Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Important News for You
Photos: Kitsap County Sheriff's Office.
Kitsap County Sheriff Tackles Retail Crime
with "Operation Boost Busters"
Deputies recover almost $4000 in stolen goods
On Wednesday, December 14th, Deputies from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from our partners at the Washington State Patrol, teamed up with a cadre of more than 30 loss prevention officers to conduct a retail theft enforcement emphasis dubbed “Operation Boost Busters” in Silverdale.

During this emphasis patrol, Deputies were called for 12 incidents at various retail stores in Silverdale. A total of 14 suspects were contacted with 10 people being arrested and booked into the Kitsap County Jail for a variety of criminal charges including Theft, Organized Retail Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Assault and Possession of Controlled Substances (Methamphetamines and Fentanyl pills). Two of the suspects were also booked for outstanding warrants for Theft and DUI. Two suspects were released at the scene and two were able to get away in vehicles.

In all, a total of more than $4000 worth of product was stolen with Deputies recovering a little more than $3800 worth of the stolen merchandise.

This was the first operation of its kind in Kitsap County and more will be planned in the future as KCSO is committed to partnering with our neighboring agencies and loss prevention professionals in the retail industry to address and curb the rise of retail theft in Kitsap County.

Chamber News
Check out and like the
Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!
Chamber Holiday Office Hours
The Chamber and Visitor Center offices will close at noon on
Friday, December 23rd.

In celebration of the holidays, we will also be closed on Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd.

This will also be our last Community Connections for 2022. Thank you for your readership! We'll see you on January 4, 2023 with our next edition, keeping you informed on all things Greater Kitsap.

Happy Holidays from the Greater Kitsap Chamber!
Where Will You Find Kitsap Kelly This Week?
Chamber Travel Opportunity
Info Session on January 11, 2023
Looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Book a room now on this specially-priced Alaskan Cruise and enjoy the holidays all the way until August! We'll be having an information night to learn more on January 11, 2023. Stay tuned to the Community Connections for more details.
Chamber Seeking Nominations
The Chamber Board of Directors is seeking member input for our monthly selections of Member of the Month. Do you know a business that deserves recognition? Are they involved in the community and active with the Chamber? Nominate a business - it could be your own - and let us know why they should be recognized as a Member of the Month!
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!
Member News
New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!
Member of the Month: Historic Roxy Theatre
An insider's look from the Roxy Foundation
270 Fourth Street | Bremerton WA 98337 | (360) 627-7409
Suquamish Tribe's 2022 Charitable
Giving Tops $880,000
Most help goes to Kitsap County organizations
Holiday Special from the
Silverdale Wellness Center
Evergreen Offers 1st Time Homebuyer Workshop
Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 5:00-7:00 pm
Member Spotlight
Pacific Northwest Title
Members of the Chamber since 2010, Pacific NW Title of Kitsap County is a progressive industry leader providing title, escrow and real estate information services. The foundation of our company stems back over 30 years. PNWT has an ongoing commitment to trust, respect, and integrity to our customers, real estate professionals and community.

Through creative problem-solving and a positive work environment, each closing is an opportunity to show you just who we are…a cohesive team of escrow and title professionals with a dedication to serving you.
2021 NW Myhre Road, Ste. 300 | Silverdale WA 98383 | (360) 692-4141
Education Committee
RECAP: December Member Luncheon
Members mingle at The Admiral Theatre
Member Education & Training Resources
L&I Hosts Webinars on Job Posting
Transparency Requirements
December 21 or 22, 2022

Effective January 1, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees must provide information on wage or salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in their job postings, due to the passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5761.

L&I’s Employment Standards program will provide free 60-minute webinars on the topic and opportunities for attendees to ask questions during the presentation.

The webinar will cover the following:
  • An overview of employee and job applicant protections under the law
  • Employer requirements for job postings that take effect January 1
  • L&I’s enforcement and investigation process, including changes to the complaint form
  • Employer resources

Registration information is online under the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (Webinar) header. Currently, only two webinars have remaining space, which includes:

If these dates and times do not fit your schedule, please email the L&I Equal Pay agents to schedule a personalized webinar or consultation for you or your organization.

For additional questions or assistance, call 360-902-6625.
Visit L&I’s website to learn more about the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act.
ORC Task Force Issues Best Practices
for Online Marketplaces

Since A.G. Ferguson’s initial Task Force meeting on July 7, 2022, his office has met with dozens of retailers, union representatives, online marketplaces, and law enforcement in Washington State and beyond. Based on that outreach, the Attorney General’s Office developed nine primary recommendations for online marketplaces to implement to help to combat organized retail crime, including:

  1. Establishing a specialized organized retail crime team dedicated solely to interfacing with victims and law enforcement to investigate trafficking of stolen property through their marketplace.
  2. Establish and make available their team’s criteria for assisting victims and law enforcement with such trafficking investigations.
  3. Establishing mechanisms by which information and data about the suspect seller and their sales history may be shared with victims and law enforcement on an expedited basis, without disclosing personal information about the seller that is protected by law.
  4. Identifying the types of items regularly sold through their marketplace that are particularly susceptible to trafficking.
  5. Identify purportedly new items being offered at prices substantially below the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). 

Business News & Resources
Record $158 Million
Super Saturday Shoppers Expected

According to a recent survey, more than 158 million shoppers are expected on the last Saturday before Christmas this year—approximately 10 million more than last year and the highest number on record.

With Super Saturday falling eight days before Christmas, retailers plan to help shoppers fulfill their last-minute purchases to make for a memorable holiday season.

Of the anticipated Super Saturday shoppers, 44.1 million (28%) plan to shop exclusively in brick-and-mortar stores, 42.2 million (27%) plan to shop online only, and 72.2 million (46%) plan to shop both with a mix of both.

Typically, half of holiday shoppers have completed their shopping in early December.

The gift purchases so far this season include clothing (50%), toys (34%), gift cards (28%), books and other media (26%), and food or candy (23%). 

Over a quarter (28%) of holiday shoppers plan to give gifts of experience such as concert or sporting event tickets, gym memberships, spa services, and art classes—up from 23% last year.
Supply Chain Gridlock is Easing

A year ago, more than a hundred cargo ships were waiting off the coast of Los Angeles. Today, that number is zero. As supply chains have caught up with import demand, consumers have also been cutting back on purchases. The end result is an end to two years of bottlenecks that caused inflation to spike as both businesses and consumers were unable to get access to goods.

“Supply chains are really not the problem anymore,” said Timothy Fiore, a procurement manager who leads the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing survey. “We’ve had four or five months of supplies looking better. Prices have dropped, too.”

The web of factories, railroads, ports, warehouses and freight yards that link goods to customers have nearly regained their pre-pandemic standing, The Associated Press reports.

New ships arrived to carry goods. Ports became more efficient. Other ports around the nation took on bigger roles. And in some industries, new manufacturers stepped in to offer other alternatives to hard-to-find goods, with competition that also moderated prices.

And in some cases, retailers who were scrambling to get anything they could ordered more goods than they ended up needing as consumer demand flagged.

“Is this a good time for buyers? Absolutely,” Fiore said. “Is it a good time for companies overall? Not so clear."
State of American Business 2023
Thursday, January 12, 2023, 8:00 am
Join business leaders from across the country and around the world for the U.S. Chamber’s premier annual event where we will explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2023, and beyond. 

During this high-level virtual dialogue, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark will outline the Chamber’s priorities, discuss the role of government in advancing smart policy, and highlight the role of business-led innovation to chart a bright path forward for our nation and its people. In addition, the event will feature dynamic conversations with a range of American business leaders from small business owners to Fortune 500 executives. 
Nonprofit News & Resources
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.
Photo: Getty Images by MR.Cole_Photographer
Using Technology to Adapt to Modern Fundraising Challenges
Courtesy of NonprofitPro.com

Fundraising today can seem more challenging than ever. There are multiple ways to communicate with constituents — from text and social media to email and direct mail. People expect more personalized communications. And economic uncertainty might make you question if people will be giving as much in the coming year.

For your fundraising efforts to continue to be effective, your communications must not only reach the right people but also stand out from the vast number of communications people already receive.

The good news is that there is technology out there that can support your fundraising efforts in today’s challenging fundraising environment. Here are three tips to help you find and use the right technology to meet your nonprofit’s fundraising needs and in the future.

Greater Kitsap News
Chamber and County Say Goodbye to Long-time Partner, Commissioner Ed Wolfe
After eight years serving as the District 3 County Commissioner, Ed Wolfe is set to retire at the end of the year. A long-time supporter of the then Bremerton and Silverdale Chambers, and now the Greater Kitsap Chamber, Commissioner Wolfe has been a strong advocate for local businesses throughout Kitsap County and will be missed.

At a retirement gathering held earlier this month, District Director Andrea Roper shared Congressman Derek Kilmer's thank you to Commissioner Wolfe that was read into the Congressional Record in Washington D.C. (see insert).
Winter Holiday Service
Saturday, Dec. 24 – Service Ends at 5:00 PM
  • On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, Routed, BI Ride and ACCESS bus service will end at 5:00 PM. All trips starting before 5:00 PM will complete their trip.
  • The last Port Orchard Ferry will depart Bremerton at 4:45 PM.
  • The last Bremerton Fast Ferry sailings depart at 2:50 PM from Bremerton and 3:30 PM from Seattle.
Sunday, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1 – No Service
  • On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and New Year's Day, Jan. 1, the Port Orchard Ferry will not operate. All other services do not operate on Sundays.
Monday, Dec. 26 & Jan. 2 (Observed Holiday) – No Service
  • Kitsap Transit's Routed, ACCESS, On-Demand, Worker/Driver, Local Ferry and Fast Ferry services will NOT operate on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Our Customer Service Office, Call Center, ORCA Call Center and Administrative Office will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions prior to the holiday.
  • Ride ACCESS? Call Customer Service at 1.800.422.2877 for service details.
  • Some Vanpools may not operate; call your Vanpool driver for information.
Saturday, Dec. 31 – Saturday Service
  • On New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, Routed buses, ACCESS, BI Ride, Port Orchard Ferry and Bremerton Fast Ferry will operate Saturday service schedules. Services that don't operate on Saturdays will not operate. Please see your route schedule for availability and times of service or use our route lookup tool online at: kitsaptransit.com/holiday-schedule.
Services that will not operate Dec. 26 through Jan. 2
During the holiday shipyard curtailment from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2, Worker/Driver, Route 219–Crossroads, Annapolis Ferry and Route 81–Annapolis will NOT operate.
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
COVID-19 Support & 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.

Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management provides local businesses with free KN95 masks and COVID testing kits. Pick up your supply at both Greater Kitsap Chamber locations today. If you are in need of larger quantities, contact Stephanie Byrd at KPHD directly (see below).
Tourism Information
Santa Visit at Ahoy Kitsap!
Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 5:30 pm
Santa is coming to visit Ahoy Kitsap Playland on Tuesday, December 20th from 5:30-7:00pm. Our Santa Meet & Greet is free with admission and is a great informal opportunity to get those last-minute photos with Santa and let the kids have some fun.
Christmas in Big Valley
Now thru January 1, 2023
Kitsap Mall Photos with Santa
Now thru December 24, 2022
Santa Claus has arrived in Kitsap! Get your pictures in the Center Court between the Chamber and Barnes & Noble.

Pet Days every Monday.

PHOTO SET OPERATING HOURS (THROUGH 12/8):
Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

PHOTO SET EXTENDED OPERATING HOURS (12/9 – 12/24):
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, BREAK: 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Friday (12/23):11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, BREAK: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday (12/24): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, BREAK: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Reservations are highly recommended for pictures with Santa 2022.
Admiral Theatre Presents:
New Year's Eve with Hit Explosion
December 31, 2022, 9:00 pm
We’re celebrating the Admiral Theatre’s 80th anniversary with our biggest New Year's Eve Party ever - dancing, balloon drop, confetti cannons, lasers, countdown at midnight, free party favors at the door - and every seat in the house gets dance floor access! There will be three sets between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. with two 30-minute breaks for the band. Hosted by Alex Zerbe | The Zaniac - The Northwest’s Best Prop Comic & Juggler!
New Year's Eve at Clearwater Casino
December 31, 2022
The Roxy Theatre Presents:
A Nite at the Roxy - Heart by Heart NYE 2023
December 31, 2022, 7:00 pm
Please join us in ringing in the new year at the Historic Roxy Theatre in Quincy Square. With live music by Heart by Heart, featuring original Heart members Steve Fossen & Michael Derosier. The band performs the legendary music of Heart. The party starts in Quincy Square with DJ Joe Frank 7- 9 PM. Doors of the Roxy Theatre open at 8 PM Joey James Dean and Bootlegs live on stage 9- 10 PM. Heart by Heart takes the stage 10:30- Midnight. Enjoy Food and Beverage 7 - Midnight. Get your tickets now, they are going fast!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
Joe Barboza
Operations Manager
Brenda Kelley
Tourism Coordinator
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.