Wednesday, January 3, 2024 |
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New Washington State Laws
Taking Effect in January 2024
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Photo: Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times
Restrictions on testing workers for marijuana use, a waiting period for firearm purchases, stronger voting rights for Washington residents and harsher penalties for street racing are among the new laws set to take effect in 2024.
Washington’s Legislature passed more than 450 bills last session, which ended in April. Most took effect in July, but a handful didn’t until Jan. 1.
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January GreenDrinks @ Olympic College
Thursday, January 11, 2024, 5:00 pm
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On Thursday, January 11th, 5-7:30pm, GreenDrinks will showcase the Olympic College Foundation's "The OC Promise," the college's program covering the financial gap first-year students from Bremerton may face. The OC Promise provides tuition and fee assistance, and can even help with textbook fees.
Join us next week in the beautiful lobby of the William D. Harvey Theatre at OC (Building 7) for an evening of MIXING, ENGAGING and so much more. And don't forget to bring those business cards and reusable glasses (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). Admission fees helps to offset the costs of food and drink.
Tickets at the door are $20.
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January Luncheon @ Kitsap Conference Center
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 11:00 am
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Thank you to our Sponsors:
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Insurance done differently. Our benefits partner BHT offers quality, cost-effective medical plans plus a whole lot more, including concierge level customer service and innovative cost-saving programs and resources.
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and learn how purchasing your benefits package through an Association Health Plan can benefit you.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? 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 & Renewing Members for December
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Community Connector
Growth
Main Street
Business
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Kitsap Great Give - Registration Now Open
Registration will close on Wednesday, January 31st
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Unsurpassed Impact!
Founded in 2014, the Kitsap Great Give is a community movement of generosity that unites our community and supports the many nonprofit organizations that make Kitsap a great place to live - for us all. Let's make the 11th Annual Kitsap Great Give the biggest yet! We aim to raise $2 million during the 2024 campaign to support this wonderful community we all call home.
Nonprofit registration opens on Monday, January 1, and will close on Wednesday, January 31.
Participation and registration are free, and participating in the Kitsap Great Give gives your nonprofit organization the opportunity to:
- Raise awareness about your organization. 75% of donors* help spread the word and tell others about the Kitsap Great Give.
- Grow your donations and receive matching funds and potential prizes. 45% of donors* are incentivized to participate by bonus/prize funds.
- And reach new donors. 44% of donors* make gifts to nonprofits they had not previously given to.
Plus...
- 92% of donors rate their overall experience on the Kitsap Great Give website as Excellent or Good
- 96% give the Kitsap Great Give site a Thumbs-Up on the overall ease of making gifts
- 93% give Kitsap Great Give a Thumbs-Up on the ease of finding nonprofit organizations!*
*Percentages based on post-event survey responses.
Not sure if your nonprofit organization qualifies for participation? Visit KitsapGreatGive.org/p/NPOfaq to check eligibility and find answers to all your questions!
Presented by the Kitsap Community Foundation and the United Way of Kitsap County, this annual community movement of generosity has resulted in more than $15 million in community support since 2014.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is thrilled to honor local IT pros, Help Desk Cavalry, as the January 2024 Member of the Month. Members of the Chamber since 2016, Help Desk Cavalry has been in the Kitsap Community for just over a decade and can be found working with virtually every type of business you'll find here, from small to large, nonprofits and larger businesses. Their mission is to "help local companies focus on their expertise by eliminating their business technology roadblocks."
Join us this month as we honor this local, Veteran-owned business and share with you all of the services they have to offer as they help other local businesses grow here in Kitsap. Congratulations, Steve and team!
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1676 NE McWilliams Road | Bremerton, WA 98311 | (360) 930-6990
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Register Now for Legislative Day & Hill Climb
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is excited to join the Association of Washington Business for their annual Legislative Day & Hill Climb on Wednesday, January 24th. We invite all members interested in meeting with legislators and learning more about Washington's legislative process to attend.
In addition to meetings with our local legislators, there will be in-person meetings with AWB staff to discuss various legislative priorities impacting businesses across Washington, as well as a lunchtime talk with Lt. Gov. Denny Heck. The day will conclude with an evening reception that will include plenty of time to network with legislators and business leaders at Ricardo's Kitchen + Bar.
The cost for the full event is $159 until January 15th and you must register to attend. Transportation to and from Olympia will be provided by the Greater Kitsap Chamber.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Kitsap Great Give 2024 Webinar
Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 11:00 am
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Participating in the 2024 Kitsap Great Give? Join the Kitsap Community Foundation staff as you learn how to register, what you need to do to have a successful campaign in 2024, review the Organization Dashboard and the tools you have on the giving platform. This webinar is free for all participants, but you must register for the link. |
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SBDC: Bookkeeping Made Easy
Friday, January 12, 2024, 4:00 pm
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America’s SBDC, Washington SBDC, and Lili are partnering to present a basic bookkeeping webinar in both English and Spanish in a live format via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. PT. This webinar will present simple steps and skills to easily manage your business’s bookkeeping and be better prepared for tax season. The presentation will cover:
- Why does bookkeeping matter?
- 3 simple tasks to effectively manage your day-to-day bookkeeping
- Debunking the 3 myths of bookkeeping
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ScaleUp Business Training
Begins Again in January
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This online training was designed to help established businesses increase profitability, build capacity, and spur growth. ScaleUp is an online training program that empowers established businesses to take growth into their own hands. The nine-week program consists of instructor lead virtual training sessions, online learning modules, and access to a social media networking platform that facilitates interactions between business owners and business experts.
The program is most beneficial for established business owners, with two or more years’ experience owning and operating a small business who are currently based in Washington state.
97% of small businesses that have attended ScaleUp would recommend the training for other businesses!
Three session options:
Jan. 24 - March 20, 2024 | Wednesdays 6-7:30pm. Register now
ScaleUp is a flexible time commitment and is delivered online through the ScaleUp online learning environment, live training sessions with roundtable discussion, and weekly Study Hall mentorship hours. This program is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through June 30, 2025, thanks to ongoing support from the Washington Department of Commerce.
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Military Relations Committee |
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Spring 2024: Military Appreciation Day
Booth registrations & sponsorships available now
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We've got several new and exciting sponsorship levels this year - contact Tiffany at the Chamber to learn more and reserve your space or sponsorship!
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Business News & Resources |
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Effort to Repeal WA Capital Gains Tax,
Other Initiatives Move Forward
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Photo: Ellen M. Banner/The Seattle Times
A conservative group’s effort to eliminate Washington’s capital gains tax, among other initiatives, took a step forward last week when it turned in a petition with nearly 420,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office.
The six initiatives pursued by Let’s Go Washington are part of a larger effort to push back on legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
The group’s goal is to get all six on the November 2024 ballot.
On Thursday afternoon, 424,896 signatures for the sixth and final initiative, which advocates for allowing people to opt out of Washington’s long-term care program established by the WA Cares Act, were turned in. Allowing people to opt out could fiscally undermine the program, according to Jessica Gomez, campaign manager of We Care For WA Cares.
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New Year, New Business
Navigating starting a new business with resources
from the Secretary of State & Dept of Revenue
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Are you considering starting or registering a new business this new year?
Like thousands of others across the state, given New Year's resolutions and the convenience of bookkeeping, the Corporations & Charities Division receives a significant workload of entity formation and incorporation documents in the last two weeks of December and the first few weeks of the new year. Please be prepared for some delays during this popular time to start a business. As a reminder, online orders are instantly placed in the ready-for-review queue and all filings are processed in the order received.
Here are a few helpful links to help you navigate during this busy time:
If needing a specific effective date take advantage of filing early and utilize the future effective date feature. You may select a date up to 90 days in the future from the submission date! This can be done both by using paper forms or the online filing system.
Learn about Tax Incentives, Deductions, Credits, and Programs
Understanding tax obligations can be challenging for a small business or a new business owner. DOR has several educational resources aimed at assisting businesses with tax reporting responsibilities and questions.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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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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6 Ways to Be a True Partner to
Your Donor This Year
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Credit: Getty Images by courtneyk
As a true partner to your donor, you are the bridge between your donor’s heart and your mission. In that partnership, your donor feels seen, heard and respected. There is trust. And your donor feels connected to the impact they are making. This fosters your donor’s long-term engagement and investment that is meaningful to them and impacts your mission.
OK, that all sounds great, but the challenge is how do you actually create that trust and partnership. Sadly, for many of your donors, they have never had this experience with a fundraiser, and it’s new to them. So, let’s discuss what needs to be in place to grow the relationship and how to handle various situations that may come up.
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A pile of dirt sits near a city-owned, undeveloped site on Oyster Bay Avenue N where Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler has proposed a homeless shelter. (Kai Uyehara, The Kitsap Sun) |
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Bremerton City Council to Consider
Shelter Options, Pallet Homes
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With a Bremerton City Council vote pending on how to address the lack of shelter options in the city, Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler issued a statement acknowledging a second option from social service providers while at the same time making that case that his office's original proposal, a low-barrier overnight congregate shelter, remains the only viable option for a safe and timely shelter facility.
In an statement issued Friday, Wheeler laid out two options that may be considered by the city council in January: the congregate shelter proposed for Oyster Bay Avenue or a combination of pallet-structures that could serve as housing along with a smaller congregate shelter, to be located near the Mills Crossing apartments just west of Wheaton Way at Hollis Street in East Bremerton and another location to be named. The council is voting on a preferred option, but funding is not yet attached to the decision.
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Kitsap United Way Hires New Exec |
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Bremerton-based nonprofit United Way of Kitsap County has hired Kendall Pritchard, who previously served as the organization's director of administrative and finance services, as its new executive director, the agency announced in December.
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Kitsap County Draft Comprehensive Plan Documents Available for Review |
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Comments now being accepted; two public meetings scheduled for January
Kitsap County has completed preliminary draft documents for the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update that will be available for public review over the next week. The Comprehensive Plan is a key document addressing countywide growth through 2044 and directs county actions towards the community’s goals. The update includes four primary documents:
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Draft Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan is the County's 20-year blueprint for growth and investment, and includes goals, policies, and strategies for how to achieve its vision.
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Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS): The DEIS provides an overview of planning-level, environmental impacts and alternatives, including mitigation measures, that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts.
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Draft Capital Facilities Plan (CFP): The CFP covers needed improvements to roads, utilities, parks, and services including those for school and fire districts, necessary to accommodate growth.
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Draft Development Regulations: Proposed amendments to Kitsap County Code include Title 16 (Land Division), Title 17 (Zoning), and Title 21 to direct development consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement were released today, December 15, and the draft Capital Facilities Plan and Development Regulations will be available before December 22, 2023. All documents are or will be posted on the project website at kcowa.us/compplan.
There are two public comment periods running concurrently:
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Public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be taken until 4:30 p.m. January 31, 2024.
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Comments on the other documents may be submitted through at least April 8, 2024 and depending on the topic, through December 2024.
Public comment is strongly encouraged as this is the most important time for input in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan. Please submit comments early in the review process to ensure full consideration.
Public meetings to review the draft documents, ask questions and provide public input are scheduled for January 11, 2024 (virtual via Zoom) and January 18, 2024 (in-person event).
More information regarding these and future meetings including times, links and locations can be found at kcowa.us/compplan.
Written comments may be submitted directly to compplan@kitsap.gov or mailed to Colin Poff, Kitsap County Department of Community Development, 614 Division Street MS-36, Port Orchard, WA, 98366.
For more information regarding the Comprehensive Plan, update process, alternative maps and past discussions, go to kcowa.us/compplan.
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There is no Bremerton Road Report this week - everyone drive safely! |
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Recycling Tips to Cut Down on Holiday Waste |
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Kitsap County Recycling and Garbage asks residents to consider making a few changes to reduce waste and save room in your cart. Here are five tips to prevent and manage extra waste this holiday season.
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Treecycle - Take your fresh tree to a local tree recycling site when you're done enjoying it. Many sites are free, and some act as fundraisers for youth sports and activities. Search our list of recycling sites to find one near you.
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Discover the new Waste Wizard - Kitsap County's new Waste Wizard Tool can help you find the best way to dispose of unwanted items from your home. Simply type in the name of an item, and the wizard will tell you how to recycle or dispose of it.
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Fix and recycle string lights - If sections of your holiday lights aren't working, it's usually caused by a single bad bulb. You can fix it if you have spare bulbs and a multimeter tool on hand. If your lights are beyond repair, recycle them at a scrap metal drop-off site. Search the wizard to find a list. Some local hardware stores also collect lights during the holidays.
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Recycle right - Check out the Kitsap Recycle Right Guide. If you have recyclables that don’t fit in your bin, you can take them to a county waste facility for no charge. You can also ask your waste hauler if you can place extras next to your bin in a weatherproof container.
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Save the food - Most Kitsap residents are now able to subscribe to curbside compost services for food and yard waste. Enter your address into our compost map to see if you are eligible for this service.
Kitsap County garbage, recycling and hazardous waste facilities are closed at various times throughout the winter holidays. Click here to check schedules.
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Silverdale GreenDrinks
Tonight, January 3, 2024, 5:24 pm
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20th Annual MLK Family Service Day
Monday, January 15, 2024
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The entire community is invited to join the Clear Creek Task Force in a day of trail cleanup. Bring your whole family and friends to join in the fun.
Dress for the weather as this is a rain or shine event. Bring your garden gloves and hand clippers if you have them. We have a small supply if you don't.
At around 0930, we'll start out at the Clear Creek Interpretive Center, 9641 Levin Road in downtown Silverdale.
Task Force members will be on hand to lead patrols up one side of the creek and down the other.
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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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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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Good Times Roll: A Tribute to the Cars
Saturday, January 6, 2024, 7:30 pm
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The Cars, a multi-platinum selling band that combined new wave/power pop music, was formed in 1976 in Boston, Massachusetts, and signed with Electra Records in 1977. The original members were Ric Ocasek (singer/rhythm guitar), Benjamin Orr (singer/bass guitar), Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums). The Cars’ greatest hits included: Just What I Needed, My Best Friends Girl, You Might Think, and the chart-topping Drive.
Good Times Roll is a tribute band of the Cars, performing in representative costumes and playing similar instruments. Good Times Roll takes their crowds back on a trip to the late ‘70s and early ‘80s by recreating the aura of a Cars concert.
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Pink Martini featuring China Forbes
Friday, January 19, 2024, 7:30 pm
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America's biggest little orchestra Pink Martini is back at Bremerton's Admiral Theatre in 2024 - featuring China Forbes!
Founded in 1994 by Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini is known for drawing inspiration from music all over the world! The band's sound crosses genres ranging from classical and jazz to old-fashioned pop. Featuring a dozen musicians with songs in 25 languages, Pink Martini performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and North America.
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Uptown Funk @ Clearwater Casino & Resort
Saturday, January 6, 2024, 7:00 pm
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International touring sensation Uptown Funk invites you to experience the essence of Bruno Mars, his live band and the music that defines today’s pop culture. If you are looking for entertainment that is exciting, fresh, fun, unique and full of energy, then look no further!
The musicians of Uptown Funk love what they do and work hard at being the best and most dynamic tribute band in the industry. Uptown Funk has been performing since 2017 and plays all the hits exactly as Bruno Mars live band does onstage, including some of the most complex and challenging choreography for live audiences nationally and internationally.
Uptown Funk invites you to experience the group and the music that define a Pop Culture with their multitude of international platinum super hits such as 24K Magic, Treasure and Uptown Funk.
Purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or in the Casino Gift Shop.
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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 our weekly Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Tiffany Diamond
Events 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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