Wednesday, February 7, 2024 |
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February Special Election Sees Levies & Bonds Across Most Kitsap School Districts |
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It's special election time in Kitsap County, and voters this month are finding measures on the ballot to help fund schools across four districts in our region: Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Central Kitsap and North Kitsap. Levies and bonds are often put forth by districts to help supplement the funding received from the state in order to bridge the gap between state funding and actual costs. Levies are often referred to as "for learning" and can provide enrichment, programming and operational funds, while bonds are usually "for buildings." Because bonds are borrowing money through the sale of municipal bonds and are often a much greater cost to taxpayers, the threshold for passage is 60%, whereas levies can pass with just a simple majority.
The Bremerton School District in Central Kitsap is running both a levy and a bond in 2024. See the video below for what these measures are promising students.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber encourages all voters to cast their ballot before February 13th. There are ballot drop boxes across the county, as well as voting centers. See the resources below for more information about measures in your local community:
Articles in the local media:
The Greater Kitsap Chamber is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse
candidates or measures during an election cycle.
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ The Roxy
Thursday, February 15, 2024, 5:00 pm
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February Luncheon @ Kitsap Golf & Country
Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 11:00 am
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Join us on the 28th as we welcome our special guest speaker, Beth Wolfe, Chief Creator and Founder at Platinum L.I.F.E. University & Coaching. Beth will share her tips on increasing your energy and decreasing stress, and how daily biohacks could improve your business life. Enjoy some business self-care at this month's luncheon - you won't want to miss!
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Last Day to Register is February 12th!
Vendor space not guaranteed after next week
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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 January
Thank you for your continued investment & support
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Community Connector
Main Street
Business
Viking Early Education Center
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Central Kitsap Food Bank Gala
Saturday, May 4, 2024
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Tickets are now on sale for the Central Kitsap Food Bank's annual auction and gala. Proceeds from this event benefit the Central Kitsap Food Bank who has been feeding those facing food insecurity in the Central Kitsap region and beyond since 1989.
If you or your business are interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to Jessica at auction@ckfoodbank.org.
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Kitsap Credit Union & SBDC Host Tax Event
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
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Tax season is here! Looking for some tax tips that will make your life a little easier? Join us for Kitsap County Small Business Development Center's Tax Tips for Your Small Business event, hosted by Certified Business Advisor, Joyce Oswald on February 20 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm!
Registration is open now on a first come, first serve basis.
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Stacy Luckensmeyer, EOS Implementer |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is thrilled to share this month's Member of the Month : Stacy Luckensmeyer, EOS Implementer. Having only joined the Chamber last March shortly after relocating to Kitsap County from the Wenatchee Valley, Stacy has made an indelible mark in our business community, working with businesses and nonprofits across the region.
Stacy’s passion is helping others grow business to build the life you really want. She has owned 7 businesses of her own, 4 of which she started from the ground up and 3 that she acquired. One of those companies she tanked miserably, 2 she still owns, and she has had 4 successful exits, including one she grew for 5 years before selling for 10x the acquisition price.
As an entrepreneur, Stacy knows what it’s like to juggle issues with people, time, and money. She learned that there is a better way to run a business and to live a better life, and she believes wholeheartedly that EOS is the best way to simplify and align an organization to experience consistent growth. It is her mission to help like-minded entrepreneurs optimize their strategy by focusing on how they execute and get the results that they want.
Stacy has worked with over 1,000 different businesses in her career and pulls from those experiences to help leadership teams get 100% on the same page with their vision, executing on that vision with real discipline and accountability. Her clients describe her as both optimistic and realistic, knowledgeable, and a ‘help first’ individual who is committed to their success.
Congratulations on being named the February 2024 Member of the Month, Stacy! We're so grateful for your membership and investment in the Chamber and the Greater Kitsap business community.
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Legislative Alerts for Your Consideration
Contact your lawmakers in response to these bills
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Unemployment Benefits for Voluntary Strikers
Lawmakers in Olympia are considering a bill that would provide unemployment insurance benefits to workers who voluntarily go on strike.
This is not what the UI trust fund was designed to do, and it will lead to a host of issues including:
- Higher UI costs for employers
- The potential for longer strikes
- Financial hits to school districts when teachers go on strike
- Increased costs for state infrastructure projects including affordable housing and transportation projects impacted by construction strikes
The UI fund, which is 100% paid for by employers, was created to provide benefits for people who lose their job through no fault of their own and who are actively searching for work.
People who are choosing not to work — for whatever reason — don’t meet those criteria.
Please take a moment to contract your state senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 5777.
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Sign AWB's Letter Opposing Increase in Real Estate Excise Tax
AWB has drafted a letter to legislators asking them to vote no on House Bill 2276. The bill imposes a 1% real estate tax on property sales above $3.025 million and would give Washington the second-highest real estate tax in the country.
“While we recognize our state’s significant housing affordability problems, HB 2276 is not an answer,” the letter reads. “While being pitched as a ‘mansion tax’ on expensive homes, the primary incidence of this increase will fall on commercial properties where people work and multi-family apartment buildings, which typically provide the most affordable housing options in a community. In addition, this higher rate will apply to developable land, and thus make many single-family developments more expensive as the REET will be imposed both when the land is sold and again when the newly constructed homes are sold.”
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SBDC: Are You Ready to Start a Business?
Thursday, February 22, 2024, 11:00 am
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Are you looking to start up a business but have no experience running one? Do you have an idea you are excited about and want insight into how to get started? Join us to hear about the basics of starting a business.
Topics that will be covered:
- Identify reasons for starting a business
- Self-analyze your readiness for running a business
- Understand the conditions of running a business (ie possible long hours, stress management...)
- Brick and mortar business vs consulting/online business and their different levels of risk.
- Financial basics for starting a business
The instructor, Jennifer Dye, is the Associate State Director of the Washington SBDC. She is an experienced and innovative leader in business management/leadership. A previous small business owner herself, she is passionate about empowering others and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit.
Workshop Fee: FREE
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Business News & Resources |
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Employers See Slew of Tax and Regulation Ideas Coming from Olympia |
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Special column by AWB's Kris Johnson
The 2024 legislative session got off to a fast start in January with lawmakers introducing hundreds of bills covering virtually every topic you could imagine, from weighty public policy issues to proposals for a state rock (Tenino sandstone) and a state clam (Pacific razor).
Unfortunately, too many of the proposals we’ve seen coming out of Olympia this year would, if approved, make it harder, more complex and more expensive to start or operate a business in Washington.
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Washington Certifies Opt-Out Initiative
for Long-Term Care Tax
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The Washington Secretary of State’s Office recently certified a pivotal initiative, I-2124, which introduces an option for workers to opt out of the state’s long-term care tax. This is the sixth and final initiative by “Let’s Go Washington” to be slated for the November ballot, bypassing the need for legislative intervention.
Originally, Washington legislators had enacted a groundbreaking tax on workers to support the Washington Cares Fund, a long-term care program funded by a 0.58% payroll tax on employee wages. This law, which took effect in July, initially allowed individuals to opt out of the policy before December 1, 2022. However, I-2124 extends this provision, offering workers the flexibility to opt-out at any time.
Brian Heywood, the founder of Let’s Go Washington, criticized the existing tax in a news release, labeling it as a “cynical government money grab” that ostensibly offers a legitimate insurance product but is marred by mandatory participation and payout flaws. He argues that these flaws benefit union bosses at the expense of vulnerable elderly patients and contrasts this with how a similar scheme by a private company would likely face legal challenges.
Heywood further explains that the initiative doesn’t strip away the right to participate in the program for those who wish to remain; instead, it empowers individuals forced into a system they believe won’t benefit them with the option to opt-out.
Opposition to I-2124 comes from groups like We Care for WA Cares, which contends that the initiative could effectively dismantle the long-term care program by repealing the tax. They highlight the program’s significance, especially for the estimated 860,000 unpaid family caregivers in Washington, who are predominantly women or people of color, noting that WA Cares offers the possibility of compensating a family member for caregiving services.
This initiative represents a critical juncture in Washington’s approach to long-term care, balancing between providing a sustainable care program and offering individual financial autonomy.
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WTIA Founder Cohort Accelerator Now Open
Applications accepted until March 4, 2024
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WTIA Founder Cohort program helps 30-35 venture-scale, seed-stage startups grow and scale over the course of 6 months. We and our partners will provide founders with a roadmap that will help guide them through their next milestones as they navigate increasing revenue, securing investment, and growing the team.
Specifically, founders in the program will learn:
- How to fundraise (running a fundraising process, term sheets, cap tables, etc.)
- How to manage a board of directors
- Corporate governance (accounting, legal, etc.)
- Customer development and go-to-market strategies
Our goal is to help invest in our ecosystem and use our connections, sponsors, and partners to support the next generation of companies via mentorship, education, coaching, and connections. We also want to connect early-stage entrepreneurs with similarly staged peers to build cohorts of connected founders that grow together.
The program is completely virtual and kicks off with a bootcamp spread out over 3 days focused on all things fundraising. From there we’ll have workshops each month on stage-appropriate topics that you can implement in your company right away.
This program is free to apply for, free to participate in, and there will be no equity exchanged.
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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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Strategic Planning Should Cover Staffing
Levels and Compensation
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Photo: Getty Images by bernardbodo
People in roles such as executive directors, CEOs and boards of directors can change organizational strategy and policy. It is up to you to ensure your organization treats staff like the valuable assets they are. Kudos if you’re already accomplishing it. If your organization struggles with this, here are a few things to consider.
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City Hosts Meeting on Quincy Square Project
Thursday, February 8, 2024, 5:30 pm
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Time to Submit an Earth Day Award Nomination |
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Each year, Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissions celebrate environmental stewards with Earth Day awards. We need your help in nominating dedicated community members who protect and preserve Kitsap’s environment.
Submit an award nomination at kcowa.us/earthday by March 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Who’s eligible?
The nominee does not have to live in Kitsap County, but the efforts identified in the nomination must occur in Kitsap County.
Nominate:
- Individuals
- Schools or teachers
- Groups or organizations
- Businesses
- Youth
Award recipients will be celebrated at the Board of County Commissioner’s meeting on April 22, 2024. Information on how to attend the event virtually and in-person will be provided in April.
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Kitsap Humane Society "My Furry Valentine"
January 5-February 8, 2024
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Silverdale GreenDrinks
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
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Bremerton District 2 Community Meeting
Saturday, February 10, 2024, 11:00 am
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Meals on Wheels: Miles for Meals
Registration Now Open
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Department of Health Unveils Kiosks Offering Free COVID-19 and Flu Tests |
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The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is launching a groundbreaking community testing initiative in collaboration with Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) and Tribal Nations to further support public health. Beginning this week, kiosks across the state will offer free COVID-19 and flu tests as well as other health care supplies. This initiative underscores DOH's commitment to promoting health equity by reaching underserved communities and disproportionately affected populations.
"In unveiling these innovative kiosks, DOH is taking a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of our communities,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health.
“These 24/7 accessible kiosks exemplify our commitment to health equity, especially for underserved populations. Together with Tribes and local partners, we are making a meaningful difference in community health and fostering a safer and healthier Washington for all."
Kiosks can be found in food banks, transit stations, churches, schools, and libraries and serve as a convenient solution for communities to access a variety of testing options with anonymity and personalization. Seventeen kiosks have already been ordered by LHJs and Tribal Nations.
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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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Poulsbo Frosty Fest
February 9-11, 2024
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The Music of Billy Joel Starring Michael Cavanaugh @ Admiral Theatre
Friday, February 9, 2024, 7:30 pm
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The Music of Billy Joel features the greatest hits of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame piano man. Songs include: Piano Man, Movin’ Out (Anthony's Song), Just The Way You Are, She's Always A Woman, and many more. PollStar ranked this show in the Top 50 touring Acts/Shows the last two years.
Michael Cavanaugh stars in this production. He was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Michael received both Tony and Grammy nominations in the lead role. Billboard calls him the “New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook”. Broadway World referred to Cavanaugh as “The New Piano Man”. Reuters named Cavanaugh Entertainer of the Year.
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Carpool Tribute to the Cars
Saturday, February 10, 2024, 9:00 pm
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Enjoy an evening with amazing entertainment Fridays and Saturdays in the Beach Rock Music and Sports starting at 9pm. General Admission tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in the Casino Gift Shop for just $15*. Gather the gang and head over for an evening of entertainment and fun. Doors open at 7pm, so come early to secure your seat for the show.
Purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or in the Casino Gift Shop.
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BCT Presents: Crimes of the Heart
February 2-25, 2024
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The three Magrath sisters are back together for the first time in a decade. Lenny is the caretaker of the sisters’ cantankerous Old Granddaddy. Meg left home to pursue stardom as a singer in Los Angeles, but has, so far, only found happiness at the bottom of a bottle. And Babe has just been arrested for the murder of her abusive husband. Under the scorching heat of the Mississippi sun, past resentments bubble to the surface and each sister must come to terms with the consequences of her own “crimes of the heart.”
Content Advisory: Contains adult language, references to attempted suicide, and verbal descriptions of domestic violence.
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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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