Tuesday, September 7, 2021 |
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Kitsap County Experiences Highest
Peak of COVID-19 Cases
Vaccination and Testing Opportunities Available
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COVID-19 cases in Kitsap County continue to increase as we experience the highest peak yet. The case total for the week of Aug. 15-21 was the highest of any week during the entire pandemic. The most recent numbers can be found at kcowa.us/covid19data.
- Hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase rapidly, with 16 new hospitalizations of Kitsap residents this past week, and 39 people currently in the hospital for COVID-19. Hospitals across the region are at maximum capacity, leading to delays in some elective procedures. At least 8 Kitsap residents have died of COVID-19 in the past week alone.
- As schools open, especially since children under 12 years old are still not eligible for vaccine but can still catch and pass on the COVID-19 virus, it is important that we continue to take actions to curb the spread of COVID-19. These actions include getting vaccinated (for individuals who are eligible), wearing masks in public spaces, keeping physical distance, staying home when sick, and getting tested when sick.
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Opportunities to get vaccinated continue to be plentiful around Kitsap, even as the pace of Kitsap Public Health District’s pop-up vaccine clinic program slows. KPHD continues to operate its Thursday clinic at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Bremerton. Walk up during clinic hours for your vaccine, or book an appointment at kphd.timetap.com.
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CDC accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech licensed COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older. This recommendation follows FDA’s exhaustive review of the scientific evidence demonstrating safety and effectiveness. For more information, click here.
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Kitsap Public Health District, in partnership with the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center, opened a third drive-through COVID-19 testing site Sept. 1. The new site, at Grace Bible Church at 707 Bethel Burley Rd. SE in Port Orchard, will be open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. It joins sites in Bremerton (Tuesdays) and Poulsbo (Thursdays).
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King County Reinstating Outdoor Mask Mandate |
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Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases Washington state's most populous county is reinstating outdoor mask mandates for large events and strongly encouraging people to wear masks in other outdoor settings when they can't remain six feet apart.
In a statement Thursday Public Health – Seattle & King County said as of Sept. 7 there will be a requirement for facemasks for outdoor events of 500 or more people. The directive applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people over age 5.
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Vaccine Mandate Issued in Jefferson and Clallam Counties |
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Customers who want to go into a bar or restaurant in Jefferson County will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting Saturday.
Jefferson County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry issued a public health order adopting the new requirement Thursday, Sept. 2.
“Indoor bars and restaurants are known to pose a high risk for COVID-19 transmission, as they encourage unmasking of large groups of people indoors,” Berry said in Thursday's announcement.
“Our goal is to make these safer places to be and to reduce transmission in our communities, allowing our hospitals to keep functioning and our schools to open more safely this fall,” she added.
The new rule will also cover restaurants and bars in Clallam County, where Berry is also the public health officer.
The mandate went into effect Sept. 4.
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Washington Hospitality Association Working to Keep Businesses Informed & Open |
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The availability of multiple coronavirus vaccines at the start of 2021 left many to hope the pandemic would soon be a thing of the past. Lagging vaccination rates and a dramatic increase in cases and hospitalizations are stark reminders the pandemic is far from over.
State and local guidance and requirements continue to change regularly. We will continue to send you updates as new public health requirements are imposed. And we will post all new information on the Current Guidance and Requirements page on the Washington Hospitality Association Coronavirus Resource Hub.
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Have you answered our weekly
survey question yet?
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As a business, what are you currently doing to protect your employees and create a safe work environment amidst the current COVID surge? |
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Requiring proof of vaccination
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Improved sanitizing within business
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Please feel free to respond to this week's survey multiple times if you are implementing more than one of these strategies. The Silverdale Chamber is committed to learning how best we can engage and work for our business membership. Your participation in poll questions like these help us to work better for you! |
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Established in 1981, GSBA is Washington State's LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce and is the largest of its kind in North America. We represent over 1,300 small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace. |
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August 2021 New & Renewing Members |
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1st Security Bank
Alliance of Women Owned Businesses (AWOB)
Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce
Boy Scouts of America
Bremerton Chamber of Commerce
Bremerton Kitsap Access TV
Camp Bow Wow
Chicago Title Company of Washington
Creekside Cabinet and Design
Kathy Olsen - Keller Williams - Silverdale
Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal
LINE-X of Silverdale/Truck Gear 4x4
LPL Financial at Kitsap Credit Union
North Mason County Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Information Center
Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce
Rancho Storage Center - Silverdale - Inlet View Self-Storage
Shelton/Mason County Chamber of Commerce
Smart Energy Today
South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce
Thompson Consulting Group
Unique Local Bazaar
Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives
Whaling Days Festival
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Help Desk Cavalry Makes Inc. 500's Fastest Growing Companies in America List |
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For the second year in a row, Inc. 5000 has named Help Desk Cavalry to their Fastest Growing Companies in America List. Help Desk is one of only four Washington state information and communications technology (ICT) businesses to be honored. President and CEO Steve Treanor shares, "This award is a clear indicator that Kitsap County is not only surviving but thriving."
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Kitsap Regional Library Celebrates
Jill Jean's Retirement
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Kitsap Regional Library Director Jill Jean has announced that she will retire on December 31, 2021, after many years of library service.
With her retirement ahead, the Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees is moving forward with a national search for the next library director. They hope to have the final candidate selected in November.
Throughout her 15 years as Kitsap Regional Library’s Library Director, Jill has worked diligently to reinvent libraries in Kitsap County, building a legacy of partnerships and fiscal responsibility—with just a dash of daring.
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KBA Cancels October Peninsula
Home & Remodel Expo
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For the health and well-being of participants in the upcoming Peninsula Home & Remodel Expo in October, the Kitsap Building Association Board of Directors has elected to cancel this year’s event. In discussions with the Kitsap County Department of Health and the continuing rise of COVID cases in our region, the board felt the decision to cancel was in the best interest of vendors and the public.
Over the years, the Kitsap Building Association has greatly appreciated the support of its members that participate in their home shows. Health permitted, they look forward to hosting the 2022 Spring Home Show next March!
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1st Security Bank has been serving customers and communities in Washington state since 1936, with a genuine focus on giving back to the communities in which they are located. Silverdale's branch proudly hosts local kids' day events, annual Stuff the Bus Drives, and supports the Silverdale Rotary Club during Whaling Days. The branch was just named the Best Bank in the Central Kitsap Region. They have been proud members of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce since 2018. |
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10574 Silverdale Way NW
Silverdale, WA 98383
(360) 516-5600
Open Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Register Now for the Return of the Kitsap Business Forum featuring Shannon Bruce
Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 7:30 am
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Join the SBA September 13 – September 15, 2021, for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts. This free online event will include educational webinars, updates on resources for small businesses and a networking chat room for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Government Affairs Committee |
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Interest in Private Long-Term Care Plans
Have Lawmakers Concerned
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Tens of thousands of Washingtonians are trying to opt out of a new state payroll tax — and, in doing so, removing themselves from a state insurance program designed to take care of them in old age.
Washington workers have until Nov. 1 to opt out of the state’s long-term care program, which will help pay for nursing care and other support services for people who can no longer care for themselves. Opting out means not having to pay a 0.58% payroll tax, which is set to begin in January.
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Military Affairs Committee |
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Saturday, March 5, 2022
More Information Coming Soon!
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Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council
Tuesday, September 7, 2021, 10:15 am
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This in an online meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Proclamation.
To participate:
If you are joining by video, please add your affiliation after your name.
To participate by phone only:
Dial 253 215 8782 and enter the Meeting ID: 880 9113 3854
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Kitsap Public Health District
Tuesday, September 7, 2021, 12:30 pm
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To join the meeting online, please click the link:
Password: 109118
Or join by telephone:
Dial: +1 (253) 215-8782
Webinar ID: 861 8605 2497
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Hand Sanitizer & Masks Still Available |
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The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce still has hand sanitizer and N95 masks available for local businesses and organizations, courtesy of the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center. Please contact the Chamber if you are in need. |
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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New Mask & Vaccine Signs Available |
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Hot off the press courtesy of the Washington Hospitality Association! New downloadable mask and vaccine signs are available for you to display in your business. Having a clear and transparent policy regarding masks and vaccines can be an effective tool in de-escalating potentially difficult conversations with guests.
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COVID-19 Utility Moratorium
Ending September 30th
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The emergency proclamation enacted by Governor Jay Inslee that prevents the shut-off of water, electricity or natural gas services is slated to end September 30th.
Utility operators and state leaders estimate that more than 500,000 Washingtonians have overdue bills that could result in services shutting off. Customers are urged to contact their utility providers as soon as possible to make a plan to keep their services on.
Customer assistance options will differ across utility providers, options that customers can ask about include:
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Payment Plans - Most utilities are able to set up payment plans over several months for customers to pay past-due balances.
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Financial Assistance - Some utilities are able to offset a portion of a customer's past-due balance and reduce the amount owed.
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Federal Assistance - Low-income households might qualify for federal energy and water assistance programs. These programs are called LIHEAP (low-income heating and energy assistance program) and LIHWAP (low-income household water assistance program). Utilities can advise customers on how to contact local organizations that are managing applications for these programs on behalf of the Department of Commerce.
Public, community-owned utilities are governed by locally elected officials. Community-owned, not-for-profit utilities' policies will vary according to local needs.
“This moratorium has provided hundreds of thousands of Washington families much-needed peace of mind during the pandemic, and now utility companies are eager and ready to help their customers make a plan that keeps their services on,” Inslee said. “I urge people make that call as soon as they can. That call can give a family one less thing to worry about as fall and winter approaches.”
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Olympic College will be hosting walk-in vaccination clinics on their Bremerton Campus on September 8th, 13th and 29th, as well as October 4th. Learn more about the clinics here.
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Finding COVID-19 Vaccine Providers
Across Washington State
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No matter where you are in Washington, the Vaccine Locator provided by Washington State Department of Health makes it easy to find and schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Homebound and need a COVID-19 vaccine?
Fill out a secure online form to let us know if you or someone you know is homebound. Your answers will allow us to connect individuals to available County and/or State Mobile Vaccine Teams.
Need help? Call the hotline at 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #. Language assistance is available. You can also text your zip code to 438-829 (GET VAX) or 822-862 (VACUNA) for vaccine locations near you.
Need transportation? If you need transportation assistance to a COVID-19 vaccine site, please call Kitsap Transit's ACCESS service at (360) 479-7272 or (800) 422-2877. To make an appointment for a vaccination, please contact your health-care provider or the clinic. Find available appointments at vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
Due to waiting times at clinics, you will need to call ACCESS after you have received your vaccine to request a ride home. Kitsap Transit is waiving fares for these rides. Click here for office hours and locations.
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Silverdale Visitor Center |
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Day Trip from Silverdale: Washington State Fair |
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The Washington State Fair is in full swing, with daily activities running September 3rd through the 26th. For more information, check out our quick links:
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HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
As of Aug. 31, 2021, the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department issued a health order, requiring masks be worn throughout The Fair, both indoors and outdoors.
We realize that some of our guests might not agree with this mandate, but it is crucial we adhere to this, for us to open our gates – and remain open. So please, bring your mask and wear it during your visit. Have a great time at the biggest party in the state.
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Live Well Kitsap! Live Event
Saturday, September 18, 2021, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Vendor applications still being accepted until Friday, September 10, 2021. Please visit www.livewellkistap.com to sign up now!
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for the Monday Morning Memo!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
Director of Member Relations
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Joe Barboza
Tourism Coordinator
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Marisa Acuna
Finance & Operations Manager
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