Wednesday, October 11, 2023 |
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Builder for New WA Ferries to be
Chosen in Summer 2024
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Photo: Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times
As the state’s ferries age, Washington State Ferries expects it won’t find a builder for its new class of hybrid-electric boats until summer of 2024, kicking off a sprint to deliver two new vessels by its target date of late 2027.
The protracted process is the result of an overhauled approach to ferry construction in Washington state that now allows for out-of-state builders to bid on contracts — a change from the in-state requirements of the previous decades.
The Legislature made the change last session after negotiations with Vigor, the state’s primary partner in ferry construction since the late 1990s, fell apart in 2022. The state was set to release a request for bids in 2023 to find a replacement but paused to rewrite the notice following the newly expanded landscape.
The new boats, which will eventually run on electric power, are one piece of a green “revolution” promised by Gov. Jay Inslee. When charging equipment is installed at terminals around Puget Sound — by 2026 at the earliest — the boats’ significant diesel emissions are slated to largely disappear.
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GKC to Honor Steve Sego with Hyas Tyee at Annual Business Awards Gala |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of Steve Sego as the recipient of the 2023 Hyas Tyee Award for his many years of service and contributions to the Greater Kitsap Community. Sego will be honored at the 2023 Business Awards Gala on November 9th at the Kitsap Conference Center. |
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Evergreen Pizza
Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5:00 pm
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October Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Chamber Survey: Workforce Development |
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The Workforce Development Committee is interested in better understanding the workforce needs of local businesses in Kitsap County so that the Chamber is able to provide more tailored support. These are the first of a series of survey questions over the next month aimed at addressing this topic.
Please respond with regards to your business or organization.
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How satisfied are you with the current availability of skilled labor in Kitsap?
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Have you faced challenges in recruiting & retaining talent in your organization?
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*Survey questions are run for 2 weeks to capture all of our readers.
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is committed to learning how best
to serve our business membership and community. Your participation
in poll questions like these help us to work better for you!
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Insurance done differently. Our benefits partner BHT offers quality, cost-effective medical plans plus a whole lot more, including concierge level customer service and innovative cost-saving programs and resources.
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and learn how purchasing your benefits package through an Association Health Plan can benefit you.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Contact Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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Port of Bremerton Food Drive
October 2 - November 17, 2023
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Bring nonperishable donations to Bremerton National Airport, Bremerton Marina, and/or Port Orchard Marina to benefit South Kitsap Helpline, Bremerton Foodline, and Central Kitsap Food Bank. Monetary donations are also accepted - reach out to the Port for more information.
PLUS, for every ten items you bring in, enter for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate (and merchandise) to Silver City Restaurant & Alehouse. They have generously partnered with the Port of Bremerton for the 2023 drive, and there is no limit to the number of items you can bring in.
In 2022, the Port facilitated a donation to South Kitsap Helpline and Bremerton Foodline which totaled 6,714 pounds. This donation made a significant impact on our neighbors during the holiday season. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to ericaf@portofbremerton.org.
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Rice Fergus Miller Recognized with
2023 Symposium Distinction Award
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Rice Fergus Miller won a 2023 Symposium Distinction Award for their design of the Quinault Wellness Center for the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN). Specifically, the project received ‘Best Adaptive Reuse’. The award, bestowed by the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo, is dedicated to honoring projects that “recognize a healthcare design project that creatively achieved the reuse of an existing structure or space originally used for another purpose,” according to the award’s website.
The project, located in Aberdeen, WA, is a 18,000sf conversion of a forty-year-old structure which was completely gut renovated to support its new purpose of providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services, primary care, dental, behavioral health care, and childcare to the surrounding community. The facility is a healing center for QIN members and the general community who are experiencing substance use disorder. The Tribe is committed to reducing the adverse impact of the opioid epidemic on families in Grays Harbor County and has invested millions of dollars to bring the wellness center to fruition. The clinic began treating patients in the spring of 2023.
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Meals on Wheels Celebrates 50 Years
Friday, November 3, 2023, 6:00 pm
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Leadership Kitsap:
20 Under 40 Call for Nominations
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Rivulet Opening Celebration
Friday, October 20, 2023, 12:00 pm
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Paul Linder Foundation Hosts Annual
"Paul's Bowl" Fundraiser
Sunday, November 5, 2023
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Kitsap Credit Union Offers New Certificate |
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Strong
East Bremerton Branch
(360) 662-2232
Kristin Backs
Silverdale Highlands Branch
(360) 662-2137
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Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home
& Memorial Park
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5505 Kitsap Way | Bremerton, WA 98312 | (360) 377-7648 |
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26th Annual Eggs & Issues
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 8:00 am
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Call on Your Congress Member:
Extending the National Flood Insurance Program
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A lapse of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) would disrupt the purchase of flood insurance in more than 20,000 communities across the U.S.
NAR estimates an extended lapse could threaten 1,300 property sales each day, as existing policies begin to expire and buyers lose financing or are forced to pay fees to hold interest rates.
Not only would Americans be unable to purchase new NFIP policies during a lapse, but property owners and renters currently insured by the NFIP would be unable to renew their policies.
Take Action Now to Protect the NFIP - Use the link on this page to send a pre-written message to your members of Congress, thanking them for extending the NFIP and asking them to prevent a potential lapse in November.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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WTIA FullConTech Conference
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
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Join us at FullConTech to tackle critical challenges facing the tech industry in Washington.
FullConTech is a unique event where industry professionals, government officials, and post-secondary institutions can come together to discuss solutions to the challenges facing the tech sector in Washington. Join us for the unique opportunity to discover innovative solutions, collaborate with your peers, and make an impact in the tech ecosystem in Washington and beyond.
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Small Business Cybersecurity Training Series
4-part Series begins October 4, 2023
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Small businesses are under cyber and data-breach attacks more than ever given the current climate. Cyber attacks happen every day, and for a small business they can be very costly and cripple business operations. Having your systems and information compromised is not only a direct threat to your confidential data, it can also ruin your relationships with customers and cause legal vulnerability. It is imperative to learn how to boost your cyber defense systems.
This four-part training series was developed to help small businesses be cyber safe. The series will be a combination of cybersecurity presentation, subject matter expert panel and Q&A. Join us and become cyber safe today!
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Part 2: Authentication
October 18 @ 1:30 pm
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Part 3: Systems
November 1 @ 1:30 pm
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Part 4: Implementation
November 15 @ 1:30 pm
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Scale Up Business Trainings
Begins October 17 & 18, 2023
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Brand Workshop & Mini Shoot
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
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BIPOC Business Forum
October 25, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
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Are you a BIPOC business owner looking to take your business to the next level? Accessing capital is a crucial step in your journey to growth and success. Join us on October 25th from 5-8pm as we dive deep into the world of capital access, offering you valuable insights, strategies, and connections that can make a significant difference in your business.
WHEN: October 25th, 5-8:00 pm
It’s FREE and all are welcome! Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers while networking and accessing resources.
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Business News & Resources |
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Preventing Vehicular Smash-and-Grabs |
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As outlined in the Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime, a free resource WR offers, bollards can prevent vehicles from ramming into buildings. If cities or counties don’t approve bollard installations, removable barriers, such as rock-filled gabion wire cages, can support a planter or bench seat while effectively stopping a moving vehicle.
Recent cannabis shop smash and grabs have spotlighted property owners’ intent versus effectiveness. These owners were well-intentioned, having bollards in place, but set too widely apart.
The world’s smallest production car was only 41 inches wide, but today, most small and sub-compact cars on the market are over 5 feet wide—meaning, bollard poles should be set at no more than 5 feet on center. Bollard poles should ideally be made of concrete-filled 6-inch galvanized steel or concrete-filled plastic PVC pipe. PVC pipe bollards should be reinforced with several pieces of rebar penetrating the entire tube length and embedded in a concrete footing that sits 18 inches to two feet below grade.
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Small-Business Grants to Apply for in October |
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Art credit: Sorbetto
Small Business Growth Fund is offering up to $25,000 in grants
This is the third and final round of this particular grant program, which began in March 2023. This final round will close to new applications on Oct. 27, 2023, at 6 p.m. EST.
Grants will be between $5,000 and $25,000 and applicants must have a business with less than $1 million in gross annual revenue, as well as a clear plan for how the funds will help them achieve a significant growth milestone in the next year.
FedEx Entrepreneur Fund offering $10,000 grants
The FedEx Entrepreneur Fund will be awarding 30 grants of $10,000 each to entrepreneurs with a connection to the military or to entrepreneurs with disabilities. The grant program is in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
Small businesses must be majority owned and operated by either someone with disabilities or a veteran, veteran family member or military spouse. Applicants must have annual gross revenues of less than $7 million and have fewer than 25 employees.
The deadline to apply is Oct. 6, 2023 at 6pm. EST.
AICPA and CPA.com are offering $25,000 for accounting startups
Those selected for the accelerator will be offered a $25,000 grant, access to members of the professional organizations, firms, press and customers, and subject matter experts and mentors.
The deadline for applications is Nov. 30, 2023, and winners will be announced in January 2024.
Good Humor offering $5,000 grants to ice cream vendors
The new Neighborhood Joy Grant Program will bring $200,000 in grants to mobile ice cream vendors. These $5,000 grant winners will then have a chance to win an additional $20,000 as part of contest voted on by consumers.
All applicants must be over 18 years old and the owner of an ice cream push cart or truck with a valid business license. The deadline to apply is Oct. 25, 2023.
Wish Local grants for up to $2,000
Small-business owners can get grants of $500 to $2,000 through the Wish Local grant program. The money can be used for any expense, including rent, inventory, connecting with new customers or keeping workers employed.
Businesses must be majority Black-owned and have fewer than 20 employees, with a physical location within the United States and revenue under $1 million.
The $10,000 Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant program
Black and Latino-owned restaurants and related businesses can apply for a financial stipend of $10,000 and free financial education, consulting and marketing assistance through Feed The Soul’s grant program.
Applications open Oct. 5, 2023 and run through Jan. 31.
Black Girl Ventures offering up to $10,000
The person with the most votes wins $10,000, with second place being $6,000 and third place $2,000, in addition to money raised through the audience crowdfunding. Winners also get Google Cloud credits and other freebies.
Business owners must identify as a woman, be majority owned by a founder of color and have been open at least a year with revenue.
Federal grant and loan options for small businesses
In addition to those options, there are several federal grants and loans from the federal government targeting small businesses.
The grant program gives out roughly $200 million per year to eligible businesses.
For those looking for government-backed loans, the USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, part of an umbrella loan program offered by the USDA under its OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative, offers loan guarantees of up to 80% on everything from purchasing a building, modernizing equipment, working capital or acquiring a company.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community.
To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits
Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 12:00 pm
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Approaching nonprofit finance in a welcoming way, the Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits virtual workshop aims to help unlock your financial literacy. From key words and forms to understanding how everything fits together, you will increase your basic nonprofit finance knowledge.
The cost for this webinar is free, thanks to the Washington Office of the Secretary of State.
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Your End-of-Year Fundraising Checklist |
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Published on techsoup, September 28, 2023
The end of the year often creeps up on us, and planning ahead for a specific campaign can feel like it just isn't a priority among day-to-day needs at a nonprofit. However, with nonprofits receiving up to a third of annual online revenue in December, it's worth putting in the time to get your cause out there and encourage your audience to consider you in their holiday season giving.
Not sure how to get started? Here's a checklist to get you off the ground. By learning from previous years' campaigns, making the most of what you have, and setting realistic goals for your outreach, you can enhance the effectiveness of your fundraising efforts as we look ahead to the end of the year.
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Preparing Your Home for Wet Weather Season |
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Prevent flooding during heavy rain events
Fall has arrived! The average rainfall in Kitsap County is 41 inches, with much of that precipitation occurring in the fall and winter. Rain combined with falling leaves is the perfect recipe for clogging storm drains.
Kitsap County Public Works and your local jurisdictions work hard to reduce flooding potential, but community members can help reduce the chance of flooding in their neighborhood. Take advantage fall’s sunny days and prepare your home for the rainy season.
How to prevent clogged storm drains
- Keep neighborhood storm drains free of leaves and debris.
- If you see a clogged storm drain, use a rake, shovel handle or stick to clear the drain.
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If this does not help, report the blockage on Kitsap County's app: SeeClickFix.
- NEVER remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.
- Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth.
Check your gutters and downspouts
- Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
- Replace leaky or broken gutters.
- Make sure downspouts are directed away from your house.
Disposing of leaves
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Dispose of leaves by turning them into compost for your garden, putting them in curbside yard waste bins, or taking them to local composting facilities.
- If you use a landscaping company, ask the landscaper to take the leaves with them.
- Do not blow or sweep leaves into the road, ditches or storm drains.
Preparing for floods
Fall is a good time to revisit your emergency preparedness plans. If your home is in an area that may experience flooding, there are a few steps you can take to prepare. To determine your property's flood risk, you can look up your property on the Federal Emergency Management flood risk website.
Flooding preparedness can include tracking the tides and weather conditions, creating an evacuation plan and preparing a “go bag” in case evacuation is needed.
Flood Preparation Resources
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2nd Annual Brunch for Breast Cancer
Friday, October 20, 2023, 10:30 am
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Miller-Woodlawn Hosts Spooky Trunk-or-Treat
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Enjoy Daytime Trick-or-Treating in Port Gamble
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
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25th Annual DBA Trick or Treat Street
Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits 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 or COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Vienna Boys Choir
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 2:00 pm
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On Sunday, October 15th, the Bremerton WestSound Symphony will present its opening concert, Harvest of Harmony, beginning with a carnival in Bohemia and ending with a fiesta in Mexico. In between, they'll feature two of Kitsap County’s finest young pianists, Damaris Harvey and Cyrus Yan with Beethoven and Rachmaninoff and the orchestra will perform the second performance ever of a new work by Leroy Osmon, his Lorca Symphony.
This 81st Season is sponsored by The Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter and The A.Y. Petter Family Donor Advised Fund at Kitsap Community Foundation.
Bremerton Symphony Association’s mission is to unite and enrich West Sound communities by sharing a passion for live music, preserving artistic tradition, and supporting music education.
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BCT Presents: A Turn of the Screw
October 6-15, 2023
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This is a dark, rich, ghost story; or is it a story about unhinged madness? Each of us must decide what is real and what is not. Is it a battle between good and evil, or of right and wrong?
Content Advisory: Contains mature themes, references to the occult and suicide, psychological abuse, tense moments, loud noises, and flashing/strobe lights. May be too scary for younger audiences.
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Port Gamble Theatre: Murder on the Nile
October 6-22, 2023
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Join us this fall at the Port Gamble Theater as we present Agatha Christie's classic who-done-it of jealousy and betrayal. Fatal circumstances await, when idyllic surroundings are shattered by a shocking and brutal murder!
Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:00 pm
Sunday Matinees @ 2:00 pm
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KCMT Presents: Bye Bye Birdie
October 12-29, 2023
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The year is 1958, and the much-adored rock-and-roll idol – Conrad Birdie – has been drafted into the US Army! His songwriter and agent, Albert, and Albert’s secretary (and some-time girlfriend), Rosie, hatch a plan for a farewell performance to take place on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they hope will help sell Birdie’s new song “One Last Kiss,” and ultimately save Almaelou records from going under.
Friday Evenings
7:00 pm
Saturdays & Sundays
2:00 pm & 6:00 pm
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Save-the-Date: Poulsbo Film Festival
October 13-15, 2023
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Halloween Extravaganza
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6:00 pm
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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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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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