Kitsap County Broadband Action Team Seeks County Info on Connectivity and Accessibility |
|
Take this survey to help us collect information to identify what assets (infrastructure, staff) your organization already has in place that might help support local broadband infrastructure development efforts. (Right of way, conduit, GIS staff, telecom staff, grant writers, etc.) |
|
The Washington State Broadband Office has set the goal for all community anchor institutions to have access to 1/1Gbps services by 2028. This survey will allow you to report your organization’s current services and help to create an inventory of the existing services available to Kitsap’s local anchor institutions. Community anchor institutions include organizations facilitating community-benefit services, including schools, libraries, health centers or medical providers, public safety, or housing agencies, etc.
|
|
If you provide services or are interested in providing services that support community members accessing online resources, such as helping get internet-connected devices to folks or providing training support. |
|
April Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 11:00 am
|
|
Celebrating St. Vincent de Paul's New Superstore
Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 2:00 pm
|
|
Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Rice Fergus Miller
Thursday, April 13, 2023, 5:00 pm
|
|
Purchase your tickets in advance to get on the list! |
|
Ribbon Cutting Celebration for RE/MAX Anchor
Friday, April 14, 2023, 1:00 pm
|
|
Renew your membership today to ensure your place as a Charter Member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Contact Irene now!
|
|
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 Members & Renewals for March
Thank you for your support of the Chamber!
|
|
Community Connector
Growth
Main Street
Business
Moxie Entrepreneurial Support Services
|
|
Kitsap Transit's John Clauson Honored with KEDA's Economic Champion Award |
|
Congratulations to Kitsap Transit's Executive Director, John Clauson, who was honored with the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance's Economic Champion Award at their March meeting last week.
Photo: Courtesy of Sound West Group; pictured Clauson, along with Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler, and KEDA Executive Director, Joe Morrison.
|
|
SAFE Boats International Announces Autonomous Hydrographic Survey Vessel |
|
SAFE Boats International announces the introduction of a revolutionary, autonomous hydrographic survey vessel: Merlin. This innovative, 23-meter semi-displacement monohull design was developed in collaboration with Mythos AI, Echo81, and World Marine Design.
SAFE Boats International has exclusive rights to build the design at their Tacoma, Washington large-craft production facility. Merlin will be a Jones Act-compliant all-aluminum hull powered by a twin Volvo Penta D13 Hybrid-ready System with IPS. For a zero-emission power package, the Merlin can accommodate forward-thinking hydrogen technology supplied by Zero Emission Industries (ZEI).
|
|
Live Well Kitsap! Monthly Networking
Monday, April 10, 2023, 6:00 pm
|
|
Olympic College Foundation
Reaching for the Stars Annual Auction & Brunch
Sunday, April 16, 2023, 10:00 am
|
|
Never Too Early to Start Developing
Healthy Financial Habits
Early Saver at BECU Silverdale
|
|
Encore Communities consist of a wide range of housing and care options that include independent living and assisted living along with other care options, including short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing and memory care. With four facilities located in beautiful Silverdale, Encore Communities serves to meet the many different needs and lifestyles of community members. From charming private cottages, one- and two-bedroom apartments to studio suites to a state-of-the-art medical facility, we match living arrangements to changing resident needs and preferences.
Encore Communities have been proud Chamber members since 1992 and can be found actively engaged in many Chamber programs, including Military Appreciation Day, the Heroes Golf Tournament and were one of the inaugural sponsors of the Silverdale at Sunset Concert Series last summer.
|
|
12169 NW Country Meadows Lane | Silverdale, WA 98383 | (360) 692-1228 |
|
Weekly Legislative Updates
2023 Session: Week 12 Report
|
|
As an exclusive benefit to our paid membership, the Greater Kitsap Chamber has again enlisted the services of Brad Boswell and team from Boswell Consulting to provide weekly legislative updates during the 2023 legislative session. Brad will also host a monthly Q&A on the last Friday of each month via Zoom to answer your questions directly. |
|
AWB Amplified: State Budget Proposal Overview |
|
House Bill 1589 on Natural Gas Passes Out of Committee; Vote is Imminent |
|
House Bill 1589 — which will ban new natural gas hookups in Western Washington in just 90 days — passed out of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology committee last week and could be pulled to the Senate floor for a vote at any time.
Along with a natural gas ban in just 90 days, the bill lacks any transparency of how this ban will impact rate payers — working families and small businesses.
Please act now and do the following:
-
Click this link to send a message to your Senator urging them to oppose HB 1589.
- Forward this email to 5 of your friends, family members, colleagues and fellow operators and ask them to help stop this bill.
|
|
The Washington State Senate is considering a bill that would create a new burdensome legal obligation in the workers' compensation system for employers that fund their own workers' compensation programs and those that handle worker claims (self-insurers).
Subjecting employers to a new "duty of good faith and fair dealing" in the handling of workers' comp claims will drive up costs, expose employers to endless frivolous litigation over disagreements involving routine benefit decisions, and is the biggest threat to the "exclusive remedy" of the workers' comp system in the 112 years of the system.
Self-insured employers cover nearly 1 million workers and account for approximately one-third of the state's $2.5 billion workers' compensation system.
Please take a moment to contact your senator and tell them to oppose SHB 1521.
|
|
Member Education & Training Resources |
|
Small Business Cybersecurity Training Series |
|
Small businesses are under cyber and data-breach attacks more than ever given the current climate. Cyber attacks happen every day, and for a small business they can be very costly and cripple business operations. Having your systems and information compromised is not only a direct threat to your confidential data, it can also ruin your relationships with customers and cause legal vulnerability. It is imperative to learn how to boost your cyber defense systems.
This four-part training series was developed to help small businesses be cyber safe. The series will be a combination of cybersecurity presentation, subject matter expert panel and Q&A. Join us and become cyber safe today!
|
|
Part 3: Systems
April 4 | 10:30 a.m.
|
|
Part 4: Implementation
April 18 | 10:30 a.m.
|
|
Understanding the Difference Between
Software & Hardware Firewalls
|
|
Apart from cybersecurity training for your employees, firewalls are the best line of defense between you and a potential attacker. Knowing which you need can save you both money and headaches.
|
|
SCORE: Taking Your Website from Bad to Great
Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 1:00 pm
|
|
When did you last look at your business’s website? Or perhaps you are still trying to develop one? Websites remain an incredibly popular destination for site traffic. When you add up all of the functions and ways they can work for and represent your business, nothing works harder online than a professional website.
In this workshop, we will cover recent trends in website design for businesses and other organizations. That will include the latest in content and design best practices and what tools you can use to create a site and why. But most importantly, we will cover the 10 key elements of website design that determine whether a website is just OK or great. We will also touch on submitting your site to Google for rankings and security and hosting considerations.
If you want to super-charge your website and make it an active resource for getting new customers, this workshop is for you!
Workshop Fee: $40
|
|
Military Relations Committee |
|
Sign-Up Now for the Armed Forces Day Parade
Parade applications now available online!
|
|
Business News & Resources |
|
Retail sales to Grow Between 4% and 6% in 2023 |
|
This expected growth compares to 7% in 2022. The 2023 forecast is above the pre-pandemic, average annual retail sales growth rate of 3.6%.
Non-store and online sales—included in the total figure—are expected to grow between 10% and 12% year over year to a range of $1.41 trillion to $1.43 trillion. As brick-and-mortar stores have evolved in recent years, they remain the primary point of purchase for consumers, accounting for approximately 70% of total retail sales.
Inflation is expected to continue downward, but will remain between 3% and 3.5% for all goods and services for the year.
Although the labor market has remained resilient, the trade organization anticipates job growth to decelerate in the coming months in lockstep with slower economic activity and the prospect of restrictive credit conditions. The unemployment rate is likely to exceed 4% before next year.
NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz acknowledges that recent developments in the financial markets and banking sector as well as some unresolved public policy issues complicate the outlook.
|
|
Puget Sound Business Journal Business of Pride
Nominations now open!
|
|
The GSBA is proud to partner, once again, with The Puget Sound Business Journal on their Business of Pride program! The Business of Pride program will include a celebratory event in June 2023 and a special issue of the PSBJ focusing on LGBTQ+ business leadership and development.
As part of the Business of Pride, the PSBJ will be profiling and honoring a number of “Outstanding Voices” in the community. Nominate an outstanding LGBTQ+ business leader, ally or advocate in the Puget Sound area who is making a difference in the corporate world. Submit a nomination today to help us shine a spotlight on people, companies, policies, and progress.
|
|
6 Skills You Need to Stand Out in the Age of AI |
|
Photo: cottonbro studio/Pexels
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer something that we’re expecting to happen in the future. It’s firmly embedded into the world of today, usually quietly powering the tools and services we rely on daily. We benefit from it when we search for information on Google, watch movies on Netflix, shop on Amazon, or hail a ride with Uber.
Just exactly how these technological wonders of the AI age will affect our jobs, businesses, and professional lives is still unknown. But what is generally agreed upon is that those who can leverage the power of AI to assist with their tasks and responsibilities—particularly at this early stage in its evolution—will be best placed to thrive in the face of the oncoming wave of disruption.
|
|
Nonprofit News & Resources |
|
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community. To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
|
|
Nonprofits Ready for Kitsap's
Biggest Day of Giving
Early Giving Now Open!
|
|
8 Major Nonprofit Trends for 2023 |
|
Nonprofits are facing record inflation, workforce shortages, a potential recession, declining donations, increased demand for services and more. They hardly have time to keep up with the latest trends in the sector. That’s why NonProfit PRO has continued its annual tradition of asking prominent thought leaders in the sector to make nonprofit trend predictions.
We sought out experts from nonprofit organizations, agencies and technology providers to learn what’s on their minds and what might be 2023’s top nonprofit trends across eight categories. Here’s a preview sneak peek at eight of the 40 nonprofit trends of 2023 they shared with us.
|
|
What You Need to Know to Serve on a Board
Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 12:00 pm
|
|
Nonprofit Association of Washington and the Office of the Secretary of State are partnering to bring this low-tech training to your phone so that anyone anywhere in the state can learn how to be an effective board member ready to deliver on your organization’s mission. Led by nonprofit expert Pamela Oakes, you will gain a deeper understand for the five elements of effective board service.
|
|
Kitsap Public Health District Meeting
Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 10:30 am
|
|
The Kitsap Public Health Board will meet on Tuesday, April 4, from 10:30-11:45 a.m. The board meeting agenda and documents are posted online.
This is a hybrid, in-person/virtual meeting. Board members, Health District staff and the public can attend the meeting in person or remotely via Zoom.
|
|
Central Kitsap Community Council Meeting
Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 5:00 pm
|
|
The Central Kitsap Community Council meets at 5:00 pm on the first Wednesday of each month (except August) in the Rainier Room of the Silverdale Library at Central Kitsap School District's Silverdale Center, 3650 NW Anderson Hill Road. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Please note that this month's meeting is the Council's retreat, and while the public is still welcome to attend, this will not be a typical meeting with guest speakers.
|
|
Port of Bremerton Welcomes Amelia's Hangar
"Where people land and friendships soar."
|
|
The Greater Kitsap Chamber was excited to join other community leaders for the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting for Amelia's Hangar at the Bremerton National Airport on Monday. Owners Rena and Don Morris are excited to bring an elevated taste and experience to diners in Kitsap with their newly-opened restaurant and community-driven spirit.
Pictured: Port Commissioner and GKC Board Director Cary Bozeman, County Commissioner Katie Walters, and GKC President/CEO David Emmons. Port Leadership, Jim Rothlin and Port Commissioner Axel Strakeljahn; owners, Rena and Don Morris; and Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. Also pictured, Port Commissioner Gary Anderson.
|
|
Coordinated Grant Cycle for Housing,
Facilities & Services Funding Opens Soon
|
|
The 2024 grant application cycle will open soon! This year’s coordinated grant application process will include multiple sources to provide funding for local affordable housing, services, facilities and programs. A pre-application appointment is required for all applicants. This will be an opportunity to discuss proposed projects and ask questions about available funding.
The 2024 coordinated grant cycle includes the following funding sources:
-
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Federal funds received annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund public services, rehabilitation and weatherization of housing; economic development programs; public facilities; and infrastructure projects linked to affordable housing to benefit low and very low-income households.
-
HOME Investment Partnership (HOME): Federal funds received annually from HUD to fund affordable rental and homeownership housing projects to benefit low and very low-income households.
-
HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP): Federal funds received from HUD through the HOME Program for the development and support of affordable housing to individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations.
-
Homeless Housing Grant Program (HHGP) and Affordable Housing Grant Program (AHGP): Funds authorized by the Washington State Legislature collected through a fee on certain transactions recorded at the Auditor’s Office, used to support the operations of emergency shelters and homeless service programs.
-
Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG): A portion of document recording fees that are not retained locally are distributed by the Washington State Department of Commerce back to counties through contracts for designated homeless housing and services.
-
Community Investments in Affordable Housing (CIAH): Funds available through Kitsap County's new 1/10th of 1% sales tax for affordable housing development and behavioral health-related projects to support services, operations, and maintenance.
-
Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Court Programs (MHCDTC): Funds available through Kitsap County's 1/10th of 1% sales tax for mental health, substance abuse and therapeutic court programs.
|
|
COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
|
Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
|
|
The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management provides local businesses with free KN95 masks and COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both Greater Kitsap Chamber locations today. |
|
COVID-19 Support & Resources |
|
Kitsap County Health District is now posting a regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County. This list can be found here.
|
|
Kitsap Caregiver Community Meetings
April 4, 14, 15, or 18, 2023
|
|
Dates and times for Info Sessions:
|
|
Silverdale GreenDrinks
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
|
|
Suquamish Community Earth Day Cleanup
Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9:00 am
|
|
Stay & Play @ The Resort at Port Ludlow |
|
With the longer and warmer days upon us, there's no better time to book your golf getaway! Our course is in its prime and playing better than ever.
Take advantage of our Stay & Play package, which includes one night's accommodations for two, 18 holes of golf with a GPS cart rental, and unlimited range balls to perfect your swing.
With rates starting at just $299, it's the perfect opportunity to escape and enjoy some quality time on the greens.
|
|
Advertising Opportunity:
Put Your Business on the Map
|
|
With nearly all 10,000 copies of last year's map distributed around the greater Puget Sound region, including 7,500 on our local ferries, the Greater Kitsap Visitor Center map is the place to advertise your business! The 2023 edition will include street maps of both Silverdale and Bremerton - perfect if you're new to the area or a long-time resident. Contact the Visitor Center for more information! |
|
Bremerton Community Theatre: Mary Poppins
Now thru April 30, 2023
|
|
Bert, the jack-of-all trades, introduces us to the troubled Banks family in 1910 England. Using a combination of magic and common sense, a magical nanny named Mary Poppins must teach the family members how to value each other again. She takes the children on memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "anything can happen if you let it". Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film.
The lobby opens 1 hour, and the house opens approximately ½ hour, prior to curtain. Performances will be in the Robert Montgomery Auditorium and will run approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
|
|
Admiral Theatre Presents: Skerryvore
Saturday, April 15, 2023, 7:30 pm
|
|
Since 2005, Skerryvore have brought their performances to audiences across the globe, from their early days in Scottish West Coast halls and bars, to Festival crowds in USA, Canada, Australia and throughout the UK and Europe. Picking up Scottish traditional music’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ twice on the way – in 2011 and again in 2016 – the band’s wide range of influences and talent produce a musically expansive, high energy set that excites and captivates audiences.
With a mix of fiddle, accordions, pipes and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys, Skerryvore represent the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music. Their 6 studio albums demonstrate the wide range of influences the individual musicians bring to the mix – a unique fusion of folk, trad, rock and Americana, with even some jazz in there!
|
|
BIMA's Treasure Trek
Now thru July 1, 2023
|
|
It's on!
Working in partnership with Tacoma youth development arts non-profit Hilltop Artists, young glassblowers have created 200 unique glass balls stamped with BIMA’s logo. The balls, or “floats” (inspired by the glass fishing net floats used by Japanese fishermen), are hidden in parks, on trails and beaches, and other public lands across the county. Never quite in plain sight, the floats could be behind a log, in a tree, in a hollowed-out stump, under a bush, or other spots that help camouflage the grapefruit-sized artworks. But there’s no need to go tromping around off-trail, these translucent treasures will always be about an arm’s reach from marked pathways.
Found one? It’s yours to keep! Keep just one, but continue to hunt and share photos if you’d like—share your find with the hashtag #BIMATreasureTrek and be entered to win one of five prize packages.
Our first float drop was April 1st and more will be hidden over the next six weeks, so don’t give up if you don’t find one on your first outing.
|
|
The Found Market @ Kitsap County Fairgrounds
Friday & Saturday, April 14-15, 2023
|
|
Join us for a weekend filled with shopping, food trucks & music! Think all things Spring decor + vintage home decor, antiques, handmade, farmhouse, art, outdoor furnishings, architectural salvage pieces, clothing + jewelry, mid-century, garden + planters & so much more!
Friday VIP night (beer & wine garden) 4-8pm
Friday tickets $10 (good for Friday & Saturday)
Saturday general admission 9-4pm
Saturday tickets $5
Also available at the gate (cash only).
|
|
Joel Gibson Jr.
Recording Live at the Roxy
Saturday, April 15, 2023, 7:00 pm
|
|
Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
|
|
Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for Tuesday's Community Connections!
|
|
David Emmons
President/CEO
|
|
Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
|
|
Brenda Kelley
Tourism Coordinator
|
|
Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 4th & Pacific Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall next to Macy's
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
