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Advocates Explore Interest
in Connecting Kitsap Communities
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, June 21, 2025
Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Could a Mosquito Fleet ever come back?
While a network of small ferries, like what plied Puget Sound a century ago, is unlikely, recent test runs by the historic Carlisle II ferry and a Kitsap Transit public survey are at least testing the popularity of expanding passenger-only ferry routes around the county.
The agency that runs passenger-only boats from Bremerton to Port Orchard and from three Kitsap docks into Seattle is open to hear public feedback until June 25. In the survey, respondents are asked to answer their preference of ports that a small ferry could possibly connect sometime in the future.
“Now with more and more folks returning to the work site, in a post-pandemic era, we're starting to see a lot more congestion on our roadways," Sanjay Bhatt, Kitsap Transit public information director, said. "People are looking for ways to save time or save money traveling around Kitsap County."
Read the full article here
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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.
Online registration is now closed but we welcome walk-ins, however lunch may not be guaranteed.
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GKC Hosts: WA Saves Program Info Session
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 3:30 pm
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Now Hiring: Join the GKC Team
Support the business community of Kitsap County
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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! | | |
Celebrate with St. Michael Medical
Family Birth Center 25th Anniversary
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Save-the-Date: The Coffee Oasis Hope Gala
Friday, September 12, 2025
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Tickets are on sale now for The Coffee Oasis' annual Hope Gala. All proceeds support shelter, job training, mentorship, and other vital programs for youth in crisis. The evening will include dinner, auctions, a dessert dash, and moving stories from youth whose lives have been impacted by The Coffee Oasis.
The Coffee Oasis is also seeking sponsorship from local businesses. Learn more here.
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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 | | |
SCORE: A Success Blueprint for Entrepreneurs
Friday, June 27, 2025, 9:00 am
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Take control of 2025 with a powerful new approach to goal setting. This workshop helps small business owners create a comprehensive blueprint for success, emphasizing the need for intentionality and adaptability. Learn the art of setting precise, actionable goals and developing a roadmap with scalable milestones, ensuring you achieve both personal satisfaction and professional triumph in the upcoming year.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Marketing Plan 101
Create Your Roadmap to Success
Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 10:00 am
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Are you overwhelmed by all the choices for your marketing your business in the new year? Not sure where your time is best spent? Are you following what everyone else is doing and hope it works for you too?
A well-executed marketing plan will help you:
- Define your business with SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat)
- Define your target audience with buyer personas
- Tools you will need to execute on your marketing plan
- Measuring and Optimizing your Marketing Efforts
- Define your brand with proper visuals and messaging
- Learn how to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to build parts of your marketing plan
Registration Fee: FREE
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Starting a Business in Washington Webinar
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 9:00 am
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Join this free, one-hour webinar to gain essential knowledge for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration, and licensing requirements. You'll also connect with members of the Small Business Liaison Team, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements and enhancing your business practices.
| | Business News & Resources | | The New Rules Redefining Work in Washington | | |
Courtesy of West Sound Workforce, June 2025
As Washington’s legislative landscape evolves, HR professionals and business leaders are racing the clock to comply. Major federal and state employment law updates are here—and many take effect as soon as July 1, 2025.
At West Sound Workforce, our HR professionals (not lawyers) have broken down the most important changes to help you align your employee handbook, HR policies, and internal practices—before deadlines arrive.
Read the full blog post here
Update your Employee Handbooks now with these resources
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KEDA Publishes 2024 Top
Employer Survey Results
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The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in collaboration with the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University (CERB-WWU), has published the 2024 Kitsap Top Employers List, offering critical insight into the county’s employment landscape.
As the most frequently accessed report on KEDA’s website, the Top Employers List is a valuable resource for public and private sector partners, site selectors, real estate professionals, and companies exploring expansion or relocation in Kitsap County. The 2024 data reflect total headcount and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employment as of December 31, 2024, based on direct data submissions to KEDA and CERB-WWU, unless otherwise noted.
| | Washington State Introduces LGBTQ Certification for Small Businesses | | Washington State is launching LGBTQ Certification for small businesses! Starting July 1, 2025, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can apply to get certified with the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). This program would not be possible without the partnership of Washington State LGBTQ Commission, and many community advocates. | | |
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 | | |
KCNE Hosts: Promoting Planned Giving
to Your Donors and Volunteers
Monday, July 7, 2025, 10:30 am
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August is National Make-A-Will Month—a powerful opportunity to inspire long-term generosity in support of your mission. Join Kitsap Community Foundation’s CEO, Tina O’Brien, for a free, 90-minute webinar hosted by the Kitsap Center for Nonprofit Excellence (KCNE).
Whether you’re new to planned giving or looking to take your strategy further, this session will equip you with actionable insights, practical resources, and real-world techniques you can start using immediately.
Why attend?
- Gain best practices for promoting planned giving
- Learn how to leverage “Make-A-Will” Month in August
- Access a toolkit of templates, guides, and messaging tips
- Engage in a live Q&A with planned giving experts
This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders, board members, development staff, and anyone working with donors or volunteers. Don’t miss this chance to build long-term sustainability for your organization.
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Use the Summer Slump
to Maximize Year-End Giving
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Published on NonprofitPRO.com, June 23, 2025
Photo: Getty Images by Luis Alvarez
The slow days of summer have arrived. Kids are out of school, families are taking vacations together, and everyone is outside enjoying the sun and warm weather. As a result, fewer people are dedicating attention to their favorite charities. For nonprofits, this annual summer slowdown is an expected part of the ebb and flow of charitable giving.
This year, the summer slump comes with additional challenges as nonprofits face a triple squeeze of funding:
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Many organizations expect to see spending cuts or freezes due to shifting federal budget priorities that have already resulted in nearly $400 million in cuts to active grants, leading to the shutdown of more than 1,000 programs.
- Individual donors are giving less and to fewer organizations.
- Nonprofits face rising demands for services across all sectors.
The summer season presents an opportunity for nonprofits to recharge and adopt a strategic approach. According to recent data, 25% of annual giving comes in between GivingTuesday and Dec. 31 — with a 5% occurring on Dec. 31. With these facts in mind, nonprofits should deploy strategies to turn the slower summer months into a time for building momentum and strengthening donor relations in preparation for a year-end fundraising blitz.
Read the 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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All-American Classic Car Show
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Kingston 4th of July
Activities for the entire family
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8-11 am Pancake Breakfast
Kingston Cove Yacht Club 25815 Washington Blvd NE
Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, ham, orange juice and coffee. Open to the public. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
10 am-5 pm Tiny Town
Village Green Park 10810 NE W Kingston Rd
Inflatable bouncy house attractions along with other activities from Scouts and KR Library. Food and Non Food vendors. Tiny Town closes for one hour at noon for the parade.
Noon-1 pm Kingston 4th of July Parade
NE State Hwy 104, Linvog Rd NE to Washington Blvd NE
Viewing areas on N and S sides of NE State Hwy 104
1 pm Free Hot Dogs for Kids
Kingston Cove Yacht Club 25815 Washington Blvd NE
Free hot dogs for children 12 & under, nominal charge for adults, until supplies run out. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
Immediately following the Parade Ball Race
Central Ave, between Ohio Ave & Washington Blvd NE
Race starts immediately following the parade, as soon as parade traffic has cleared Central Ave. Sponsored by the Kingston Beautification Committee & Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club.
1-9 pm Beer, Wine & Spirits Tent
Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston
Beer, wine & spirits will be available for guests 21 & over. Open to the public. Acoustic Music 2pm-3:30pm Bannister & Maine, 3:30pm-5pm James Murray solo. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
6-10 pm Music
Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston, Main Stage
Enjoy the sounds of Soul Siren & Planet Groove. Sponsored by the Kingston Ale House
11 am-10 pm Entertainment
Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston
Food Vendors located in the parking lot area.
10:15 pm Fireworks
Mike Wallace, Port of Kingston Harbor
Fireworks commence when it is dark. Sponsored by The Point Casino & Hotel.
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4th of July Car Show
July 4, 2025, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Community Fix-It Fair
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
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Kitsap County Solid Waste, in partnership with Kitsap Regional Library, is hosting a free Fix-it Fair on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bremerton – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. branch, located at 612 5th Street in Bremerton.
This community event brings together skilled volunteers who will help repair household items, giving residents a chance to save money, reduce waste, and connect with neighbors. All Kitsap residents are welcome!
What to bring
Kitsap residents are welcome to bring up to two items to each Fix-it Fair. Popular items include lamps, small home appliances, vacuums, bicycles (minor repairs), small electronics, clothing, and textiles. Please note that all items must be carried in and out by the owner — oversized items are not allowed. Volunteer fixers will do their best to assess and attempt repairs, but there are no guarantees. Some items are more difficult to repair, can take longer than we have time for at the event, or even break more during a repair attempt.
What not to bring
- No large appliances
- No appliances with refrigerants
- No items that are leaking fluids
- No items having noxious or excessive odors
- No microwaves
- No items filled with oil or gas
- No grimy, dirty, or hazardous items
What to expect at a Fix-it Fair
Before visiting our Fix-it Fairs, please:
- Clean your items
- Bring any instructions or manuals that you might have
- Purchase and bring your repair part. We’ll have some small items available; however, if you require a special part, we’ll request you purchase it ahead of time.
- Check event specific information! Each event may have different fixing skills available. We’ll do our best to keep our events webpage updated with current information on skills available.
- Participants must arrive and check-in by 1:30 p.m.
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Coffee Oasis Day at the Tacoma Rainiers
Sunday, July 27, 2025
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You're invited to a fun and meaningful afternoon at the ballpark! Come cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers while supporting youth experiencing homelessness in our community. This special afternoon is a great opportunity to enjoy a game, connect with others who care about the community, and support The Coffee Oasis.
Your $20 ticket will include:
+ Admission
+ Hot dog
+ Chips
+ Bottled Water
+ And you support youth programs and shelters at The Coffee Oasis
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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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Fairfield Inn & Suites Poulsbo
Velkommen Til Poulsbo!
| | Velkommen Til Poulsbo. We invite you to be our guest at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Poulsbo, overlooking Liberty Bay. Discover the downtown area with delicious restaurants, local shops, and big-name businesses nearby. Conveniently located 2.5 miles from historic downtown Poulsbo, and a short 10-minute drive from Bangor Naval Base. Before heading out to explore, enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast and all-day coffee, and enjoy local beer and wine available for sale in our 24-hour Market. Take a swim in the indoor pool open year-round. You will feel comfortable in our spacious guest rooms, all featuring microwaves, mini fridges, flat screen TVs and WiFi throughout the hotel. Our staff will make you feel comfortable and right at home, and we look forward to welcoming you to Little Norway. | | |
Clearwater Casino Presents:
Ragdolls - Female Aerosmith Tribute
Friday, June 27, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Jon B & Shai
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 7:00 pm
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Madman Across the Water - Elton John Tribute
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:30 pm
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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 Bridge Blast
June 28 & 29, 2025
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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
Now thru June 29, 2025
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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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