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Help Shape the Future of Ferries in Kitsap
Kitsap Transit Seeking Input on Passenger-Only Ferries
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Courtesy of Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters
Photo: Kitsap Transit
Kitsap Transit is exploring new passenger-only ferry routes within Kitsap County and wants your input. The agency currently operates five ferry routes—two connecting Bremerton to Port Orchard and Annapolis, plus three to downtown Seattle from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth.
Now they're studying potential new intracounty connections, including routes from Bremerton to Silverdale, Manchester, and Bainbridge Island. The study will also consider up to two additional routes based on community feedback and demand.
The study will help Kitsap Transit create a plan for adding new ferry routes based on what the community wants and needs.
Take the survey by June 25: The community survey closes at noon on June 25, 2025. Share your thoughts on the proposed routes and suggest additional connections at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LX3HJ32.
For more information about the Intracounty Passenger-Only Ferry Project, visit https://www.kitsaptransit.com/intracounty-passenger-only-ferry-project. The study is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
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June Luncheon: 2025 Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Please join us for our June Membership Luncheon and 2025 Annual Meeting. This is a special luncheon for the Chamber as we celebrate all of the work we've done over the last 12 months and introduce our newly-elected Board members. You'll hear from outgoing-Chair, John Morrissey and learn more about what the Chamber has planned for the coming year.
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.
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Now Hiring: Join the GKC Team
Support the business community of Kitsap County
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The Chamber: In & Around Kitsap
Check out where GKC has been this last week!
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Above: Owner and North Kitsap native, Tanner Tennyson, and 100+ members of the Greater Kitsap community celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Integrity Roofing and Construction's new showroom and offices on June 6th. Guests were treated to entertainment provided by Skinny Blues along with bites and tours of the new location on Viking Avenue in Poulsbo.
Below: The Coffee Oasis - Burwell Cafe and Roastery celebrated a Grand Re-opening on the 9th with a Ribbon Cutting and remarks from Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. The popular cafe and provider of youth services throughout Kitsap and Pierce Counties recently completed renovations at their flagship location in Downtown Bremerton.
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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). | | |
NEW DATE: Port to Port Pop-Up
August 30 & 31, 2025
| | Join us for a sail during Bremerton's Blackberry Festival! | | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Make Preventive Care a Priority Now
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Did you know that preventive health screenings and primary care consultations significantly increase life expectancy, especially for those aged 30 to 49?
Making preventive care a priority now can help reduce future health complications, and with virtual care, it has never been easier to get the support you need. Telehealth can provide easy access to preventive care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and mental health support.
Learn more about why it matters in this article from our partner, Business Health Trust.
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/benefit/the-importance-of-preventive-care/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.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! | | |
Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.
| | Kitsap Community Foundation | | |
Since its founding in 1993, the Kitsap Community Foundation has been a cornerstone of philanthropic impact throughout Kitsap County, Washington. Dedicated to strengthening the region through thoughtful giving and nonprofit support, the Foundation has become a trusted resource for donors, nonprofits, and community leaders alike.
At its heart, the Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) is driven by a clear mission: to connect people who care with causes that matter. From Bainbridge Island to Bremerton, and Silverdale to Port Orchard, KCF channels resources to local organizations doing critical work across education, health, housing, the arts, environmental protection, and more.
Championing Local Nonprofits
What sets KCF apart is its strategic focus on nonprofit sustainability. Rather than simply issuing grants, the Foundation serves as a long-term partner to nonprofits, helping them grow capacity, improve leadership, and access vital funding. One of its flagship efforts is the Kitsap Great Give, an annual online giving campaign that has helped raise millions for local organizations. It’s more than a fundraiser—it's a celebration of community generosity and collaboration.
KCF also manages donor-advised funds, which allow individuals and families to create tailored philanthropic legacies. These funds not only simplify charitable giving but also ensure that community investments continue for generations to come. With more than $20 million in assets under management and dozens of active funds, the Foundation ensures a lasting financial pipeline for regional progress.
A Legacy of Generosity
As Kitsap County continues to grow and evolve, the Kitsap Community Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to build a stronger, more resilient region through philanthropy. Whether you’re a donor seeking to make a lasting impact or a nonprofit in need of support, KCF is a resource you can trust to turn vision into action.
Members of the Chamber since 2013, we are thrilled to honor the Kitsap Community Foundation as this month's Member of the Month.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
WSHRMA: Employment Law Update
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 8:45 am
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SBDC: Accounting Basics
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1:00 pm
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Do you know the difference between bookkeeping and accounting? Are you having trouble understanding what financial statements are? Then you have come to the right place. Sign up for our Accounting Basics class and learn the important information that you need to know about your small business accounting.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Taxes on Washington Businesses
and Business Owners
Monday, June 16, 2025, 10:00 am
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Running a business in Washington means navigating a complex tax landscape. This workshop will guide you through federal, state, and local taxes that impact your business and personal income. Learn how to properly report and pay taxes, avoid common pitfalls, and implement best practices for record keeping. Gain confidence in managing your business finances and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Become a Facebook Expert
Newest Tips & Tricks
Friday, June 20, 2025, 11:00 am
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Knowing how to use Facebook can change your business overnight by driving customers to your website and your business. Getting more customers will lead to more sales in this very competitive business environment. And more sales means more profits for you!!
Attendees to this workshop will learn the following key features about Facebook:
- How people see and react to content on Facebook.
- The connection between Facebook pages and profiles.
- Facebook content strategies and other best practices.
- Understand the basics of Facebook advertising
Registration Fee: FREE
| | Business News & Resources | | |
Trends, Challenges & Opportunities
in Kitsap's Local Job Market
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Courtesy of Kitsap Economic Development Alliance
KEDA is teaming up with their education partner, West Sound STEM, to evaluate Bureau of Labor Statistics and Employment Security Department data. This helps identify which employers are among those doing the most hiring in our community, as well as the industries and occupations in high demand.
Read more here
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Surprising Ways Your Company Can Be
Held Liable for Human Trafficking
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Courtesy of the Washington Hospitality Association
Published on FisherPhillips.com
The phrase alone – human trafficking – is enough to stir outrage, discomfort, or disbelief. What many employers may not realize, however, is that you do not have to be a “trafficker” to be held liable for trafficking. Companies across industries, from hospitality to agriculture to technology, are facing civil lawsuits and criminal investigations related to sex trafficking activities. If you think this can’t happen to your business, think again. Here is what you need to know to protect your organization, and four steps you can take to minimize danger in your workplace.
Read the full article here
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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 | | |
Nonprofit Legal Health Checklist Training
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 4:00 pm
| | Join Communities Rise for a webinar on how to keep your nonprofit in good legal health as you navigate local, state, and federal laws. In addition to discussing good record keeping, board governance, best practices under employment laws, privacy issues, and more 501(c)(3) legal topics, the legal experts at Communities Rise will also emphasize which issues and laws are especially important for understanding and navigating the current political climate. | | Great Peninsula Conservancy Partners with County to Care for Clear Creek Trail | | |
Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) and Kitsap County announce a new agreement to coordinate maintenance of the Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale, WA. The urban trail follows salmon-bearing Clear Creek as it winds through the downtown areas of Kitsap County’s largest retail center, passing through remanent riparian forests, wetlands, and community greenspaces. This non-motorized trail is wheelchair friendly, where possible, and is enjoyed by many, including families, dog walkers, runners, and cyclists, making it one of the best urban hiking trails in Kitsap County.
“For years the Clear Creek Task Force has done a great job managing the trail. Now GPC is picking up the mantle in partnership with Kitsap County to make sure this vital community resource is maintained for all to enjoy," says GPC Executive Director, Nathan Daniel. “It’s a big job and one that will be successful with support from local businesses, service groups, and volunteers,” Daniel added.
The trail starts in the south at Silverdale Waterfront Park and meanders north to the County-owned Schold Farm, with a spur to the east ending at Ridgetop Boulevard near St. Michael Medical Center. Clear Creek Trail is a valuable local asset that thousands of people use each year to enhance their overall wellbeing while connecting with nature.
“As Kitsap County continues to grow, preserving and maintaining spaces like Clear Creek Trail becomes increasingly important,” shares Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to balancing development with conservation, ensuring our community remains a place where people want to live, work, and play.”
Read the full press release here
| | Kitsap County Implements Temporary Hiring Freeze as Part of 2026 Budget Strategy | | |
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved on Monday a resolution implementing a temporary hiring freeze through Dec. 31, 2025, as part of proactive management of budget challenges the County has been monitoring for the past several years.
The measure addresses a projected $8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, with similar challenges expected in future years. The County's $609 million 2025 budget includes a $134 million General Fund constrained by revenue limitations and rising expenditures.
Read the press release 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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Bainbridge Pride @ Waterfront Park
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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Year of the Rural: Shape the Future
of Kitsap's Rural & Resource Lands
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All-American Classic Car Show
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
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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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Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel
Located in the heart of Kitsap County
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The Silverdale Beach Hotel, located on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula and the shores of Dyes Inlet, gives guests spacious, well-appointed rooms, friendly service and great value.
Whether you're on a getaway to relax or looking to explore the area, there is something for everyone. Three of the largest golf courses in Washington are all just a few minutes away.
The Beach Hotel is also located between two of the largest Naval bases in the world, Bangor and Keyport. In addition, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is right next to the Bremerton Ferry just 15 minutes away. We understand that a great location doesn't have to come at the expense of beautiful accommodations.
We are an award-winning hotel with honors from Best Western with our Director's Award, TripAdvisor Green Leader, as well as Fido's Favorite.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Dr Crue - Motley Crue Tribute
Friday, June 13, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Brickhouse 70's Disco
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails:
Annual Ride the Tide
Saturday, June 14, 2025
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RTT is the annual Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail (KPNWT) Paddle that is held each year to bring attention to our 371-mile National water trail. The Ride the Tide paddle is about eight tide assisted miles and will take 2-3 hours to complete. Starting at the Tracyton, WA Boat Ramp, we will paddle south through the Port Washington Narrows and past Bremerton with the current and finish at the Farmers Market in downtown Port Orchard, WA.
Join us and experience the thrill and excitement of Ride the Tide as we commemorate the anniversary of Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails with a fun day of kayaking and paddle boarding. Celebrate with friends old and new and take in the natural beauty of the Peninsula's shorelines. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity and Ride the Tide!
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BCT Presents: Suspect
Now thru June 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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Bremerton Bridge Blast
June 28 & 29, 2025
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Live @ the Roxy: For the Love of Quincy
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 6:30 pm
| | Join us for an unforgettable night of music, memory, and magic as we pay tribute to one of Bremerton’s most iconic sons—Quincy Jones. This powerful concert will honor Quincy’s legendary career spanning over seven decades, from his groundbreaking work as a composer, arranger, and producer to his influence across jazz, pop, film scores, and beyond. | | |
Bremerton Night Market
@ the Bremerton Boardwalk
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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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Quincy Square Grand Opening Festival
July 12 & 13, 2025
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Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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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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