Tuesday, January 10, 2023 |
|
WA Legislature Begins Long Session
5 Issues to Watch During This In-Person Session
|
|
After two years of debates, committee meetings and votes on Zoom, Washington legislators will return Monday in person to the Capitol.
In the 105-day session, legislative leaders and Gov. Jay Inslee have signaled they’ll tackle thorny issues including homelessness, public safety, abortion rights and gun violence.
Before their scheduled adjournment in April, lawmakers also must write the 2023-25 state budget, armed with a surplus that majority Democrats hope to channel to what they say are some of the state’s most urgent needs, like workforce shortages and childcare.
|
|
Photo: Budget panel members Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, and Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, greet Gov. Jay Inslee during the annual legislative preview. (Karen Dulcey/The Seattle Times) |
|
Travel with the Greater Kitsap Chamber |
|
Looking for an escape in 2023? Join the Chamber as we resume Chamber travel opportunities with a 7-night Alaska Glacier Cruise.
Special rates have been reserved on this cruise for Chamber members and friends with a savings of nearly $2k on what you might normally book.
Enjoy Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas ship with amenities for everyone. But do I have to vacation with my Chamber colleagues? Only if you want! With 16 decks, you can see as little or as much of your Kitsap connections as you'd like!
Suitcases on Standby's Amy Zinkhon, will be at the January and February membership luncheons to answer your questions. Book now and help us celebrate the Greater Kitsap Chamber's inaugural year!
|
|
|
Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Mise En Place Design
Thursday, January 12, 2023, 5:00 pm
|
|
Start the new year with a new chance to network with like minded professionals right here in Bremerton.
Your hosts this month are the Downtown Bremerton Association, Greater Kitsap Chamber and Mise en Place Design.
So get ready to MIX, ENGAGE, REPEAT. But don't forget to bring those business cards and don't forget your glass (we want to be green). This is a 21-and-over event, where we welcome everyone to meet new people and make new connections in Bremerton.
Get your tickets now. Space is limited!
GreenDrinks is a monthly, social networking event for community leaders, concerned citizens, elected officials, business professionals and anyone who wants to make Bremerton a thriving, sustainable community. This event is for adults only (age 21 and older). $10 helps to offset the costs of food and drink.
Advance tickets are available at Event Brite. Tickets at the door are $20.
Don’t forget to keep the green in GreenDrinks by bringing your own cup!
|
|
Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 11:00 am
|
|
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!
|
|
New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
|
10315 Silverdale Way NW (Kitsap Mall) | Silverdale, WA 98383 | (360) 698-3055 |
|
KEDA 5-Year Strategic Planning Meetings
January 19, 24, 26 and 31, 2023
|
|
All interested parties are invited to join KEDA leadership, investors and partners to participate in the important work of identifying priorities and strategies to guide KEDA's economic development work for the next five years. |
|
January 19th
3:00 - 5:00 pm
|
|
January 24th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
|
January 26th
3:00 - 5:00 pm
|
|
January 31st
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
|
Leadership Kitsap 20 Under 40
Thursday, January 26, 2023, 5:00 pm
|
|
Leadership Kitsap’s 20 Under 40 Awards Program seeks to identify and celebrate exceptional business leaders under the age of 40 who are dynamic trailblazers in the Kitsap community. We share their stories and celebrate their successes, bringing individuals together to grow into a powerful network of young leaders who leverage that network to make even more great contributions to our region’s economy and civic dialog. |
|
Save-the-Date: February 25, 2023
Grand Opening of Dirty2Dreamy - Poulsbo
|
|
Kitsap Conference Center isn’t just a conference center. It’s an affordable waterfront experience for meetings, weddings or social events. With its great spaces, amazing views, yummy food, and something you don’t find every day: personalized service by warm and friendly people, the dedicated team at Kitsap Conference Center will make your planning effortless.
Proud members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber for 15 years, the Kitsap Conference Center is the home of the Chamber's annual Business Awards Gala and hosted its inaugural event this last November.
Kitsap Conference Center is centrally located and easy to get to – by ferry or car – and offers ample covered parking at prices that aren’t through the roof. Harborside Fountain Park is right next door and has given Bremerton a whole new look. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront wedding, a one-day retreat, or a multi-day meeting, Kitsap Conference Center is your perfect host.
|
|
100 Washington Avenue | Bremerton, WA 98337 | (360) 377-3785 |
|
Member Education & Training Resources |
|
Wellness Wednesday Lunch & Learn @ Vibe
Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 11:30 am
|
|
SCORE: Instagram Marketing Essentials
Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 1:00 pm
|
|
A great Instagram feed reinforces your brand, supports your marketing message, helps you engage directly and sincerely with your customers, and attracts new, loyal followers! Are you ready to “Level Up” your Instagram for your business?
In this workshop you’ll learn:
- Instagram statistics-Who, What, Where and When
- Instagram Stories vs Posts
- Effectively using Instagram Live
- Instagram ads basics
- How to create a content calendar to lessen the overwhelm and build engagement (You will receive a content calendar template)
- How to create social media graphics like a rockstar
This isn't about getting a huge number of followers (though that could be a result of the effort you put in). Rather, it’s about making sure your BRAND is consistent, that the MESSAGE you’re putting out there on Instagram reinforces your brand, and that the TIME you spend on social media marketing is well-used.
Workshop Fee: $40
|
|
Military Relations Committee |
|
Reserve Your Sponsorship & Booth Space Now
Advertising Deadline is January 31, 2023
|
|
Hiring Veterans and Military Spouses |
|
Veterans and military spouses make up a highly educated and diverse talent pool. Explore the data behind how hiring them can help fill the country's millions of open jobs, and the benefits this community can bring to businesses.
Right now, there are many open jobs and too few people to fill them. As a result, businesses can’t grow, compete, and thrive. The U.S. Chamber and Chamber Foundation's America Works initiative is mobilizing business and government to swiftly address the crisis.
One critical talent pool employers should consider recruiting from the military community. This page will dive into the current data behind veteran and military spouse employment and the benefits this community can bring to businesses.
|
|
Business News & Resources |
|
Landmark Federal Legislation Passes
in Fight Against Retail Theft
|
|
On December 23, the U.S. Congress passed the federal budget bill, which contained the bi-partisan backed INFORM Act – Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces. WR applauds the supporters of this landmark bill.
This is one of the association's top strategies in fighting retail theft, organized retail crime, and protecting public safety. Retail thieves often “fence” or monetize or sell their stolen and counterfeit goods in the darkness of the web on legitimate and unsuspecting third-party platforms. The INFORM Act will require these high-volume websites to provide information to help consumers know that the items they buy are not stolen or counterfeit. It will also assist law enforcement in investigating suspected criminal elements using these websites to sell stolen and fake goods.
|
|
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.
|
|
The Dos and Dont's of Better Expense Management for Nonprofits |
|
As nonprofits know, managing expenses effectively is critical to staying afloat and maximizing impact within their respective communities. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent changes to how we work and engage with one another have permanently transformed how nonprofit organizations operate.
The paradigm shift to hybrid work along with decentralized spending patterns uncovered new challenges for nonprofits – the need to streamline the expense process and tailor expense management solutions to specific and unique needs became paramount. Compounding these challenges is a turbulent economy and the rise of inflation, demanding that nonprofits have more visibility into — and tighter control over — their bottom lines.
To meet these challenges and ensure dollars are spent effectively and within policy, there are guidelines to consider as a means to modernize the expense management process. Here are recommendations for nonprofits to maximize their budgets, give back to the bottom line and free up time for the mission-focused work that matters most.
|
|
The Power of an Entrepreneurial Mindset
in the Nonprofit Sector
|
|
Photo: Getty Images by Chad Springer
Entrepreneurs have a unique way of approaching problems. People who have adopted an entrepreneurial mindset see challenges as opportunities and are driven by a desire to get things done. They take initiative, are decisive, find creative solutions, adapt to change and, most importantly, are not comfortable with the status quo.
|
|
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday Service
Effective Monday, January 16
On Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day, Jan. 16, Routed buses will operate Holiday Schedules or may 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.
-
Kitsap Fast Ferries and the Port Orchard Ferry will operate normal weekday service.
-
The Annapolis Ferry will NOT operate.
-
BI Ride will operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Trips after 4:00 PM must be booked through the app.
-
Kingston Ride Fast Ferry Commuter and Southworth Ride Fast Ferry Commuter will operate regular weekday service.
-
Kingston Ride, SK Ride, Nollwood Dial-A-Ride and Purdy Ride will NOT operate.
-
ACCESS service will operate from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Any pre-scheduled trips for MLK Day will be canceled. Call ACCESS at 1.800.422.2877 to rebook your ride.
-
There will be no Worker/Driver service. Some Vanpools may not operate; call your Vanpool driver for information.
Kitsap Transit's Customer Service Office and call center will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Administrative Office and ORCA call center will be closed. Call 1.800.501.7433 with any questions before the holiday.
|
|
Department of Community Development Shares Insight on County Permitting Process |
|
Part 1 of a multi-part series, published January 7, 2023
In an effort to help the general public and the greater business community better understand the County's permitting process, the Department of Community Development is sharing some of the basic steps that are required to obtain a general permit in Kitsap County. The process may differ depending on the type of permit you seek or if you live outside of non-incorporated Kitsap County. If you live in a city, your process will follow that city’s steps.
PREPARATION
A permit’s journey begins in the Permit Application Portal. The Permit Application Portal is an excellent place to work through a project you are considering because it will provide you with a list of the documents you will need to prepare without an obligation to complete the application. You can log in and upload your documents when you are ready to proceed with your project. This gives you time to follow all instructions, review online resources, or seek assistance to prepare the documents as thoroughly and accurately as possible. You will know you have submitted all required documents because each item will have a green check, and the submit button will light up and allow you to submit the entire application. Now intake can begin.
INTAKE
Intake is the first interaction our permit technicians have with the information you have provided us about the type of permit you are seeking and the relevant documents you have provided. During intake, we will view the information you have submitted. Our permit technicians will verify that the documents are complete and have followed the guidelines indicated in the directions. If a permit technician finds incomplete or inaccurate forms, the documents will be sent back to you requesting changes, which can increase the permit’s time in the intake step.
The most common issues we find include the following:
Intake can take time to complete depending on the number of permits that have been submitted. Since 2020, we have been operating on a higher-than-usual volume of permits submitted, and the time for intake to be completed has reflected that in longer processing times. As of the time of writing this article intake can take up to 15 days. To reduce your time in intake, you will want to submit an application that’s as accurate and complete as possible.
We have many resources and opportunities to help you along the way. There are a variety of online brochures and videos, virtual live chat, virtual appointments to meet with staff, and lobby hours for in-person assistance; we recommend making an appointment. You can find our hours and links to make appointments on our Contact Us page.
Once your permit has completed the intake process, payment for your permit will be requested. After you have paid your permit fees, the permit will go into TECHNICAL REVIEW.
|
|
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. |
|
Silverdale GreenDrinks @ Maynard's
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
|
|
Evergreen Offers 1st Time Homebuyer Workshop
Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 5:00-7:00 pm
|
|
Navy Hiring Event
Thursday, January 19, 2023, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
|
|
Free Training Offered by CKFD
Sunday, January 29, 2023
|
|
History Uncorked: Prints of Wales
Thursday, January 19, 2023, 7:00 pm
|
|
Admiral Theatre Presents:
Booker T. Jones
Friday, January 20, 2023, 7:30 pm
|
|
Booker T. Jones is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, four-time GRAMMY winner and arguably the most famous Hammond B3 player in history. As leader of the legendary Booker T. and the MGs, this pillar of soul music collaborated with Otis Redding, Albert King, and more during his tenure at Stax Records. Since then, Booker has lent his trademark keyboard chops to and produced classic albums such as Willie Nelson’s multi-platinum hit Stardust and Bill Withers’ Just As I Am featuring the hit song “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
With his Hammond B-3 organ, Booker T. Jones, along with the MG’s, would come to define The Memphis Sound. As leader of the famed Stax Records house band, and one of modern music’s most acclaimed figures, his first recording, “Green Onions,” was an international sensation, selling more than one million copies and claiming a place among Rolling Stone’s top five hundred songs of all time.
|
|
Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
|
|
Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for Tuesday's Community Connections!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
