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Makeover in Store for Congress with
Flood of Lawmakers Headed for the Exits
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Published in the WA State Standard, April 3, 2026
Photo: Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom
WASHINGTON — Congress will look considerably different next year, after dozens of its members move on to other political offices or retire, a number that’s likely to grow as some of those hoping to stay lose their reelection bids.
A turnover of at least 13% will be the highest in more than three decades, bringing in a wave of new lawmakers, who will be looked to as a source of solutions for some of the country’s biggest problems.
But the loss of institutional knowledge and negotiating expertise held by committee chairmen and seasoned lawmakers will not be easily replaced.
Experts interviewed by States Newsroom said a surge of freshmen could lead to a further concentration of power in congressional leaders and heighten the influence of lobbyists, though they added there are benefits as well.
“Serving in Congress is like any other job. It takes you some time to figure out how to be good at it,” said Molly Reynolds, vice president and director of Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. “Even members who come in with state legislative experience, they will know some things about legislating, but they won’t know all the things about Congress.”
New lawmakers don’t often understand the more complicated procedures and practices, like budget reconciliation, which Republicans used last year to enact their “big, beautiful” law.
“We ran the reconciliation process last year with lots of members who had never experienced a reconciliation bill before,” Reynolds said. “And one consequence of this kind of lack of experience is that that can stand to empower party leaders even more.”
But, she added, there can be value in “having younger members, who have a different time horizon for thinking about some of the problems facing the country.”
Read the article here
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Armed Forces Day 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00am
| | First celebrated in 1948, the festival includes the nation’s largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day parade. This long-standing event is designed to thank the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America Armed Forces and recognize their service and commitment to our country and community. | | Member Invoicing Announcement | | Due to a system glitch, we experienced a temporary backlog in member invoicing. As a result, some members may be receiving invoices this week that were delayed. All affected invoices have now been sent. Thank you for your understanding, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. | |
April Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 11:00am
| | Join us this month as we re-cap the 2026 Legislative Session with AWB's Vice President of Government Affairs, Morgan Irwin. Find out what businesses can expect from this session, how our communities are being impacted, and where Washington is headed next. | |
Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:05pm
| We're Hiring: Join the GKC Team! |
Old Town Kitchen
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:30am
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Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Not loving your current benefits experience?
If your current plan feels harder to use than it should, it may be time for a closer look. Through our chamber’s partnership with Business Health Trust, members can compare options from major carriers and build benefits that work better for both employers and employees.
Many BHT medical plans also include Nice Healthcare, giving employees a simple first stop for $0 care with virtual visits, mental health support, physical therapy, and in-person follow-ups in many areas.
🔗 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! | |
Murder Mystery Writing Class
Register by Monday, April 20, 2026
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Moving Into Spring
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 5:00pm
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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 Reliable Storage as our April Member of the Month. A trusted local provider, and Chamber member since 1989, Reliable Storage has built a strong reputation for dependable service, safe facilities, and a genuine commitment to the Kitsap community. Their ongoing involvement with the Chamber reflects a business that values connection, relationships, and local impact.
Secure Solutions, Strong Community Ties
Serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout Kitsap County, Reliable Storage offers clean, accessible, and secure storage solutions designed to meet a wide range of needs. Whether supporting residents during life transitions or providing space solutions for local businesses, their services help make every day logistics simpler and more reliable.
Beyond their facilities, Reliable Storage is an engaged community partner. Their team is a regular presence at Chamber Luncheons and Chamber: Off the Clock, where they actively connect with fellow members and contribute to the collaborative spirit that defines the Greater Kitsap Chamber. Their participation helps foster meaningful relationships and strengthens the region’s business network.
A Reliable Partner in Every Sense
With a focus on customer service, professionalism, and local engagement, Reliable Storage consistently delivers on its promise of reliability. Their active participation in Chamber programs and events highlights their dedication to being more than just a service provider - they are a dependable partner invested in the success and well-being of Kitsap County.
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is grateful for Reliable Storage’s continued engagement and we’re proud to spotlight them as our April Member of the Month.
| Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SBDC: Accounting Basics & The Importance
of Accounting to Your Business
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 1:00pm
| Do you know the difference between bookkeeping and accounting? Are you having trouble understanding what financial statements are? Then you have come to the right place. Sign up for our Accounting Basics class and learn the important information that you need to know about your small business accounting. | |
SCORE: Upgrade Your Website for
Better Business Results
Friday, April 10, 2026, 9:00am
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Your business website is the hub for all your digital marketing. It's the place where people will come for first impressions and to find their next step with your business. For many business owners, building a website is a challenge — and it feels overwhelming and they often struggle to make decisions on technology, hiring designers (or if they want to DIY), content, and search engine optimization.
This webinar will teach you:
• The basics of websites, domains, search engines, and more.
• How to determine if you want to "Do it Yourself" or hire someone.
• How consumers use your website and considerations for making it easier to buy from your business.
Registration Fee: $10
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Veteran Administration Homebuyer Essentials
Monday, April 13, 2026, 12:00pm
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Business Education Support & Training
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6:00pm
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SHRM West Sound: Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11:45am
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SBDC: Unlocking Global Markets
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 10:00am
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This workshop is hosted by the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The sign-up leads to an Export-Import Bank of the United States registration page.
When embarking on your journey to exporting, it's hard to know where to start. "What financing options are available to support my export activities?" or "How can I identify what international markets are suitable for my product?" may be questions you're asking yourself, but you're unsure of where to go for those answers. That's where U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) come in. USEACs and SBDCs help small businesses navigate the complexities of exporting with ease.
Join the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Washington Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Commercial Service Seattle, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) as we share insights on the benefits of USEACs and SBDCs.
During this webinar, you'll learn:
- What USEACs and SBDCs do and where you can find your local centers
- Products and programs designed to protect and support you throughout your exporting journey
- Expert advice for small businesses looking to begin exporting or grow in foreign markets
Also, during this session, we'll host an engaging fireside chat where we'll dive deeper into the export resources designed to help your business thrive globally.
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Preparing to Welcome the World
Visit Seattle's Hospitality Playbook
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To support hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions, and frontline teams, Visit Seattle has created the "Welcoming The World to Seattle" Hospitality Playbook"—a practical, easy‑to‑use guide designed to help you confidently welcome guests from around the world.
The playbook includes:
- Cultural insights for key international markets visiting Seattle
- Hospitality norms & guest expectations to support seamless service
- Dietary, beverage, and dining customs to help teams anticipate needs
- Washington alcohol & cannabis laws, including ID requirements and travel restrictions
- Consular and service resources for reference and support
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World Cup Ready: Understanding Economic Impact & Building Inclusive Experiences
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11:00am
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The 2026 World Cup will bring an unprecedented wave of global attention and a surge of economic activity to communities across our state. This webinar explores what that opportunity looks like through three connected lenses: economic impact, cultural readiness, and creating welcoming, inclusive experiences for visiting nations and fans.
We’ll walk through current forecasts on visitor spending, market demand, and business opportunities tied to the Seattle-hosted matches. Then, we’ll introduce components of the “Welcoming the World” playbook, offering practical guidance on how communities and businesses can honor and engage visiting nations—from cultural touchpoints to customer experience strategies. Finally, participants will learn the essentials of inclusive hospitality and staff training designed to ensure every visitor feels seen, respected, and safe.
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Holding the Line: Transportation's Defense Against Human Trafficking
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 11:00am
| Join the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for a webinar series to prepare transportation entities to prevent and address human trafficking in advance of major sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Transportation systems in host cities serve as the backbone of mobility during major sporting events, moving millions of spectators, workers, and visitors. Increased travel, hospitality demands, and temporary workforces can heighten vulnerabilities to both labor and sex trafficking. Whether on roadways, railways, airways, or waterways, transportation entities are uniquely positioned at points of transit, transfer, and arrival to report suspected human trafficking. These webinars will provide a practical readiness framework that strengthens leadership commitment, policy alignment, cross-sector partnerships, workforce preparedness, responsible data practices, and a survivor-informed response so transportation systems are prepared before kickoff and remain vigilant long after the final whistle. | Business News & Resources | | |
Hastily Passed Sales Tax Expansion
Hits WA Businesses
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Published by the Association of WA Business, March 30, 2026
Photo: Brian Mittge/AWB
New sales tax on services is squeezing budgets and raising costs for small businesses.
When Washington’s new sales tax on services began last fall, Seattle-based advertising and public relations agency GreenRubino worried most about the impact on clients. Many wouldn’t have room in their budgets to absorb a nearly 11% increase in costs for digital advertising, now subject to the sales tax.
The agency works with businesses in industries ranging from food and beverage to health care and manufacturing. The added tax has made it more expensive for those clients to market their businesses online.
“Our smaller clients are experiencing the biggest impact,” said John Rubino, partner at Green-Rubino. “They had small budgets to begin with. They’ve got big goals, small budgets, and now their budgets are even less.”
The Legislature passed the tax in 2025 as part of a $9.4 billion tax package. Senate Bill 5814 imposes the sales tax on an array of professional services including advertising, website services, IT support, live presentations, security and temporary staffing. It was introduced and passed in less than 10 days.
It is expected to generate $2.7 billion in tax revenue over the next four years. In AWB’s latest employ-er survey, conducted in January, three-quarters of respondents said they are paying the new sales tax or higher B&O rates also passed in 2025. Of those, 53% said they are passing costs on to customers.
Read the article here
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Grants, Loans, and Programs
to Benefit Your Small Business
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Published by the US Chamber of Commerce, April 2, 2026
Photo courtesy of the US Chamber of Commerce
Whether you're starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes.
Each week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce updates this list of loans, small business grants, or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations that can help you with your business. Come back often to see the latest.
Read the full list 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. | | Workplace Rights: Common Mistakes to Avoid | | |
A big workplace right for employees is the protection provided to them through workers’ compensation coverage (workers’ comp). Workers’ comp is mandatory for all employees and even some contractors. Check out RCW 51.12.020 for the state law explaining which types of employment are excluded from coverage. Here are a few answers to my workers’ comp FAQs:
- How do I set up workers’ comp?
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Update your WA state business license with the Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service and indicate you are going to have employee(s). For help, follow these steps.
- Where do I find my…?
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Are you looking for a certificate of coverage? Your account manager? Maybe rates and risk classes or your L&I account ID? You can find all of that using the Verify Tool. However, if you’re looking for your Participant Activation Code (PAC), you’ll want to call your account manager or give us a call at: 1-800-987-0145.
- Can my payroll company or other third party file for me?
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Yes. Be sure you and the service provider review “Filing on Behalf of Clients” to find an option that fits. But, beware! While payroll companies can file workers’ comp quarterly reports on your behalf, it’s not always the case! Be sure to verify directly with the payroll company to confirm if that’s a service they provide. Otherwise, you risk accruing late fees.
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Is coverage required for business owners?
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No. Most business owners are exempt from mandatory coverage per RCW 51.12.020, even if you pay yourself as an employee in a S-Corp or other structure. However, owners can opt into elective coverage and receive workers’ comp benefits such as medical care coverage related to a workplace injury and partial wage replacement if your workplace injury results in you missing three or more consecutive work days.
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | | 18 Leadership Traits for Nonprofit Leaders | | |
Published in NonprofitPRO, April 3, 2026
Photo: Cecilie_Arcurs/Getty Images
Leadership is often reduced to skills or outcomes. But over time, what defines a leader isn’t just what they achieve — it’s how they show up, make decisions, and influence others.
Whether you’re reviewing your own capabilities, evaluating someone on your team, or determining desired traits for your next hire, this list offers a way to reflect on the values and behaviors that shape effective leadership.
Few leaders embody all of them consistently — but each one plays a role in building trust, culture, and long-term impact. This is not a checklist to complete, but a set of traits to develop over time — individually and across your organization.
Here’s the list, in no particular order, although I would hate to leave even one of them out.
Read the article here
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Olympic College Adding Building
in Bremerton as Innovation, Tech Hub
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, April 7, 2026
Photo courtesy of Starling, Whithead & Lux Architects
BREMERTON — Olympic College will begin transforming a fairly ordinary piece of property on the west side of campus, mainly grass and an asphalt parking lot, into its new hub for computer science-related programming later this year.
Plans for OC's 31,864-square foot Innovation & Technology Center are underway with the two-story building destined to be built on a portion of Lot 12, located between 14th and 15th Streets along Ohio Avenue. The area is previously where the college's theater stood before construction moved arts and health sciences to the northeast portion of campus in 2018.
OC is working with the city of Bremerton on obtaining all the necessary permitting prior to putting the project out to bid.
"We're funded and we'll be breaking ground this coming fall," said Shawn Devine, OC's chief communications officer during a brief campus tour Monday, April 6.
The target completion date is April 2028 and the building is scheduled to open June 2028. The new venue will accommodate up to 23 faculty/staff and 258 students at peak occupancy. Programming will include computer information systems, computer science, cybersecurity, digital media arts and makerspaces.
"It's really going to be an IT hub," said Devine, who noted that Port Orchard artist Matthew Olds will contribute to the finished product by adding a yet-to-be-determined aesthetic element, such as a mural or sculpture.
The total cost of the project is $34,584,028 and covers furniture and architecture fees. Olympic College secured funding as part of the Washington State Board for Community & Technical College's 2025-27 biennium capital funding budget.
Read the article here
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KCMT Presents: Frozen
April 11-26, 2026
| The enchanting modern classic is based on the 2018 Broadway musical and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! | |
Earth Day @ Poulsbo's Fish Park
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00am
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Vista Gardens Spring Flowers Tour
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00am
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Join us at Vista Gardens on Saturday, April 18 for the “Spring Flowers” tour, where the garden is in full bloom, showcasing a breathtaking array of colors and fragrances. This tour celebrates the peak of spring, as flowers of all shapes and sizes burst into life across our garden spaces.
Our knowledgeable guide, John Albers, will lead you through the vibrant displays, highlighting both familiar favorites and unique varieties that thrive in our region. Learn about the planting and care of spring flowers, the role they play in supporting pollinators, and how to create your own stunning spring garden.
This tour is a feast for the senses and a must for anyone who loves the beauty of springtime. Come and revel in the joyful display of nature’s most colorful season at Vista Gardens.
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Masks Still Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Coda - Led Zeppelin Tribute
Friday, April 10, 2026, 8:30pm
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Petty Thief - Tom Petty Tribute
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8:30pm
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The Admiral Theatre Presents:
Forever Simon & Garfunkel: A Tribute
Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:30pm
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The Coast to Coast Tour @ The Admiral Theatre
Friday, April 17, 2026, 7:30pm
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Candlelight Concerts @ The Roxy Theatre
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 5:30pm and 8:15pm
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Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Bremerton.
5:30 PM The Best of Hans Zimmer
8:15 PM Queen vs. ABBA
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Concerts at Port Gamble: Jaimee Harris
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:00pm
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Umami Jazz Fusion @ The Roxy Theatre
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:00pm
| | Get ready for an unforgettable night of sizzling jazz fusion, as UMAMI takes the stage with their electrifying blend of classic 70's fusion anthems and irresistible original compositions. Led by visionary trumpeter John Sakura (Tamaraw, Full Circle, Type A!), this powerhouse ensemble is redefining what it means to experience live jazz. | |
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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