Monday, September 27, 2021 |
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Kitsap Public Health District to Hold Special Meeting to Discuss County's COVID Response
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, 11:00 am
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No public comment will be taken at this special meeting. However, written comment to the Health Board is always welcome. You can submit written comments at any time via email HERE.
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September Luncheon Replay:
Kitsap Transit Updates with John Clauson
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If you weren't able to join us for last week's Membership Luncheon, view the recording now and get all the latest news from Kitsap Transit. |
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October GreenDrinks Hosted by Fairway Kitsap
Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 5:24 pm
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Have you answered our weekly
survey question yet?
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What element of modern business would you
most like to learn more about?
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Adwords/Online Advertising
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Search Engine Optimization
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Website Development Platforms
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Electronic Point-of-Sale Systems
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Online Marketplaces/eCommerce
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The 6 Chambers of Commerce in Kitsap County are asking the same question of our members to provide both local and countywide insight into what our business community is experiencing. If you are a member of multiple Chambers, please complete only one Chamber's survey for your business each week. |
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KBA: Construction in Motion
Saturday, October 2, 2021, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Kitsap County Fairgrounds
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KCR Offers Mortgage Assistance Resources |
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Subscribe to the Monday Morning Memo |
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Know an individual or business who could benefit from the information we share in the Monday Morning Memo? Have them subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the most up-to-date information on all things happening in and around Central Kitsap. |
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With over 1,100 five star reviews on Google, Liberty Bay Auto’s Service Center is the most reviewed and highest rated mechanic shop in Kitsap County!
Our team consists of skilled, certified, and trustworthy mechanics, as well as a hand picked crew of Service Advisors. Our easily accessible location is just a ten minute drive from Silverdale, and just across the Agate Pass Bridge to Bainbridge Island! We’ve been serving folks in and around beautiful downtown Poulsbo for over thirty years! We’re proud of our record as a AAA Top-Shop, as well as the awards we’ve received from readers of the Kitsap Daily News – including Best Oil Change!
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20201 Front Street NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
(360) 697-4066
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Kitsap Business Forum
Save-the-Date: October 12, 2021, 7:30 am
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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First Workers' Compensation Rate
Increase Since 2017
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Rose Gundersen, VP of Operations and Retail Services, Washington Retail Association
Labor & Industries (L&I) announced a 3.1% average workers’ compensation rate increase this week for 2022. According to the Washington Research Council’s analysis , though the average workers’ compensation rates have dropped over the last three years, this proposal is the highest average rate increase since 2011.
The average rate increase for retail members whose risk classes fall within the two retrospective rating groups WR administers is 3.7%, with a range of change spanning from -3% to +9%. However, the average rate increase for employees is 6.7% and only 2.5% for employers based on the 10.1% cost-of-living adjustment for the Supplemental Pension Fund.
In Washington State, this adjustment to the workers’ compensation pension is pegged to the state’s average annual wage increase. But due to the high rate of pandemic-related layoff and furlough of lower-wage jobs in 2020, the average annual wage goes up because those who remain working are higher-wage jobs. The average annual wage increase, as a result, does not reflect what is happening in the labor market.
At the June 2020 WAC Advisory Committee meeting , L&I’s Senior Actuary, Bill Vasek, shared his concern, anticipating the high adjustment rate for the Supplemental Pension Fund (SPF). Based on his analysis, a 6% or higher average wage increase would result in a double-digit increase to total Supplemental Pension Fund payments because the premiums for the SPF are shared equally between employers and employees. This resulted in an increase of the workers’ payroll deduction at a higher rate than the employers’, according to a detailed review of the 2022 rate proposal.
This disproportionate rate increase for workers may have been avoidable had the Legislature passed SB 5137, which was proposed in the 2021 session. Senator King drafted this bill in response to the L&I actuary’s concern for a rate increase, but it died in the Senate Rules Committee. Since wage increase is not slowing down due to labor shortages, Washington Retail will continue working with the labor and business community to mitigate future workers’ compensation rate increases which disproportionately affect workers.
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Offers
Free Conference Analyzing COVID Impacts
September 29, 2021, 9:00 am
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Protecting Your Business from Cybercrime:
2021-22 Cybersecurity Updates
Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 10:00 am
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Is your business protected from Cybercrime?
Cybersecurity Experts Mitchel Chang, Jon Clay, and Cindy Liebes, will discuss the latest overview on scams and fraud challenges which we are facing in the United States.
Detailed examples will be shared of how both organized criminals and cybersecurity professionals are in a technological race by leveraging the latest technology progressions such as artificial intelligence (AI), public cloud, and internet of things (IoT).
Attendees will learn about:
- The latest notable threats such as ransomware and COVID related scams
- Special tips for observing cybersecurity hygiene
- Best practices for protecting your information assets
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Mitchel is responsible for Trend Micro’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Initiative for Education. He brings his passion to make the digital world safer along with decades of technology industry leadership experience to the education outreach programs.
Senior Vice President, CSR and Education, TrendMicro
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Jon Clay has worked in the cybersecurity space for over 24 years. He is responsible for managing marketing messages and external publication of all the threat research and intelligence within Trend Micro as well different core technologies.
Director of Global Threat Communications , Trend Micro
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Cindy Liebes joined the Cyber Security Network as the Chief Program Officer in February 2021, after having retired as the Federal Trade Commission Southeast Regional Director – a position she held for almost 10 years.
Chief Program Officer, Cyber Security Network
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SCORE hosts free, LIVE webinars every week on small business tips and
strategies presented by business experts and mentors.
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The SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute have teamed up to provide small business owners and leaders with a series of webinars that will cover resources to help small businesses grow and thrive. Join us for next week’s session on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ET: Small Business Resources for Preparedness, Relief, Recovery, and Resiliency.
During this webinar, you will:
- Learn more about COVID EIDL and how you can take advantage before December 31, 2021
- Discover tools and resources you can use to start and grow your business
- Have your questions answered by SBA leadership and small business experts
- Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community
- Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration
Note: These sessions will take place every two weeks, starting this week and will run through December 2021.
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Government Affairs Committee |
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Replay: Kitsap Legislative Pulse |
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Did you miss Thursday's Kitsap Legislative Pulse with Representative Derek Kilmer? Watch the recording here with Representative Kilmer who joined us live from the U.S. Capitol.
The Kitsap Legislative Pulse is an all-Kitsap Chamber event hosted monthly by the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce.
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Proposed Redistricting Impacts Kitsap County |
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The state commission responsible for redrawing Washington state’s political boundaries released its first four draft maps on Tuesday, which included a variety of proposed changes to Kitsap County’s legislative district lines.
Each of the Washington State Redistricting Commission’s four voting members released a map with proposed changes, the first step in a once-a-decade process that uses updated census data to redraw legislative and congressional district boundaries.
“The point is to make sure all the congressional and state legislative districts are as close to equal in population as possible,” Washington State Redistricting Commission spokesman Jamie Nixon said. That works out to roughly 157,000 people per district.
The commission is made up of two Democrats and two Republicans with a fifth nonvoting member. Commissioners have a Nov. 15 deadline to agree on a final map, which will be sent to the Legislature for approval.
A public outreach meeting of the Washington State Redistricting Commission regarding the four proposed state legislative maps will be held on October 5th at 7:00 pm. You can register for the meeting here.
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Jim Aho Honored as Outstanding
County Government Volunteer
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The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners recently recognized Jim Aho with a special award of Outstanding County Government Volunteer. Aho has served as an Ilahee Preserve Heritage Park steward for many years and "has been instrumental to expanding the preserve and drawing attention to its unique and sensitive natural environment of old-growth forest, wetlands, wildlife and critical riparian areas that is so pristine and wild it is known as The Lost Continent," noted Commissioner Ed Wolfe in his nomination.
In addition to his work and leadership with the Illahee Preserve Stewardship group, Aho has served on the Central Kitsap Community Council since 2015; and previously on the Surface & Stormwater Management Advisory Committee and the Shoreline Master Program Update Task Force. He is a retired engineer; has served as an elected Port of Illahee Commissioner since 2013, on the West Sound Watershed Counsel Citizen Advisory Group, Illahee Community Board and Salvation Army Advisory Board; and is a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener and Stream Steward.
Learn more about the Illahee Preserve below.
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League of Women Voters of Kitsap County
Offer Candidate Forums Ahead of Election
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Fast Ferry Weekend Service Ending for 2021 |
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This past Saturday, September 25, was the last day Kitsap Transit will operate Saturday sailings in 2021. Starting on Monday, September 27, Kitsap Transit will transition to weekdays only on all fast-ferry routes and supporting bus services.
Additionally the Port Orchard Foot Ferry will resume its normal Saturday schedule.
View online schedules:
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Central Kitsap Closures & Delays |
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Bayshore Drive NW is closed from 9479 Bay Shore Drive NW (Bay View Professional Building) to NW Bucklin Hill Road for continuation of sewer installation. Intermittent single lane closures on Washington Ave NW northbound at NW Carlton Street for sanitary side sewer connections. Potential full closure of Washington Ave NW between NW Lowell Street and NW Carlton Street.
Crews are doing various maintenance activities at the locations listed below. Expect moderate delays between 5 and 10 minutes:
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NW Golf Club Hill Rd Entire Length (MO-TU)
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S. National Ave. between W Arsenal Way and W H St(MO-WE)
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Gold Creek Rd NW Entire Length (WE-FR)
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NW Anderson Hill Rd at the intersection with Old Frontier Rd NW (WE-FR)
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NW Anderson Hill Rd at the intersection with Provost Rd NW (TH-FR)
Traffic impacts related to utility or private development projects:
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Moderate delays on NE McWilliams Road between State Hwy 303 and Old Military Road NE.
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Central Valley Road is closed between NE McWilliams Road and NE Vena Street through September 30th. Daytime closure from 7am - 7pm with detours in place.
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Single lane closures on NW Stavis Bay Rd from Scenic Beach Rd NW to Stone Farm Ln NW. Traffic control will be in place. The project is anticipated to end by September 30, 2021.
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Pacific Ave NW between NW Lowell St and NW Carlton St
WSDOT Project Alert: Construction begins September 27th on the SR3 Chico Creek fish barrier removal project. For details and to sign up for WSDOT electronic updates, visit the WSDOT Project Page.
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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Western States Scientific Workgroup Recommends Boosters After Six Months |
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The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup today completed its review of the federal process and has recommended a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months after their primary vaccination series for people older than 65 and people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the governors of Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada today. The Workgroup recommended the following groups of people who received the Pfizer vaccine should receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine after six months:
- People 65 and older,
- People living in a long-term care facility, and
- People 50-64 with underlying medical conditions.
In addition, the Workgroup recommended that the following groups of people ages 18-64 who received the Pfizer vaccine may also receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine after six months:
- People with underlying medical conditions, and
- People who are at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to occupational or institutional setting.
“Vaccines work and I am pleased that the Western State Group is taking this step in endorsing boosters for those who are most vulnerable. We need to protect Washingtonians most at risk for severe COVID illness. Providing boosters will help keep our residents safe and allow us to have an added layer of protection as cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise in our state. I am pleased that we are focusing on all of those at the greatest risk, including those who face inequities in our system. Together, vaccinations will get us out of the COVID pandemic," Gov. Jay Inslee said.
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Are You Considering a Vaccination Policy
for Your Business?
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Information and resources courtesy of the Washington Hospitality Association
The rapid spread of the delta variant and an increase in hospitalization rates have motivated several business operators to adopt vaccine policies for employees, guests or both. The resources linked below will help you make a decision that’s best for your business.
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Central Kitsap Food Bank will host a walk-in vaccination clinic on October 1st from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm.
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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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Kitsap Regional Library Invites
Community to Read Together
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Each year, Kitsap Regional Library invites the community to read together. Through the power of story and conversation, we recognize our shared experiences.
Forge meaningful connections and explore hope and resilience through books, activities, discussions and events, for all ages. Hope is in the conversation at onebook.KRL.org.
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Save-the-Date:
Bremerton Chamber's Eggs & Issues
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
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The Bremerton Chamber of Commerce's latest edition of Eggs & Issues will take place on Tuesday, October 19th. More details and registration information coming soon! |
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Silverdale Visitor Center |
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Day Trip from Silverdale:
Find Spooky Fun in Port Gamble
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Pumpkin Patch Season Returns to Kitsap |
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There are lots of options to take families out in search of the perfect pumpkin this fall! Check out a few local favorites here:
13274 Clear Creek Road NW
Silverdale, 98383
Monday - Saturdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sundays, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Pumpkin sales and corn maze tickets, October 1st - October 31st
12000 Courter Lane NW
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Open daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Circuit of the Northwest to Bring
Entertainment, Sports to Kitsap
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Port of Bremerton tenant, Circuit of the Northwest, brings a world-class racing experience to the PNW that will rival some of the world's most legendary road courses. The track delivers the latest in motorsports technology to enhance the racing experience and improve skills and techniques. The Tilke-designed road course features elevations that rise 80-feet from the lowest point in turn two, to the last quarter of the front straightaway – making it the longest in North America.
The complex boasts many features available to members and the community at large. The facility is a destination for entertainment, sports, and community involvement. The benefits to the area are many, and as a member, access and preference to those benefits and more make this a place not only to visit but enjoy daily. Some of the member choices will include access not only to the race course but also to dining, entertainment, social activities, and community events.
For more information about membership, click contact their team through the link below.
Become a Member now to:
- Hang out with like-minded automotive enthusiasts
- Get priority access to garages and autominiums, only available for members
- Stay overnight during some events
- Socialize and entertain family and guests in a club-like atmosphere,
- Attend local community events and workshops
- Get assistance in maintaining and enhancing the performance of member vehicles
- Enjoy priority access to the groundbreaking in 2021
Founding Memberships are being offered for the Circuit of the Northwest for a limited time that allows Founders even more access and privileges.
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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
Operations Manager &
Tourism Coordinator
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Marisa Acuna
Finance Manager
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