Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Important News for You
Gorst Project Receives $74.298 Million from Washington State Legislature
House and Senate Democrats agreed on a 16-year, nearly $17 billion transportation package. The “Move Ahead Washington” package provides funding for four new ferries, maintenance and preservation projects, culvert removal, and free fares for those under 18 years old using public transportation.

The Kitsap projects with the biggest price tags on the transit side include nearly $75 million to begin the effort of widening Highway 3 through the Gorst corridor (a megaproject with a price tag approaching a half-billion dollars) as well as $35 million for widening and safety improvements on Highway 3 in Belfair.

Chamber News
Check out and like the
SPECIAL EVENT: Coffee with the Commissioner
Thursday, April 7, 2022, 8:00 am
Please join the Bremerton and Silverdale Chambers as we host "Coffee with the Commissioner" on Thursday, April 7th. Commissioner Ed Wolfe will be sharing a State of the County update and will be discussing important issues for Central Kitsap businesses including: homelessness, police reform, affordable housing and Kitsap County business licensing.


Coffee with the Commissioner
@ McCloud's Grill House
Bremerton, WA

This is a free event for all
Chamber members!
Last Chance to Register - Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 11:30 am
Check-in will begin at 11:15 am
Join us as we return to in-person lunches and don't forget your business cards!

Registration closes
Tuesday, March 22nd at 5:00 pm

REMINDER!

Please bring a donation item for our monthly raffle benefitting the Chamber Scholarship Fund for Central Kitsap Students!
Thank you to our luncheon sponsor:
Sponsorships Now Available for
2022 Business Awards Gala
Join us for the Grand Opening of the new Silverdale branch! Pick up a limited-edition commemorative library card* and enjoy the festivities. Music, tours and activities will be offered throughout the day.  
10 a.m. - Live Music, Remarks & Ribbon Tying Ceremony 
The new library in Silverdale is a gift for our community, from our community and was only possible through the support of donors, volunteers and community partners. A special thank you to our many donors, the Central Kitsap School District, Kitsap Regional Library Foundation and the Friends of the Silverdale Library. 

*Please make sure to bring a current picture ID if you would like a new library card.
Member News
New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!
Member of the Month:
Port Madison Enterprises
GSBA Tourism Roundtable: Kitsap County
Wednesday, April 6, 2022, 9:00 am
This roundtable welcomes community leaders and small business owners across Kitsap County to discuss needs for local small businesses, the tourism and hospitality industry, and LGBTQ+ community. Our discussion will center on building bridges for Kitsap County's tourism industry, working together for our collective economic recovery, attracting tourists from Seattle and beyond, and expanding these opportunities throughout the County - all through a lens of inclusivity and equity.

This event is proudly presented in partnership with GSBA, Washington's LGBTQ+ and allied chamber; Visit Bainbridge Island; Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce; Bainbridge Island Downtown Association; Silverdale Chamber of Commerce; Bremerton Chamber of Commerce; and South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you to our Host Sponsor, Suquamish Clearwater Casino!
Leadership Kitsap: Apply Now for Class of 2023

Do you have news you'd like to share about your business or organization?
We'd love to share! Please send information to Irene at the Chamber!

Member Spotlight
Live Well Kitsap!
The Silverdale Chamber is proud to partner with Live Well Kitsap and their members as they strive to provide support to the community in their quest for healthier living.

At Live Well Kitsap, you will find businesses and entities committed to your Health and Wellbeing. Find businesses and entities that have special LWK offers waiting for you! Hang out a while and enjoy Blogs, Newsletters, Forums, and Value Videos all designed to enhance your wellbeing journey.
  • Connect with like-minded people and respond to relevant topics in our forums
  • Enjoy Value Videos that are educational, motivational, inspirational, and transformational!
  • Grab a healthy beverage and read a blog
  • Tell us what you want to be talking about by connecting in the forum
  • Explore Kitsap to find the professionals, (Mind your Health) cafes, eateries, (Good Eats) places to shop, rejuvenate, and other entities and agencies that help you thrive!
Education Committee
Member Education & Training Resources
How to Find Mental Health Services in Your Area
From the Washington Hospitality Association

By all accounts, it’s been a very difficult year and a half. You and your fellow business owners are people who have worked hard and sacrificed to achieve their dreams. There are long-term emotional effects of this economic slowdown the pandemic caused – loyal employees have been let go, generational family businesses have been lost and business models continue to change. You have been coming up with new ways to safely run your business and keep both employees and guests safe.

There is so much going on all at once, and in the hospitality industry, you might find yourself compartmentalizing your feelings to deliver unprecedented customer service with a smile, despite everything going on in the world.

Even before the pandemic, mental health has been a concern in the hospitality industry. If you are experiencing feelings of depression, hopelessness or even suicide, you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Health states that one in every five people are living with some kind of mental health condition, whether it is temporary or permanent. Please reach out for help. 


The Small Business Masterclass:
How to Grow Your Business (FREE)
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 3:30 pm
Voices of Women Shaping the Tech Industry
Thursday, March 24, 2022, 5:00 pm
Don't miss out as we listen to some amazing and trailblazing women tech leaders in Washington who are making space for all women in tech. Learn more about their experiences in the male-dominated tech industry and what is needed to ensure that women are fully represented and included in the leadership track. 
KEDA Annual Meeting & Economic Preview
Wednesday, March 30, 2022, 9:30 am
Tax Saving Strategies for Small Businesses
Friday, March 25, 2022, 1:00 pm
This workshop focuses on the Federal tax saving strategies that work best for small businesses, which are:

  • Electing S-Corporation status with the IRS.
  • Maximizing the deduction for business use of the home.
  • Demonstrating two ways you can compute the deduction for business use of personal vehicle.
  • Providing you examples of 7 different retirement plans and showing you which one is best for you.
  • Describing how to maximize the benefits of health savings accounts.
  • Show you the difference between smart equipment purchases and not-so-smart ones for maximizing the tax benefit.
  • Explain the difference between cash versus accrual accounting and let you know which is better for you.
  • And much, much more!

Workshop Fee: $55
Business News & Resources
Webinar: PPP 2nd Draws
Better to Ask for Forgiveness than Omission
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 11:00 am
For restaurants that took a second draw from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the deadline to apply for loan forgiveness is coming up. Join Aaron Frazier, National Restaurant Association's director of tax policy to learn what important information you'll need, and what happens if you miss the deadline.  
PSNS Hiring Event
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 9:30 am
Equality of Opportunity in Action:
Accelerating Impact for Female Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 11:00 am
Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for Equality of Opportunity in Action: Accelerating Impact for Female Entrepreneurs on Wednesday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Sharing the experiences of female entrepreneurs and highlighting innovative ways to support the women-owned business ecosystem, this event will feature public and private sector leaders who are actively working to accelerate their growth and success. Hear directly from female founders and learn more about solutions - expanding access to capital, investing in technical assistance and support, and building networks - to closing opportunity gaps that exist for female entrepreneurs, especially those of color.
U.S. Ports Expected to Be at Near-Record Levels of Imports as Congestion Continues
From the Washington Retail Association

In spite of supply chain challenges, imports at the nation’s major shipping container ports are expected to be at near-record levels this spring through summer as consumer demand continues.
 
Although port volume is maintaining impressive levels, retailers should plan for the possibility of additional disruptions this summer should West Coast labor contract negotiations break down. The current contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association expires on July 1.
 
The first six months of 2022 are expected to total 13.1 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU), which is one 20-foot container or its equivalent. This volume is an increase of 2.4% year-over-year. Imports for all of 2021 totaled 25.8 million TEU, which was a 17.4% increase over 2020’s 22 million TEU, a record high set despite the pandemic.

Latest L&I COVID Prevention
Requirements and Guidance
From the Washington Retail Association

Labor and Industries published new L&I COVID Prevention Requirements and Guidance regarding the new statewide mask-off policy.
 
A new item has been added regarding COVID-19 notification, reporting, and prevention measures, requiring employers to create workplace-specific written Accident Prevention Programs (APP). Please review your current APP and ensure you include a section named Public Health Emergency and include the following steps:
 
If there is a Public Health Emergency (pandemic) announced by the health department, we will use the SAFE ME COVID-19 course or the course relevant to the specific pandemic to train employees on pandemic procedures and processes. English    Spanish
 
We will follow any additional instruction that comes from the following:
 
  • Centers for Disease Control
  • State/Local Health Departments
  • Labor and Industries guidance
 
In addition to the steps above, your company should continue to:
 
  • Assess COVID-19 Hazards and adjust prevention measures based on COVID-19 hazard changes in your community.
  • Verify if vaccination status is required in healthcare and school settings.
  • Evaluate social distancing needs for workers who work in close vicinity, especially for those who are unvaccinated or returning from quarantine.
  • If you annually report OSHA 300/300A forms, continue to record COVID cases using these guidelines.
  • Protect workers by regularly evaluating indoor air quality and ensure HVAC filters are replaced according to the manufacturer or government health agency’s recommendation.
  • Follow reasonable accommodation and discrimination policies required under the Americans with Disabilities Act
The Washington Technology Association's
Higher Education Council Seeks
Feedback from Employers
The Higher Education Council of the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) is developing a report that identifies the required skills for entry-level cloud computing roles in all sectors, and in companies of all sizes. Because this information will be used by our state’s education providers to create preparatory programs for new cloud computing workers, we’d like to make certain that employers’ hiring needs are reflected in the survey results. You can help by completing this survey or forwarding it to the appropriate person or people in your company. 
Kitsap County News
Statement from the Kitsap County
Council for Human Rights
From the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights

The Kitsap County Council for Human Rights released a statement March 18, 2022 declaring our concern and opposition to the many incidents of discrimination that have occurred within Kitsap County in recent months. We are disheartened by these blatant displays of racist, sexist, and religious bigotry. We stand with and support those who have endured racial slurs and vandalism, misogynistic treatment and comments, religious persecution, and discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.

The Kitsap Road Report is updated each week. This latest update was released on March 18, 2022.
Intermittent road closures on Bay Shore Drive NW and Washington Avenue NW for Sewer/Stormwater/Road improvement project. 
Crews are doing various maintenance activities at the locations listed below. Expect moderate delays between 5 and 10 minutes:

  • Nels Nelson Rd NW between NW Bucklin Hill Rd and Fairgrounds Rd NW (MO)
  • Fairgrounds Rd NW between Central Valley Rd NE and Old Military Rd NE (TU-FR)

WSDOT Project Alert: Construction crews working on the SR3 Chico Creek fish barrier removal project. Temporary speed limit reduction to 45mph in both directions on SR3 along one-mile section for the duration of the project. For details and to sign up for WSDOT electronic updates, visit the WSDOT Project Page.
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Get Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. If you haven't already, order yours today. If you've already received an initial order, your household can now order an additional set of 4 tests beginning last week.

Need help placing an order for your at-home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
State Outlines New COVID-19 Response Strategy
The Washington Department of Health released its ForWArd plan, which outlines a new phase of the COVID-19 built around three priority areas:

  • Engagement and Empowerment: Continue to monitor science and data to inform ongoing guidance and communication.
  • Prevention, Tools and Access: Support vaccination efforts, monitor testing accessibility and maintain supplies of high-quality masks, tests and PPE.
  • System Readiness, Support, and Capacity: Support genotyping of up to 10% of COVID-19 cases and employ key disease detection efforts to gauge ongoing transmission.
COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing 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.

With the new wave of cases due to the Omicron variant, testing availability and resources are being strained both locally and nationally. Testing appointments or at-home tests may be difficult to find. Please be patient as you seek a test and plan well in advance if you need a test to participate in activities such as travel. KPHD has updated our list of organizations providing COVID-19 testing in Kitsap County here.
Community Information
Local Group Seeks New & Used Instruments
for Music Education Programs
Friday, March 25, 2022, 5:30 pm
Blood Supplies Low in the Pacific Northwest
Blood supplies across the PNW are at emergency levels. If you are feeling healthy, schedule your donation right away! Contact Bloodworks Northwest at schedule.bloodworksnw.org or 1-800-398-7888. You can also contact the American Red Cross Northwest Region at redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.
Dementia Support Now Available
for Kitsap Residents
Funding from Kitsap County's 1/10th of 1 percent mental and behavioral health treatment sales tax was allocated for dementia support. Dementia is the #1 most feared disease for older adults in the United States, as well as the most costly to treat, due to prolonged disease progression and costs of care. Prior to COVID, dementia was the #3 cause of death for older adults in Washington state. 

Kitsap County is currently the only county in Washington that distributes treatment sales tax to fund assistance for those dealing with dementia. The Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Care Division of the Department of Human Services sponsors this program and offers the services of a dementia consultant free of charge.

To request an appointment with the dementia consultant or an education event, call the Aging and Long-Term Care Senior Information & Assistance Center at (360) 337-5700 or (800) 562-6418.

To find resources for dementia and many other programs and services, visit the Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Services website here
Registration Open for CSTOCK Summer Camps
Excited for summer camp!? So are we! Our new director Palmer Scheutzow and her team have an exciting line-up for you and your aspiring young performers to explore at the link below...
 
For our littlest performers, typically aged 4-6
KinderCamp: Swamped! from July 25-August 5 (must be potty trained)
 
For performers entering 1st-9th grades
Camp 1: Once Upon A Mattress from June 27-July 9
Camp 2: James and the Giant Peach from July 11-23
Camp 3: R&H Cinderella from July 25-August 6
 
For performers entering 10th-12th+ grades
High School Camp: Into the Woods from June 27-July 16
Silverdale Visitor Center
Port Gamble Wedding Show Returns
Saturday, March 26, 2022, 12:00 pm
orKIDstra Family Concert
Bremerton Westsound Symphony
Sunday, March 27, 2022, 3:00 pm
Contact Us
Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for Tuesday's Community Connections!
360-692-6800
David Emmons
President/CEO
Irene Moyer
Director of Member Relations
Brenda Kelley
Tourism Coordinator