Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | | End of Shutdown Ignites New Round of Sparring Among WA's Lawmakers | | |
Published in the Washington State Standard, November 12, 2025
Photo: Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom
The shutdown is over.
But jousting continues among Republicans and Democrats — including those from Washington state — over who’s to blame for the longest ever shuttering of the federal government. The 43-day political meltdown jeopardized families’ food benefits, snarled air travel and left some federal employees working without pay.
Wednesday evening, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution 222-209 to fund parts of the federal government through the end of January and other parts through next fall. The Senate acted on Monday. President Donald Trump signed the legislation Wednesday night.
Washington state’s House delegation voted as anticipated: Republican U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside and Michael Baumgartner of Spokane supported the measure along with one Democratic defector, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Skamania County. Gluesenkamp Perez is known for breaking ranks with her party and faces a tough reelection fight next year.
The state’s other seven Democratic House members opposed the package.
Read the article here
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November Luncheon
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 11:00am
| | Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center. Please note there will NOT be assigned seating. | | Get Tickets for the 2025 Business Awards Gala! | | |
Lock In Your Gala Sponsorship Today
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? Planning 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 the Greater Kitsap Chamber to secure your sponsorship or ad space today! | | Greater Kitsap Chamber & Leadership Kitsap: 2026 Kitsap Women's Summit | | |
The Kitsap Women's Summit planning committee is proud to present Kitsap Women's Summit 2026: Breakthrough. Join us for our 3rd annual summit where we're diving into topics meant to create and sustain momentum - breaking through limits, beliefs, transitions and noise. This day-long gathering is curated for women, by women, and was brought to life by the need for real space for conversation, community, connection, and personal and professional development, amplifying women's voices and experiences across Kitsap County.
Business Health Trust is proud to serve as our 2026 Visionary Sponsor. For more information on how you can join them in sponsoring this event, please visit our website at www.greaterkitsapchamber.com/kitsap-womens-summit.
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Hospitality Workshop: Service that Sells
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 11:00 am
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Join us for an engaging workshop designed especially for the hospitality industry! Learn how to build systems that empower your team to deliver consistent, high-level service, and see what truly exceptional hospitality looks like in action. Hear from two successful restaurant owners who will share practical insights, proven strategies, and real-world examples that keep guests coming back for more.
Brought to you by the Greater Kitsap Chamber in partnership with Visit Kitsap Peninsula.
| | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Are you ready for 2026 healthcare costs?
Don’t get left behind amidst the rising healthcare costs next year. BHT partners with top carriers on 80+ plan designs, supporting 1200 employers and over 25,000 employees.
With BHT, members can attract and retain top talent, while offering big-company benefits and keeping their costs to a minimum. Do your employees get free primary care visits at work? Do your employees get free X-rays and blood draws in their living room?
🔗 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! | | |
The Coffee Oasis
The Family Christmas Project
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What is the Family Christmas Project?
It is a way to show tangible love to homeless and at-risk youth during the holidays! Youth participating in The Coffee Oasis youth programs fill out gift request slips. Then community partners like you “sponsor” youth so their gifts can be purchased. $50 provides gifts for one youth! If we receive donations above and beyond what is needed to provide presents for youth for Christmas, the funds go towards our youth programs.
How are gifts bought?
The youth fill out individual gift request slips and then we shop for them. We are always amazed at the practicality of many of their requests. Most ask for shoes and clothes, others for gift cards. The majority of the asks are NEEDS not WANTS."
If you are interested in partnering with The Coffee Oasis please reach out to Cody at cody.clark@thecoffeeoasis.com!
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LKPI: Tactical Leadership Seminar
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 9:00am
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Is your team falling short of its potential—but you’re not sure why, or what to do about it?
Spend the day with leadership coach Cara Wilson and walk away with three powerful tools to lead more effectively, build a healthier team, and get better results. Bring your real-world challenges and get live expert coaching in the room.
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Continuing Ed for Insurance Agents
January 2026 - March 2026
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Don’t miss out on the opportunity for FREE continuing education classes in 2026!
Reach out to Lyndzee Doolittle at SERVPRO of Kitsap today to schedule your next class.
📞 Phone: 360-373-1290
📧 Email: ldoolittle@servprokitsap.com
Secure your spot and stay ahead in your field!
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Get A Head Start on the
November Edition of Kitsap Business
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The November issue is hitting mailboxes soon, but you don’t have to wait! Access it early on our newly updated website, now easier to navigate and filled with local business stories, insights, and inspiration.
At Ward Media, we’re proud to be a locally owned and deeply rooted community member. From Kitsap Business to our digital marketing division and our promotional products company, Northwest Swag Works, we’re here for you real people with real ideas, working to help your business grow.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is excited to announce our November Member of the Month: Business Health Trust! As Washington’s source for affordable, high-quality employee benefits, Business Health Trust (BHT) empowers small and mid-sized businesses to compete and thrive.
Where Benefits Meet Business Growth
Founded to level the playing field for small businesses, BHT offers large-company benefits at small-company prices. Through its Association Health Plan model, BHT helps employers attract and retain top talent with access to more than 80 medical plan designs, dental and vision coverage, mental health resources, and wellness programs. These benefits don’t just keep employees healthy; they strengthen the backbone of our local economy by helping businesses remain competitive and sustainable.
More Than Insurance - A Community Resource
Business Health Trust is more than a benefits provider; it’s an advocate for Washington’s business community. By partnering with Chambers and associations statewide, BHT ensures that even the smallest companies can access comprehensive health coverage and HR tools. Their commitment to innovation is evident in partnerships like the recent collaboration with Nice Healthcare, bringing affordable virtual and in-home primary care to employers across the state that remove barriers to care and improve employee well-being.
Driving Economic Impact
With over 1,000 employers and 25,000 employees covered statewide, BHT plays a critical role in workforce stability and economic development. Their programs reduce costs for businesses, improve productivity, and foster healthier communities. By offering consolidated billing, compliance support, and cost-saving resources, BHT allows business owners to focus on growth while ensuring their teams are supported.
Business Health Trust exemplifies the Chamber’s mission to build a stronger Kitsap through collaboration, advocacy, and resources that matter. We are honored to spotlight their impact and continued dedication to Washington’s business community.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Digital Marketing Basics
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 12:00pm
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If you are new to Digital Marketing this fast-paced introductory workshop will help you get started to promote your business on the Internet.
Topics:
- Basic Digital Marketing concepts
- How to develop your Digital Marketing plan
- Important Digital Marketing techniques, their pros & cons, and when to use them.
Registration Fee: $10
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Trident Refit Facility Bangor Job Fair
November 21 - November 22, 2025, 10:00am
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SCORE: Grant Prep Boot Camp
Monday, November 24, 2025, 9:00am
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In three hours, you will learn how to research, prepare, write and apply for grants. At the end of this webinar, you will be able to target and learn how to organize grants to further your mission.
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the various fancy (and expensive) grant databases.
We will show you how to:
* Access grant information – for free!
* Filter through 990 returns
* Uncover names, and
* Get around the “invite only” issue when determining fit.
We will also work on systematizing the process of grants, so you don’t have to redo every time.
Registration Fee: $10
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SBDC: Cash Discount Merchant Processing
Monday, November 24, 2025, 1:00pm
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Are you looking to reduce credit card processing fees and improve your cash flow? Cash discount merchant processing is a strategy that allows businesses to offer customers a discount for paying with cash while passing the cost of credit card processing on to cardholders.
In this webinar, we will explore the key components of cash discount merchant processing. You'll learn how this system can help reduce transaction costs, enhance customer loyalty, and increase your profit margins. We’ll discuss how to implement this system, covering essential steps like choosing a processor, setting up pricing structures, training staff, and promoting the program to customers.
By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to decide if cash discount merchant processing is right for your business and understand how to set it up to maximize your savings and cash flow.
Registration Fee: FREE
| | Business News & Resources | | Survey Finds that WA Employers Believe the Business Climate is Getting Worse | |
Published in the Association of WA Business, November 12, 2025
Survey of 400+ employers shows new and higher taxes are taking a toll, alongside ongoing concerns over regulations, tariffs and health care costs
OLYMPIA – A new survey of Washington employers shows that recent tax increases are hitting more than three-quarters of businesses and contributing to a broad decline in confidence from a year ago.
The quarterly survey by the Association of Washington Business (AWB) shows growing concern about the state’s tax burden. Sixty-five percent of employers now rank taxes as their No. 1 concern, up from 58% this summer. Roughly three in four businesses (76%) say their business has been directly affected by the new sales tax on services or B&O tax increases. More than half (52%) are passing those costs onto customers, while 42% are absorbing them for now.
“Washington continues to grow more unaffordable for employers and families, and we’re seeing that reflected in these survey results,” said AWB President Kris Johnson. “Local businesses are being squeezed by higher taxes and duplicative regulations coming from Olympia, and unpredictable trade policy at the federal level, both of which are driving up costs for consumers. As we think about the upcoming legislative session, we hope that lawmakers will break the cycle of never-ending tax increases and focus instead on a growth agenda and providing some relief to families and businesses struggling to keep up with spiraling costs.”
Taxes are far from the only challenges employers face. They are simultaneously managing:
- Ongoing tariff impacts (52% affected)
- Rising health care costs (the No. 2 challenge behind taxes)
- Regulatory burdens (53% concerned)
- Renewed inflation (47% concerned)
Read the article here
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Big news! Business.wa.gov just updated and relaunched their Loans & Grants Finder — your one-stop tool to explore funding opportunities from state, local, and federal programs across Washington.
Whether you’re starting out, expanding, or investing in growth, this new resource helps you easily discover loans, grants, and startup support programs tailored to your business needs.
Use it to:
- Find grants for equipment, recovery, or growth.
- Explore loan programs with better terms than commercial credit.
- See what’s available in your area.
- Spot programs for women-, minority-, and immigrant-owned businesses.
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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. | | |
Workplace Rights Refresher
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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There's a lot to know as an employer - get clarity on, and learn about, some of the commonly misunderstood or lesser-known employee rights.
Immigration Status Coercion
Employers may not use immigration status to coerce an employee from engaging in protected activities or exercising labor law rights. Workers may file a complaint with L&I that is enforceable with civil penalties.
Job Posting Restriction
Employers cannot require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment or include such a statement in a job posting unless driving is one of the essential job functions or is related to a legitimate business purpose for a position.
PSL for Employees
It’s fall which means it’s PSL time, and I'm not talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes here; I'm talking about Paid Sick Leave. Don’t forget your paid sick leave basics:
- Employees accrue one paid sick leave hour for every 40 hours worked, paid at their normal hourly compensation
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You must provide a one-time written or electronic notification to each employee detailing their paid sick leave rights.
- Review what paid sick leave can be used for, which includes a few new additions:
- self or family’s health needs;
- child’s school or daycare closures for government-declared emergencies;
- absences related to domestic violence;
- and for absences resulting from the need to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings involving the employee or the employee's family member.
- Note: Family also includes anyone living with the employee where there is some expectation of care.
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Be sure to visit the Paid Sick Leave page to see all the requirements
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
How Nonprofits Can Replace Shrinking
Gov't Funding with Corporate Partnerships
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Published in Nonprofit Pro, November 11, 2025
Photo: Getty Images/VioletaStoimenova
In today’s environment of contracting funding, nonprofits would do well to explore a new kind of conversation with corporate supporters. Foundations and corporations will soon see a new flood of requests for funding. If these conversations remain the usual transactional exchanges — such as sponsorships and grants — nonprofits can expect a lot of rejection. Foundations would have to triple their funding to fill the anticipated gap left by government clawbacks and cuts. There simply aren’t enough charitable dollars to go around.
The Case for Rethinking Corporate Partnerships as Funding Shrinks
Company marketing budgets and business budgets represent another potential source of revenue. To tap into these conversations, nonprofits need to put on their business hats and leave their beneficiary mindset at home. They also need to do a different kind of research to prepare. Nonprofits must understand what assets they have that are relevant to companies’ bottom lines — and know what those assets are worth from an investor perspective in order to negotiate proportional value.
While leading corporate engagement for the American Cancer Society, a large U.S. bank offered $150,000 annually to license our name and logo on a credit card. By researching what that partnership was worth to the bank, we turned it into a $15 million, five-year deal.
Why Alignment Matters Most
Many factors contribute to powerful partnerships between companies and nonprofits, but alignment is perhaps the most important. There are different kinds of alignment beyond mission focus that must be considered. These can include demographic or psychographic markets, similar leadership perspectives or compatible business models.
Read the article here
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Former Childcare on Bainbridge Island
Acquired by Housing Kitsap
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Published in The Kitsap Sun, November 13, 2025
Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND -- A former daycare has been purchased by Housing Kitsap to develop affordable housing primarily for individuals and families that work on Bainbridge but can not afford to live in the community.
A 2,500-square-foot building at 502 Cave Ave NE was officially purchased on Oct. 21 and is slated to be turned into three affordable housing units with two additional units possible in the future. These units will be primarily for workers on the island who make less than 80% of the area median income, or less than $99,440 for a four-person household in 2025, according to a Housing Kitsap announcement and data from the City of Bainbridge Island.
The former day care and future site of affordable housing units was built in 1978 and sold for $880,000 using a grant from an anonymous donor, according to Housing Kitsap and public parcel records.
“Seventy nine percent of the city workforce of Bainbridge Island doesn't live here," Clarence Moriwaki, a Bainbridge Island City Councilmember and board member for Housing Kitsap, said in reference to a recent survey of workers on the island. "This is not a recipe for growth. It's not a recipe for healthy growth. And so that's why I'm supportive of the project since day one, because it's our opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”
Planned development at the site largely follows Bainbridge Island's Comprehensive Plan, which outlines the city's goals and policies for various aspects of life on the island over the next 20 years, like housing affordability. Under the State's Growth Management Act, signed into law in 1990, all city and county governments are required to have these plans and periodically update them to adapt housing growth for all income levels.
Read the article here
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Tree-Lighting Events and More
Coming Soon Around Kitsap County
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Published in The Kitsap Sun, November 17, 2025
Image: Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun
Preparations have begun for communities around Kitsap to light the lights in the days following Thanksgiving. Here's a look at holiday tree-lighting festivities scheduled around the county in late November and the first week of December.
Poulsbo Tree Lighting
First up on the holiday calendar is the downtown Poulsbo tree-lighting event, at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, at Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park on the shores of Liberty Bay.
Silverdale Tree Lighting
Silverdale's annual holiday kick-off is an afternoon affair, with tractor rides through Old Town starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, as well as a scavenger hunt at local businesses, free hot chocolate, food trucks and an afternoon bonfire put on by the Port of Silverdale. Music from David and Nicole, the Central Kitsap High choir and Megan and Heidi scheduled from 2-5, and at 4 p.m. Santa arrives on a CKF&R fire truck. The community tree on Anderson Hill Road is lit up at 5 p.m.
Winterfest in Bremerton
The city's annual tree-lighting events move to Quincy Square in 2025, the renovated block of downtown's Fourth Street between Washington Avenue and Pacific Avenue. Join in to visit a holiday market and local businesses from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Lights of the Season on Bainbridge Island
Town Square on Bainbridge Island, in Winslow between City Hall and Bainbridge Performing Arts, will host the community event the evening of Saturday, Nov. 29. Starting at 6 p.m. the Bainbridge High band will play, a school district choir will sing and Bainbridge Ballet will perform Nutcracker selections. The community tree will be lit at 7 p.m.
Read the article here
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BARN Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00am
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Science Project Launch
Saturday, November 22, 2025
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Silverdale Rotary Club Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 2025
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For the fifth straight year we're going free-range with our wild Turkey Trot at Newberry Hill Heritage Park. All events are run in the woods -- away from streets, sidewalks, and cars. The park offers a scenic 2.7 mile loop fire road which offers a great course for our
1-Mile, 5K and 10K events.
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Bremerton Foodline Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 2025
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Downtown Poulsbo Tree Lighting
Friday, November 28, 2025, 5:30pm
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Silverdale Community Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 29, 2025, 1:00pm
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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:
El Loco - ZZ Top Tribute
Friday, November 21, 2025, 8:30pm
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Abbagraphs - Abba Tribute
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 8:30pm
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Indigenous Film Series @ Roxy Theatre
November 6 - November 20, 2025, 7:00pm
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This November, the historic Roxy Theatre in Bremerton’s Quincy Square will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a free three-film series that amplifies Indigenous voices, history, and leadership. Each night features a film and discussion.
Thursday, November 6 - Sugarcane
Thursday, November 13 - From Earth to Sky
Thursday, November 20 - Fish War
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Jim Brickman Hits Live @ The Admiral Theatre
Friday, November 21, 2025, 7:30pm
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DBA: Winter Fest
Saturday, November 29, 2025, 4:00pm
| Join us for another year! Stroll through downtown and shop small this holiday season at Winter Fest. Enjoy a family-friendly experience with local businesses bringing the cheer and get a start on holiday presents by shopping small in downtown and at Quincy Square's holiday market, and more! | |
Darlene Love @ The Admiral Theatre
Sunday, November 30, 2025, 7:00pm
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Krampusnacht Bremerton 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2:00pm
| Krampusnacht Bremerton brings the old-world Alpine tradition of Krampus—the horned, folkloric companion of St. Nicholas—to life in the heart of downtown Bremerton. Expect a day packed with music, mischief, and holiday magic, with plenty of fun for all ages. | |
Country Christmas in Port Gamble
December 6 - December 7, 2025
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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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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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