Chamber News
Chamber Luncheon
We are urging everyone to register early due to the upcoming Columbus Day break.
Registration Closes Tuesday, October 11th, 8:00am
Please Register TODAY!
$20 members
$25 non-members
2022 Business Awards
NOMINATIONS STILL OPEN
...and some of the qualifying requirements have changed to accommodate the
'Covid Years'!
Please review and make your nominations today!

Join us for a night of comedy, games & prizes, silent auction & raffle, dessert dash, hors d'oeuvres, no host bar... and of course South Kitsap's best of the best!

We are currently seeking auction basket and raffle items, If you are interested in donating large auction items, or smaller raffle items, please contact the Chamber Office.
EARLY BIRD tickets on sale NOW! Save your seat before prices go up!
2022 Chamber Directory and Community Guide
Deadline Extended!


For 2022 we are changing things up a little bit... By creating two publications.

The first publication will be a Community Guide, which will be undated and generic. It will contain information on the area, events, neighborhoods and other useful community information. We will be able to use this same publication for multiple years.

The second publication will be the Business Directory containing all of our members and services in it. This publication will be updated yearly.

Make sure that your business is represented!

Call Matt at the Chamber Office
New City Permit Information
We have updated the list of building permits issued by the City of Port Orchard for the last two months. The information can be found on our website at the link below:
City of Port Orchard Building Permit and Growth Information

The Growth Management Act from Washington State dictates where the growth within the state is supposed to take place. The state pushes the requirements down to the counties and they pass them on to the Cities. Zoning in Port Orchard has been...

Read more
skchamber.org
Business News
LinkedIn Learning
The Kitsap Regional Library has many different tools for local businesses.

KRL offers access to "LinkedIn Learning" for free. Formerly Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers hundreds of lessons and training courses on everything from Social Media Marketing to Diversity and Inclusion.

All you need to access these free resources is a KRL Library card, and then head to the "LinkedIn Learning- Log In" page here.

Below is a snapshot of just some of the Business Topics that are offered.
Retail Theft and Public Safety
 As stewards of Washington State’s retail experience, The Washington Retail Association's goal is to protect retail jobs and the employers who provide them.
With the increase of theft and organized retail crime, the Washington Retail Association has put together a guide to provide retailers a step ahead in public safety and retail crime.
Port Orchard Sales Tax Increase Proposal
Sales tax proposed for Bethel Improvements

The City of Port Orchard completed a comprehensive study and seeks funding for Bethel Road Phase 1 as a part of ongoing efforts for this critical transportation corridor.

Read more
skchamber.org
Contracting Coffee Hour

Zoom Help for Government Contracting Questions
October 5th, from 8am-10am KEDA's monthly Contracting Coffee Hour will be an open forum for businesses with questions about contracting with the government.
This is your opportunity to meet with contracting experts, network with other contractors, discuss common issues/problems, get your contracting questions answered, and identify support services available for contractors.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for this FREE event.
PFML Premiums Could Double
The Employment Security Department recently told an advisory committee that the premiums for the state’s troubled Paid Family and Medical Leave program might need to be increased to 1% next year. The program is also facing continuing deficits.

Next year’s premium boost will be on top of an increase this year after the rate was taken up to 0.6%, at the beginning of 2022, from the previous rate of 0.4%. The Washington Research Council has a full rundown.

Contact AWB Government Affairs Director Bob Battles to learn more
Energy Solutions Summit scheduled for
Nov. 8-9 in Kennewick
AWB will host an Energy Solutions Summit this November to discuss what Washington’s energy future means for employers and the economy.

Another 1 million people are projected to move into the Evergreen State in the next decade, highlighting the need to strengthen and improve the energy grid and prepare for increased demand.

Join them at the Energy Solutions Summit to discuss what this means for employers and the economy. Open to AWB Members.
Kitsap Community Resources Survey
Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) conducts a comprehensive assessment every three years to evaluate the needs and assets in our community.

This year, KCR is partnering with organizations throughout Kitsap County to conduct a community survey. The survey will help them better understand the challenging issues our community faces and ultimately aid in creating effective solutions.

Hence, as a part of our community, we invite you to share your thoughts in areas such as employment, housing, food, childcare access and veteran assistance.
KEDA Honored for Digital Media During the IEDC Annual Conference
Press Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world's largest professional association for economic developers, has selected Kitsap Economic Development Alliance as a recipient of its 2022 Excellence Awards. During the IEDC Annual Conference, the awards honor organizations for exemplary economic development marketing campaigns, projects, and programs. Kitsap Economic Development Alliance was selected as the Silver Recipient for the Digital Media category in honor of its efforts in creating positive change within the community.
“Communities need our profession now more than ever. This year's awardees exemplify the ingenuity, leadership, and determination needed to meet the challenges of today and the future. The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and demonstrate the level of leadership that our profession strives for every day,” shared IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.
“This year’s awards selection process was especially competitive. We are honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing submissions, projects, and partnerships have improved regional quality of life,” added IEDC Awards Advisory Committee Chair Christina Winn.
Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers worldwide. IEDC received over 500 submissions from the United States and four other countries worldwide.
The Digital Media award presentation has brought recognition and acclaim to the Kitsap, WA community as the event was attended by economic development professionals and site consultants worldwide. The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance digital media campaign (#ShopEatSpendKitsap) was initiated to support local downtown businesses during the 2021 holiday season. Thanks to the campaign, not only have businesses benefited from community support and exposure, but KEDA has also developed a much stronger working relationship with the local business community.
Veteran's Day Publishing Special
There are many veterans working, raising families, or enjoying their retirement in Kitsap County.

Please join us in honoring our local veterans in a special section dedicated to them on October 29th, publishing countywide in 4 newspapers: Bainbridge Island Review, North Kitsap Herald, Central Kitsap Reporter and the Port Orchard Independent, reaching over 30,000 readers!

Publish Date: 10/28/22
Deadline Date: 10/10/22

Contact Harmony Liebert
Sales Manager
360-460-5795
hliebert@soundpublishing.com


Community News and Events
Kitsap Bank Shred to Fed
Aloha Oktoberfest
Kiwanis Dinner & Auction
Annual Scarecrow Contest
It's time for you to start planning those Scarecrows for the Downtown Scarecrow Contest! Scarecrows can be displayed at the Port Orchard Market or at a downtown business. The contest is open to families, individuals, businesses, not for profit organizations. Scarecrows can be display starting October 19th. Please send an email to pobsainfo@gmail.com for an entry form OR pick up an Entry form at The Dock Bar & Eatery, Peninsula BevCo or Josephine's Mercantile starting September 22nd OR go online to www.posa.com for an entry form!
South Kitsap Chamber Of Commerce
360.876.3505
1014 Bay St. #3 Port Orchard, WA 98366