Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Congratulations to Our 2024 Finalists

Nominees & winners to be honored November 1st

Congratulations to all the nominees and finalists for the 2024 GKC Business Awards! Finalists for each category have been selected with winners to be announced at the Gala on November 1st! Get your sponsorship, program ads and tickets now!

2024 Award Finalists

Dr. Glen Gordon New Business of the Year

Grand Mason Goods

Moxie Entrepreneurial Support Services

Scandia Studio

Spiva Cooking

TechFit Studios

Hospitality Business of the Year

His Ohana Shave Ice

Kitsap Conference Center

Marina Square

Maynard's Restaurant

Sinclairs Twenty-Two

Natalie E. Bryson Business of the Year

BC Fitness

Business Health Trust

Harris Family Businesses

NorthMade Marketing

Tara Scouten Real Estate

Nonprofit of the Year

Bremerton Foodline

Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance

Kitsap Humane Society

St. Vincent de Paul Bremerton

US Submarine Veterans Inc Bremerton

Pioneer Business of the Year

Kitsap Credit Union

Miller-Woodlawn Dignity Memorial

Peaks Financial

Rice Fergus Miller Architecture

West Sound Workforce

Get Your Tickets Now for the

2024 Business Awards Gala

Sponsorships Still Available for Gala

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? Looking 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 Events Coordinator, Tiffany Diamond, to secure your sponsorship or ad space today!

RECAP: September Membership Luncheon

Our September luncheon was a hit with more than 100 members attending - don't forget, these are great events to be strengthening your networks! September featured speakers from both the Bremerton School District and the Central Kitsap School District, as well as Olympic College's Dr. Marty Cavalluzzi, who gave us all an update on the education system here in Kitsap. Our members with services in the Education arena were our featured vendors. Join us next month as we talk all things marketing!

GKC Around the Community

September was a busy month at the Chamber! With ribbon cuttings for several local businesses - Arabia Essence in the Kitsap Mall and Scandia Studio in Poulsbo - the team was busy celebrating member success stories throughout the month. We also had the opportunity to attend the Olympic College grand opening of their new Shops Building. Rounding out the month we launched the 27th Annual Eggs & Issues Candidate Forums - join us on Tuesday mornings through October 22nd as we hear from candidates for local and state offices.

Chamber Night @ Seattle Sounders

Saturday, October 19, 2024

October Membership Luncheon

Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 11:00 am

Chamber launches new benefit in partnership with Crunch Fitness!

We are so excited to announce this new wellness opportunity for our business community: beginning August 2024, members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber and their employees can now enjoy discounted gym memberships at Crunch Fitness in Silverdale. For more information on how to redeem this benefit, contact Irene at the Chamber. Special thanks to General Manager, Haaken Larsen, for bringing this opportunity to our membership!

It’s time to get the most out of your insurance.

With Business Health Trust, you’ll have access to:

• More choices – more than 80 medical plans from the most respected carriers in the state
• More value – all plans come with mental health and virtual care coverage, plus innovative ancillary benefits to suit your needs
• More support – with concierge level customer service and comprehensive plan administration
• More savings – enjoy discounts on transit, IT & HR support, plus savings on dining, shopping, travel and more
• More peace of mind – we’ve got you covered!

Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and see for yourself how BHT has helped over 1,000 businesses with their employee benefits.

Ready to build your benefits plan? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.com to learn more and get a free quote. 

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

New & Renewing Members for September

Thank you for your continued investment & support!

Community Connector

Main Street

Allstate Insurance - Chidi Okunji Agency

JC Madison Inc

Kitsap Regional Library

Business

American Family Insurance -The Tim Lopez Agency

Barela Agency LLC

Bremer Trust

Bremerton WestSound Symphony

Business Health Trust

Central Kitsap Community Council

Irene Miller

NextHome Puget Sound

PC Networks

Radwick & Lightle

Silverdale Green Drinks

SRG Bookkeeping

St. Vincent de Paul, Bremerton

Strait Floors, Inc

Get Your Insurance Quote Now from BHT

Hood Canal Roofing Partners with Kitsap Cancer Services to Promote Awareness

Hood Canal Roofing is excited to announce a new partnership with Kitsap Cancer Services to support local cancer patients and their families during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This partnership will see a percentage of every roof sale made throughout the month donated directly to Kitsap Cancer Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential services to cancer patients in Kitsap County.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness, show support, and make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Hood Canal Roofing, a local leader in roofing services, believes in going beyond just providing roofs—they aim to give back to the community they serve in meaningful ways.

“Our mission has always been about more than just the roof over your head,” said Brian Foley, owner of Hood Canal Roofing. “As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we saw a unique opportunity to partner with Kitsap Cancer Services and support their invaluable work with cancer patients. We’re proud to contribute to this cause and help make a tangible difference in the community.”

How the Partnership Works

For every roof sold in October, Hood Canal Roofing will donate a percentage of the sale to Kitsap Cancer Services. The funds raised will provide crucial assistance to cancer patients and their families, helping them navigate the emotional and financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

"We are incredibly grateful for Hood Canal Roofing’s generosity," said Jackie Smaha, Executive Director of Kitsap Cancer Services. "This partnership enables us to continue delivering critical services to cancer patients and their families, and it’s inspiring to see local businesses step up to support the community."

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of community support for those facing cancer. With this partnership, Hood Canal Roofing invites the community to join in making a difference by choosing a company that not only delivers top-tier roofing services but also gives back to a vital cause.

Port of Bremerton Food Drive

Now thru November 29th

Nominate Now for 20 Under 40

BSD Grand Opening

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 5:00 pm

Unique Experience Custom Embroidery

Located in Bremerton, WA, Unique Experience Custom Embroidery is a family-owned business known for delivering top-quality, personalized embroidery services. Whether for individuals, businesses, or teams, they bring creative visions to life through expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. From custom apparel and corporate uniforms to monogrammed gifts and logo embroidery, they offer a range of customizable products designed to meet any need.

Why you should reach out to Unique Experience Custom Embroidery today:

• Custom embroidery for apparel, uniforms, and gifts
• Professional logo embroidery for businesses
• Personalized service with high-quality results
• Flexible orders for both small and large projects

Beyond their exceptional services, Unique Experience is dedicated to supporting the local community, regularly contributing to local events and businesses. Members of the Chamber since 1995, their strong ties to Bremerton make them a trusted partner for all things embroidery.

Customers rave about their experience, with one review stating, “The quality is excellent, and the customer service is top-notch.”

For personalized, high-quality embroidery, Unique Experience Custom Embroidery is the go-to shop for creativity and craftsmanship in Bremerton.

www.uniqueexperience1.com

Advocacy Committee

Join us Next Week: Eggs & Issues

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 8:00 am

Join us on October 8th as we welcome candidates from the 26th Legislative District, vying for representative positions 1 and 2. Hear from these community leaders on what their plans are in the Washington State Legislature and how it will impact voters across Kitsap County.

Enjoy a limited breakfast selection available for purchase at the Cloverleaf.

We'll see you Tuesday morning at 8:00 am! Doors open for breakfast at 7:00 am.

RECAP: Eggs & Issues

6th Congressional District

Millions for Ferries, Buses, Sidewalks Could Be Lost if Climate Commitment Act is Repealed

Published in the Kitsap Sun, Sept. 30, 2024

Photo: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun

“The Climate Commitment Act is working overtime in Kitsap County.” 

That was Gov. Jay Inslee’s assessment, made in a social media post coming fresh off a trip to the peninsula in July, where he visited stakeholders with Kitsap Transit and its new Silverdale Transit Center. Inslee, who is not seeking re-election this year, made climate a centerpiece of his tenure in Olympia and, at one point, a brief run to be a presidential nominee, so it wasn't a surprise for him to praise the legislation that funded such infrastructure projects in Kitsap.

The Climate Commitment Act, a cap-and-invest program, is designed to incrementally reduce carbon emissions throughout the state by requiring Washington's biggest polluters to buy emission allowances for the greenhouse gas they produce every year. The money raised from selling those allowances at quarterly carbon auctions is then invested into projects addressing climate change. But that could change after the November general election in Washington.

Read the full article from The Sun's Kai Uyehara here

Business & Professional Development Committee

Goodwill Classes Beginning in October

SCORE: Evolution of Your Career Portfolio

Friday, October 4, 2024, 10:00 am

The time has come when we need to be "portfolio people" who think of our vocations, not just in terms of a single defined job or occupation, but more as a holistic body of work. In this workshop, we will discuss what it takes to create a career and life portfolio and then how to live it!

Topics Covered:

• Managing your career more by intention rather than by circumstance.
• Recognizing and responding to changes in career priorities in different stages of your life.
• Making the most of realizations - such as reaching your career peak or grasping that life is finite, with time being a very precious commodity.
• Overcoming fears associated with going after your dreams.

Workshop Fee: FREE

Lightning Talk @ Vibe CoWorks

Collaborative Philanthropy - Partnerships Between Businesses and Nonprofits

Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 11:30 am

Join us in October for real talk with 3 local entrepreneurs, here to share their entrepreneurial journey, including all the highs and lows, the roadblocks they’ve encountered, and the support that has made a difference.

Come ready to listen, learn, find new inspiration, and reflect on what it really means to ‘support local businesses’ in meaningful ways, including especially those that are minority-owned. Leave your ego at the door, and engage in authentic conversations from peers who are in the trenches and 'doing the thing', battle scars and all. 

Informal conversation and networking begins at 11:30am. Lightning talks begin at 12pm and end promptly at 1pm. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.

SBA Hosts Small Business Cyber Summit

October 16 & 23, 2024

Join us virtually on October 16 and October 23, 2024, for the SBA Cyber Summit, your premier destination for mastering cybersecurity in the small business landscape. This invaluable event is completely free to register and attend!

Discover cutting-edge strategies and solutions from a diverse lineup of experts, including top cybersecurity specialists, business coaches, peer entrepreneurs, Federal and state program managers, and leading corporate technologists. Gain actionable insights, practical advice, and hands-on guidance tailored to the unique needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Don't miss this opportunity to secure your business's future and connect with industry leaders who can help you navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. Reserve your spot today and empower your business with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a digital age!

KEDA Fall Forum

Thursday, October 24, 2024, 2:00 pm

Register Your Business with FINCEN

Courtesy of SCORE

Starting on January 1, 2024, if your business is an LLC or regular corporation, you are required to register your business and its owners with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN), which is part of the US Department of Treasury. The deadline to file is December 31, 2024.

Filing your business is easy and will only take you 15 minutes. If you are ready to file now:

Step One – Gather documents & information needed to file:

• Legal name & address of your business
• EIN number of your business
• If company has any DBA names (“Doing Business As”) or trade names, have those available as well
• For all owners holding 25% or greater ownership and/or control:
• Full name, address and birthdate of each
• Scanned copy of government ID (i.e. driver’s license, passport, etc.) which must be uploaded in the filing

 Step Two - Go to FinCEN website and do the on-line filing

When complete, download a copy of the Transcript. This is important as you’ll need the BOIR ID number in the future to update your filing.

For full details – here is a link to a 48-page booklet:

Be aware of email and text scams! If you receive an email or text message about registering your business with FINCEN or the BOI report being due, ignore it. No federal governmental agency has issued letters, emails, or text messages to business owners notifying them to register their business. Thus, delete those messages as soon as you receive them!!

WHA: National Food Safety Month

Courtesy of the Washington Hospitality Association

Did you know that one in six people get sick from contaminated food every year? The most common culprits are also some of the most delicious, such as fresh produce, meat, seafood, unpasteurized milk products and dry foods such as spices. National Food Safety Month is a great time to refresh your employees’ knowledge of common foodborne illnesses and how to prevent them.

Follow along with the National Restaurant Association’s educational posts for National Food Safety Month, and take a look at our calendar below for ServSafe courses near you. Don't forget, now through Oct. 16, use code FALL20 to receive 20% off your registration total!

Read more here

Washington Budget Outlook Shows

No Signs of Improvement

Published in the Washington State Standard, Sept. 30, 2024

Photo: Getty Images

A state revenue forecast released Friday reinforces Washington lawmakers and the next governor may face difficult spending decisions next year.

The economy is projected to generate just under $66.5 billion in tax receipts for the budget cycle that runs through next June. That’s a drop of about $50 million from the forecast David Reich, Washington’s chief economist delivered to the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council three months ago.

When combined with the June revenue report – which showed revenues tumbling $477 million – tax receipts are now expected to be roughly $525 million below figures lawmakers and Gov. Jay Inslee relied on to pay for new spending in the current fiscal year.

Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said he didn’t anticipate a need for any large changes in the current budget to deal with less-than-anticipated revenue totals.

“We’re only going to be able to spend what we have,” he said.

Read the full article here

Fed Cuts Interest Rates

for First Time in Four Years

Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association

The Federal Reserve has reduced its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, marking the first rate cut in over four years. This move aims to ease borrowing costs and stimulate economic growth, reflecting confidence in managing inflation, which has dropped to 2.5% from its 9.1% peak in June 2022. The cut follows a series of rate hikes that helped curb inflation but also led to rising borrowing expenses for consumers.

As inflation is now close to the Fed’s 2% target, the central bank's focus has shifted to supporting a weakening labor market, where unemployment has risen to 4.2%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of maintaining economic growth while ensuring a stable job market.



The rate cut may lead to lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, offering potential relief for businesses and consumers alike. However, many experts believe mortgage rates have already adjusted in anticipation of the Fed's decision. As the economy slows, this shift could bolster consumer spending and encourage investment in the months leading up to the presidential election.

Courtesy of FastCompany.com

• These 9 techniques can help train your brain to make you a better leader
• Want to be a better leader? Learn to let go of control

Courtesy of entrepreneur.com

• Why is your video marketing failing? Employ these 4 best practices to ensure your strategy is aligned with your company's goals
• How this software company is simplifying complex but critical processes for small businesses

2025 Minimum Wage Increase Announced

Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $16.66 an hour next year, a 2.35 percent increase over 2024. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced the increase today; it takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

State law directs L&I to calculate the minimum wage for the coming year using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). To make the calculation, L&I compares the CPI-W from August of the previous year to August of the current year.

According to the bureau, housing and food costs increased over the last 12 months, leading to the increase in the CPI-W.

Read more here

REPLAY: Creating an Accident Prevention

Plan for Your Business

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K6rzR.GA

Nonprofit News & Resources

A Fundraiser's Guide to Small Talk

Published on NonProfitPRO.com, September 27, 2024

Photo: Getty Images by Klaus Vedfelt

Social gatherings — cocktail parties, receptions, galas, sporting events — are a necessary part of growing our professional network as fundraisers. While some consider this a perk of the profession, others secretly dread having to engage in awkward small talk.



I will be the first to admit that cocktail conversation is not my favorite thing. But over the years, I’ve learned that casual banter can lead to opportunities. In fact, I regard it now as a beneficial part of the cultivation process. If you find mingling uncomfortable, here are some suggestions to ease the pain and sharpen your social game.

Read the full article from Andrea Taylor here

NAWA: Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 12:00 pm

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.

This online course is free, thanks to support from the Washington Office of the Secretary of State.

Greater Kitsap News

Central Kitsap Community Council

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 5:00 pm

Planning for growth in Silverdale: learn how to give input and get involved at community meeting Oct. 2

Kitsap residents and business owners are invited to attend the Oct. 2 meeting of the Central Kitsap Community Council to hear updates on the Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan Update, an upcoming focus on regional growth planning in Silverdale and the status of a community survey related to a new community center. The meeting takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road.

Kitsap County Deputy Administrator Eric Baker will provide an overview of the Comprehensive Plan Update draft document. This two-year effort is coming to a close with a public hearing scheduled with the Board of County Commissioners Oct. 28 and approval expected later this year.

Staff from the county's Department of Community Development will review a new planning effort to get underway in 2025 on the Silverdale Regional Growth Center Subarea Plan and opportunities for public input and involvement. The subarea plan establishes a vision, goals and policies for this Urban Growth Area with a focus on land use, economic development, design districts, transportation and other community elements.

The CKCC meeting will also feature community announcements and there is an opportunity for public comment.

Stay informed and engaged! All CKCC are open to the public. Learn more about the council and find the meeting agenda at kcowa.us/CKCC.

Silverdale GreenDrinks

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 5:24 pm

Skookum Presents: Travis Mills

A Morning of Empowerment

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Bremerton GreenDrinks

Thursday, October 10, 2024, 5:00 pm

Employability Career Fair

Thursday, October 17, 2024

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.

Admiral Theatre: Some Enchanted Evening

Thursday, October 3, 2024, 7:30 pm

Led by Emmy-nominated crooner Benny Benack III and singer and social media sensation Stella Katherine Cole, Some Enchanted Evening leads audiences on a jazz-inspired journey through Broadway’s greatest hits from the Golden Age of yesterday to the freshest hits of today. From Hammerstein to “Hamilton” and everything in between, this multi-disciplinary musical mashup also showcases Jabu Graybeal, a one-of-a-kind talent and tap-dancing star.

BCT Presents: Caught in the Net

October 4- 20, 2024

Fast forward and the plot thickens, or rather, tangles up like a pair of earphones in your pocket. In this sequel, the web of lies gets even stickier when John Smith's teenage kids from each family meet online and hit it off. Little do they know they share more than just common interests—they share a dad! John, with his trusty but dim-witted sidekick Stanley, dives headfirst into a sea of fibs and fabrications to keep his kids from discovering they're half-siblings. It's a comedic catastrophe of epic proportions that proves the internet really does bring people closer—maybe a bit too close for comfort.

Content Advisory: Adult situations, some humor based on outdated standards and mores. Features humorous and sometimes suggestive dialogue, but no strong or offensive language; deals with themes of bigamy, deception, and mistaken identity, all presented in a comedic and farcical manner; primarily situational and physical humor, with elements of slapstick and farce; mature themes related to bigamy and infidelity, handled with a light-hearted and comedic touch; comedic accidents and physical humor; some suggestive situations and innuendos—nothing explicit.

Kalimba @ Roxy Theatre

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 8:00 pm

It’s time to get on your dance shoes and unleash the funky monkey! “Good live music can move the body. A driving beat, an infectious bass line and a bit of melody are usually all that it takes to get an audience out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Great music, however, sparks more than a physical reaction. Great music moves the soul!” —as reported by Shawn Skager.

Poulsbo Film Festival

October 11 - 13, 2024

Port Gamble Theater: Harvey

October 11 - 27, 2024

Everyone is worried about Elwood P. Dowd’s relationship with his six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch friend. Why you say…well he happens to be an invisible rabbit.

CK Performing Arts Center & West Sound Chorus Presents:

CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! "Hallelujah"

An Epic Anthems Sing-Along

Saturday, October 12, 2024, 6:00 pm

Since 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman + Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, Rufus Wainwright, and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions!

Tiffany Diamond

Events Coordinator

tiffany@greaterkitsapchamber.com