Tuesday, September 27, 2022 |
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GKC Inaugural Business Awards Gala
Thursday, November 17, 2022 6:00 pm
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Nominate a deserving business now!
We are accepting nominations for the
Inaugural Business Awards Gala for the Greater Kitsap Chamber
through September 30th. Click the button below to nominate now.
Tickets go on sale Monday, October 17, 2022
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RECAP: Fieldstone Silverdale at Clear Creek
Open House & Ribbon Tying
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Residents, business members and the community joined us on Friday for the one-year anniversary Open House and Ribbon Tying event at Fieldstone Silverdale at Clear Creek. Attendees were treated to delicious food from Fieldstone and remarks were made by County Commissioner Ed Wolfe, along with owners and developers, Doug Ellison and Justin Younkers. Ellison and Younkers also shared their exciting vision for continued development at the intersection of Clear Creek and NW Greaves Way, including a new Starbucks and several yet-to-be-named dining and retail spaces.
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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!
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Member of the Month: Kitsap Bank
Here for Your Family Now and In the Future
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Silverdale Branch
10488 Silverdale Way NW
Silverdale, WA 98383
(360) 698-9325
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Commercial Banking Ctr
607 Pacific Ave
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 895-5810
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East Bremerton Branch
3425 Wheaton Way
Bremerton, WA 98310
(360) 876-7825
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Encore Communities: Tour the Community
Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 4:00 pm
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Kitsap Bank Shred Events
Saturday, October 1st @ East Bremerton Branch
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Shred to Fed: Bremerton
Need to get rid of sensitive information? Bring your outdated documents for safe destruction and disposal, and help our local food banks at the same time!
Kitsap Bank is pleased to partner with local food banks around the region to host Shred events on Saturdays throughout the months of September and October.
Join us at our East Bremerton Branch this Saturday on October 1st from 9am to Noon where all donations will benefit Bremerton Foodline.
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Do you have news you'd like to share about your business or organization?
We'd love to share! Please send information to Irene at the Chamber!
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Tara Scouten - Real Estate Broker |
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As a John L. Scott broker, my mission is transactional excellence and client satisfaction. That means I work tirelessly to make your home buying or selling process as efficient, stress-free and lucrative for you as possible.
Representation
I take pride in offering high-caliber full-service residential real estate expertise. My clients are my top priority, and I focus on delivering the best possible results for them.
Expertise
The real estate market is hyperlocal, seasonal and temperamental—in other words, it can change on a dime. Technology has made information more accessible to everyone, but it can be difficult to keep up with recent events that affect home values. The benefits of working with a licensed real estate professional go far beyond what a mobile app, online video, or website can do.
Transactional Excellence
I am dedicated to transactional excellence for every listing and sale. What this means for you is that I oversee every detail of the real estate transaction. The transaction is far from over once an offer has been accepted. I monitor inspections, appraisals, title, escrow and loan processes. Communication and collaboration with all the partners and parties involved with the transaction ensures a smooth and timely closing. I am committed to my clients before, during and after a sale.
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Don't Forget to Add Your Voice to the Expanded Ferry Service Conversation in Kitsap
Add your business name now!
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In last week's Community Connections and Business Brief emails, we shared information on an ask to Governor Inslee made by local leaders for expanded passenger-only ferry service on the Bremerton-Seattle route. Click here to read the letter endorsed by all Kitsap County mayors, County Commissioners, and legislators from the 23rd District. Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler has asked the Chamber and local businesses for their support - please let us know if we can add your business or personal name to our Chamber letter supporting this important ask for our region.
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Eggs & Issues: WA State Senate Races
Tuesday, October 4, 2022, 8:00 am
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Community Relations Committee |
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LAST CALL: Heroes Golf Tournament
Friday, September 30, 2022, 9:00 am
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Only spots for 2 foursomes left - register now! |
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Get your raffle tickets for the Chamber's Wheelbarrow of Booze! We will raffle off this amazing prize to one lucky individual following the golf tournament. Tickets are $10 each. You do NOT need to be present to win! Click the button below to email the Chamber with the
number of tickets you'd like to purchase and we will invoice you.
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Thank you to our sponsors - join them today! |
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Last Call to Reserve Your Luncheon Seat
Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 11:30 am
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Don't forget to bring a basket or prize for our lunch raffle. Proceeds benefit the Greater Kitsap Chamber Scholarship Fund for students in Central Kitsap. And be sure to bring cash to purchase your tickets! |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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AWB Launches New Business Toolkit Series |
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A new three-course training session from AWB will help busy professionals learn the essentials on building an effective team, resolving conflict and overcoming unconscious bias in the workplace.
The Business Toolkit Series classes, to be held over the coming months virtually, are designed for those interested in leadership and skills development. All training courses are instructor-led and are eligible for continuing education credits through CEU and SHRM.
Click below to register and learn more.
Classes are limited to 16 to maximize the quality of the instruction, so register now to guarantee your spot. For sponsorship opportunities please reach out to events@awb.org.
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Starting a Business at 50+: Marketing Basics
Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 10:00 am
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Join AARP and America's SBDC on September 27 at 11 am PST for the next installment of the Starting a Business at 50+ Webinar series focused on marketing your business and finding new customers.
Businesses need a solid marketing strategy to acquire new customers and raise brand awareness in their first few years. Leveraging social media and other marketing channels are foundational to any good marketing strategy.
Learn how to design your first marketing strategy and how to leverage social media to raise awareness about your business.
During the webinar you’ll learn:
- Important elements of a good marketing strategy
- An overview of different marketing channels, including social media, and how to maximize each channels effectiveness
- Tips on how to incorporate your personal story in your business brand
- What resources are available for entrepreneurs in supporting their marketing strategy and efforts
- How AARP and Small Business Development Centers can help you on your business journey
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5 Work and Business Trends
You Need to Know for 2023
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Published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
It’s never too soon to start thinking about what’s coming next. The way we work has changed radically over the last few years, and in ways few could have predicted. Are these changes here to stay, or will we see some new work and business trends crop up in 2023? Here are some predictions some experts are making for next year.
1. Workplaces will focus on accessibility
2. A growing awareness of “greenwashing”
3. Employees are searching for job security
Photo: Getty Images/Pekic
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The Business Side of Your Hustle
Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:00 am
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Everyone we know has a side hustle or business, from fitness to baking to accounting. A recent report found that 44% of Americans have a side hustle to make ends meet each month. In the throws of a looming recession and erratic inflation, this is a great time to monetize your skills and build long-term financial security. Join guest speaker and TKC Incorporated Founder Angela Heath, and AARP Sr. Advisor Entrepreneurship Felicia Brown, as they discuss the operational best practices that drive a profitable side hustle.
During this webinar you’ll learn:
- How to shift your mindset from employee to business builder
- The firm foundations under a profitable side hustle including money management and more
- Tips to hone your focus and time on income-generating activities
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Business News & Resources |
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State Revenue Collections Continue to
Come In Above Estimates
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Washington collected $76.9 million (3.7%) more than expected in the last month of tax collections, according to a report last week from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.
It’s the latest in a string of tax collection reports that are coming in better than predicted. Cumulatively, collections since June are now $113.4 million (1.7%) higher than forecasted. The Washington Research Council has a blog post with more context.
Contact AWB’s Tommy Gantz to learn more about tax and fiscal policies.
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L&I Proposes Increase to Workers' Comp Rates |
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The state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is proposing a 4.8 percent increase in the average price employers and workers pay for workers’ compensation insurance next year. If adopted, the increase would mean employers and workers would jointly pay an additional $61 a year, on average, for each full-time employee within a business.
"Even with the increase, the average hourly rate businesses will pay will be about the same as what they were paying in 2016,” L&I Director Joel Sacks said. “After keeping rates steady to help businesses that were struggling during the pandemic, we're now proposing a modest rate increase that’s in line with our goal of stable and predictable rates for businesses to ensure the long-term health of the workers’ compensation fund."
Employers and workers pay into the workers’ compensation system to help cover the cost of providing wage and disability benefits for injured workers, as well as medical treatment of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Workers will continue to pay on average about a quarter of the premium, a similar percentage to that paid in 2022.
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Supply Chain Crisis Averted for Now |
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After 20 hours of talks orchestrated by Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, the White House announced last week that freight railroads and rail labor organizations reached a tentative agreement. Biden called the deal a "big win for America" as complete shutdown of the freight rail system was averted.
Angered by difficult working conditions, Union members have yet to ratify the agreement, which could take several months.
Without the tentative agreement, the nation’s supply chain would have been disrupted, affecting nearly every industry, and led to even higher inflation and product shortages.
If the union accepts the deal, those workers whose pay was frozen would receive double-digit increases and would be able to seek certain types of medical care without fear of being penalized, union leaders said. The agreement also includes an immediate 14.1% increase in wages.
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Early Bird Registration Ending Soon
KEDA 2022 Fall Forum
Thursday, October 20, 2022, 1:00 pm
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KEDA's Fall Forum is back! Live & in person at the
Kitsap Conference Center on Oct. 20th, 1-5pm
We will cover top of mind issues facing Kitsap's economy, including: inflation, workforce and inclusive hiring, and Kitsap's startup economy. Attendees will also be introduced to KEDA's newest initiative, WAV-C, Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster.
Social hour follows with hors d'oeuvre and hosted bar.
Chamber members receive a $25 discount when using the code: 22chamber
Early bird rates end October 2nd - register now!
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is a sponsor for this year's Fall Forum.
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Kitsap Community Foundation
Announces New Leader
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After a year of purposeful pause, the Kitsap Community Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Tina O'Brien as the Foundation's new leader.
Naveen Chaudhary, Board Chair of Kitsap Community Foundation, says, “We are excited to bring Ms. O’Brien back to our community for this next step in her career and in the Foundation's evolution as well. She is an experienced not-for-profit leader with 25 years in institutional advancement, a master's degree in not-for-profit leadership, and a deep love for the Kitsap Community.”
O’Brien is joining the Foundation in October, having most recently served as the Vice-President of Development for the Special Olympics of Washington. Previously, she was the Chief Development Officer for Martha and Mary in Poulsbo. Her experience prior to both of those roles has largely been in support of a variety of Catholic charitable causes. She and her husband are looking forward to returning to Kitsap County as full-time residents, having previously lived in North Kitsap.
“Kitsap Community Foundation has spent the last year under the capable, experienced leadership of Stephanie George, who has guided us through a deep and thoughtful process resulting in our newly adopted Strategic Framework for 2023-2025. Her work with the Foundation has ignited our Board with a vision and a renewed sense of purpose that is bold with possibility for our community,” says Chaudhary.
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Help Kitsap Prosper
Applications Open for County Advisory Groups
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Applications are open for vacancies on Kitsap County advisory groups. We're looking for community members who want to commit time to helping others and bring fresh perspectives to represent the diversity of Kitsap neighborhoods and communities. Draw on your interests, share your passions, bring your lived and professional experience to help develop and review plans and policies, make funding recommendations and ensure available resources and services are distributed equitably. Help us help everyone in Kitsap County prosper!
Advisory group members hold an important role as advocates and provide a vital communication link and sounding board between residents, neighborhoods, county staff and Commissioners.
Applications are being accepted for the following advisory groups. Click on titles below to learn more about the mission of each group and meeting schedule. Go to the advisory group website to find position descriptions and complete the online application:
For more information, contact Rebecca Pirtle in the Commissioners’ Office at rpirtle@kitsap.gov
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REPLAY: City of Bremerton Joint Council
District 2 & 3 Community Meeting
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Bremerton City Councilmembers Denise Frey and Jeff Coughlin hosted a Community Meeting for Districts 2 & 3 last week at the Sheridan Park Community Center. Also present were City of Bremerton staff Vicki Grover, Nick Ataie, Shane Weber, Ned Lever and Directors Thomas Knuckey and Jeff Elevado. Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler was on hand to answer questions and offer insight as well. |
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Kitsap Community Needs Assessment Survey
Survey Open Until September 30, 2022
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management is providing free KN95 masks and COVID testing kits to local businesses. Pick up your supply at the Greater Kitsap Chamber's Silverdale office today. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing Resources |
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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.
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Kitsap Opera Presents: Gounod's Faust
Friday, September 30th & Sunday, October 2nd, 2022
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Kitsap Opera is back with its biggest production yet - Gounod's Faust at Bremerton's Admiral Theatre for two performances Friday, September 30 @ 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 2 @ 3 p.m. Experience the exhilaration of live opera and witness Faust's deal with the devil!
Founded in 1992 by Leone Cottrell-Atkins, Kitsap Opera is one of the leading artistic organizations of West Sound. Its 1992 fully-staged production of I Pagliacci has been followed by ambitions undertaking including La Boheme, the Barber of Seville, Daughter of the Regiment, the Magic Flute, The Merry Widow, Cosi Fan Tutte, and the Merry Wives of Windsor.
The Kitsap Opera is an opera group in the European tradition in that we offer an intermediate step for singers between college training and major American opera companies.
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Super Squash Hunt at Bloedel Reserve
Throughout October 2022
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Join in the fun as the Reserve’s woodland owls lead you on an all-ages scavenger hunt through the gardens in search of gourds, squash, and pumpkins!
Stop, explore, and snap a photo of yourselves with our friendly garden guides. Guess the weight of our largest pumpkin this year at the Residence and win prizes at the Shop at the Gatehouse when you complete the scavenger hunt.
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Poulsbo Film Festival
October 14-16, 2022
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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 Tuesday's Community Connections!
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
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Joe Barboza
Operations Manager
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Brenda Kelley
Tourism 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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