Harris Family Holdings, LLC
Building Kitsap: 8 Businesses in 6 Years
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We're excited to take this month to highlight Harris Family Holdings, LLC, better known as the force behind a variety of businesses helping to reignite cities and towns across Kitsap. With Cups locations on Bainbridge Island, in Poulsbo, Bremerton and now Manchester (not to mention 2 Harborside Markets, Scoops & Bites and the Bremerton Mercantile), Jimmy Harris is building community and commerce across our region. |
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Grand Opening: Peaks Financial
Thursday, June 8, 2023, 4:00 pm
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Join us as we celebrate the opening of the new offices for Peaks Financial in Poulsbo! With our friends at the Poulsbo Chamber, enjoy networking and light refreshments as we celebrate the Peaks Financial team. We hope to see you there!
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Admiral Theatre
Thursday, June 8, 2023, 5:00 pm
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KCAR's Water, Sunscreen & Flip-Flop Drive
Make your donation at the Chamber!
June 5 - 9, 2023
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Grand Opening: loanDepot
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 1:00 pm
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Join us as we celebrate the opening of new offices for loanDepot in Silverdale! Enjoy networking with Chamber members, community leaders, light refreshments and more!
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June Luncheon: Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 11:00 am
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You're invited as we celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! At our Annual Meeting, you'll hear all about what the Chamber has worked on this last year, as well as meet the newest members of the
Board of Directors. Enjoy networking with members, local leaders
and more - you won't want to miss!
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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!
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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 & Renewals for May
Thank you for your support of the Chamber!
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Community Connector
Growth
Main Street
Business
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RECAP: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting at Spread Supplies, LLC |
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Congratulations again to Reama and team for the Grand Opening of Spread Supplies located in the Charleston District of Bremerton! Be sure to check them out for all your creative needs! |
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Volunteers Needed: Kitsap Pride Festival
Saturday, July 22, 2023
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This year's Kitsap Pride Festival needs to fill 120+ volunteer shifts and is asking the community for their support! If you're able to volunteer some time to this amazing family-friendly event, please click the link below to sign up. |
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Save-the-Date: West Sound Film Festival
August 4-6, 2023
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Nominations Begin for Best of NK, CK, SK & BI
Nominations began May 26 and run through June 11
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It’s time again to nominate businesses online for the Best of North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, South Kitsap and Bainbridge Island.
Voters can nominate their favorites in a variety of categories. You may nominate and vote once per day in each category.
The Top 5 in each category will then be voted on from July 10 to July 23 to determine the winners in each category. Results will be published in special sections inserted in the newspapers in September.
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Growing Greater Businesses Grant Spotlight:
Unique Experience Custom Embroidery, Inc
"We stitch your ideas"
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In the heart of Bremerton, Unique Experience Custom Embroidery embodies dedication, craftsmanship, and community. Co-owned by Ronald and Faye Flemister, they've served the area for 30+ years, creating unforgettable custom promotional products. Ronald's joy comes from bringing customers' visions to life, ensuring satisfaction every step of the way. From humble beginnings to prominence, their exceptional service led to expansion and expertise. They've built bridges in the community, persevered through challenges, and embraced diversity. Discover the transformative power of their passion and the remarkable experience they offer.
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623 N. Callow Ave. | Bremerton, WA 98312 | (360) 373-2076 |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Small Business Requirements & Resources
"Start a Business in WA"
TODAY, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 9:00 am
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Presented by Washington State Small Business Liaisons
Are you considering starting a business, or did you recently start one and still have lots of questions?
This free, one-hour webinar will give you a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing, and other regulatory requirements. You’ll connect with business liaisons from the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, and Labor and Industries, who will also provide you information about many free or low-cost assistance programs.
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SBA: Boots to Business
Entrepreneurship training for transitioning
service members and spouses
June 13-14 & June 21-22, 2023
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Boot to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program. The curriculum includes steps for evaluating business concepts, the foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan, and information on available SBA resources to help access start-up capital and additional technical assistance. This class is for transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and spouses who have access to a military installation. |
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Lunchtime Lightning Talk
Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 3:00 pm
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For this last Lightning Talk, join the celebration of the conclusion of Vibe's first Microbusiness Accelerator with participants and community members. Arrive at 3:00 pm for conversation and networking. This lightning talk will begin at 3:30 pm and end promptly at 4:30 pm with light bites and drinks. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.
Speakers:
Lighting Talks are FREE and open to everyone.
Located at Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo, you do not need to be a Vibe member to attend. If you ARE a Vibe member, attending the event does not use up any of your monthly access days, unless you plan to stick around to work for the day, too.
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SBDC: Money vs. Value - Claim Your Worth
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 11:00 am
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Let’s talk about MONEY. Did you know almost everyone has mistaken beliefs around money? And so often those beliefs can limit financial growth. In this webinar, we are diving into money blocks and how to reframe our ideas around money. Whether you are a startup or an established business, get a refresh on how to think about money. Plus, get solid examples of how to raise your pricing and create higher value for what you do. |
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Business News & Resources |
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Washington's New Capital Gains
Tax Exceeds Expectations
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Capital gains tax collections in Washington state have surpassed expectations, with revenues totaling $849 million for fiscal year 2023 (ending on June 30) compared to the initial forecast of $248 million. This figure, collected through May 9, represents a new tax that faced constitutional uncertainties before being approved by the Supreme Court in March.
This higher-than-anticipated amount resulted from a 7% tax on the sale or exchange of assets, such as stocks and bonds above $250,000, implemented in 2021. However, caution is warranted due to the volatility of this new tax, as the state's ability to maintain these high collections remains to be seen.
Per existing statute, the first $500 million from capital gains tax collections annually funds the Education Legacy Trust Account (ELTA), supporting public schools. An excess above this amount is allocated to the state's construction budget, focusing on school construction projects. Consequently, the unexpectedly high revenue may significantly enhance educational funding and infrastructure development.
Despite this revenue boost, lawmakers remain hesitant about over-reliance on this potentially fluctuating tax source. Any surplus is therefore spent on one-time construction projects. The surplus from the current fiscal year, if sustained, could lead to an increased budget for schools, particularly in areas with lower property values.
The final tax figures could yet change, given that about 2,500 taxpayers who requested extensions still need to file their returns by October 16. If the higher revenues are confirmed, new spending would require approval during the 2024 legislative session.
While Washington currently lacks an income tax, legislators have explored other taxation methods, including a wealth tax and increased tax on multimillion-dollar property sales, to address the burden on low-income residents.
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Three Reasons the Debt Limit Deal
is Good for America
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As the nation neared default on its debts, members of Congress found themselves presented with a remarkable chance to make an indelible mark on our nation’s trajectory by supporting the bipartisan agreement forged by President Biden, Speaker McCarthy and their negotiating teams to raise the statutory debt limit, tackle federal spending and set the country on a track for more responsible fiscal policy.
“Together, these steps chart our country on the right course to address our debt and spending while ensuring the stability of the U.S. economy and the full faith and credit of the U.S. dollar,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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WA Hospitality: Surviving Summer |
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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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.
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Integrating Capital Campaigns into
General Fundraising Efforts
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Photo: Pexels by Pavel Danilyuk
Capital campaigns are focused fundraising initiatives aimed at raising substantial funds for specific projects or capital improvements. These campaigns typically have defined goals, specific timelines and require significant financial commitments from donors. They often focus on expanding infrastructure, constructing new facilities, or implementing new and transformative programs. By incorporating capital campaigns into your overall fundraising strategy, you can leverage these initiatives to enhance your general marketing activities.
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Nonprofit HR Gathering: What Nonprofits Need
to Know About the Equal Pay & Opportunities Act and Wage Transparency
Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 12:00 pm
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The Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA), which took effect in 2018, promotes gender pay equity in Washington State through equal pay, equal career advancement opportunities, open wage discussions, prohibited retaliation, and other protections for employees and job applicants.
What does your nonprofit need to know about the EPOA? And why is wage transparency important? Join the gathering to hear from specialists from L&I and nonprofit leaders who are advocating for an even more transparent process. This gathering will include presentations from L&I’s equal pay agents and a nonprofit advocate for equal pay, an interactive panel discussion, and time at the end to have your questions answered.
The HR Gathering is for those who currently work in human resources or similar roles in the nonprofit sector. We invite those whose work focuses on HR to come together to learn, exchange information, and support each other. Whether you work in an HR department or support HR in another capacity, this gathering is for you!
This gathering will be recorded. If you are unable to attend, you can still register to receive the recording and resources.
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Grantwriting Nuts & Bolts
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Take the mystery out of grant writing in this content-rich course designed to dramatically improve your grant writing skills. In this half-day workshop, you’ll learn how to research potential funders, analyze their requirements, and assemble the components of grant proposals. You will gain the tools to write a compelling narrative, create a project budget, assemble attachments, and provide accurate reporting.
Mount Baker Theatre, Encore Room
Bellingham, WA
Cost: $15 for NAWA Members, $30 for Not-Yet-Members
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Construction on Mountain View Sports
Complex in Bremerton Begins
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Photo: David Nelson, Kitsap Sun
Construction of Mountain View Middle School's new sports and fitness complex began Monday, with completion aimed at August of 2024 at the Bremerton school.
Funded by a replacement capital projects levy approved by voters in February of 2022, the $18.2-million project on the campus's east side plans for 11 acres of sports facilities, including a synthetic track and football field, and a multi-use field for baseball, softball and soccer, increasing capacity for school district and community recreational use. It replaces an aging dirt track, grass football field, a baseball field and other grassy areas.
“(The multi-use field) is sized to accommodate two adult soccer games simultaneously,” Garth Steedman, Bremerton School District’s assistant superintendent of finance, operations, & human resources, said in an statement to the Kitsap Sun.
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County Commissioners Appoint Senator Christine Rolfes as District 1 Commissioner |
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The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners appointed Senator Christine Rolfes as the District 1 Commissioner at their June 5 board meeting. Senator Rolfes replaces Robert Gelder who served as District 1 Commissioner for 12 years and left office on May 23 to become the assistant county manager for Thurston County. Senator Rolfes has represented the 23rd Legislative District since her election to the state House of Representatives in 2006. She will serve as District 1 Commissioner until December 31, 2024, which is the end of Commissioner Gelder’s unexpired term.
Prior to being elected to the State Legislature, Senator Rolfes served on the Bainbridge Island City Council and has worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Virginia.
The District 1 Commissioner is commonly referred to as the North End Commissioner. The district covers the area of the Kitsap Peninsula north of Silverdale. Bainbridge Island (pop. 23,950) and Poulsbo (pop. 10,510) are the two incorporated cities within North Kitsap. Outside of these cities, approximately 53,000 reside in North Kitsap.
The new commissioner joins District 2 Commissioner Charlotte Garrido and District 3 Commissioner Katie Walters on the Board of County Commissioners. The Board sets policy; manages the county's $548 million budget; oversees the Public Works, Parks, Community Development and Human Services departments; and serves on multiple boards of other agencies such as the Kitsap Public Health District, Housing Kitsap and Kitsap Transit. More information can be found on the Kitsap Board of County Commissioners website.
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Kitsap Public Health District Board Meeting
Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 10:30 am
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CKCC June Meeting @ New Location
Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 5:00 pm
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The Central Kitsap Community Council will be moving its regular monthly meetings to the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters and Silverdale Water District offices, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road in Silverdale.
The meeting will feature a presentation from David Forte, transportation planner of the Kitsap County Public Works Roads Division, on the county's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Discussion will focus on the Silverdale area. There will be opportunities to ask questions - the public is encouraged to attend!
The TIP process culminates in a list of scored and ranked transportation construction and improvement projects for funding throughout the county, extending six years and updated annually. Evaluation criteria used for this process include safety, capacity needs, structural condition and funding availability especially related to the timing of funded state and federal programs. The public can submit proposed projects through an online form found at kcowa.us/projectplan.
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REMINDER: Drive-On Ferry Service on
Seattle-Bainbridge Route Closed Sept 7-13
New pedestrian walkway to be installed
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The Bainbridge pedestrian walkway project will reach a milestone in September when work crews lift the walkway structures into place on their concrete and steel pilings. This work will happen from 1 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 to 3 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. For these six days, we'll use the alternate one-boat sailing schedule and load only walk-on and ADA passengers via the existing walkway. There will be no drive-on passenger service between Bainbridge Island and Seattle. This includes vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and electric scooters. We will have staff on hand to assist with the anticipated uptick in walk-on ridership.
WSDOT will make accommodations for emergency medical vehicles, in coordination with local emergency services. We are also exploring additional service options on other routes and expect to release more information on that in mid-July. The decision will be based on crewing availability and the overall service restoration plan.
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PSNS & IMF Hiring Fair
June 6-7, 2023
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Silverdale GreenDrinks
Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 5:24 pm
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Juneteenth Community Resource Fair
Friday, June 16, 2023, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
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Kitsap Juneteenth Festival 2023
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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United Way Kitsap: Day of Caring
Friday, June 23, 2023, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Community Hike
Saturday, June 24, 2023, 10:00 am
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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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Bremerton Community Theatre Presents:
Murder on the Orient Express
June 2 - 25, 2023
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Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of year, but by morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again. Ken Ludwig's clever adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of Dame Agatha's celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor to quicken the pace. |
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Admiral Theatre Presents:
Postmodern Jukebox - Life in the Past Lane Tour
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 8:00 pm
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Times change and trends come and go, but -- like a 1961 Jaguar XK-E -- the classic sounds of the past only appreciate with age. Postmodern Jukebox's Life In The Past Lane Concert Tour is a celebration of the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era, for the perfect patina of "vintage" and "modern." As always, we'll be bringing the PMJ Universe to life with a cast full of today's most exciting vocalists, instrumentalists, and tap dancers, to bring you the top-shelf entertainment experience for which PMJ is known. Whether you're a vinyl aficionado or a TikTok fashionista, catch a ride with us for an unforgettable trip through 100 years of timeless music. |
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Kingston Pirate Festival
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Music Discovery Center's "Make Music Day"
Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
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SAVE-THE-DATE: Bremerton Bridge Blast
Saturday, June 24, 2023
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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 Tuesday's Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Brenda Kelley
Tourism 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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