Hundreds of New Laws Will Take
Effect in Washington on June 6
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Photo: Laurel Demkovich, Washington State Standard
New limits on carrying guns openly in public, loosened restrictions on police pursuing suspects, a shorter time period for mortuaries to store unclaimed human remains, and a ban on octopus farming.
What do all these topics have in common? They’re covered by some of the 310 laws set to take effect in Washington this Thursday.
Most bills passed during the legislative session and signed by Gov. Jay Inslee go into effect 90 days after lawmakers gavel out for the year. This year, that day is June 6.
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Bremerton GreenDrinks@ Admiral Theatre
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 5:00 pm
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GKC Annual Meeting & Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 11:00 am
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RECAP: Viking Education Academy
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
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It was a perfect day for a ribbon cutting in Poulsbo on Friday, as we celebrated the grand opening of Viking Education Academy. With our partners at the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce and Deputy Mayor and long-time Poulsbo City Councilmember Ed Stern wielding the scissors, this amazing new education resource in Kitsap County officially opened it's doors.
Pictured above is staff (L to R): owners Barbara Heitmann and Ingemar Anderson; tutors Stephanie Depew, Willie Garza, Matt Moore, and Jessica Wall; and student mentor and coach, Jed Selter.
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David Emmons to be Honored at Leadership Kitsap's Celebration of Leadership
Emmons to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award
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The Leadership Kitsap Alumni Association is thrilled to honor David Emmons, Class of 2014, with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award at this year's Celebration of Leadership. The event will be held on June 5th at the Kiana Lodge in North Kitsap.
David proudly serves as the President & CEO of the Greater Kitsap Chamber, and serves on the boards for several community organizations, including the Central Stage Theatre (CSTOCK), Kitsap Pride, Central Kitsap Community Council, and the East Bremerton Rotary Club, for which he is the current President. Congratulations, David, on this honor!
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Did you know that according to the Department of Health and Human Services, routine cardiovascular exams alone save tens of thousands of adult lives each year, while vaccines save the lives of roughly 42,000 children on an annual basis?
In this article, our partner, Business Health Trust outlines why it is important to prioritize preventive care (like annual exams and vaccinations) for yourself and your employees. Click the link to read:
A health team is a thriving team! Help keep your employees healthy by encouraging them to make preventive care a priority.
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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 May
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Growth
Main Street
Business
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New GKC Member Nick Cain Music
Hosts Live Acoustic
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 6:00 pm
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You're Invited: Mercurio's Grand Opening
Friday, June 28, 2024, 11:00 am
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The Board of Directors and Staff of the Greater Kitsap Chamber are thrilled to announce the selection of Blue Sky Printing in Poulsbo as the June 2024 Member of the Month. Members of the then-Silverdale and now Greater Kitsap Chamber since 1992, Blue Sky will be celebrating 32 years of Chamber membership this fall. They have proudly served Kitsap County and beyond for the past 50 years, offering clients a variety of commercial and printing services.
Recently relocated to the Twelve Trees Business Park, Blue Sky Printing strives to create quality products while providing exceptional customer service. The Greater Kitsap Chamber is a proud client of Blue Sky, with some of their most recent work on display during the 2024 Armed Forces Day Festival. Stay tuned this month as we turn the spotlight on this amazing local business.
Congratulations, Deane and the entire team at Blue Sky Printing!
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Free Business Tax Basics
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 10:00 am
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Would you like to gain a better understanding of business and occupation tax and Washington state sales tax? With speakers provided by the Washington State Department of Revenue, we will have an overview of business taxes for the state. No cost to attend. Please note this is an in-person event only held at the Kitsap Credit Union corporate office in Bremerton, Washington, no virtual option available.
Do you have a specific question that the speakers may be able to answer? Email event organizer with your questions, Joyce Oswald from Kitsap SBDC at joyce.oswald@wwu.edu.
Workshop will be held in person at no cost to attend at Kitsap Credit Union's corporate office next to the ferry terminal. Please bring your questions! Limited parking available in the credit union parking area, street parking and additional paid parking in the area.
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Women's Employment Workshop
Friday, June 7, 2024, 11:00 am
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SCORE: Becoming a Facebook Master
Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 1:00 pm
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Knowing how to use Facebook can change your business overnight by driving customers to your website and your business. Getting more customers will lead to more sales in this very competitive business environment. And more sales means more profits for you!!
Attendees to this workshop will learn the following key features about Facebook:
- How people see and react to content on Facebook.
- The connection between Facebook pages and profiles.
- Facebook content strategies and other best practices.
- Understand the basics of Facebook advertising
Workshop Fee: FREE
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WA Hospitality Webinar: Lending Solutions
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 10:00 am
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The number of small business owners who said they keep coming up short on funds is 66%, making them unable to take their business to the next level.
Maybe you applied for ERC funds and are still waiting to get them back to your bank account. Or maybe you’ve received Employee Retention Credit funds, and it’s just not enough to bridge the gap. Or maybe you didn’t qualify for COVID relief at all.
Adesso gets it. That’s why they are stepping in to help.
Our partner, Adesso Capital, offers lending solutions to help you get the money your business needs. In this lending webinar by Adesso, learn more about different lending options and find solutions that work best for you and your business.
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Business News & Resources |
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Commerce Launching New
Small Business Loan Programs
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The Washington State Department of Commerce announced in a release last week the launch of the first of five planned small business loan and investment programs. The initiative looks to foster more access to capital for small businesses in the state — especially ones that have historically been underbanked or underserved.
“Access to capital is one of the major challenges for small businesses, particularly those in historically underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Mike Fong, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, in a press statement. “These innovative loan programs will help fill this funding gap and have a multiplier effect that benefits local economies across the state.”
The funding — $163 million in total — comes from the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative. The programs are managed by Commerce.
The first two SSBCI programs, the Small Business Flex Fund 2 and the Owner-Occupied Commercial Real-Estate Loan Program — for which there are $63 million and $25 million designated, respectively — can now be applied for.
Get more details about each here.
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Small Business Grants - June 2024 |
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Progressive’s $1 million Driving Small Business Forward grant program
To be eligible, businesses must have 10 or fewer employees and less than $5 million in annual gross revenue and have a demonstrated need for a qualifying commercial vehicle. That purpose, however, cannot be for a ride-share business as a driver, or for a third-party delivery service. Progressive is working with fintech Hello Alice to administer the grant program.
Applications close June 14 at 6 p.m. ET.
QuickBooks offering $10,000 grants
Businesses will be asked to submit a brief essay describing how the grant will help them overcome business challenges or achieve a business dream.
Applications will be accepted until June 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Creative Business Boost Initiative offers $5,000 grants
The program is open to “creative entrepreneurs,” but that does not mean owners have to be Etsy sellers or on the platform at all. They must, however, have a business in operation for at least a year and have an existing product or service on the market.
Applications close June 21 at 6 p.m. ET.
Grubhub and National LGBT Chamber of Commerce team up
The program debuted earlier this year, with applications opening up by region. East Coast applications have already closed, as of May 21. Central Region applications close June 4, and West Region applications close June 25.
eBay launches fifth-annual Up & Running Grants program
E-commerce giant eBay will be awarding 50 sellers on its platform $10,000 each as part of a bid to fuel the growth of their respective businesses. The money can go toward physical and digital store improvements, equipment, inventory, hiring, training, marketing and other expenses. The company also is offering recipients a stipend worth $500 each that sellers can use for office technology from the eBay Refurbished online store.
The application window closes June 7.
LegalZoom offers $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Winners will be announced on social media. Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards.
The window to apply closes September 13.
Jobber offers grants for home-services businesses
Applications are being accepted until June 12.
Additional opportunities for small businesses
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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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Teens at Work: Facts for Employers,
Parents and Teens
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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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3 Ways Automation Can Boost Your
Nonprofit's Digital Fundraising
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Photo: Getty Images by Ezra Bailey
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automation tools has swiftly increased over the past several years. With AI working its way into all parts of our lives, it will prove to be a helpful resource in the nonprofit sector.
“Fundraisers need to be familiar with AI tools to stay competitive and to ensure that their organizations stay relevant in the digital age,” Julia Campbell, host of Nonprofit Nation Podcast, said via email.
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CK Project: Newberry Hill Culvert Replacement
Portion of Newberry Hill in CK will be closed June 20th-Sept. 3rd
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A portion of NW Newberry Hill Road in Central Kitsap will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles beginning June 20, through September 3, 2024, for a culvert replacement project. The closure will affect the section of the road from approximately 400 feet east of Sesame St NW to 1250 feet west of Tieton Place NW. Access to private driveways will not be impacted.
This project will replace the failing culvert at Little Anderson Creek with a new concrete box culvert, enhancing stream function, improving fish passage, and reconnecting the natural wildlife corridor. The project is funded by a grant through the Brian Abbot Fish Barrier Removal Board.
The closure is necessary for the safety of both work crews and motorists. This closure helps preserve the mature trees and natural stream, expedites the project’s completion and is more cost-effective. The closure was timed to occur during the summer break period of Klahowya Secondary School. For more details, visit the project page: http://kcowa.us/newberry.
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Silverdale GreenDrinks
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 5:24 pm
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Picnic with Pride
Sunday, June 9, 2024, 12:00 pm
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KitsapFest
Sunday, June 23, 2024, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Mark your calendars! Join us on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024, at Silverdale Waterfront Park for KITSAPFEST—an unforgettable event for all ages! Explore local vendors offering goods and services to boost your wellbeing, savor delicious food, groove to family-friendly beats by DJ Venum from Venum Entertainment360, catch live demonstrations, and much more. KITSAPFEST runs from 10am to 3pm. For details, visit www.livewellkitsap.com/kitsapfest.
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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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BCT Presents: Arsenic and Old Lace
June 7 - 30, 2024
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Drama critic Mortimer Brewster's engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts' window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell his aunts, only to learn that the two old women aren't just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family!
Content Advisory: Use of a gun.
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10th Anniversary Paddle: Ride the Tide
Saturday, June 8, 2024
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RTT is the annual Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail (KPNWT) Paddle that is held each year to bring attention to our 371-mile National water trail. The Ride the Tide paddle is about eight tide assisted miles and will take 2-3 hours to complete. Starting at the Port of Silverdale Boat Ramp, we will paddle south through the Port Washington Narrows and past Bremerton with the current that flows like a river and finish at the beach in Port Orchard, WA.
This in-person event promises a day filled with fun activities, delicious food, and a chance to support the Kitsap National Water Trail. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just looking for a good time by the water, this event is perfect for everyone. Save the date and get ready for a memorable day on the beautiful water trails of Kitsap!
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The Admiral Theatre Presents: |
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The Drifters, The Platters,
and Cornell Gunther's Coasters
Saturday, June 8, 2024, 8:00 pm
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Three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame acts – One Great Show!
It’s not a concert…it’s a party! Spend a nostalgic evening saluting 3 of the world's most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the Rock & Roll/Doo Wop sound: Cornell Gunther’s Coasters (Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak, Poison Ivy); The Platters featuring 4 of America’s premier singers performing their greatest hits (Only You, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, The Great Pretender); and The Drifters, one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups touring the U.S. again under the auspices of their original management team with their 50 year catalog of hits (Under the Boardwalk, Up on the Roof, This Magic Moment, and On Broadway).
Combined, these three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame groups have been associated with well over forty of the top classic songs in Rock & Roll history. From “Under the Boardwalk” to “Only You” to “Yakety Yak”, very few artists can boast of a richer musical resume. With such incredible musical diversity - from the comedy of Cornell Gunter’s Coasters to the romance of The Platters to the Motown Magic of The Drifters - this show has songs to please every palate, delivered just the way you remember them, when you first heard them on the radio.
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Clearwater Casino Resort:
Joel Gibson Jr.
Eclectic Outlaw Album Release Party
Saturday, June 8, 2024, 7:00 pm
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Join us Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at 7pm as Joel Gibson Jr., the PNW’s premier independent country/rock artist, celebrates the release of his latest album, “Eclectic Outlaw”, in the Beach Rock Music & Sports. Joel will be debuting all his new music plus some favorites from the past.
More than just the name of the album, Joel Gibson Jr. truly expresses his persona as the Eclectic Outlaw and invites all fun-loving people who never shy away from a party or an opportunity to make memories with those who share the same passion for diverse, exciting music. If that sounds like you, then this is your show – so come ready to have a great time. Once you experience Joel’s powerful stage presence, engaging baritone vocals, sincere storytelling, and expert musicianship, it’s a good bet you’ll be a fan of the Eclectic Outlaw, too.
A Washington state native, Joel has performed all over, from the PNW to the Virgin Islands, Tennessee, North Carolina and beyond. He’s opened for numerous artists including Joe Nichols, Trace Adkins, Chris Janson and more. Recently winning the Northwest CMA for Platinum Regional Touring Artist, he was also selected as one of the top five finalists in the Country Evolution fan-voted Artist to Watch 2023.
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Make Music Day
Saturday, June 22, 2024, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
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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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