County Commissioner, State Races Beginning to Shape Up as Filing Week Opens |
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Election season is underway as filing week has begun for candidates planning to run in the 2024 primary and general election. Voters in Kitsap and statewide can count on a heavy election schedule in November, with races for the next U.S. President, Washington governor, two Kitsap County commissioner positions, and all of our area's state legislative positions.
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Join Us for Armed Forces Festivities
Parade, Heroes Barbeque, car show and more
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If you have a convertible that we can use for the Armed Forces Day parade to drive our VIP parade participants, please let us know by contacting the Chamber today!
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GreenDrinks @ Chiropractic Lifestyle Center
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Deadline is Friday: Serve on the GKC Board
Applications also being accepted for Chamber Committee Chairs
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Have you considered serving in a leadership position at the Greater Kitsap Chamber? We have two amazing opportunities for you to up your engagement: apply to become a Board Director or apply to serve as a Committee Chair. Both roles are instrumental in setting the direction and vision for the Greater Kitsap Chamber in the work we do throughout the community. Interested members can submit their application by Friday, May 10th to be considered.
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May Luncheon: State of the Military in Kitsap
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Please join us for our annual State of the military luncheon as we hear from our local military leaders. We'll also be honoring the five students who were chosen this year as the 2024 Armed Forces Day Ambassador scholarship recipients.
Don't forget - be sure to bring an item for the raffle benefitting the Chamber's scholarship programs.
Strengthen your business and your business connections at the Greater Kitsap Chamber monthly membership luncheon - you won't want to miss! This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center in Downtown Bremerton. Parking is available on the 2nd level (green).
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Naval Base Kitsap Takes Top Prize at
Armed Forces Culinary Competition
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The 2024 Armed Forces festivities began on Saturday with the annual Armed Forces Culinary Competition. Naval Base Kitsap came out on top with the overall win, while community members and celebrity judges enjoyed multiple courses of delicious foods. |
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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According to the Harvard Business Review, 54% of job seekers considered better health, dental and vision insurance worthy of “heavy consideration” when evaluating job offers.
If you’re competing to attract and retain top talent, just making benefits available in not enough – employees need to regularly make use of their benefits and understand what is available to them.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has put together six post-enrollment strategies to help your workforce thrive – and help you keep them happy. Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news-insights/welcome-to-the-post-open-enrollment-playbook-ensuring-your-workforce-thrives/
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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 Irene now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
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New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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You're Invited: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 4:00 pm
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Kitsap Community Foundation
Kitsap Celebration of Philanthropy
Friday, May 17, 2024, 6:00 pm
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Presented by the Kitsap Community Foundation, the Celebration of Philanthropy is an annual event that brings our community together to celebrate the spirit of generosity that makes Kitsap a place we are all proud to call home.
During the evening, meet friends during our welcome reception with hosted beverages, feast on a delicious meal, bid on fantastic live auction items, and congratulate our 2024 award honorees.
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Suquamish Tribe & Port Madison Enterprises Donate $50k to Bremerton Salvation Army |
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The Suquamish Tribe and its business arm, Port Madison Enterprises, are proud to announce a $50,000 donation to the Bremerton Salvation Army Corps. This collaborative effort underscores our shared commitment to community well-being and the priority we place on compassion for those in need.
Under the leadership of Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler, local like-minded partners were brought together to help find creative solutions to the area’s local housing crisis. “Finding safe and adequate housing for children and adults in need is a priority for both the Salvation Army and of the Suquamish Tribe, so it was an easy pairing of like-minded partners” said Mayor Greg Wheeler.
The Suquamish Tribe’s sole ancestral homelands encompass all of Kitsap County. Chairman Leonard Forsman shared, “We have been stewards of these lands for thousands of years and continue our tradition of caring for it and its people today. This contribution exemplifies our commitment to meeting the essential needs of our shared community."
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Founder Gretchen Ritter-Lopatowski is a very proud graduate of Leadership Kitsap, Class of 2019! For her team's community service project they worked on a trail map for the local Bremerton Urban Trail, Bridge to Bridge. Below is the video Gretchen developed in Adobe Premiere Pro (with the help of her team) to represent their community accomplishment.
Projects like these are just a sample of the work Three Leaves Design can do for your business or nonprofit organization. Check them out today for your next design or marketing project.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SCORE: Strategies to Identify and
Reach Your Target Customers
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 9:00 am
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In this Marketing workshop, we start by helping you identify your target market. These are your best potential customers and knowing them helps you create a better product or service. It also makes all your promotional efforts more focused and effective.
We show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market. Then we take you through how to create a value proposition that perfectly captures the unique value your product or service brings to your customers. Next you have to build your marketing message. That’s the information for your brochures, websites, and anything else you use to sell your product or service. We will also review a number of promotional methods and help you draft a promotional plan for your business.
This workshop focuses on hands-on exercises to help you create a target market, value proposition and promotion plan for your business.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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BIPOC Business Forum:
Grow with Government Contracting
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 1:00 pm
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Startup Founders Day @ Vibe Coworks
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 12:00 pm
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Join us for a half day event organized by WTIA, Vibe Coworks, and growth marketing expert Collin Dayley! This is an amazing opportunity to get hands-on training and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners in Kitsap County. Stay until the end for a happy hour to celebrate and network with the community! |
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Business News & Resources |
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Report Outlines Progress, Long Way
to Go on WA's Housing Crisis
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Housing construction rises: Between 2020 and 2023, more than 46,400 new housing units were built every year in Washington, just above the projected need of roughly 46,100. That's according to a new state report that outlines Washington's progress on meeting its housing goals. The Washington State Standard has more.
That's compared to the five years between 2011 and 2015, when only 24,100 units were built each year. Still, there are not enough new multifamily units and "middle housing" units being built to meet demand, the report notes.
Homeownership out of reach: Compared with the median income, the cost of homes has skyrocketed by double digits in nearly every county between 2015 and 2022. (See the AWB Institute Vitals for an interactive look at changes in homeownership affordability.)
Recommendations for lawmakers: The report recommends loosening local laws to allow more types of housing to be built, offering incentives for affordable housing, sales and use tax deferrals for building materials, apprenticeship programs to meet demand for construction labor, and streamlining the state’s building code.
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WA Retail Call to Action:
Urge Federal Reserve Board to Implement "Reasonable and Proportional" Debit Card Rates
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WR joins forces (with the Food Industry Association) in a crucial call to action urging the Federal Reserve Board to implement a "reasonable and proportional" debit card regulated rate.
For over a decade, retailers and merchants have borne the burden of paying high swipe fees for debit transactions, far exceeding the actual processing costs incurred by banks. Despite legislation mandating a review of these fees, the rate set by the Federal Reserve in 2011 has remained unchanged. Here is an opportunity for reform, as the Federal Reserve has proposed a reduction in these fees and established a process for regular revision.
It is imperative that we continue to advocate for a rate that truly reflects the principles of fairness and proportionality. We need to ensure that the voices of merchants and consumers are heard loud and clear by the Federal Reserve, emphasizing the positive impact a reduction in fees will have on the economy and individual buying power.
To lend your support to this critical cause, we urge you to click here to share your message directly with the Federal Reserve in the proposed rule docket.
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Small Business Grants - May 2024 |
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Bacardi, NAACP team on restaurant grants
H&R Block offering $100k in small-business grants
To be eligible, businesses need to be at least 51% owned by a woman 18 years or older and living within the United States. A selection committee will evaluate submissions, and finalists must participate in a virtual video interview with members of the selection committee.
Applications will be accepted until May 26.
eBay launches fifth-annual Up & Running Grants program
E-commerce giant eBay will be awarding 50 sellers on its platform $10,000 each as part of a bid to fuel the growth of their business. The money can go toward physical and digital store improvements, equipment, inventory, hiring, training, marketing and other expenses. The company also is offering recipients a stipend worth $500 each that sellers can use for office technology from the eBay Refurbished online store.
The application window closes June 7.
PepsiCo launches small-business accelerator, grants
The program targets food-and-beverage businesses. Companies selected to participate will receive a $20,000 grant and will join a five-month mentorship program centered on business challenges. One business will receive an additional $100,000 grand prize.
To apply, businesses need to be Hispanic-owned and operating within the United States and have posted between $100,000 and $2 million in revenue in the last financial year.
The deadline to apply is May 6.
LegalZoom offers $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Winners will be announced on social media. Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards.
The window to apply closes September 13.
Jobber offers grants for home-services businesses
Applications are being accepted until June 12.
Additional opportunities for small businesses
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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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. |
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Got a question or issue to be solved?
Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.
Phone: 1-800-987-0145
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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Communities Rise: May Legal Clinic
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Communities Rise is hosting a legal clinic for nonprofits that are located in Washington state. Qualifying clients are paired with 1-2 attorneys for a free 1-hour legal consultation (at either 5:00 or 6:15) to discuss legal questions related to your nonprofit such as: start-up questions, intellectual property, nonprofit governance, choice of legal entity, etc. Please note that Communities Rise is not able to assist with matters involving litigation or active disputes. If you are interested in attending the legal clinic, please email legalclinic@communities-rise.org to determine eligibility and register.
Online
Cost: Free
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CKFR Levy Lid Lift for Emergency Services
Proposition will appear on the Aug. 6th primary ballot
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Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue is asking voters to consider a fire levy lid lift during the August 6, 2024, primary election. The purpose of the ballot measure is to return the fire levy back to the voter-approved rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. It is currently at $1.34.
The $0.16 lid lift will fund additional firefighters, 24-hour staffing at two more stations (Lake Symington and Olympic View). The additional capacity will reduce response times district-wide. It also will replace aging apparatus and fund advanced firefighter and paramedic training programs to provide the highest level of care possible.
The lid lift would cost $6.67 per month or $80 per year for the owner of a $500,000 home (considered an average for our area). Learn more at www.ckfr.org.
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KNKX Connects to Bremerton
Thursday, May 16, 2024
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The public is invited to join KNKX at the Admiral Theatre in downtown Bremerton on Thursday, May 16 for a live broadcast of KNKX’s All Things Considered with host Emil Moffatt from 3 to 6 p.m. The broadcast will feature reporting centered on Bremerton and live interviews. Then from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., mingle with fellow listeners and KNKX staff while enjoying refreshments and live music from Kitsap-based artists, vocalist Eugenie Jones and saxophonist Mark Lewis (with pianist Randy Halberstadt, bassist Steve Luceno and drummer Bob Merrihew). The event is free. The Admiral Theatre is located at 515 Pacific Avenue.
More information about KNKX Connects can be found here.
KNKX is an ambassador for jazz and blues, and a vital source of quality, non-commercial news, including NPR and regional coverage. KNKX operates a network of 12 radio signals that cover Western Washington, reaching 200,000 listeners weekly.
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Live Well Kitsap! Networking Opportunity
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 3:15pm
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SK Public Education Foundation Open House
Thursday, May 30, 2024, 5:30 pm
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits 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 or COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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The Admiral Theatre Presents: |
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Movie Sing-Along: Grease
Friday, May 10, 2024, 8:00 pm
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Britnee Kellogg
Friday, May 17, 2024, 8:00 pm
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Britnee’s love of country music started at nine years old, when she attended a Johnny Cash & June Carter-Cash concert. Smitten from the first note, Britnee knew that she had found her chosen career. Every day since then has brought her one step closer to her dream.
Today, you’ll find Britnee sharing the stage with the likes of Blake Shelton, Eric Paslay, Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Little Big Town and Keith Urban. You may have also seen her on Season 11 and Season 12 of American Idol. She has a large fan base, with a local and worldwide following.
Most recently, Britnee has been focusing on writing and performing her original music. It’s a deeply personal project, one that allows her to truly showcase her rich, edgy vocal stylings.
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
Stonesy - Rolling Stones Tribute
Friday, May 10, 2024 8:30 pm
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Cherry Cherry - Neil Diamond Tribute
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Bainbridge Performing Arts: Cabaret
Now thru May 12, 2024
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Step into the intoxicating world of Berlin's nightlife in the 1930s as BPA presents the iconic musical, "Cabaret"! Experience an unforgettable night of song, dance, and powerful storytelling that examines the thrilling and yet turbulent life under the growing shadow of the Third Reich.
Witness the life of Sally Bowles, a flamboyant performer at the Kit Kat Klub, and her relationship with the young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw. As they navigate love and life amidst the pulsating beats of the nightclub, reality begins to cast a looming shadow over their lives, echoing the profound changes that await them outside.
Our talented cast will bring this provocative and compelling narrative to life, complete with riveting performances and unforgettable musical numbers. "Cabaret" promises an exhilarating theater experience that's both deeply moving and wildly entertaining.
This spectacular production is a must-see event, as it explores the duality of hope and despair, love and loss. Purchase your tickets today and immerse yourself in the captivating and exhilarating world of "Cabaret."
Life is a cabaret, old chum, come to the Cabaret!
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KCMT Presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid
Now thru May 19, 2024
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BCT: The Smell of the Kill
May 17 - 26, 2024
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Take three delicious, malicious wives, add three miserable, unloving husbands — and chill. That's the recipe of Michele Lowe's tantalizing comedy that had Broadway audiences cheering. Nicky, Debra, and Molly have tolerated one another during once-a-month dinners for years. While their unseen spouses play golf in the dining room, the women exchange confidences for the first time revealing that all three marriages are on the brink of disaster and all three women are facing the challenges of their lives.
Content Advisory: Some adult language and a gunshot.
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Bremerton Airshow Returns this Summer
August 17 & 18, 2024
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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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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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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.
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