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Washington Governor Rejects Use
of Wealth Tax to Balance Budget
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Published in The Washington State Standard, April 1, 2025
Photo: Jacquelyn Romero/Washington State Standard
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday put the kibosh on Democratic lawmakers’ plans to use billions of dollars from a proposed wealth tax to balance the state budget.
Ferguson, a first-term Democrat, also said he could not sign budgets passed in the two chambers in recent days because they each rely too much on taxes.
“We cannot adopt an all-cuts budget,” he said. “We cannot adopt a budget with anywhere near the level of taxes in the House and Senate plans.”
He called on lawmakers to “immediately move budget discussions in a different direction.”
Read the full story here
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April Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 11:00 am
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Join us this month as we re-cap the 2025 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.
You won't want to miss this opportunity to network and be informed. Be sure to bring your business cards and we'll see you one week later than usual on Wednesday, April 30th!
Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center.
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Join the GKC Board of Directors
Applications open through April 8th
| | Are you interested in becoming more involved at the Greater Kitsap Chamber? We have volunteer positions open for the 2025-26 year, including on the Board of Directors, Chamber Committees, and the Chamber Foundation Board. Contact Irene to learn more and to submit an application today! The deadline to apply is April 8th. | | |
Chamber: Off the Clock @ Oxford Suites
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 5:05 pm
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Save-the-Date: Armed Forces Day Parade
May 17, 2025, 10:00 am
| | Insurance Needs for You & Your Employees: Business Health Trust Has You Covered | | |
Big changes are coming to healthcare and insurance in 2025. Did you know the IRS has expanded preventative care benefits for high-deductible health plans? This includes coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, continuous glucose monitors, and certain insulin products.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has summarized the insurance and healthcare changes impacting Washington employers and employees this year.
Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news_insights/insurance-changes-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.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 David now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | | |
New & Renewing Members for March
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Protecting Those Who Protect Us
Nestled in Bremerton, Washington, SAFE Boats International has built a global reputation for designing and manufacturing some of the most rugged, high-performance watercraft on the market. Since its inception, SAFE Boats has been dedicated to a singular mission: building boats that protect those who protect us. From military and law enforcement agencies to fire and rescue teams, SAFE Boats provides vessels that ensure safety, durability, and unmatched performance in the most challenging conditions.
A Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship
Founded in 1997, SAFE Boats International has grown from a small startup to an industry leader in maritime security and defense. The company’s name—SAFE—stands for "Secured Around Flotation Equipped," reflecting its pioneering use of foam flotation collars that make its vessels nearly unsinkable.
Over the years, SAFE Boats has expanded its product lines and capabilities, delivering cutting-edge vessels to agencies worldwide, including the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies, and international defense forces. With a commitment to American manufacturing, every SAFE Boat is built in Washington State, maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance.
A Commitment to Community and Service
Beyond its role in supplying world-class vessels, SAFE Boats International is deeply committed to its employees, community, and the industries it serves. The company supports numerous initiatives for veterans, first responders, and maritime professionals, recognizing the importance of those who dedicate their lives to safety and service.
SAFE Boats also plays a role in the Bremerton economy, providing skilled jobs and contributing to the region’s reputation as a hub for advanced maritime manufacturing. By investing in local talent and maintaining a 100% U.S.-based production, SAFE Boats strengthens both national security and the local workforce.
Connect with SAFE Boats International
To learn more about their industry-leading vessels or to discuss custom maritime solutions, visit safeboats.com or follow them on Facebook.
| | Weekly Legislative Update | | |
Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business
First budget vote: On Saturday, the Washington State Senate approved a $78.5 billion two-year budget that increases state spending by 9.1% and relies on billions in new taxes.
The vote was 28-21, with Democratic state Sens. Mike Chapman of Port Angeles and Deb Krishnadasan of Gig Harbor joining Republicans in opposition.
The House is expected to vote on its budget proposal this week.
Message to budget leaders: In separate letters, AWB urged budget writers in the Senate and House to revisit their proposals and “develop a plan that prioritizes fiscal discipline ahead of harmful new taxes.”
Unified front: AWB joined with other business organizations to criticize the Senate budget plan, including the proposed slate of unpredictable new taxes.
“Rather than do the real work of balancing the budget, officials have proposed new taxes that would generate between $13 billion and $17 billion for the state – representing by far the largest tax increases in state history and making everything from groceries to housing more expensive for all Washingtonians.”
Broad concern: Many others share the business community’s concerns. The Bellevue City Council took a stance opposing the proposed payroll tax increase and B&O tax surcharge, and The Seattle Times editorial board urged lawmakers to return to responsible fiscal footing.
Go deeper: The Washington Research Council has a new policy brief outlining key differences in the House and Senate budget plans. Notably, both would increase tax revenue more than is needed to fund their proposed spending levels.
Briefing for employers: Join AWB and other business groups at 3:30 p.m. Friday (and every Friday for the rest of the legislative session) for a virtual briefing to get the latest legislative developments on budget and taxes and how they may impact your business. Register now.
📣 How to help: The People for an Affordable Washington campaign is calling on legislators to make smarter spending decisions. Click here to email your lawmakers, or donate here (contributions are reportable to the PDC).
Next steps: The Senate and House will need to iron out differences in the two plans and pass a final budget before the Legislature adjourns on April 27.
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The following bills will have public hearings at 8 a.m. Thursday in the House Finance Committee. The deadline to sign in and note your position is 7 a.m. Thursday.
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Wealth tax: House Bill 2046 would enact a tax of 0.8% of the assessed value of certain financial assets. It applies to taxpayers with $50 million or more in assets, and exempts the first $50 million. Sign in to note your position on HB 2046.
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B&O tax surcharge: House Bill 2045 would enact a 1% B&O tax surcharge on companies with taxable income over $250 million. Manufacturers would be exempt. It also increases the B&O tax surcharge on financial institutions from 1.2% to 1.9%. Sign in to note your position on HB 2045.
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Property tax growth limit increase: House Bill 2049 would allow an increase in annual property tax growth from the current 1% cap to the combined rate of population growth plus inflation, with a cap of 3%. Sign in to note your position on HB 2049.
Learn more: Max Martin, AWB’s tax and fiscal policy director, is your contact for budget and tax questions.
| | RECAP: Legislative Update w/Rep. Greg Nance | | Did you miss last week's live Zoom with Rep. Greg Nance of the 23rd Legislative District? Tune in to the recording here and learn more about the work our local elected officials are doing down in Olympia, as well as what's next in the coming weeks as the legislative session winds down. | | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
Lunchtime Lightning Talk: Tax Season Survival
Thursday, April 3, 2025, 11:30 am
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Stressed about tax season? You're not alone!
Join us for our Lunchtime Lightning Talk on Tax Season Survival on April 3rd from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM (in person only) at Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo. Hear from fellow business owners, including Carolyn Olson from Accell Accounting and Income Tax, Marit Bockelie from Marigold Mindset & Wellness, and Shannon Raymond-Becker from Pier 52 Bookkeeping as they share their own tax season stories, tips, and what’s worked (and what hasn’t!). BYO lunch and come hang with us!
No judgment—just real talk, support, and a chance to connect with others in the same boat.
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SCORE: Tax Savings Strategies
for Small Businesses
Friday, April 4, 2025, 1:00 pm
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This workshop focuses on the Federal tax saving strategies that work best for small businesses, which are:
- Electing S-Corporation status with the IRS.
- Maximizing the deduction for business use of the home.
- Demonstrating two ways you can compute the deduction for business use of personal vehicle.
- Providing you examples of 7 different retirement plans and showing you which one is best for you.
- Describing how to maximize the benefits of health savings accounts.
- Show you the difference between smart equipment purchases and not-so-smart ones for maximizing the tax benefit.
- Explain the difference between cash versus accrual accounting and let you know which is better for you.
- And much, much more!
Registration Fee: FREE
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Washington State Dept of Labor & Industries: Business Essentials Webinar
Friday, April 18, 2025, 9:30 am
| | Business News & Resources | | |
SBA Abruptly Ends COVID-Era
Loan-Relief Program
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Published in the Puget Sound Business Journal, April 1, 2025
Image: Kameleon007 via Getty Images
The Small Business Administration is ending its Hardship Accommodation Plan, which will mean higher Covid Economic Injury Disaster Loan payments for thousands of small businesses.
The HAP was a six-month program that allowed small-business owners to pay a fraction of their total EIDL total payment, but business owners were ultimately allowed to enroll up to five times, with the first two rounds requiring 10% of the total payment, then 50%, then two rounds at 75%. Businesses with loans under $200,000 were previously able to apply and be approved automatically.
That's now over. The SBA said on its website, effective March 19, the HAP for Covid EIDL loans is no longer open. Business owners with EIDL loans in the HAP also started receiving emails in recent weeks notifying them of the program's closure.
The SBA said in an email obtained by The Playbook the agency was still providing "short-term payment assistance" to borrowers experiencing temporary financial difficulties. But, according to the email, such assistance is only for businesses not previously enrolled in the HAP, with loans less than 120 days past due and not currently charged off, which is when the agency writes off the loan and sends it to the Treasury Department for collection efforts.
It's unclear how many small-business owners will be impacted by the move but, as of late September, about 301,000 loans were enrolled in HAP, for a total of about $36 billion in loans, according to data provided to The Playbook from a Freedom of Information Act request to the SBA. Those businesses will have to make full payments once their HAP expires.
Read the full article here
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Five Years After the Pandemic:
Is Retail Back to Normal?
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Courtesy of the Washington Retail Association
Five years after the pandemic lockdowns, the retail industry has seen significant recovery, but true "normalcy" remains elusive. While stores are open, inventory is flowing, and inflation has decreased, uncertainties in the economy and political instability are still causing anxiety for both consumers and retailers.
The pandemic disrupted shopping habits and reshaped consumer expectations, with many prioritizing experiences over products in the early recovery stages. Retailers struggled to adapt to these shifting demands, but have slowly begun to refocus on in-store experiences as customers have shown a willingness to return to physical stores.
Consumers now hold more power than ever before, influenced by technology and evolving expectations, especially regarding price and value. Despite this, inflation, economic distortions, and policy changes have led to cautious spending. Consumer confidence has sharply dropped in 2025 due to fears of tariffs and ongoing economic instability.
While the retail sector shows signs of recovery, especially with reduced inflation, the broader economic uncertainty is still preventing a return to "normal." Experts warn that the pace of change and unpredictable political developments make it difficult to define what normal even looks like anymore.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | | |
Unlocking Success: How L&I Supports
Washington’s Small Businesses
Running a business comes with countless challenges—compliance, safety regulations, hiring, and keeping up with ever-changing workplace laws. Fortunately, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is more than just a regulatory agency; it’s an invaluable partner for small businesses across the state.
More Than Workplace Inspections
L&I is widely recognized for its role in workplace safety, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and investigating hazards. However, many business owners don’t realize the wealth of resources and expertise L&I provides to support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.
With 19 offices statewide and a team of nearly 3,000 skilled professionals—including consultants and advisors—L&I is uniquely positioned to help businesses stay compliant, improve workplace safety, and navigate labor laws. Moreover, L&I offers confidential, no-fee consultations that can help you find and fix hazards in your workplace and strengthen your safety program. No fines or penalties will result from issues uncovered during a consultation.
A One-Stop Shop for Small Business Support
The L&I Small Business Office is a hidden gem for business owners looking for guidance on compliance, safety, and operations. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing workforce, L&I offers a variety of free services, including:
✅ Hiring Guidance: Confused about what paperwork you need to hire an employee? L&I provides step-by-step guidance to help businesses onboard new workers correctly.
✅ Safety & Compliance Templates: Need a workplace safety plan or record-keeping templates? L&I offers ready-to-use resources to simplify compliance and protect your employees.
✅ Workshops & Training: From L&I Essentials for Business (in English & Spanish) to ergonomics to retail safety to independent contractor guidelines, L&I hosts free educational workshops and maintains a video library covering essential topics for Washington businesses.
✅ Workers’ Compensation Expertise: As administrators of the state’s workers' compensation system, L&I acts like a large insurance provider, ensuring that injured workers receive medical care and wage-replacement benefits—while also helping employers understand their responsibilities and reduce risks.
A Vital—and Free—Resource for Local Businesses
Navigating Washington’s labor laws and safety requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With L&I’s free resources and expert guidance, small businesses can stay compliant, reduce risks, and build a safer, more productive workplace.
Want to take advantage of these valuable business tools? Learn more at Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
NAWA Online Training: Boards in Gear
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 4:00 pm
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You joined a nonprofit board because you care about the organization’s mission. You want your contributions as a board member to positively affect the issues addressed by the organization. As a board, you want your nonprofit to thrive and make a difference in the communities served by your organization. Whether your nonprofit is just starting or is long established, getting your board in gear can help put your organization on a clear path forward.
This interactive, virtual workshop is based on the Boards in Gear resources developed in partnership with some of our state’s leading board experts. You will leave with concrete action steps, tools, and connections.
The virtual workshop will cover:
- Board responsibilities
- Board operations
- Composition and development
- Fundraising
- Advocacy
This workshop will be recorded. Registrants will receive the recording by email after the event. If you can’t attend the training but you are interested in learning about this topic, please register so you we can send you the recording and materials.
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Bremerton School District Selects
New Superintendent
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After a nationwide search and comprehensive and rigorous selection process, the Bremerton School Board is pleased to introduce Dr. Slade McSheehy as the new Bremerton School District Superintendent.
"The Board was impressed with all three of the highly qualified finalists, making this a very difficult decision, said John Hurley, Board President. "Dr. Sheehy's proven budget and strategic plan implementation experience positioned him as the most prepared to take our District to the next level."
Dr. McSheehy is currently the superintendent for the Vashon Island School District. Before joining the Vashon Island School District in 2018, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning and middle school principal in the Hockinson School District. He also served as high school assistant principal at Prairie High School.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies/French and his Master's degree in school counseling from California State University in Long Beach. He earned his Doctorate in educational leadership from Washington State University.
Dr. McSheehy will assume the role of superintendent on July 1, 2025.
The Board would like to thank all of the students, staff, family and community members for their participation in this important selection process.
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Central Kitsap Fire Shifts Plan,
Will Rebuild Meadowdale Station
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, March 26, 2025
Photo: Meegan Reid/Kitsap Sun
Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue intends to build a new fire station on Old Military Road to replace its existing Station 41, a change from a bond-funded plan to remodel the facility built in 1979.
Funding for a new station at Meadowdale, as Station 41 is known, would come from the existing CKFR bond that passed in 2020. That measure, which voters approved to raise approximately $58 million in capital funding, was intended to build five new fire stations, including replacements of existing stations on Trenton Avenue, in Seabeck and on Silverdale Way, as well as the remodel and seismic upgrades at other stations. Three of the new stations are now open, with Seabeck (Station 53) and Silverdale Way (Station 51) preparing to open in the coming months.
Read the story here
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Central Kitsap Community Council Hosts
1st Annual Daffodil Festival
| | County Commissioner Katie Walters along with the Central Kitsap Community Council celebrated a blustery and cheer-filled 1st Annual Daffodil Festival on Saturday in Old Town Silverdale. The event was the culmination of the planting of thousands of daffodils by community volunteers last fall. Congratulations to the CKCC on the first of many successful events aimed at beautifying and supporting Old Town. | | |
Live Well Kitsap Community Hike
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 am
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Bremerton Central Lions Club
Centennial Celebration
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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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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Can I still get COVID-19 tests?
You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov
Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance.
If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.
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Free immunization clinics for children
Kitsap Public Health is offering free immunization clinics for children 18 and younger on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 in Bremerton. Our clinic provides flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and routine childhood immunizations.
Learn more and book an appointment at kitsappublichealth.org/clinic.
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Admiral Theatre Presents:
Yesterday and Today
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 7:00 pm
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Fever 103 - Foreigner Tribute
Friday, April 4, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Alive 85 - Elvis Tribute
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Port Gamble Theatre Presents:
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Now thru April 13, 2025
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Winner of the Tony Award, this brilliant and hilarious musical follows Monty Navarro, a charming and ambitious man who discovers he's eighth in line to inherit the prestigious D'Ysquith family earldom. Determined to speed up his ascension, Monty hatches a clever scheme to eliminate the relatives ahead of him, all while juggling the affections of two beautiful women. Don’t miss this side-splitting musical comedy! Recommended for ages 10 and up. Contains adult themes, humor, and farcical situations.
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Purchase Tickets Now: Bremerton Air Show
July 12 & 13, 2025
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If you are a vendor looking to be a part of the 2025 Bremerton Air Show,
please visit their vendor site HERE.
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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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Bremerton 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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