sponsorships Still Available for Gala

Elevate your business or organization at this annual gathering of who's who in Kitsap business!

Interested in elevating your business' exposure in the community? Looking to put your name on this year's Gala? Looking to bring a table-full of attendees? We have sponsorships available for all sizes of businesses across all industries that will provide a level of elevation in the Greater Kitsap business community like no other event. Interested in sponsoring or purchasing an ad in the Gala program? Contact Events Coordinator, Tiffany Diamond, to secure your sponsorship or ad space today!

Chamber launches new benefit in partnership with Crunch Fitness!

We are so excited to announce this new wellness opportunity for our business community: beginning August 2024, members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber and their employees can now enjoy discounted gym memberships at Crunch Fitness in Silverdale. For more information on how to redeem this benefit, contact Irene at the Chamber. Special thanks to General Manager, Haaken Larsen, for bringing this opportunity to our membership!

It’s time to get the most out of your insurance.

With Business Health Trust, you’ll have access to:

• More choices – more than 80 medical plans from the most respected carriers in the state
• More value – all plans come with mental health and virtual care coverage, plus innovative ancillary benefits to suit your needs
• More support – with concierge level customer service and comprehensive plan administration
• More savings – enjoy discounts on transit, IT & HR support, plus savings on dining, shopping, travel and more
• More peace of mind – we’ve got you covered!

Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and see for yourself how BHT has helped over 1,000 businesses with their employee benefits.

Ready to build your benefits plan? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.com to learn more and get a free quote. 

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

Celebrate the Grand Opening of the

YMCA Express @ Marina Square Suites

Thursday, October 24, 2024, 1:00 pm

Kitsap Women's Summit Calling for Speakers

Deadline to submit is November 14th

The planning committee for the Kitsap Women’s Summit (KWS) is seeking emerging and seasoned presenters: keynotes and panelists for the Spring 2025 event, to speak on topics highly relevant to women. Our theme this year: Imagine. Empower. Rise.

Imagine the possibilities when women rise together with empowered voices, uplifting others, to create a collective force for change. To learn more and submit your speaker application, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/4v5ysAaSTL.

The Kitsap Women’s Summit is an annual half-day gathering curated for women by women. Women from all industries and walks of life come together for conversation, community, and personal and professional development, with the collective purpose of amplifying female voices and experiences in Greater Kitsap. Presented by the Greater Kitsap Chamber and Leadership Kitsap.

Noo-Kayet Investments RFP

for Traffic Consultant Services

Noo-Kayet (NKI) is seeking to obtain professional consulting services to conduct a traffic study for Hansville Road from the road approaching south of the intersection with Little Boston Road northwards to the northern extent of PGST lands on Hansville Road (approx. .75 miles). The project is expected to be completed by March 1, 2025. Please see the RFP for the full scope.

Proposals shall include a not-to-exceed fee amount and a completion schedule. The deadline for proposal submittal is November 8, 2024.  

Noo-Kayet Investments is the business arm of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (PGST), located in Kingston, WA. NKI’s mission is to develop economic opportunities for PGST and maximize returns for its Tribal Members. 

For RFP questions, communications, and submissions, please contact Charles “Chuck” Wallace, Safety & Emergency Coordinator, 360-280-8278, cwallace@noo-kayet.com. 

RECAP: Bremerton Foodline Open House

Congratulations again to GKC member, the Bremerton Foodline, on their grand re-opening and ribbon cutting last week! The rain and wind couldn't keep dozens of businesses, nonprofits and community members from coming out to celebrate the newly improved facilities.

The mission of the Bremerton Foodline is to provide food assistance and other services to reduce hunger and improve self-sufficiency for those within our community. To date in 2024, more than 18,000 individuals have benefitted from Bremerton Foodline resources.

Mark Your Calendar: Friday, November 15th

Mystic Mvmnt Celebrates 5 Years

Unique Experience Custom Embroidery

www.uniqueexperience1.com

Advocacy Committee

Washington Research Council Shares

Insights on Ballot Measures

Courtesy of the Washington Research Council & the Association of Washington Business

Digging into policy: Washington voters will soon decide on four ballot initiatives. The Washington Research Council has released detailed policy briefs on three, providing important context about how each would affect state revenues and programs.

• I-2109: Repealing the state capital gains tax
• I-2124: Making the long-term care insurance program optional
• I-2117: Repealing the Climate Commitment Act

Voting deadline: Ballots for the Nov. 5 election must be returned to an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked and in the mail by Election Day.

Business & Professional Development Committee

KEDA Fall Forum

Thursday, October 24, 2024, 2:00 pm

SCORE: Creating a Quick Business Plan

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 12:00 pm

Join us and other entrepreneurs in this hands-on workshop where you will write your “Unique Value Statement” for your new product or service. This is a concise description of your product or service and explain the unique value your product or service provides to your customers. As part of the workshop, participants will receive real-time feedback from a SCORE mentor to help them fine tune their Value Statement. 

In the second part of the workshop you will use the “Lean Canvas” to begin the process of turning your product/service into a business. In this interactive session, you use the canvas to help guide you in expanding the information in the Unique Value Statement by capturing key ideas, concepts and strategies about your business in the canvas. This creates a basic framework that you can use to complete YOUR full, detailed business plan. 

Have paper, a pencil or a pen ready as the goal of this workshop is for all participants to leave with a draft of their “Unique Value Statement” and “Lean Canvas.”

Workshop Fee: FREE

1st Security Bank Hosts:

Financial Fraud & Cyber Security Awareness

Wednesday, October 30, 10:30 am

WHA: Sexual Harassment Webinar

Thursday, October 31, 2024, 10:00 am

Sexual harassment can be a huge problem in any organization. This webinar will run through:

• What is sexual harassment?
• What is retaliation?
• What are the employer’s responsibilities?
• How do you address and prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation?

This session is perfect for new or seasoned managers, supervisors and team leads who want to learn more about creating a positive, safe and respectful work environment.

Join Suzan Sturholm, president of All Things HR, in this critical webinar at 10 a.m., Oct. 31.

Since 2006, the All Things HR team in Seattle has been helping clients get people-related tasks done, and done right.

They serve the Greater Puget Sound area, including Lynnwood, Everett, Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland and surrounding areas in Washington state.

Sturholm is a member of the Washington Hospitality Association Advisory Network.

Beneficial Ownership Reporting

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 10:00 am

Firebrand Kitsap Unconference + After Party

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

The first-ever Firebrand Kitsap Unconference + After Party is here, and you're invited. 

On deck for the Unconference: a stellar line up of speakers and discussion facilitators, including Mike Galgon (Pioneer Square Labs and Global Partnerships), Enrique Godreau (Voyager Capital), Chelsea Minola (Grain Design), Jim Gao and Katie Hoffman (Phaidra), Megan McNally (FBomb Angels), Neetal Parekh (Innov8 Social), Justin Lewis (Bedrock Labs), Stacey Luckensmeyer (EOS Worldwide) and more.  

Afterward, local mentors, advisors, investors, service providers, policy makers, academic partners, and economic development champions will join the mix for a relaxed evening of food conversation, and connection at the Firebrand After Party.

Don't wait: Join us! 

• As a Business Owner / Entrepreneur (Unconference + After Party) 
• As a Non-business Owner / Entrepreneur (After Party)
• As a Sponsor (Unconference + After Party)

Courtesy of FastCompany.com

• How to figure out your productivity style
• Exclusive: Consumers are putting themselves first, according to new research
• Why 'customer obsession' is the new customer service

Courtesy of entrepreneur.com

• Boost your ecommerce sales - 8 proven strategies for the holiday season

L&I Resources

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.

Minimum Wage Increase Leads

to Other Changes for 2025

Adjustments to minimum wage also mean updates to the 2025 minimum salary thresholds for overtime exempt employees, the minimum pay for rideshare drivers, and non-compete clauses:



• Minimum salary thresholds for overtime exempt employees
• Changes how much executive, administrative, professional workers, computer professionals, and outside salespeople must earn in salary to be exempt from overtime requirements.
• For small employers (1-50) in 2025, the minimum salary threshold is $69,305.60/annually
• For large employers (50+) in 2025, the minimum salary threshold is $77,968.80/annually
• Minimum pay for rideshare drivers
• Minimum pay for drivers for rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber is one of the new rights and protections granted to these drivers 
• For trips within Seattle in 2025, drivers must earn least $0.68 per passenger platform minute and $1.59 per passenger platform mile, or $5.95, whichever is greater.
• For trips outside of Seattle in 2025, drivers must earn at least $0.39 per passenger platform minute and $1.34 per passenger platform mile, or $3.45, whichever is greater. 
• Non-compete clauses
• Non-compete agreements typically prevent an employee or independent contractor from working for a competitor or starting a similar business while employed or after leaving their current job.
• Earnings must meet a minimum threshold for non-compete agreements to be legal in Washington.
• For employees in 2025, the threshold will be $123,394.17
• For independent contractors, the 2025 threshold will be $308,485.43.

Got a question or issue to be solved?

Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.

Phone: 1-800-987-0145

Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.gov | Negocios@Lni.wa.gov

Online: Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

Nonprofit News & Resources

How to Build a Solid Gift Acceptance Policy

Published on NonProfitPRO.com, October 22, 2024

Photo: Pixabay by HeatherPaque

Imagine someone wants to donate a huge gift, potentially one of the largest your nonprofit has ever received. However, you’re not entirely sure how to accept it. You take it to the decision-makers in your nonprofit, and they, too, are conflicted about how to address the gift.

This is where having a gift acceptance policy is critical.

Read the full article here

National Estate Planning Week

October 21 - 27, 2024

The Kitsap Community Foundation recently offered a training session to local nonprofits around the subject of "Promoting Planned Giving to Your Donors and Volunteers." With October 21-27 being National Estate Planning Awareness Week, there will be collective chatter promoting estate planning. If you don’t yet have a plan to capitalize on the moment, you may want to put one together soon!

Wondering if all this is worth the effort? In less than a year, local nonprofits secured $4.6 million in bequest intentions from Kitsap folks using the FREE will writing service at www.freewill.com/kitsapfoundation. While the national average is that 8% of people include a bequest in their wills, through the www.freewill.com/kitsapfoundation portal 41% of people who created wills include bequests to nonprofits. 

In case you need more encouragement to promote National Estate Planning Awareness Week to your constituencies:

• Planned gifts often are 200-300x the size of annual gifts
• Once people name a nonprofit in their will, their annual giving triples! (In other words, one of the best things a nonprofit can do to increase their annual fund revenue is secure planned giving intentions)

Link to KCF's PowerPoint presentation on Planned Giving

Greater Kitsap News

County Planning Commission Makes

Comprehensive Plan Recommendation

After a two-year-long public discussion of future growth and Kitsap’s future through 2044, the Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan Update is nearing a conclusion. After receiving public testimony on Sept. 24, the Kitsap County Planning Commission has made a recommendation regarding updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Capital Facilities Plan and Development Regulations. This recommendation is based on the draft documents released on Aug. 30, 2024, and amended as shown in their Findings of Fact.

The amendments proposed by the Planning Commission considered public comments and adjusted tree canopy requirements, removed additional boundary line adjustment regulations, and made other changes.

Their recommendation will now go before the Board of Commissioners at a public hearing on Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kitsap County Administration Building’s, Commissioner Chambers (619 Division St., Port Orchard) or via the Zoom virtual meeting platform. This may be the final opportunity for the public to provide written and oral testimony on the draft documents and the Planning Commission recommended amendments prior to adoption in December.

Please provide written comments on the draft documents and Planning Commission recommendation to compplan@kitsap.gov or mail them to Kitsap County Department of Community Development, Comprehensive Plan Update, 614 Division St. MS-36, Port Orchard, WA 98366 no later than 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 28.

For all information regarding the update including draft documents, plan maps, analysis, schedule, and videos of past presentations, please visit the project website or email compplan@kitsap.gov.

Kitsap County's Annual Operation Green Light

November 4 - 11, 2024

In advance of the Veterans Day holiday, Kitsap County buildings on the Port Orchard campus will be illuminated in green Nov. 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light, a national initiative of the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers to support military veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans while highlighting resources available to assist veterans and their families.

Kitsap County Commissioners and the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board encourage everyone to participate by simply changing a light bulb in their home or business to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.

Operation Green Light lets veterans and their families know their service matters and is a way of expressing gratitude for their sacrifices while reflecting on military service personnel and their transition back into civilian life after completion of their service to our country.

"It’s truly heartwarming to come together for a nationwide event that honors the brave men and women who have served our country. Veterans understand the power of teamwork, and through simple acts like displaying a green light in our homes, we unite in gratitude and strengthen our community,” said Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program Coordinator Richard Becker. “I sincerely hope that community members will join us in showing their commitment to our veterans, just as our County Commissioners have through their unwavering support of Operation Greenlight. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who have given so much.” 

Visit the Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program at kcowa.us/veterans for more information on resources available to local veterans and their families.

Halloween Events Around the Community

Olympic College: STEM Spooktacular

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Kitsap Halloween Bash

Saturday, October 26, 2024

POBSA: Boo Bash

Saturday, October 26, 2024

DBA: Trick-or-Treat Street

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Silverdale GreenDrinks

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Bike Rodeo

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.

Can I still get COVID-19 tests?

You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov

Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance. 

If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.

Port Gamble Theater: Harvey

Final Weekend! Now thru October 27, 2024

Everyone is worried about Elwood P. Dowd’s relationship with his six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch friend. Why you say…well he happens to be an invisible rabbit.

Clearwater Casino Presents:

The Experience - New Edition Tribute

Friday, October 25, 2024, 8:30 pm

Jackie's Boy - Motown Revue

Saturday, October 26, 2024, 7:00 pm

Kings of Hollywood - The Eagles Tribute

Saturday, October 26, 2024, 8:30 pm

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay @ The Roxy

Saturday, October 26, 2024, 5:30 pm

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Bremerton. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at Roxy Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info

📍 Venue: Roxy Theatre

⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 60 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)

👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult

♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant

❓ View the FAQs for this event here

🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone

Admiral Theatre: Haunted Objects Live!

Chilling, True Tales from the

Newkirk Museum of the Paranormal

Friday, November 1, 2024, 7:00 pm

Are you ready to uncover the chilling true stories behind the world’s most haunted objects? Join Greg and Dana Newkirk (Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits, Amazon Prime’s Hellier) for an interactive presentation that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

As two of the world’s only full-time paranormal investigators, the Newkirks have spent their lives collecting and caring for cursed artifacts, possessed dolls, and other creepy artifacts said to display supernatural activity. Now you can experience their spine-tingling true tales yourself!

During this presentation, the Newkirks will take you on a journey through history, folklore, and true-life accounts of encounters with objects that seem to possess a life of their own. Learn the untold truth about famous cursed objects like the Crying Boy Painting, discover why the Dybbuk Box is scarier than the demon it's rumored to imprison, and tag along as Greg & Dana reveal how they broke the curse of the Catskills Crone! You’ll even have the opportunity to help the Newkirks create a new haunted artifact, live and in person, with just the power of your mind!

This interactive stage presentation is a must-see event for anyone interested in the paranormal, history, or just looking for a good scare!

KCMT: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

November 1 - 17, 2024

BCT Presents: Blithe Spirit

November 1 - 24, 2024

Blithe Spirit by Noël Coward

In Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit, the mundane life of novelist Charles Condomine takes a hilariously supernatural turn when a séance gone awry conjures the ghost of his mischievous first wife, Elvira. As Elvira's spectral antics wreak havoc on Charles's current marriage to the no-nonsense Ruth, the play spirals into a delightful farce filled with witty banter, eccentric characters, and a whirlwind of ghostly chaos. With Coward's signature sharp humor and clever dialogue, Blithe Spirit is a timeless comedy that explores the complexities of love, marriage, and the afterlife with a charmingly light touch.

Content Advisory: Features witty and sophisticated dialogue; ghosts and séances are central to the plot and are portrayed in a humorous and non-threatening way; some mature themes related to marriage and infidelity handled with Coward’s characteristic wit and charm; some comedic accidents and mishaps.

Tiffany Diamond

Events Coordinator

tiffany@greaterkitsapchamber.com