Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Important News for You
2023 Volunteer & Board of Directors
Applications Available Now
Submit your application by Friday, May 5th
The Chamber Nominating Committee is now accepting applications for volunteer leadership positions for the coming year. If you are interested in becoming more involved at the Greater Kitsap Chamber, we have positions on all committees, including chairs, as well as several open positions on the GKC Board of Directors. Board of Director positions are for 3-year terms.

Contact David or Irene if you have any questions or would like to learn more or apply now with the application link above.
Chamber News
Check out and like the
Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!
April Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 11:00 am
Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Gold Mountain Golf
Thursday, May 11, 2023, 5:00 pm
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!
Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
Member News
New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!
Pictured at Encore Communities' Memory Care facility in Silverdale, The Ridge, L-R: Jaime Bairey, Operations Manager; Stephanie Perry, Executive Director; and Ashley Campoy, Communities Relations Director.
12169 NW Country Meadows Lane | Silverdale, WA 98383 | (360) 692-1228
SBDC Kitsap Welcomes New Business Advisor
The Western Washington University SBDC is delighted to welcome our newest advisor, Melissa Tanno, to our Kitsap office!

Melissa Tanno was born and raised in Kitsap County, WA. After earning a BA from the University of Washington, she began a career in marketing and communications. Working as a freelancer exposed her to a wide variety of subjects and industries, which satisfied her craving to learn new things.

After a jolt-awake-in-the-middle-of-the-night idea, Melissa began reading every business book she could get her hands on, which ignited a passion that led to Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, earning her MBA. The following year the "midnight" idea was realized in a 3,000 square foot retail fabric store in downtown Bremerton, WA.

Melissa has been consulting and advising organizations of all size for nearly 10 years, with specialties in technology implementation and infrastructure. She excels at root cause analysis, understanding the time and revenue sacrifices that come with trying to fix a symptom rather than an unidentified problem. A jack of all trades, Melissa is an expert in one: drawing on vast general knowledge to find holistic solutions for multi-faceted problems.
Coffee Oasis Seeks Band Submissions
Sound Publishing Advertising Opportunities
Member Spotlight
Chamber members for an impressive 26 years, Olympic Presort is your go-to shop for your business mailing needs. From presorting mail, to direct mail, to digital advertising, Olympic Presort can help your business level up on your direct marketing needs, as well as increase your brand recognition and conversion rates for clients and sales. Check out their updated website HERE and schedule a free consultation now!
3665 Chico Way NW | Bremerton, WA 98312 | (360) 377-2552
Advocacy Committee
Week 15 Legislative Wrap-Up
Friday, April 28, 2023, 11:00 am
Join us on Friday for the Week 15 Legislative Wrap-Up with Brad Boswell and team. An exclusive benefit to our paid membership, the Greater Kitsap Chamber enlisted Boswell Consulting to provide weekly legislative updates during the 2023 legislative session. Brad has hosted monthly Zooms to answer questions in addition to the written weekly reports he provides to our membership.
Education Committee
Member Education & Training Resources
Employment Security Department: Shared Work
Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 11:50 am
In this free webinar series, learn how the SharedWork Program can benefit your business.  

  • SharedWork helps stabilize businesses during temporary economic setbacks.
  • Employers keep their workforce intact by temporarily reducing hours to save payroll costs and keep the businesses operating.
  • SharedWork pays employees a prorated percentage of unemployment insurance benefits.
  • Eligibility is open to most businesses and industries. 

SharedWork and Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA)
  • Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - 1:50 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Virtual via Zoom live - Register Here

SharedWork y Permiso de Cuidado Pagado
  • Martes, 9 de mayo - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. -  Registrate Ahora
  • Patrocinado por la Cámara de Comercio de Greater Federal Way
Lunchtime Lightning Talk @ Vibe Coworks:
"What it Means to Do Business as a Certified
B-Corp, Social Purpose or Minority-Owned Company"
Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 11:30 am
Join Matchstick Lab Microbusiness Accelerator Founders and members of the general public for monthly lunchtime lightning talks guaranteed to spark new ideas, conversations and collaborations.

BYO lunch and arrive at 11:30 for conversation and networking. Lightning talks begin at 12pm and end promptly at 1pm. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.

This month's speakers include Angie Tomisser, Rice Fergus Miller and Washington BCorp Collective and Lisa Stirrett, Lisa Stirrett Creative Warrior Studio.

This is a FREE event and open to the public. You do not need to be a member of the Chamber or of Vibe to attend.
WTIA Presents: Validating Your Idea
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Are you ready to turn your startup idea into a successful business? Join us for this workshop all about validating your idea, led by Nick Ellingson, Director of Products at WTIA.

Lunch will be provided, and the workshop will be followed by a happy hour!

We hope you'll join us for this exciting event!
ScaleUp Business Training is designed to help established businesses increase profitability, build capacity and spur growth. 

The program is most beneficial for established business owners, with two or more years’ experience owning and operating a small business, and are currently based in Washington state. 

This online program which normally costs $1,599 will be provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through June 30, 2023.

Upcoming Classes:
Thursdays, May 4, 2023 - June 22nd, 2023 - 10:30 a.m. - Register Here
SBA Nat'l Small Business Week Virtual Summit
May 2-3, 2023
Since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S each year. The U.S Small Business Administration will be hosting a two-day online virtual summit to teach new business strategies, provide the opportunity to meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts. This event is free but registration is required. 
Military Relations Committee
Sign-Up Now for the Bremerton
Armed Forces Day Parade
Parade applications now available online!
Business News & Resources
Career Connect WA Accepting Proposals for Workforce Development Grants
The Washington State Employment Security Department, on behalf of Career Connect Washington (CCW), is accepting proposals for two workforce development grants.

The CCW Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Program Builder grant provides distinct funds tailored to the unique needs of program builders developing, expanding and enhancing registered apprenticeships and recognized pre-apprenticeships. Successful bidders will receive bespoke technical assistance from ESD, the Department of Labor and Industries, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Notices of intent to bid are due May 12, and proposals are due June 9.

The CCW Round 11 Program Builder grant is open to highly qualified entities capable of building or expanding career launch, career preparation and career exploration programs. Funding will support program development costs and will not support enrollments, wrap-around services, instruction or direct participant recruitment. Notices of intent to bid are due May 22, and proposals are due June 14.

For more information, including the dates, times and links for upcoming bidders’ conferences, go to the CCW website
Retail Sales Moderated in March, but Positive Growth Still Expected for 2023

Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has been increasingly hinting at the possibility of a recession due to the central bank's monetary tightening. The Fed staff now anticipates a "mild recession" later this year, followed by two years of recovery, according to the minutes of the last policy meeting. Policymakers projected that the unemployment rate will rise by a full percentage point by the end of the year, an event historically associated with a recession. Despite these concerns, the Fed raised interest rates at that meeting and is likely to do so again in early May.

The possibility of an "immaculate disinflation" has been a topic of debate among economic commentators and Fed officials. However, the combination of persistent inflation and troubles in the banking sector make it a more remote possibility. The official stance is that inflation is coming down too slowly, and backing off the tightening campaign could worsen the economic outlook.

Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that retail sales slowed in March, but spending remained higher than the same time last year. Easing inflation and the strength of the job market and wages should support consumer spending through 2023. Retailers are prioritizing product mix, competitive pricing, and convenience to help consumers stretch their budgets.

While March spending was slower, there is still a lot of spending in the economy. The NRF forecasts that 2023 retail sales will grow between 4% and 6% over 2022. Despite concerns about a recession, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, stated that recent economic indicators are not consistent with a recession or a pre-recession.
AWB Launches Employer Survey
to Gauge Economic Outlook
The Association of Washington Business (AWB) is conducting a new survey to find out where employers stand on major issues and to gauge the economic outlook for Washington state and the U.S. Are employers still finding it difficult to find workers? How concerned are they about the possibility of a recession? And what’s the latest with the supply chain? The survey addresses these questions and more. 
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.
The Board-Executive Relationship:
A Partnership that Works
Thursday, May 4, 2023, 1:00 pm
No relationship is more important to the health of your nonprofit than the one between the board and its executive director. A strong and effective relationship sets the stage for organizational success. Yet, probably no other single relationship is as easily misconstrued or has such dire potential consequences. Many boards and executives cannot say with certainty whether they have a good relationship with each other, or even what that relationship should look like.

In this workshop, participants will learn:
  • the characteristics of an effective partnership
  • positive ways to strengthen the board-executive relationship
  • how to handle conflict between the board and executive
  • promote transparency and accountability.

Workshop Fee: $15 NAWA Members/$30 Not-Yet-Members

*Please note that this workshop is being held in-person at the Redmond Community Center, 6505 176th Avenue NE in Redmond.
The Challenges Business Execs Face When Transitioning to Nonprofit Leadership Roles
Published on NonProfit PRO.com, April 24, 2023
Photo: Getty Images by Luis Alvarez

Many bridgers — business leaders who venture into the nonprofit world — find it harder to succeed in the nonprofit world than they initially thought. More bridgers than ever followed dreams of doing social good by taking positions in nonprofits during the pandemic and Great Resignation to find that goals are more complex and intangible. It's incredibly difficult to move the needle on heart disease or sustainability.

While in many ways, leadership styles are universal and business principles are very likely to achieve operational efficiency, prospective crossover leaders should go into the nonprofit sector with their eyes wide open. I talked to five business leaders who made the move to nonprofits to get their insights. The most recent cohort of bridgers mostly say to remember that “Rome was not built in a day” when it comes to taking on the unique challenges in the nonprofit space. Here are the realizations they had after facing unexpected challenges.
Top 3 Ways to Increase Traffic to
Your Nonprofit Website in 2023
Published on techsoup.org, April 20, 2023

You've built a brilliant website with all the information a visitor could need. The next step is to ensure that people find it. There are plenty of different ways to encourage people to explore your site: linking to it in your emails, advertising on Instagram, or optimizing your pages to appear on search engines.

Greater Kitsap News
Public Comments Requested on Existing Comprehensive Plan Goals & Policies
Kitsap County is hard at work on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update as required by the Growth Management Act. Public participation is an integral component of this effort, and so far input on previous topics such as growth alternatives has been very useful. At this time, staff requests public comment on existing Comprehensive Plan goals and policies.

Each chapter of the plan is available to explore online. Please provide input for each topic by scrolling to the comment box at the bottom of the individual chapter webpage. Comments on multiple chapters can be emailed to compplan@kitsap.gov.

Public comment will be combined with input from stakeholder partners; the consultant's review for consistency of countywide planning policies and updated Growth Management Act requirements; and staff updates to language and formatting. Draft versions of the updated elements are expected to be available in October 2023.

The current and past Kitsap County comprehensive plans are available online. The 2024 Comprehensive Plan update process may be found at kcowa.us/compplan, including videos of past presentations and public meetings as well as maps, alternatives and other information.

Please submit questions, comments or written testimony to compplan@kitsap.gov.
Olympic College to Relocate, Expand Health Care Program to Help Close the Gap in Services
Published in the Kitsap Sun on April 19, 2023
Photo: Olympic College main campus in Bremerton, March 2020; MEEGAN M. REID/KITSAP SUN

Olympic College aims to improve health equity and access in Kitsap via changes to the college’s health care education programs approved last Tuesday.

The college’s proposal, unanimously approved by the board of trustees, plans to move all Nursing and Allied Health Division programs to Olympic College's Poulsbo campus, with plans for new health science programs and increased enrollment capacity.

COVID-19 Updates & Resources
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.
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.

Community Information
History Uncorked: The Roxy
Thursday, April 27, 2023, 7:00 pm
Live Well Kitsap! Community Hike
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 10:00 am
Kitsap Caregiver Community Meetings
May 3 & 9, 2023
Upcoming meetings:
Wednesday, May 3, 5:30 pm to 7 pm: REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, May 9, 5:30 pm to 7 pm: REGISTER HERE
Tourism Information
Advertising Opportunity:
Put Your Business on the Map
With nearly all 10,000 copies of last year's map distributed around the greater Puget Sound region, including 7,500 on our local ferries, the Greater Kitsap Visitor Center map is the place to advertise your business! The 2023 edition will include street maps of both Silverdale and Bremerton - perfect if you're new to the area or a long-time resident. Contact the Visitor Center for more information!
Admiral Theatre Presents
Gunhild Carling
Friday, April 28, 2023, 7:30 pm
Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling is an internationally-acclaimed superstar whose show is a can’t-miss event! Whether she’s singing favorite swinging jazz standards, playing one of many instruments (trumpet, trombone, harmonica, oboe, harp, flute, recorder, or jazz bagpipe!) or juggling and tap dancing, Gunhild’s sublime showmanship shines. And just wait for the finale – spoiler alert – she plays three trumpets at once!
Comedian Tyler Boeh
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 7:30 pm
Live Standup Comedy is back at Bremerton's Admiral Theatre with an all-new series produced in coordination with and hosted by Bremerton Comedy Legend The Great Cris! We are proud to present Comedian Tyler Boeh in an all new show this March.

How do you go from being a nationally recognized vocal percussionist in a college acapella group to a nationally touring headlining comedian? Ask Tyler Boeh, a comedian whose comedy has been described as high-energy, intelligent, physical, and silly. His quick wit and award winning “beat-boxing” talent bring audiences to hysterical heights.

Tyler started his stand-up career in his hometown of Portland, OR, but after placing in the finals of comedy competitions in Seattle, San Francisco, Boston and at the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, Tyler made his way to Los Angeles. Within a year of his move to Hollywood he had established himself at the top comedy clubs, completed work on two television pilots, and Tyler’s debut comedy album, “Carpool Companion” was chosen as LaughSpin Magazine’s album of the year when it was released in 2012.

Tyler continues to perform across the country at comedy clubs, colleges, and theaters bringing his incredible brand of humor wherever he goes. You can hear his comedy on Sirius XM Radio, Pandora, iTunes, and many other platforms online, but don’t miss the chance to see Tyler perform live!
Benefit Concert for Fil-Am Community of Kitsap
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 7:00 pm
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David Emmons
President/CEO
Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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.