Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | | |
GKC to Honor Alan Beam with Hyas Tyee at Annual Business Awards Gala
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber Board of Directors is honored to announce Captain Alan R. Beam, USN (Ret.) as the recipient of this year’s Hyas Tyee Award, one of the Chamber’s highest distinctions. Captain Beam is a retired submarine officer whose distinguished Navy career included serving as Commanding Officer of the fast-attack submarine USS Bremerton, followed by longtime service throughout Kitsap as a leader and supporter of the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council of the Navy League.
The Chamber's Hyas Tyee Award seeks to recognize individuals for significant leadership positions, contributions to the community and for serving as an exemplary role model for others. Captain Beam will be honored at the 4th Annual Business Awards Gala on December 12th at the Kitsap Conference Center in Downtown Bremerton. Tickets are available now at https://greaterkitsapchamber.com/2025-business-awards-gala/.
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One Week Early: November Luncheon
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 11:00am
| | If you are a nonprofit interested in tabling at the luncheon, please email us here to reserve your spot. There is no cost to reserve a table, but luncheon registration is still required for all attendees. | | Get Tickets for the 2025 Business Awards Gala! | | |
Lock In Your Gala Sponsorship Today
Elevate your business or organization at this annual gathering of Who's Who in Kitsap Business!
| | Interested in elevating your business' exposure in the community? Looking to put your name on this year's Gala? Planning to bring a table-full of attendees? We have sponsorships available for all sizes of businesses across all industries that will provide a level of elevation in the Greater Kitsap business community like no other event. Interested in sponsoring or purchasing an ad in the Gala program? Contact the Greater Kitsap Chamber to secure your sponsorship or ad space today! | | GKC Giving Away UW Football Tickets | The GKC is giving away 20 tickets for the UW Football game on Saturday, November 15th at 4:00pm against Purdue. Tickets are for GKC members only and awarded on a first come first served basis. Email us here with an upcoming Chamber event or resource that you're excited about for a chance to win a ticket! | |
Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5:05pm
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Greater Kitsap Chamber & Leadership Kitsap: 2026 Kitsap Women's Summit
Call for speaker proposals now open thru Nov 14!
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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.
Interested in speaking at KWS 2026? Apply here!
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.
| | RECAP: Kitsap Habitat for Humanity Store Ribbon Cutting | This past Halloween, the Chamber was thrilled to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Kitsap Habitat for Humanity Store! More than just a place to shop, the store is a cornerstone for sustainability and community impact. Every purchase helps fund affordable housing projects right here in Kitsap County, while donated items are given new life instead of ending up in landfills. With incredible deals on furniture, appliances, and building materials, the store makes home improvement accessible for everyone. | RECAP: Strawberry Creek Ribbon Cutting | | The rain cleared just in time for the official unveiling and ribbon cutting of the new Strawberry Creek Community Mosaic on November 2nd. The Chamber was proud to join the celebration and help spotlight this often-overlooked fish ladder. Featured above are Lisa Stirrett (left) and Gaylene McCray (right), who spearheaded this exciting project. | | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Are you ready for 2026 healthcare costs?
Don’t get left behind amidst the rising healthcare costs next year. BHT partners with top carriers on 80+ plan designs, supporting 1200 employers and over 25,000 employees.
With BHT, members can attract and retain top talent, while offering big-company benefits and keeping their costs to a minimum. Do your employees get free primary care visits at work? Do your employees get free X-rays and blood draws in their living room?
🔗 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.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | |
New & Renewing Members for October
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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PNWT 21st Annual Food Drive
Now thru November 14, 2025
| We're excited to be a donation drop-off location for the 21st Annual Food Drive hosted by Pacific Northwest Title of Kitsap County! Drop off your donations at our Bremerton or Silverdale offices during business hours. | | |
Seaport Salon Hosts Holiday Event
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5:00pm
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You're Invited: Harbor of Hope Auction
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 6:00pm
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MVMS Squire Career Day
Call for guest presenters!
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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Mountain View Middle School is looking for guest presenters for the annual Squire Career Day on Wednesday, November 19th.
This is your chance to inspire the next generation by sharing your career journey, a typical workday, and the education or training that got you there. Many students are eager to learn about different career paths—some they may have never even considered! Your story could be the spark that ignites their passion for a future career.
Get details and sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gkxXrxrtRAIbTfQSUg1XRtiwm-XXEeJ_Owo-uge5vEY/edit?usp=sharing
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LKPI: Tactical Leadership Seminar
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 9:00am
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Is your team falling short of its potential—but you’re not sure why, or what to do about it?
Spend the day with leadership coach Cara Wilson and walk away with three powerful tools to lead more effectively, build a healthier team, and get better results. Bring your real-world challenges and get live expert coaching in the room.
| | Whaling Days: Vendor Tree Space Presale | | |
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 excited to announce our November Member of the Month: Business Health Trust! As Washington’s source for affordable, high-quality employee benefits, Business Health Trust (BHT) empowers small and mid-sized businesses to compete and thrive.
Where Benefits Meet Business Growth
Founded to level the playing field for small businesses, BHT offers large-company benefits at small-company prices. Through its Association Health Plan model, BHT helps employers attract and retain top talent with access to more than 80 medical plan designs, dental and vision coverage, mental health resources, and wellness programs. These benefits don’t just keep employees healthy; they strengthen the backbone of our local economy by helping businesses remain competitive and sustainable.
More Than Insurance - A Community Resource
Business Health Trust is more than a benefits provider; it’s an advocate for Washington’s business community. By partnering with Chambers and associations statewide, BHT ensures that even the smallest companies can access comprehensive health coverage and HR tools. Their commitment to innovation is evident in partnerships like the recent collaboration with Nice Healthcare, bringing affordable virtual and in-home primary care to employers across the state that remove barriers to care and improve employee well-being.
Driving Economic Impact
With over 1,000 employers and 25,000 employees covered statewide, BHT plays a critical role in workforce stability and economic development. Their programs reduce costs for businesses, improve productivity, and foster healthier communities. By offering consolidated billing, compliance support, and cost-saving resources, BHT allows business owners to focus on growth while ensuring their teams are supported.
Business Health Trust exemplifies the Chamber’s mission to build a stronger Kitsap through collaboration, advocacy, and resources that matter. We are honored to spotlight their impact and continued dedication to Washington’s business community.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Paying Your Employees in WA
Monday, November 10, 2025, 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.
Registration Fee: $10
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SCORE: Pay Per Click Advertising
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 1:00pm
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This workshop will cover the following key aspects of advertising on Google:
1. Introduction to Google advertising
2. Different types of ads
3. Keyword and targeting strategies.
4. Measuring success
Presenter
This workshop is presented by Matt Cail. Matt started out in the world of message boards and web design. During five years as a Washington, D.C., consultant, he became knowledgeable about emergency communications and competition in the online video industry. He has worked in social media, search engine marketing, web design, and online advertising. Matt leads Super Charge Marketing, which is your one-stop social media firm for all of your social media marketing needs!
Registration Fee: $10
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WSHRMA: Fall Leadership Conference
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 9:00am
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Kitsap WIB: Business Planning Workshop 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 10:30am
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Join us for Kitsap WIB: Business Planning Workshop 2025. We want to help your business thrive & flourish next year!
Here's what you can expect:
- Valuable insights and tips to create an effective business plan for 2026.
- A supportive and collaborative environment where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Access to some amazing business resources that can be a game-changer for your company.
Register soon because space is limited.
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Firebrand Unconference
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00am
| | Business News & Resources | | |
Expected Slide in WA Unemployment
Trust Fund Balance Could Trigger New Tax
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Published in the WA State Standard, November 3, 2025
Image: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Washington businesses would need to shoulder roughly $700 million in additional taxes in a few years unless the projected finances of the state’s unemployment insurance fund improve.
Officials are looking at ways to avoid such a scenario.
Unemployment is relatively low in Washington. But pandemic-era policies and increased usage during the past couple of years have strained the state’s unemployment system, which provides temporary payments to residents who lose their jobs and are looking for new work.
Next year, employer taxes going into Washington’s unemployment trust fund are expected to total $1.7 billion, while benefit payouts rise to $2.4 billion, according to the latest actuarial analysis released this month.
At the end of September, the trust fund, which only pays benefits and not administrative costs, had about $3.8 billion, totaling 7.9 months of benefits on hand if collections suddenly stopped. As payroll taxes lag payouts, that’s projected to drop to 7.1 months by the same time next year, and 6.3 in 2027.
Therein lies the problem.
Dropping below seven months of benefits on Sept. 30 of a given year triggers a state tax of up to 0.2% on businesses to bring the trust fund back up to a healthy nine months of payments. As unemployment skyrocketed during the pandemic, this metric plummeted, but the state waived this tax from 2021 through 2025. This would’ve been the only time it ever could’ve been levied.
That possible solvency surcharge in 2028 and 2029 would raise an estimated $350 million each year. It would be applied equally across all employers.
Read the 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. | | |
Workplace Rights Refresher
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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There's a lot to know as an employer - get clarity on, and learn about, some of the commonly misunderstood or lesser-known employee rights.
Immigration Status Coercion
Employers may not use immigration status to coerce an employee from engaging in protected activities or exercising labor law rights. Workers may file a complaint with L&I that is enforceable with civil penalties.
Job Posting Restriction
Employers cannot require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment or include such a statement in a job posting unless driving is one of the essential job functions or is related to a legitimate business purpose for a position.
PSL for Employees
It’s fall which means it’s PSL time, and I'm not talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes here; I'm talking about Paid Sick Leave. Don’t forget your paid sick leave basics:
- Employees accrue one paid sick leave hour for every 40 hours worked, paid at their normal hourly compensation
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You must provide a one-time written or electronic notification to each employee detailing their paid sick leave rights.
- Review what paid sick leave can be used for, which includes a few new additions:
- self or family’s health needs;
- child’s school or daycare closures for government-declared emergencies;
- absences related to domestic violence;
- and for absences resulting from the need to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings involving the employee or the employee's family member.
- Note: Family also includes anyone living with the employee where there is some expectation of care.
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Be sure to visit the Paid Sick Leave page to see all the requirements
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
Nonprofit Sustainability: How Organizations
Are Reducing Their Environmental Impact
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Published in Nonprofit Pro, October 29, 2025
Photo: Pexels/Alexander Suhorucov
As a rule, nonprofits are all about making a positive impact on the world. Regardless of mission, one way nonprofits can do this is by bringing sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations.
In fact, 42% of nonprofits said funders and donors were seeking more information on their environmental impact and reduction strategies, per BDO’s 2023 “Nonprofit Standards Benchmarking Survey.” We spoke with nonprofits to find out how they weave sustainability into operations.
Building Sustainability Into Operations
Sustainability, for many people, evokes thoughts of the environment. But nonprofit sustainability also has an organizational connotation. Mike Hiller, executive director at UpstreamPgh, a Pittsburgh-based urban watershed restoration nonprofit, said that the organization approaches everything from a longevity standpoint.
“I think No. 1 is just making sure the organization can sustain itself from finances and from a resource perspective,” Hiller said. “We've done a lot of work over the last few years to make sure that our finances are sustainable, that they're diverse, that we have a good array of funding sources.”
Hiller said that array currently includes government and private foundation funding as its largest sources of revenue.
Read the article here
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Kitsap Food Banks See Surge
Amid SNAP Uncertainty
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Published in The Kitsap Sun, November 4, 2025
Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Charlie Thompson counted at least 30 people outside Fishline before it opened to shoppers on Monday morning. Lines themselves are not abnormal for the Poulsbo food bank, but the Fishline executive director described the number of people waiting as “mind boggling.”
Over the last two or three days, Fishline has seen an "unbelievable surge” in need. About 150 families have come through its doors each day, roughly 30 more than average. Staff and volunteers have been busier than ever. Donations have been nonstop.
Food banks like Fishline have become a last line of defense for potentially thousands of low-income families on the Kitsap Peninsula waiting to receive their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits this month. The federal program, oft-referred to as food stamps, helps over 900,000 Washingtonians purchase food each month.
Two federal judges last week ordered the Trump Administration to continue paying out SNAP benefits for the month of November, even with the ongoing government shutdown, the Associated Press reported. The United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, had initially refused to tap its billion-dollar contingency to fund the program past October.
Yet at this point it remains unclear when or if people will receive their benefits, creating a high level of uncertainty for the roughly 41 million Americans and 11,000 households in Kitsap County who rely on the federal food assistance program. Not all individuals receive their monthly SNAP benefits at the same time. But those who regularly get them on the first of the month have yet to see those funds materialize, Thompson said.
Read the article here
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Silverdale Greendrinks @ KCU Highlands
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 5:24pm
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Port Gamble Ghost Conference
November 7 - November 9, 2025, 9:00am
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Kitsap Handmade Market
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:00am
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Veteran's Day Ceremony
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 9:00am
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Poulsbo Veteran's Day Parade
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 11:00am
| | The Poulsbo Veterans Day Celebration is a way to celebrate and honor the selfless sacrifice and devotion to duty our nation’s military service members provided and continue to provide each and every day. Whether peacetime or during times of conflict, brave individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds stand ready to defend our nation to ensure our freedom and way of life is preserved. Please join us in honoring these brave individuals. | | |
Bremerton Greendrinks @ Bremerton Foodline
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:00pm
| | Hosted by the Bremerton Foodline and catered by Toad House, join us for networking, community connection, and local flavor. As well as, tours of the facilities, and opportunities to learn more about Bremerton Foodline's mission to help Bremerton's community (and ways you can get involved!) | | |
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:
Gimme Shelter - Rolling Stones Tribute
Friday, November 7, 2025, 8:30pm
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Bell Bottom Blues - Eric Clapton Tribute
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 8:30pm
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Indigenous Film Series @ Roxy Theatre
November 6 - November 20, 2025, 7:00pm
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This November, the historic Roxy Theatre in Bremerton’s Quincy Square will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a free three-film series that amplifies Indigenous voices, history, and leadership. Each night features a film and discussion.
Thursday, November 6 - Sugarcane
Thursday, November 13 - From Earth to Sky
Thursday, November 20 - Fish War
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Uptown @ The Admiral Theatre
Friday, November 7, 2025, 7:30pm
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Concerts in Port Gamble:
Jeffrey Martin w/ Anna Tivel
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:00pm
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Kitsap Wine Tasting & Shop
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12:00pm
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Spend an afternoon with your favorite local winemakers as all the Kitsap wineries come together under one roof for a special tasting and bottle sale event.
Your $30 ticket (available at the door) includes a taste of every wine being poured, straight from the winemakers themselves. Stock up for the holidays or pick out the perfect bottle to pair with your Thanksgiving table.
Sip, shop, and celebrate our Kitsap wine community, all in one afternoon.
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DBA: Winter Fest
Saturday, November 29, 2025, 4:00pm
| Join us for another year! Stroll through downtown and shop small this holiday season at Winter Fest. Enjoy a family-friendly experience with local businesses bringing the cheer and get a start on holiday presents by shopping small in downtown and at Quincy Square's holiday market, and more! | |
Krampusnacht Bremerton 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2:00pm
| Krampusnacht Bremerton brings the old-world Alpine tradition of Krampus—the horned, folkloric companion of St. Nicholas—to life in the heart of downtown Bremerton. Expect a day packed with music, mischief, and holiday magic, with plenty of fun for all ages. | |
Country Christmas in Port Gamble
December 6 - December 7, 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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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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