Tuesday, November 22, 2022 |
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Chamber Celebrates at
Inaugural Business Awards Gala
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The Puget Sound Ballroom hosted a sold-out event for the Greater Kitsap Chamber's Inaugural Business Awards Gala on Thursday, with nearly 300 in attendance. The event celebrated businesses and organizations around the Greater Kitsap region with awards such as Pioneer Business of the Year and Hospitality Business of the Year. Nominations were open to the public and individuals or businesses nominated were asked to submit an application. A panel of judges, comprised of non-Chamber individuals reviewed all completed applications, selecting finalists and the top awardees.
More than 75 businesses were up for consideration at the event with top honors going to the following:
Natalie E. Bryson Pioneer Business of the Year
Kitsap Bank
Business of the Year
Vibe Coworks
Dr. Glen Gordon New Business of the Year
White Barn Decor
Hospitality Business of the Year
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nonprofit of the Year
Foundation for Homeless & Poverty Management
Citizen of the Year
Michele Wasson
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Additional thanks to our sponsor not pictured above: |
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Gesa Credit Union Awards Greater Kitsap Chamber Local Heroes Grant |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is excited to announce that it has been chosen by the Gesa Community Foundation as a recipient of Gesa Credit Union’s Local Heroes Grant Award, receiving $15,000 in funding, in support of the Chamber's local military and veteran's programs, Military Appreciation Day and the Armed Forces Day Festival.
“Gesa is committed to serving the dedicated heroes our community relies on across Washington,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “We’re thrilled to honor the valuable, community-building work that the Greater Kitsap Chamber has done, and we thank them for their selfless efforts in serving our community.”
Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program offers funding to organizations that assist Local Heroes in Washington, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, teachers and veterans. This year, 43 organizations were awarded through the program.
"We are thrilled to partner with Gesa Credit Union to provide resources and services to our local military and first responder communities here in Kitsap," shared David Emmons, President and CEO of the Chamber. "The Greater Kitsap Chamber shares Gesa's commitment to local heroes and is excited for the continued work this funding will allow us to do on behalf of this very important population here in Kitsap."
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Chamber Seeking Nominations |
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Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Contact Irene now!
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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November Member of the Month
Bouchard Hauling & Removal
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Serving Mason, Kitsap & Pierce County
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Miss PKS' Pancakes with the Princesses
November 26-27, 2022
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Tickets can also be purchased to benefit foster families. Please contact Michele Wasson for tickets and payment or Venmo the Miss PKS Organization at @MissPKSpageant.
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Coffee Oasis' Family Christmas Project
A personal present. A place to stay. And people to celebrate with.
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Opportunities Available at Seaport Salon |
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Martha & Mary
Caring for Children and Seniors Since 1891
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Martha & Mary provides quality, compassionate care and intergenerational experiences for children, adults and seniors regardless of faith, ethnicity or economic status. We do this in a Christian manner by offering those we serve caring rehabilitation, a safe place to grow and learn, and an opportunity to live with dignity, honor and individuality.
Trust: We value the confidence placed in us to care for those we serve.
Compassion: We care for each person with dignity and respect.
Excellence: We are continually improving and strive to be the best.
Stewardship: We use our talents and resources wisely.
Service: We are sensitive to the needs of those we serve.
Proud Chamber members for nearly 20 years, Martha & Mary's has been caring for children, seniors and families in Kitsap since 1891, offering exceptional care that feels like family.
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19160 Front St NE, PO Box 127 | Poulsbo, WA 98370 | 360-779-7500 |
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AWB Institute Seeks Input on
Industry-Recognized Credentials
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The AWB Institute and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) are partnering to help ensure high school students are prepared to join the workforce—and they need your help.
Please complete a survey about the non-degree credentials that are helpful — or required — in your workplace. The AWB Institute and OSPI will use this information to develop a state-approved resource of industry-vetted non-degree credentials validated by experts representing education, business and labor. Survey results will guide program development and improved, equitable outcomes for students who are our state’s future employees.
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December Member Luncheon at The Admiral
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Native American Heritage Month
Resources for Native American Entrepreneurs
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Since it was designated as National Native American Heritage Month more than 30 years ago, November has been a time to honor the rich culture and traditions of Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Each of these groups has made an indelible impact on our nation, and the small business space is no exception. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Native Americans own approximately 26,064 businesses nationwide, employ over 260,000 people, and account for $44.9 billion in annual revenue.
With the Native American population projected to grow by nearly 30% by 2060, the SBA wants to do its part in seeing those figures increase. Offered through the Office of Native American Affairs, the following resources are designed to help Native American entrepreneurs kickstart their business journey — and keep the momentum going once they’re up and running.
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Business News & Resources |
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How Retailers Can Turn Seasonal Workers
into Long-Term Employees
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Retailers have an opportunity this holiday season to fortify their workforce numbers for the coming year by using strategies to attract and retain seasonal workers. Retailers are expected to hire between 450,000 and 600,000 seasonal workers nationally this year, and holiday hiring serves as a significant pipeline to year-round work. Many retailers are using broader recruiting tactics, simplifying their hiring processes, and offering higher wages and benefits to maintain a talented workforce.
Speed is essential in hiring, so having an application that takes as little as five minutes and a response time or job offer to candidates within 48 hours can give retailers a definite edge. This doesn’t mean cutting corners but rather composing an application of questions that truly matter. Macy’s, for example, has moved to converting associates immediately into open permanent roles rather than waiting until the end of the holiday season to determine permanent hires.
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Prep for Holiday Shopping & Shop Local Season
Marketing Questions Answered by the Experts
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Who Is Washington Retail? |
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community. To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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Nonprofit Fundamentals
Enhanced and Refreshed Resources
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Nonprofits need accurate and up-to-date resources to support their governance, finance, and compliance efforts. By building a solid foundation, organizations can develop and progress on their own terms. This is why NAWA’s team worked tirelessly to enhance our Nonprofit Fundamentals resources, which include the Boards in Gear, Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits, and Let’s Go Legal materials.
Whether you are new to nonprofits or have spent your career in the sector, there is something for everyone in the Nonprofit Fundamentals materials. The resources were crafted to empower peer learning. We want you to share with others and have the confidence to lead continued learning activities with your own board, staff, or volunteer team. We are excited for you to engage with the enhanced resources and new online formatting.
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Registration Open for 32nd Annual
Kitsap County Conference for Human Rights
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Join the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights for the 32nd Annual Conference for Human Rights that takes place virtually from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 10.
The conference is free but pre-registration is required. Go to http://kcowa.us/hrc to view the conference schedule and register.
This year's event centers around "THIS is HOME: Our Bodies, Our Communities, Our Planet," and looks at these topics from a human rights perspective, how they intersect and impact each other. The conference will feature a roundtable discussion and multiple break-out sessions.
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management provides local businesses with free KN95 masks and COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both Greater Kitsap Chamber locations today. |
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COVID-19 Support & Resources |
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Kitsap County Health District is now posting a regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County. This list can be found here.
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Silverdale Rotary Hosts Annual Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 24, 2022
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68th Annual Silverdale Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 26, 2022
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Admiral Theatre Presents
Damonde Tschritter & Friends
Saturday, November 26, 2022, 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!
This Thanksgiving weekend laugh off all of that turkey and pie with "The Canadians Are Coming" featuring Damonde Tschritter & Friends.
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Dance Arts Theatre
34th Annual Nutcracker
Saturday & Sunday, November 26-27, 2022
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Day Trip from Central Kitsap
Cinderella @ Port Gamble Theater
December 2-18, 2022
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The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers and Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Join us this December as Cinderella’s dream comes true. |
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Downtown Bremerton Association's WinterFest
Sunday, December 2-4, 2022
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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 Tuesday's Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Joe Barboza
Operations Manager
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Brenda Kelley
Tourism Coordinator
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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