Armed Forces Month is Here
Join us as we celebrate our local military
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Culinary Arts Competition
Saturday, May 4th
Olympic College - Bremer Student Center
Doors open to the public at 10:00 am
Battling chef competition, wide-range of food competitions, celebrity judges, free entry and food sampling, with Master of Ceremonies, The Great Cris Larsen!
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77th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade
Saturday, May 18th
Downtown Bremerton
Parade begins at 10:00 am
Enjoy this long-standing tradition with 40,000 of your closest friends as the streets of Downtown Bremerton are lined with parade-goers celebrating with the largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day Parade west of the Mississippi! Start your parade morning off with the Bremerton Lions Club Pancake Breakfast on 4th at Pacific Avenue and stake out your parade viewing location.
Businesses are encouraged to participate in the parade, and new this year, community floats are competing for cash prizes. Learn more HERE.
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Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
Amplify your business with sponsorship of the 77th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Festival. Support the Chamber and your local military community as we host this long-standing community event. Special thanks to our Admiral Sponsor, Kitsap Credit Union, for their commitment to the military and our business community.
To learn more about how your business can be involved, contact Tiffany at the Chamber.
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If you have a convertible that we can use for the Armed Forces Day parade to drive our VIP parade participants, please let us know by contacting the Chamber today!
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GreenDrinks @ Chiropractic Lifestyle Center
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Deadline Extended: Serve on the GKC Board
Applications also being accepted for Chamber Committee Chairs
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Have you considered serving in a leadership position at the Greater Kitsap Chamber? We have two amazing opportunities for you to up your engagement: apply to become a Board Director or apply to serve as a Committee Chair. Both roles are instrumental in setting the direction and vision for the Greater Kitsap Chamber in the work we do throughout the community. Interested members can submit their application by Friday, May 10th to be considered.
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May Luncheon: State of the Military in Kitsap
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Please join us for our annual State of the military luncheon as we hear from our local military leaders. We'll also be honoring the five students who were chosen this year as the 2024 Armed Forces Day Ambassador scholarship recipients.
Don't forget - be sure to bring an item for the raffle benefitting the Chamber's scholarship programs.
Strengthen your business and your business connections at the Greater Kitsap Chamber monthly membership luncheon - you won't want to miss! This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center in Downtown Bremerton. Parking is available on the 2nd level (green).
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Kitsap Bank's April Onofre, Carol Kowalski, Ken Hall and Brad Gitch presented the Greater Kitsap Chamber with a check for their investment in GKC and several of our programs, including workforce development and the annual business awards gala. Members of the Chamber since 1975, Kitsap Bank has been a long-time supporter of local business and we are grateful for their continued partnership. |
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We were thrilled to help celebrate the grand opening of Bremerton Station's new Floor & Decor store on Wheaton Way. Mayor Greg Wheeler shared some words of welcome with this newest development in East Bremerton, and Chamber members were on hand to check out this beautiful new store. Congratulations to Tommy Paasche and his team at Floor & Decor!
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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According to the Harvard Business Review, 54% of job seekers considered better health, dental and vision insurance worthy of “heavy consideration” when evaluating job offers.
If you’re competing to attract and retain top talent, just making benefits available in not enough – employees need to regularly make use of their benefits and understand what is available to them.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has put together six post-enrollment strategies to help your workforce thrive – and help you keep them happy. Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news-insights/welcome-to-the-post-open-enrollment-playbook-ensuring-your-workforce-thrives/
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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 Members - Welcome to the Chamber! |
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New & Renewing Members for April
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Main Street
Business
Collins Historical Aircraft Foundation
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Kitsap Community Foundation
Kitsap Celebration of Philanthropy
Friday, May 17, 2024, 6:00 pm
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Presented by the Kitsap Community Foundation, the Celebration of Philanthropy is an annual event that brings our community together to celebrate the spirit of generosity that makes Kitsap a place we are all proud to call home.
During the evening, meet friends during our welcome reception with hosted beverages, feast on a delicious meal, bid on fantastic live auction items, and congratulate our 2024 award honorees.
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Summer Plans for the Kids?
Register Now for CSTOCK Summer Camps
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Kitsap Humane Society Names
New Executive Directors
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Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) has formally named Jamie Nocula and Dr. Jen Stonequist to the position of Executive Directors, effective April 23, 2024. The duo had been acting as Interim Co-Executive Directors for the past year, following the resignation of the previous Executive Director in March 2023.
Officially, Nocula will hold the title of Executive Director of Operations and Philanthropy, focused on the day-to-day operations and fundraising for the organization, while Dr. Stonequist will be Executive Director of Programs and Services, concentrating on the animal welfare and medical side of KHS.
“It’s an unusual arrangement to have dual Executive Directors,” said KHS Board President Dr. Scott Menard, “but Jamie and Dr. Jen each bring such outstanding talents to the job and complement each other so well, it was the obvious and perfect decision for the good of the shelter.”
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Vibe Growing the Kitsap Startup Ecosystem
Local coworking space has emerged as entrepreneur hub
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The unique partnership effectively integrates NavalX Pacific Northwest Tech Bridge resources into the local startup ecosystem present at Vibe Coworks, expanding opportunities for startups, scaleups, small businesses, academic institutions, local governments, and other nontraditional innovators to work with the Department of the Navy more easily.
The Pacific Northwest program specializes in bringing together operational support and technology innovations relating to underwater autonomous systems, robotics, and data analytics.
“The Navy Laboratory at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport has a proud and storied tradition of leading technology outreach efforts across the Pacific Northwest, which is precisely why Keyport was selected as one of the first NavalX Tech Bridge locations in the country in 2019,” noted NavalX Northwest Tech Bridge Director, Johannes Schonberg.
“Vibe Coworks has long welcomed Naval Base Kitsap teams for trainings, meetings and special events. We’re excited to deepen our relationship with the NavalX Pacific Northwest Tech Bridge, facilitating an essential link between Naval technologists and Kitsap’s local innovation ecosystem,” shared Vibe CEO, Alanna Imbach.
Photo: NavalX NW Tech Bridge Director Johannes Schonberg, Vibe Coworks CEO Alanna Imbach, Tech Bridge Deputy Director Ralph Duncan and Violett CEO Branden Doyle (from left to right) photographed at Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo. Photo courtesy of Branden Doyle, Founder and CEO of Violett.
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Founded in 2020 by graphic designer Gretchen Ritter-Lopatowski, Three Leaves Design has made a name for themselves here in Kitsap County as one of the go-to agencies for graphic design, web development and strategic marketing. With extensive experience collaborating with corporations, nonprofits, and design agencies, Gretchen and team offer a comprehensive suite of services to elevate your brand's visual and narrative presence.
Members of the Silverdale and now Greater Kitsap Chamber since 2021, Three Leaves Design works closely with the Chamber on all our graphic design needs, elevating our presence in the community through beautiful and compelling design.
Stay tuned this month as we honor Gretchen Ritter-Lopatowski and the entire Three Leaves team as our May 2024 Member of the Month! Congratulations, Gretchen!
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SCORE: Propel Your Email Marketing Efforts
Friday, May 3, 2024, 10:00 am
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Research says that for every $1 spent on E-Mail marketing there is an average $44 return on investment. To generate such positive outcomes, businesses have to reach the right customers with targeted campaigns. If you feel your E-Mail efforts don't yet pay off, this workshop is for you! This class will teach basic and advanced techniques to propel your E-Mail efforts.
You Will Learn:
- The 5 C’s of E-Mail Marketing Basics
- How to create a content calendar with a complimentary digital version sent to all students
- How to pick the E-Mail platform right for your business
- Anatomy of E-Mail design
- Subject Lines
- Best times and days to send E-Mails
- Why List Segmentation is important (case study provided)
- Basic Automations
- A/B Testing Tips
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Free First Friday @ Vibe Coworks
Friday, May 3, 2024
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Wondering what all this talk about coworking is about? Come see for yourself! Already hooked? Enjoy a productive day at Vibe Coworks, on the house.
On the first Friday of each month, Vibe Coworks opens its doors to anyone who'd like to experience the power of getting things done in an upbeat, inspirational and productive professional environment. There's a reason why Vibe is the workplace of choice for people from all industries and walks of life here in Kitsap.
How does it work?
It's simple! Bring your laptop, charger and to-do list and we'll take care of the rest. We've got all-you-can-drink tea and french press coffee on tap, and you're welcome to bring food in. We also have a limited stash of monitors you can borrow for the day while you're working away. Stay for as long or short as you'd like, 9am - 4pm.
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Have a client you've been needing to meet? Bring her/him here! No need to pre-book, beyond your RSVP on Eventbrite.
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Need closed-door meeting room space? That's the one thing that you will need to book that in advance. Shoot us an email at hello@vibecoworks.com and we'll get you taken care of.
- If you're new to Vibe and/or coworking, we'll be happy to give you a tour of the space, introduce you to some of our members and help you get a taste for what it's like to be part of the Vibe community.
- Already a Vibe member? Free 1st Fridays are bonus days! They will not count against your monthly membership tally.
- At 4pm, we'll close up shop and move elsewhere in the building for socializing and fun over a no-host happy hour.
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Business News & Resources |
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How Washington's Childcare Crisis
Impacts Working Families
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Burden on working parents: A new report from The Seattle Times and Associated Press details how the lack of affordable childcare causes parents to exit the workforce. A national survey in 2022 found that 1 in 10 young children had a parent who had to quit, turn down, or drastically change a job because of childcare problems.
Impacts on working mothers: The childcare crisis, in particular, keeps women out of the workforce. A national Labor Department study found that a 10% increase in the median price of childcare was associated with a 1% drop in the maternal workforce.
"I really didn’t want to quit my job," said Auburn mother Nicole Slemp, but felt she had no other choice due to the high costs of care for her infant son.
Education and employment gap: The good news is that Washington women's participation in the workforce has recovered since the pandemic, reaching a historic high last December. However, that varies based on education levels.
Mothers with college degrees (bachelor's or higher) are more likely to work, while mothers without college degrees are more likely to give up work due to a childcare disruption, according to an analysis from the Education Reporting Collaborative.
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Wave Farewell to Styrofoam Products in WA |
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On June 1, say good-bye to certain products like cups, plates, to-go boxes, trays and single-use coolers made from expanded polystyrene (EPS)- the technical name for what many of us call Styrofoam.
Here's what the Department of Ecology says this means for you:
- This statewide ban applies to any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation, government entity, organization or joint venture that sells or distributes the EPS products covered by this ban.
- The ban includes selling these products AND giving them away. If you have a stockpile, now is the time to start using it up and looking for alternatives that do not include polystyrene for food service needs.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. |
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Employee Rights to Equal Pay & Opportunities
Promoting fairness among workers
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Got a question or issue to be solved?
Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.
Phone: 1-800-987-0145
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Nonprofit News & Resources |
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NAWA: Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 12:00 pm
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We each have our own experiences with finance that may stir up excitement, mixed feelings, or uneasiness. These feelings can shape how we approach our relationship to nonprofit finance. Approaching nonprofit finance in a welcoming way, the Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits virtual workshop aims to help unlock your financial literacy. From key words and forms to understanding how everything fits together, you will increase your basic nonprofit finance knowledge.
The virtual workshop will cover:
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- IRS Form 990
- Giving
- Oversight
This workshop will be recorded. Registrants will receive the recording by email after the event. If you can’t attend the training but you are interested in learning about this topic, please register so you we can send you the recording and materials.
Workshop Fee: FREE, thanks to a partnership with the Washington Office of the Secretary of State
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 5:00 pm
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Central Kitsap residents and business owners are invited to attend the May 1 meeting of the Central Kitsap Community Council to learn about current planning and funding for road improvement projects in the Silverdale area. The meeting takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road in Silverdale.
Transportation planners from Kitsap County Public Works will review the county's Transportation Improvement Program and how to submit project suggestions. There will be updates on and Anderson Hill Corridor Study and Newberry Hill improvement project.
In addition to these presentations, there will be reports from the CKCC Community Center and Comprehensive Plan committees. There are also opportunities for public comment and community announcements.
Stay informed and engaged! All CKCC meetings are open to the public. Learn more about the council at kcowa.us/CKCC.
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Silverdale GreenDrinks @ Maynard's
Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 5:24 pm
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Come Visit CKFR's Newest Station
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11:00 am
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KNKX Connects to Bremerton
Thursday, May 16, 2024
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The public is invited to join KNKX at the Admiral Theatre in downtown Bremerton on Thursday, May 16 for a live broadcast of KNKX’s All Things Considered with host Emil Moffatt from 3 to 6 p.m. The broadcast will feature reporting centered on Bremerton and live interviews. Then from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., mingle with fellow listeners and KNKX staff while enjoying refreshments and live music from Kitsap-based artists, vocalist Eugenie Jones and saxophonist Mark Lewis (with pianist Randy Halberstadt, bassist Steve Luceno and drummer Bob Merrihew). The event is free. The Admiral Theatre is located at 515 Pacific Avenue.
More information about KNKX Connects can be found here.
KNKX is an ambassador for jazz and blues, and a vital source of quality, non-commercial news, including NPR and regional coverage. KNKX operates a network of 12 radio signals that cover Western Washington, reaching 200,000 listeners weekly.
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Live Well Kitsap! Networking Opportunity
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 3:15pm
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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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The Admiral Theatre Presents: |
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Tito Puente, Jr.
Friday, May 3, 2024, 8:00 pm
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Son of the legendary American salsa and Latin jazz musician Tito Puente, Tito Puente, Jr. has big shoes to fill. And boy does he!
Always honoring his father’s legacy, Tito Puente, Jr. has also made a name for himself as one of the most exciting Latin musicians touring today. Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him – imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. It’s in his looks, his joy, and his music. Tito Jr. is on a passionate mission, determined to nurture the musical legacy left by his father.
He has found captive audiences who echo his passion. Crowds lured to a venue by the father are returning to see the son — and to once again participate in the high voltage celebration that takes place on stage.
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
Borrowed Time - Styx Tribute
Friday, May 3, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Steve Kelly's Country Round Up
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 8:30 pm
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Bremerton Community Theatre: Titanic
Closing Weekend! Now thru May 5, 2024
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Epic and majestic, with moments of heartbreaking intimacy, Titanic captures the triumph and tragedy of the hopeful passengers on the ill-fated Ship of Dreams, including workers in the boiler room, first-class attendants, the poorest passengers who scraped together their life savings to purchase third-class tickets to America, to some of the wealthiest men of the Victorian age, including John Jacob Astor and Benjamin Guggenheim. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score in 1997.
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Bainbridge Performing Arts: Cabaret
Now thru May 12, 2024
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Step into the intoxicating world of Berlin's nightlife in the 1930s as BPA presents the iconic musical, "Cabaret"! Experience an unforgettable night of song, dance, and powerful storytelling that examines the thrilling and yet turbulent life under the growing shadow of the Third Reich.
Witness the life of Sally Bowles, a flamboyant performer at the Kit Kat Klub, and her relationship with the young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw. As they navigate love and life amidst the pulsating beats of the nightclub, reality begins to cast a looming shadow over their lives, echoing the profound changes that await them outside.
Our talented cast will bring this provocative and compelling narrative to life, complete with riveting performances and unforgettable musical numbers. "Cabaret" promises an exhilarating theater experience that's both deeply moving and wildly entertaining.
This spectacular production is a must-see event, as it explores the duality of hope and despair, love and loss. Purchase your tickets today and immerse yourself in the captivating and exhilarating world of "Cabaret."
Life is a cabaret, old chum, come to the Cabaret!
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KCMT Presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid
May 2 - 19, 2024
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Bremerton Airshow Returns this Summer
August 17 & 18, 2024
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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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