Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Important News for You

Kitsap County, Legislative and Federal Races

Set for 2026 Election

Published in the Kitsap Sun, May 10, 2026

Photo courtesy of the Kitsap Sun

Each of the House legislative races in districts that include Kitsap County will see primary races in August, after the state's filing week concluded on May 8, and Congressional Rep. Emily Randall drew 4 challengers in her first bid to defend her Sixth District seat.

The District 3 Kitsap County commissioner, Democrat Katie Walters, also drew challengers that the primary will narrow down. Walters, elected in 2022, is running again for the four-year term and will face Kitty Candelaria of Silverdale, who stated no party preference, and Republican Kevin Tisdel. Only voters in District 3, which includes Bremerton and Central Kitsap areas, vote in the primary. Then the general election for commissioner in countywide.

The primary election will be Tuesday, August 4, and the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Read the article here

Chamber News

Check out and like the

Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!

Armed Forces Day Parade

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00am

May Membership Luncheon

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 11:00am

Please join us for our May Membership Luncheon featuring guest speaker, Captain Alexander Baerg, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Kitsap. We'll also be honoring our Armed Forces Day Ambassadors at this event as we round out our month of celebrating our military community, an integral part to the economic vibrancy of Kitsap County.

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.

Chamber: Off the Clock

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 5:05pm

Deep Dive Business Series

Service That Sells: Winning More B2B Clients

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 2:00pm

Accessible Healthcare with NICE

Business Health Trust Has You Covered

Costs up? Benchmark before summer.

If your renewal raised costs without improving the experience, now is a good time to compare your options. Business Health Trust helps small and mid-sized employers buy with stronger group purchasing power while still offering broad plan choice.

That can mean better value for the business and more useful care for employees. Many BHT medical plans also include Nice Healthcare, adding $0 everyday care that can help people get support sooner.

🔗 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.

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!

Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?

View all the past issues on our website HERE.

Member News

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

Small Business Showcase

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 4:00pm

Kitsap Business Magazine

Submit Your News Today!

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS

Changing Faces, Changing Places

Share your business news today

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.

Member Spotlight

We are proud to recognize The Trails at Silverdale as our May Member of the Month! A cornerstone shopping and gathering destination in Central Kitsap, The Trails offers a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and lifestyle services that make it a true hub for our community.

This recognition comes with sincere gratitude for The Trails at Silverdale’s ongoing support of our military community. This year, they generously sponsored Military Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day, helping create meaningful, community‑wide celebrations that honored local service members and their families. Their support played a key role in making these events welcoming, impactful, and reflective of the strong and enduring connection between our military and civilian communities.

The Trails at Silverdale is also home to several Chamber member businesses, including Jersey Mike’s, T-Mobile, and The Purpose Boutique, providing both local and national brands a welcoming place to thrive. By creating a space where businesses can grow and customers can connect, The Trails plays an important role in strengthening our local economy.

We are thankful for The Trails at Silverdale’s partnership, generosity, and ongoing investment in our region. Please join us in congratulating them and supporting the businesses that call The Trails home the next time you’re shopping or dining in Silverdale!

www.thetrailsatsilverdale.com

Business & Professional Development Committee

Member Education & Training Resources

SBDC: How to Launch

Your Business Successfully

Thursday, May 14, 2026, 12:00pm

In this class, the presenter will outline steps on how to successfully launch a new business. It can be confusing to know which steps to take or what agencies to contact. This class will address those issues in order to provide you with a clear direction. Having this information will save you time in moving forward with your business opening.

Peppered with practical stories and examples, this interactive class will give you concrete ideas on how to make your business start as successful as possible.

Participants will also learn more about the resources provided by the Small Business Center at Green River College. You can schedule a future appointment with an SBDC (Small Business Development Center) counselor for one-on-one business advising. This is available at no cost to the small business owner.

The presenter is Taryn Hornby, Certified Business Advisor with the Washington SBDC at Green River College. Taryn has extensive experience in the banking industry and was a successful entrepreneur. See more about Taryn here: wsbdc.org/advisors/taryn-hornby/

Time for Q&A will follow the presentation.

Registration Fee: FREE

SBDC: Strategies for Export Success Session 3

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1:00pm

Ready for Takeoff: Strategies for Export Success

Session 3: Export Marketing & Meeting Strategy

Learn how to craft your international value proposition, increase visibility, and make meaningful connections with buyers and partners. This session covers effective marketing materials and how to approach trade show and virtual matchmaking meetings with confidence.

A special guest from the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Julie Johnson, may join us to share export assistance programs and international marketing resources specifically designed to support food and agricultural businesses.

Key takeaways:

Create a compelling international value proposition
Maximize time at trade events and matchmaking sessions
Apply strategies for successful business meetings

Registration Fee: FREE

SCORE: Solopreneurship 101

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 11:00am

Working for yourself is amazing … provided you know how to make it work. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve got a great idea or are good at your craft yet don’t know exactly what you’re doing in running a business, you’re not alone.

In this session, you’ll learn the basics of what you need to know in order to set yourself up for success, including:

• Mindset & Motivation

• Policies & Procedures

• Branding & Promotions

• And more!

Whether you’re looking to make the jump, are just starting out, or needing a kickstart … and whether you call it freelancing, consulting, solopreneurship or the like, this session will give you the tools you need to rock the self-employed life.

Registration Fee: $10

Ready Kitsap

How to Prepare for the Bremerton Fan Zone

Published by the Downtown Bremerton Association, May 7, 2026

This summer, Downtown Bremerton will host the Official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone at Quincy Square as part of the global energy surrounding the FIFA World Cup. Thousands of visitors are expected throughout June and July, with major spikes during U.S. match days, themed activations, and weekends. We’re anticipating increased foot traffic from ferry riders, regional visitors, and first-time visitors discovering Bremerton for the very first time. This is a rare tourism and economic opportunity for our downtown businesses.

One of the most important things to know: the Fan Zone is intentionally designed to drive people into downtown businesses — not keep them in one place. Rather than creating a traditional vendor market, we are building a stadium-style experience featuring a massive LED screen, live entertainment, limited beer and snack concessions, family-friendly activities, and high-energy programming that encourages visitors to explore downtown before and after matches.

LEARN MORE

KCR: Game Day Ready

Summer Visitor Prep for Local Businesses

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:00pm

Business News & Resources

Networking With Other Entrepreneurs:

Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Published by the US Chamber of Commerce, April 29, 2026

Photo courtesy of the US Chamber of Commerce

A solid professional network can lead to new clients and opportunities you wouldn’t find on your own. Effective networking involves building relationships that create long-term value for both parties. Here’s how to network with other entrepreneurs in a way that actually moves your small business forward.

Develop a simple networking system

Most people don’t network with a plan—they show up to events periodically, talk to a few people, and hope something comes of it. But if you want networking to lead to real opportunities, you need a system to make it happen.

Start by creating a target list of people you’d like to connect with. This could include potential clients or other business owners in your industry. Instead of trying to pass out your business card to as many people as possible, focus on reaching out to a small group of relevant individuals.

Deciding how and when you’ll network ensures it actually happens. For example, you could set a routine where you spend 20 minutes each week reaching out or engaging with your network. Networking is an ongoing strategy you maintain over time, and consistency is what delivers results.

Read the article here

L&I Resources

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.

How L&I Helps Keep Workers Safe on the Job

While many businesses are familiar with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) as the administrator of the state’s workers’ compensation system, the agency is also committed to protecting the safety, health, and security of Washington’s 3.3 million workers. With 19 offices located throughout Washington and approximately 2,800 employees statewide, L&I supports employers in meeting safety and health standards, enforces rules designed to protect workers from hazardous job conditions, and provides medical and limited wage-replacement coverage to workers who experience job-related injuries or illnesses.

L&I carries out this work through several divisions and programs focused on prevention, enforcement, and recovery. One key division is the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), which develops and enforces workplace safety rules. DOSH conducts inspections to ensure businesses comply with safety and health regulations and offers free, on-site safety consultations to help employers identify hazards, improve safety practice, and prevent injuries before they occur.

In addition, L&I claims managers oversee benefits for injured workers and coordinate closely with medical providers, employers, and counselors to support recovery and a safe return to work. L&I also enforces laws that protect workers’ wages, working conditions, and required breaks, helping ensure fair and lawful workplaces across the state. Beyond employee protections, L&I’s technical experts safeguard the public by inspecting electrical systems, elevators, boilers, and manufactured homes.

To help businesses understand and comply with workplace safety rules, L&I provides a wide range of free resources, including online tools, workshops, and formal training opportunities. These offerings make it easier for employers to build effective safety programs, reduce the risk of injuries, and stay in compliance with state regulations. Employers can explore upcoming workshops and training opportunities by visiting Lni.wa.gov/workshops-training.

Got a question or issue to be solved?

Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.

Phone: 1-800-987-0145

Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.go v | Negocios@Lni.wa.gov

Online: Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

Nonprofit News & Resources

How to Use AI for Donor Comms

Without Losing Trust

Published by the Nonprofit Pro, May 5, 2026

Photo: Delmaine Donson/Getty Images

Nonprofits are overwhelmingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI). A recent survey found that 92% of organizations are using it in some capacity. But there's a disconnect: Only 7% of nonprofits report that AI use has a significant impact.

Near-universal adoption hasn’t translated into strategic impact — and that gap shows up across programs, marketing, and fundraising. The challenge isn't because of the technology, per se. It’s how the nonprofits are thinking about it.

Organizations have gotten used to going faster. Meeting notes are drafted in seconds, fundraisers are spinning out emails at a quick pace, and generative AI allows anyone to create content at scale.

When it comes to communications, AI isn’t better — it's just faster at content development. Donors can easily spot AI-generated content, and they care about human relationships. Therefore, nonprofit teams should establish guardrails to ensure relationships remain front and center.

Read the article here

Greater Kitsap News

Western States Brace for Wildfires

Published in the WA State Standard, May 10, 2026

Photo courtesy of Natural Resources Conservation Serivce

From the Rockies to the Cascades to the Sierra Nevada, mountainsides across the West are sparsely covered by the snow that usually blankets the high country well into the summer.

That snowpack is like a savings account that the West draws on when the hot, dry months arrive. It moistens the landscape as it melts, lessening the risk of severe wildfire. The runoff feeds into river basins, and the swelling waterways provide power to hydroelectric dams, irrigation to farmers and drinking water to cities.

This year, Western states are heading into the summer with a desperately low balance — threatening wildfires, drinking water, crops, electricity and more.

“This has been an extremely poor year,” said Sharon Megdal, director of the Water Resources Research Center, a research unit at the University of Arizona. “This has gotten a lot of people concerned and alarmed.”

While a late-season storm brought heavy snow to parts of the Rockies this month, the region remains in a deep snowpack deficit.

As warmer weather arrives, states are preparing for a dangerous wildfire season across the drought-stricken West. Farmers and cities are bracing for potential cutbacks in their water allocations from rivers that have less to give. Fisheries managers are watching for low river flows that could threaten vital salmon runs. And worsening conditions could threaten the supply of hydropower that provides cheap, clean electricity to many Western states.

Read the article here

CENTRAL KITSAP ROAD REPORT

BREMERTON ROAD REPORT

Community Information

Callow Nights

Friday, May 15, 2026, 5:00pm

Trident Refit Facility Bangor Job Fair

June 12 - June 13, 2026, 10:00am

Kitsap Fix-It Fair

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10:00am

Kitsap residents are welcome to bring up to two items per event. Common items include clothing, textiles, small home appliances, lamps, vacuums, and small electronics. You must be able to carry your items in and out – no oversized items. Each event will vary on what skills are available to repair your items.

Volunteer fixers will do their best to attempt repairs but there are no guarantees for repairs. 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.

LEARN MORE

Port of Seattle High School Internship Applications Now Open

The summer high school internship program opens for applications in May of each year.

Why intern with the Port?

It's not just another summer job. Few organizations, public or private, can offer high schools interns the experience the Port of Seattle provides:

Jumpstart your future professional career
Work experience on your resume at a well-known public organization with a long history
Selfie-worthy work locations at SEA Airport or along the Seattle waterfront
Real work on real projects that impact local communities and the regional economy—no coffee runs
100 percent of our internships are paid

LEARN MORE

Masks Still Available

Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center

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.