Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | | |
Advocacy Committee Makes Impact
at Olympia Legislative Hill Climb
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On January 27, members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Committee joined the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Legislative Hill Climb in Olympia to ensure Kitsap business voices were heard at the state capitol.
Our team met directly with 26th District Representatives Michelle Valdez and Addison Richards, and 23rd District Representatives Greg Nance and Tarra Simmons, to discuss the committee's legislative priorities. We provided detailed information on key bills affecting our members, sharing specific reasons why these legislators should support or oppose measures that will impact Kitsap businesses.
The day also featured Governor Bob Ferguson's address on the state budget, where he emphasized his commitment to balancing the budget through collaborative work with the Legislature, which is a critical issue for business stability.
Committee members attended public hearings to observe the legislative process firsthand and participated in AWB-hosted information sessions covering workforce development, employment law, tax and fiscal policy, and housing. These sessions provided valuable insights into how state lawmakers are working to support Washington businesses and highlighted emerging legislative trends that could affect our local economy.
This direct engagement demonstrates the Chamber's commitment to proactive advocacy. By building relationships with our representatives and staying informed on legislative developments, the Advocacy Committee ensures that Kitsap business interests are represented when it matters most.
Interested in joining the Advocacy Committee? Contact Alysa Grimes at alysa@silverdalelawyers.com to learn how you can help shape policies that affect our business community.
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Sign Up to Participate in
Military Appreciation Day 2026
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This interactive event is designed to show appreciation to the men and women of our military: Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, including Retirees, and their families. Military Appreciation Day includes an information fair for new service members coming to our community in 2026. The general public is welcome!
Questions? Contact Mindy Rocha-Barella at parade@greaterkitsapchamber.com.
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Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 5:05pm
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February Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 11:00am
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See Why Local Businesses
Rely on Chamber Publications
Reserve your ad space now!
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Local businesses know the power of Chamber publications. Here's what one longtime advertiser shared:
"I have always advertised in the Chamber's publications, but my new assistant didn't believe anyone looks at these publications anymore. So I decided to pull my ads. A couple of months later, I saw these being given out to employees of a major employer moving to the area as part of a relocation packet. I thought to myself, I will never miss advertising in the Chamber's publications again."
Today, our Chamber Maps reach even further with both printed copies and an interactive digital format.
Contact Brandom Burton at brandon@communitymattersinc.com or 360-362-0929
View the media kit: https://springhillpress.net/greaterkitsap/
| Greater Kitsap Chamber & Leadership Kitsap: 2026 Kitsap Women's Summit | | |
The Kitsap Women's Summit planning committee is proud to present Kitsap Women's Summit 2026: Breakthrough. Join us for our 3rd annual summit where we're diving into topics meant to create and sustain momentum - breaking through limits, beliefs, transitions and noise. This day-long gathering is curated for women, by women, and was brought to life by the need for real space for conversation, community, connection, and personal and professional development, amplifying women's voices and experiences across Kitsap County.
Business Health Trust is proud to serve as our 2026 Visionary Sponsor. For more information on how you can join them in sponsoring this event, please visit our website at www.greaterkitsapchamber.com/kitsap-womens-summit.
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Save-the-Date: Armed Forces Day 2026 | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Benefits: Not sure what changed? Start with one first stop.
After benefits updates, hesitation is normal. People are not sure what’s covered or what it will cost. With BHT, Nice is your first stop for care.
Nice Healthcare removes that pause. $0 care makes it easier to get help sooner, often same-day or within a day. For many common needs, starting with Nice can replace an urgent care visit. Nice also includes 550+ common medications at $0 when prescribed by Nice, with pick-up at most major pharmacies.
🔗 Webpage Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/products/nice-healthcare/
Questions? Contact BHT!
(425) 201-1972
nice@businesshealthtrust.com
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 us now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New & Renewing Members for January
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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BSD EP&O Levy
Voting open until February 10
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My Furry Valentine
Now thru February 14, 2026
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The Local Business Game Plan
January - March, 2026
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LKPI: The Manager's Guide
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00am
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Intro to Facilities Maintenance with Tessera
April - June, 2026, 2:00pm
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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.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is pleased to recognize Fairfield Inn & Suites Bremerton as our February Member of the Month. Located in the heart of downtown Bremerton and part of the trusted Marriott brand, Fairfield Inn & Suites has become a welcoming hub for travelers, military families, and business professionals visiting our community. Since joining the Chamber, their team has demonstrated consistent engagement—attending luncheons, Off the Clock events, and Chamber programs that strengthen local partnerships.
Where Hospitality Meets Community
Fairfield Inn & Suites Bremerton has been a steadfast supporter of community and economic vitality. Their dedication extends beyond offering comfortable accommodations—they’ve been an active collaborator in efforts to highlight what makes Bremerton a unique and thriving destination. Notably, their partnership with the Chamber and Visit Kitsap Peninsula in the creation of a video advertisement showcased not only their professionalism but their genuine enthusiasm for elevating our region’s visibility.
A Partner You Can Count On
What sets Fairfield Inn & Suites apart is the reliability and warmth of their team. Over the years, they have consistently shown a willingness to support local initiatives, engage with other businesses, and contribute to the Chamber's mission of fostering a vibrant Kitsap economy. Their openness, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit make them a valued partner and a shining example of how businesses can uplift their community.
Whether hosting guests for leisure, business, or naval travel, Fairfield Inn & Suites Bremerton delivers comfort with a personal touch - while staying deeply connected to the place they serve. Visit their website to learn more about their amenities, hospitality, and commitment to Bremerton.
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RECAP: Bremerton Town Hall | | |
On January 31, the Advocacy Committee attended a town hall at the Norm Dicks Government Center hosted by Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler, 23rd Legislative District Representative Greg Nance, and 26th Legislative District Representative Addison Richards. The event provided valuable insight into legislative priorities and local concerns affecting Kitsap businesses and residents. Key topics discussed included:
Tax Fairness and Budget: Officials addressed Washington's 49th-out-of-50 ranking for tax fairness and the need to evaluate current spending in the budget. Proposals included targeted sales tax relief and tax breaks for small businesses employing Kitsap residents.
Housing and Homelessness: Representatives discussed the Mile Hill project, efforts to maintain Salvation Army services, and new state legislation to simplify permitting and address 3-5 year housing waitlists.
Immigration Enforcement: Legislators outlined bills requiring marked ICE vehicles and uniforms, warrant requirements for private spaces, and protections preventing state sharing of Dreamer information with federal authorities.
Revenue Proposals: The Well Washington Fund (HB 2100) drew discussion, with concerns raised about Seattle's experience with similar taxation and suggestions for alternative revenue sources including data center taxes and B&O adjustments.
The town hall demonstrated the importance of direct constituent engagement in shaping policy decisions. The Advocacy Committee will continue monitoring these issues as they affect our business community.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
CRP: Small Business Grant Opportunity
Deadline Friday, February 20, 2026
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SCORE: Paying Your Employees in WA
Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:00am
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Hiring employees comes with significant responsibilities, including payroll management and tax compliance. This workshop covers essential topics such as wage laws, federal and Washington payroll taxes, record keeping requirements, and best practices for avoiding penalties. Whether you're handling payroll yourself or using a service, this session will equip you with the knowledge to ensure accurate and compliant payroll operations.
About the Presenter:
This workshop is presented by SCORE Business Mentor Joe Heinrich. Joe is a retired CPA having worked for 12 years with KPMG, an international accounting firm, and 22 years with Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. in various finance executive positions. Over the past 11 years since his retirement, Joe has help hundreds of small business owners make their businesses more profitable, eliminated problems with their accounting, assisted them in obtaining financing for their business and helped them save thousands of dollars of Federal and Washington taxes. He also presents the “Tax Saving Strategies for Small Businesses” and “Tax Essentials for New and Existing Business Owners” workshops for SCORE.
Registration Fee: $10
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SCORE: From Google to AI Search
How Service Businesses Stay Discoverable
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1:00pm
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Search is changing fast. Customers are no longer finding local service businesses only through Google, they’re increasingly asking AI tools who to hire.
In this practical, non-technical workshop, you’ll learn how local service businesses can stay discoverable as search evolves from traditional Google results to AI-powered search and answers. We’ll cover how Google Business Profiles, websites, reviews, and structured content now feed both Google and AI systems and what simple steps you can take today to future-proof your online presence.
Using real-world examples from home service businesses, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable guidance to improve visibility, earn trust, and attract more customers without chasing buzzwords or complex tools.
Registration Fee: $10.00
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Tariff Strategies
Practical Guide for Businesses in 2026
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10:00am
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The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington, will kick off the 2026 International Trade Talk series with this informative session.
The speaker will share actionable strategies to help businesses mitigate tariff impacts and reduce supply chain risks—practical insights you can apply right away.
The key takeaways include:
- Six strategies to eliminate duties
- Four strategies to lower or delay duties
- Four ways to rethink your supply chain
- Three strategies to recover duties.
Speaker: Mike Alllocca, a nationally recognized expert on international trade across the U.S. and a regular partner of federal agencies to stay at the forefront of trade regulations.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SBDC: Setting Yourself Up to Make a Profit
Costing and Break-Even Analysis
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 1:00pm
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Often, we skip over our understanding of our own costs and go straight to pricing. But how can we begin to figure out how much to charge a customer until we know our costs?
In this webinar, we will dive into the development of financial projections with a focus on costing. We will review the characteristics of your costs, learn about the contribution margin approach, and how to calculate what your break-even sales are for your business.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to apply your understanding of the cost structures for your own business and have the tools to begin to set goals for yourself.
The instructor, Ann Zimmerman, is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor. She earned her BA in Accounting from Western Washington University and received her Master’s degree in Accounting and Tax from Washington State University. Ann has over thirty years of experience in business and has worked in various industries, including retail, construction services, manufacturing, healthcare, and not-for-profit.
Registration Fee: FREE
| | Business News & Resources | | Valentine's Day Retail Trends to Watch in 2026 | |
Published in the WA Retail Association, January 29, 2026
Photo Courtesy of WRA
Valentine’s Day remains a major moment for retailers in 2026, with U.S. consumer spending projected at $27.5 billion and average spending nearing $190. While the holiday continues to drive strong sales, recent marketing trends show a shift away from broad discounting toward more thoughtful and customer focused strategies.
One notable change is an expanded definition of who and what is celebrated. About one third of shoppers plan to purchase gifts for friends, themselves, or even pets. Retailers that acknowledge friendship, self-care, and appreciation alongside traditional romance are reaching a wider audience without creating new occasions.
Personalization has also become an expectation rather than a bonus. Shoppers respond to tailored recommendations, guided gift tools, and curated collections that simplify decision making and reduce stress. These approaches help customers feel confident while often increasing basket size.
Curated bundles and gift guides continue to perform well by clearly presenting value and relevance. By organizing products by recipient or price range, retailers make it easier for shoppers to navigate a crowded seasonal marketplace.
Interactive and gamified experiences are another area of growth. Quizzes, discovery tools, and interactive offers can capture attention and encourage engagement in ways that standard promotions often do not. These experiences also provide retailers with better insight into shopper preferences.
Finally, storytelling and community focused messaging are gaining traction. Campaigns that highlight humor, everyday moments, or customer appreciation tend to feel more authentic and inclusive.
Read the article here
| | 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. | | |
Changes Affecting WA Workers' Pay
& Improving Workplace Safety
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State law requires the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to calculate several wage standards, including the minimum wage, each year. The department makes the calculations using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
State minimum wage going up
Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $17.13 an hour on Jan.1, 2026. That’s 2.8 percent higher than the $16.66 an hour minimum wage in 2025.
Employers may pay 85 percent of the minimum wage, or $14.56 an hour, to 14- and 15-year-old workers.
Local governments are allowed to set minimum wages that are higher than those of the state minimum. Areas with higher minimum wages include Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien, and unincorporated King County.
The L&I website includes information about the minimum wage along with details about overtime, rest breaks, meal periods, and how to file a wage complaint. The minimum wage information is available in 15 languages online.
New tower crane safety requirements
Starting Jan. 1, prime contractors must obtain a permit and follow manufacturers’ instructions for the operation, assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane. L&I will consider a prime contractor’s history of safety and health violations as part of the application process for a permit.
Information about the new crane tower requirements is on L&I’s website.
Overtime-exempt workers
Certain types of employees are considered exempt from rules requiring they be paid overtime if they are paid on a salary basis, perform work consistent with Executive, Administrative or Professional duties, and are paid at, or above, a certain salary that L&I calculates.
For 2026, all employers must pay overtime-exempt workers at least 2.25 times the minimum wage. That means to be exempt an employee must be paid at least $1,541.70 a week ($80,168.40 a year). The rate for exempt computer professionals who are paid by the hour will be 3.5 times the minimum wage, or $59.96 an hour.
Pay for rideshare drivers
The minimum pay rideshare drivers will earn goes up on Jan. 1:
- For trips within Seattle, it’s rising to 70 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.63 per passenger platform mile, or $6.12, whichever is greater.
- For trips outside of Seattle, it goes up to 40 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.38 per passenger platform mile, or $3.55, whichever is greater.
Non-compete clauses
L&I is also responsible for calculating the minimum annual salary required for a non-compete clause or employee contract to be enforceable. In 2026, the threshold for employees will be $126,858.83. For independent contractors, the minimum will be $317,147.09. A non-compete clause or employee contract for a worker earning less than these amounts is not enforceable.
Wage complaints
L&I enforces the state’s wage-and-hour laws and investigates all wage-payment complaints. A worker rights complaint can be filed online, downloaded and mailed to the agency, or at a local L&I office.
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
5 Keys to Improving
Nonprofit Email Performance
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Published in NonprofitPRO, January 28, 2026
Photo: Getty Images/Nipitphon Na Chiangmai/EyeEm
I tend to scroll quickly through my personal inbox, spending mere seconds deciding what to open and what to swipe right into the trash. At the same time, I’m on the other side of that decision — building emails designed to engage donors — and keenly aware that I have 10 seconds (or less!) to earn attention. And that’s after overcoming new roadblocks like artificial intelligence and machine clicks that make it harder to actually reach a human.
If you’re asking how to take your nonprofit email communications to the next level, small, often overlooked details often determine what gets opened, clicked, or ignored. Here are five key areas to examine to optimize your emails — and actionable steps to see real results with your next campaign.
1. Performance
How can you get higher open and click-through rates? The answer varies by nonprofit and by specific segment. That’s why A/B testing is such an important, data-driven way to verify what engages your audience. Try testing subject lines with first-name personalization, questions, countdowns, or action-oriented language in your subject lines as a starting point. Then, as you grow, continue split testing elements like sender name, images, use of animated GIFs, and time of day variations.
2. Personalization
How can you show you know your audience? First, strive for data cleanliness that supports first-name or salutation personalization — and always do careful checks of dynamic content. Using dynamic fields to populate giving history (amount and year) or a suggested gift amount can be the next step. Then make sure the donor journey is consistent from the email to the online giving form. For instance, does the gift array match? Does the autoresponder send them to more stories about the same topic?
Read the article here
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NAWA: Tools for Running an Effective Nonprofit
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 10:00am
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A virtual workshop for leaders of small, all or mostly volunteer organizations wanting to learn the basics on how to deliver on your mission.
Your organization exists to make a difference. A group of people got together—maybe including you—and founded a nonprofit corporation to tackle an important issue. That corporation is like a car. It has a shape and size, it needs to be registered, and the people in the car matter. You need fuel to propel it forward.
During Tools for Running an Effective Nonprofit, we will cover the basics of running a nonprofit. We will draw on tested tips and tools, including Nonprofit Association of Washington’s four learning toolkits on boards, finance, law, and planning. You will leave with concrete next steps on how to strengthen your organization to better achieve your mission. Join us on this road trip to a strong nonprofit!
Topics Include:
- The right size for your organization to be sustainable
- Legal and finance information to compliance and protection
- Budgeting
- Program design
- Volunteer management
- Fundraising
- Grant readiness
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New Food Inspection Signs
Help Kitsap Stay Healthy
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Published in Kitsap Public Health District, January 6, 2026
Photo courtesy of KPHD
KITSAP COUNTY, WA — It’s lunchtime and you’re craving pizza. One pizza restaurant has a “best” food safety inspection sign. The other one “needs improvement.” Which pizza place do you choose?
New food safety inspection signs
Up until recently, it wasn't so easy to find food safety inspection scores for Kitsap restaurants. Kitsap Public Health District has posted food inspection reports on its website for many years. However, inspection reports can be difficult to read, and many Kitsap residents weren’t aware that they could find the reports online.
Last year, we set out to make it easier for our community to find and use food safety information.
Starting in July 2025, we required all permitted food service establishments in Kitsap County (such as restaurants, grocery stores, and food trucks) to post new food inspection signs that display their scores from recent food inspections. The signs use emojis and simple text to communicate the establishment’s overall food safety rating. Categories are:
- Best: No violations observed (100% average score)
- Great: A few violations observed
- Okay: A number of violations observed
- Needs to improve: Establishment is on probation
Businesses that haven’t had a food safety inspection yet receive a sign that says, "We are still new." Temporary food establishments, such as vendors at fairs and festivals, are inspected by Kitsap Public Health but do not receive inspection signs.
Read the article here
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Two Candidates Planning to Contest
Kitsap Sheriff Election in 2026
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, February 2, 2026
Photos courtesy of the Kitsap Sun
The 2026 election season is beginning, and two candidates are already expressing the intent to run for Kitsap County Sheriff later this year.
Longtime KCSO employee Brandon Myers announced Tuesday, Jan. 27 that he will join Rick Kuss, who ran for the office four years ago, in the race. Candidates do not formally file for the election until May, followed by an August primary and November general election. Myers and Kuss have both registered with the state's Public Disclosure Commission, which allows candidates to begin fundraising.
Current Kitsap County Sheriff John Gese is planning to retire and will not seek re-election.
Myers, who has served with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office for 23 years, declared his intention to file for head of the largest county agency in a statement on Monday, marking his first political campaign. He is currently a detective sergeant at KCSO, and was born and raised in Kitsap County.
Read the article here
| | New Titleholders Crowned for PKS | Congratulations to the new titleholders for the Miss Poulsbo, Miss Kitsap, Miss Silverdale Scholarship Organization: (pictured from left) Miss Poulsbo, Madison Coulston, Miss Kitsap, Paulynne Crouse, and Miss Silverdale, Marcelene Alina. | |
Live Music @ The Sip
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 6:00pm
| The Pontunes are joining us at The Sip for an evening of live music (and possibly dancing)! Known for their top-notch vocals, versatile instrumentals and an eclectic song list, The Pontunes blend classics and deep cuts from The Beatles and Van Morrison to Frank Sinatra, Neil Young and even a few hidden gems and B-sides. | |
Quincy Square Jazz Festival 2026
February 5 - February 6, 2026
| On February 5th & 6th, 2026, the Music Discovery Center of Bremerton and Olympic College are proud to present the 2nd Annual Quincy Square Jazz Festival. With his discovery of music in Bremerton, Quincy Jones went on to be one of the most celebrated performers, producers, and promoters of Jazz and modern music in American history. From Bebop to Pop to Hip hop, Quincy has been on the forefront of musical innovation his entire career and the city of Bremerton is proud to honor him with Quincy Square, a brand new music promenade in downtown Bremerton on 4th Street. | | |
Bremerton First Friday Artwalk
Friday, February 6, 2026, 5:00pm
| | Enjoy a free community event that showcases the thriving art scene in Bremerton. First Friday Art Walk is held in Downtown Bremerton, Charleston, Lebo, and Manette every first Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm. Rain or shine. Discover your future favorite gallery, retail shops, and local eats! | | |
Bremerton Greendrinks @ Café Omni
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 5:00pm
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Mini & Me Paint Night
Friday, February 13, 2026, 5:30pm
| | Spend the evening painting with your grown-up! A super fun activity for all, creating a super memory. $28 with all materials included. | | |
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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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Non Jovi - Bon Jovi Tribute
Friday, February 6, 2026, 8:30pm
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Infinity Project
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:30pm
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Quinn Sullivan @ The Admiral Theatre
Friday, February 6, 2026, 7:30pm
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Twenty four-year-old Quinn Sullivan came to prominence as a young guitar virtuoso who, after a chance encounter with Buddy Guy at the age of 8, would go on to become a buzzed-about blues phenom.
When it came time to write and record his fifth album, Salvation, the singer-songwriter-guitarist was processing the sudden passing of his mother. The resulting 11-track album is his most personal. Salvation honors Quinn’s musical roots while forging his path forward as an emotive and engaging singer-songwriter.
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Port Gamble Ghost Walk
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7:00pm
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Good Times Roll @ The Admiral Theatre
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7:30pm
| | The Cars, a multi-platinum selling band that combined new wave/power pop music, was formed in 1976 in Boston, Massachusetts, and signed with Electra Records in 1977. The original members were Ric Ocasek (singer/rhythm guitar), Benjamin Orr (singer/bass guitar), Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums). The Cars’ greatest hits included: Just What I Needed, My Best Friends Girl, You Might Think, and the chart-topping Drive. | | |
Valisblot (Valentine's Viking Style)
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 5:30pm
| Valisblót is a Poulsbo Sons of Norway Viking tradition that marks renewal, the changing of the seasons, and love. The bonfire is a beacon of hope as the days grow longer, as proclaimed during the ceremony. It’s a celebration attributed to Odin’s youngest son, Vali. He is seen as a symbol of hope and renewal. The Vikings take over Front Street and end at a bonfire on the waterfront. The roaring fire offers all present - Vikings and visitors - a time to look into the flames, see the embers rise, pause in their lives to reflect and appreciate their sweethearts, and feel the warmth of the glowing fire. | |
Concerts in Port Gamble:
Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
Friday, February 27, 2026, 7:00pm
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Fresh off a first place win at the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light have been captivating audiences throughout the northeast. With songs as sweet and biting as the nectar and venom in her voice, Sumner's lyric-forward writing and penchant for snaking chord progressions demand something far beyond folk conventions, highlighting the acrobatic range of her brilliant bandmates Kat Wallace (fiddle) and Mike Siegel (upright bass).
Sumner is no stranger to the stage. She spent her early career on the bluegrass circuit, singing and writing with the genre-bending roots group Twisted Pine. Since setting out on her own, Sumner's songs have been critically acclaimed: winning the 2021 John Lennon Award in the folk category for her song "Radium Girls (Curie Eleison);" earning a spot in the Kerrville New Folk Competition; and being chosen four consecutive years as one of the top Massachusetts entries in NPR’s Tiny Desk Competition. Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light released their debut LP in the summer of 2022 to critical acclaim.
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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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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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