Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | |
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Last Week to Reserve Your Booth
for Military Appreciation Day
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Join us for a fun day sharing your business with the greater military community of Kitsap County at the GKC's Annual Military Appreciation Day! This year, we are excited that 3 ships and 2 submarines are in our home port of Bremerton which means more military families to enjoy this family day at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion. For more information and to secure your booth space now, please contact Tiffany at the Chamber or call our office at (360) 692-6800. | |
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February Membership Luncheon
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
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Join us for our annual State of Kitsap luncheon, with special guest speakers, Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler and Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters. Hear from our local elected leaders about accomplishments from this last year, and what 2025 has in store for both Bremerton and Kitsap County. You won't want to miss this informative luncheon!
This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center. Paid parking is available on the GREEN (2nd level) underneath the Conference Center.
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You're Invited: Deep-Dive Business Series
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 2:00 pm
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is expanding its Business & Professional Development offerings in 2025, bringing you even more opportunities to grow and thrive.
Is this the year you take your business and professional skills to the next level?
You can—with our 4-part development series designed for those ready to go beyond the basics and dive deeper into the strategies that drive long-term success.
This series is not just another workshop—it’s a deeper focused supplement to the Chamber’s existing business training programs. Each session is designed to go below the surface of business development, equipping you with the insights and tools needed to sustain and scale your success.
What Makes This Series Different?
🔹 In-Depth Exploration – We’ll go beyond surface-level advice to tackle the real challenges and opportunities in business growth.
🔹 Learn from Experience – You’ll hear from speakers that are business owners who’ve “done it” and will share what has worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned.
🔹 Real-World Application – It’s not just talk! You’ll get insights and ideas that you can implement in your business.
🔹 Interactive Learning – Engage in discussions and exercises tailored to business and professional development.
The 4-Part Deep Dive
📍 Session 1 (March) - Partnering for Growth: Building Business to Business Relationships
Explore three game-changing B2B connections—physical networks, out-of-the-box collaborations, and referral partnerships—to drive business growth and success.
📍 Session 2 (June) - Cultivating Customers: Building Business to Customer Relationships
Dive into how to find and attract your ideal customers, turn them into loyal brand ambassadors, and craft a compelling business story that people can’t wait to share!
📍 Session 3 (August) - Thriving Locally: Strategies for Brick & Mortar Success
Discuss challenges of a brick-and-mortar business, brainstorm how to overcome those challenges, and how to seize opportunities for long-term success.
📍 Session 4 (October) - Diverse & Dynamic: Thriving as a Minority-Owned Business
Explore the realities of minority business ownership—overcoming challenges, capitalizing on opportunities, leveraging programs, and building networks for lasting success!
Events are free of charge, and open to Chamber members only.
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Chamber: Off the Clock @ Vibe Coworks
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 5:05 pm
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Looking for a Travel Escape in 2025?
Travel Abroad with the Chamber
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Contact Irene to learn more! | |
Insurance Needs for You & Your Employees: Business Health Trust Has You Covered | |
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Big changes are coming to healthcare and insurance in 2025. Did you know the IRS has expanded preventative care benefits for high-deductible health plans? This includes coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, continuous glucose monitors, and certain insulin products.
Our partner, Business Health Trust has summarized the insurance and healthcare changes impacting Washington employers and employees this year.
Click the link to read:
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news_insights/insurance-changes-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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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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Share Your Business News in
Kitsap Business Magazine
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A Haven for Book Lovers and Community Connection
Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Poulsbo, Away With Words Bookshop is more than just a place to buy books—it's a sanctuary for readers, writers, and dreamers alike. With a thoughtfully curated selection of titles, a welcoming atmosphere, and a deep commitment to fostering literary love in the community, this independent bookshop has become a cherished destination for bibliophiles of all ages.
The journey of Away With Words Bookshop began with a simple yet profound love for books and the connections they create. Established with the goal of offering a diverse and inclusive selection, this independent bookstore is dedicated to ensuring that every reader can find a story that speaks to them. Whether it’s a timeless classic, an exciting new release, or a hidden gem from an indie author, the shop prides itself on providing a collection that caters to all interests and backgrounds.
Beyond selling books, Away With Words Bookshop is a space where literature thrives in a warm, welcoming environment. From book signings to reading groups, the shop actively fosters a community of readers who share their passion for storytelling and meaningful discussions.
Relatively new members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber since January of 2024, owners Bittina and Kevin Sheen have jumped into Chamber activity showing their love for local businesses and nonprofits alike. Stay tuned as we celebrate this hidden gem in Poulsbo all month!
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First Major Cutoff Date is Friday | |
Business & Professional Development Committee | |
Member Education & Training Resources | |
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SCORE: The Art of Grant-Writing with AI
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 1:00 pm
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Enhance your grant-writing skills with AI technology. This workshop introduces AI tools such as ChatGPT that can streamline your research, writing, and editing processes. Learn how to align your proposals with grant-makers’ priorities and maintain a personal touch in AI-assisted proposals. See a live demonstration of creating a grant proposal using AI and understand the ethical considerations involved.
- How to use ChatGPT and other AI tools for research and writing grant proposals.
- Techniques to align proposals with grant-makers’ priorities.
- Strategies for maintaining authenticity in AI-assisted proposals.
- Plagiarism and other ethical considerations of using AI in grant writing.
- Real-World Application: View a live demonstration of your steps to developing a grant proposal using AI.
This is an entry level workshop suitable for nonprofit professionals and grant writers who want to develop or enhance nonprofit grant proposals using AI.
Registration Fee: FREE
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Summit Business Workshop
Friday, February 21, 2025, 9:30 am
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Matchstick Lab Business Accelerator
Applications Open thru February 28, 2025
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The 2025 accelerator will double its reach, supporting 24 entrepreneurs with enhanced mentorship, training, and resources in both Bremerton and Poulsbo.
Kitsap’s small business entrepreneurs have a new opportunity to grow their ventures with the launch of Cohort III of the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator, which has significantly expanded for 2025.
Executed by Matchstick Lab, in partnership with Kitsap Bank, Kitsap Community Resources BE$T Program, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Rice Fergus Miller, Spark Commons, and Vibe Coworks, the no-cost, 13-week program provides hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and an unmatched network of peers and community business leaders.
Now in its third year, the Micro Business Accelerator is doubling in size, welcoming 24 early-stage small business owners, and offering dedicated classes in both the North and South ends of the county to increase accessibility and impact.
Learn more and apply now
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De-Escalation Training Offered at OC
March 3, 2025
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Unlock the Secret to GROWTH
an Executive Leadership Masterclass
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 8:00 am
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Business News & Resources | |
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AWB Hosts Webinar for WA Employers
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 2:30 pm
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Federal focus: AWB will host a webinar called “What’s Next for Employers under the Trump Administration” at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. The webinar will cover tariffs, immigration policy, and other federal topics.
Hear from trusted voices: During the webinar, you’ll hear from experts tapped into national policy issues, including:
- Craig Leen is a partner at K&L Gates in the Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice group. He previously served as director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, a federal civil rights enforcement agency at the U.S. Department of Labor.
Additional speakers to be announced.
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Kitsap ABC Business Boost Grant | |
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. | |
1st Quarter Webinars for Small Businesses
L&I Essentials for Business webinars cover:
- Essentials about workers' compensation, quarterly reporting, what to do if your employee is injured, workplace safety and health requirements, wage and hour laws, and contractor registration rules;
- How to access a range of L&I resources and services designed to help your business save time and money; and
- Various ways L&I partners with you to keep your workforce safe and healthy.
Upcoming monthly 80-minute L&I Essentials for Business Webinars:
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Nonprofit News & Resources | |
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5 Nonprofit Trends to Help
Your Organization Thrive in 2025
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Published on NonProfitPRO.com, February 13, 2025
Image: Getty Images by g-stockstudio
The new presidential administration has already begun to wreak havoc on nonprofit budgets and missions. With nonprofits fearing the full impact federal policies will have on their budgets as they continue to face fewer donors giving to their organizations, NonProfit PRO has created its annual compilation of trends for 2025.
We asked our readers to share their predictions (some are already becoming a reality) for the year ahead, and nonprofit professionals, consultants, technologists and educators have shared what they foresee to be the latest trends in the nonprofit sector. The list is broken down into six sections: big ideas; fundraising; technology and data analytics; donor engagement and behavior; leadership and board strategy; and mission awareness and impact.
Be sure to download the full “40 Nonprofit Trends for 2025” resource, but here’s your sneak peek at five of our trends for this year.
Click here for the full article
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Nonprofit Fundamentals Series | |
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Community-Needs Survey Launched
to Gather Input on Funding Priorities
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Kitsap County is launching a community survey to gather feedback on local needs and priorities for housing, services, economic development, public facilities and infrastructure improvements. This information will be used to develop a consolidated plan for 2026-2030.
Kitsap County and the City of Bremerton receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funding each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds, along with the County's Community Investments in Affordable Housing (CIAH) funds, are used to provide housing, economic opportunity, public facilities and infrastructure principally for low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods.
Every five years the County and all Kitsap cities work together to gather data and feedback from community members and agencies that provide services to develop a set of priorities to guide the allocation of funds over the next five years. Community input will ensure the new consolidated plan reflects the knowledge, experience, needs and perspective of residents.
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Kitsap County Project Kick-Off
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 5:30 pm
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We’re looking forward to kicking off the Year of the Rural with you! To ensure the best possible experience, we’ve moved the kickoff meeting to March 4, 2025 (previously scheduled for February 19).
The event will now take place at the Village Green Community Center, located at 26159 Dulay Rd NE in Kingston.
The time remains the same: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, and a virtual option will be available for those who prefer to join remotely.
We also want to ensure that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts, the community survey will now remain open until March 7, 2025.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at compplan@kitsap.gov.
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Poulsbo Could See Paid
Downtown Parking by Summer
City Council to vote on resolution tonight
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Published in the Kitsap Sun, Feb. 17, 2025
Image: MEEGAN M. REID/Kitsap Sun
Paid parking could be coming to downtown Poulsbo as soon as this summer, pending approval from the Poulsbo City Council on Wednesday.
The council is poised to establish a timeline to implement paid parking in certain downtown area, improved signage, increase employee parking, and add parking enforcement. Some details will continue to be hashed out in further meetings, but the resolution coming before the council on Wednesday gives an idea of what the parking system restructure will look like.
Read the full story here
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Return of the Hydrofoil: Puget Sound Passenger Ferries in the Works | |
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Published in The Seattle Times, Feb. 16, 2025
Image: Courtesy of Artemis Technologies
A flying ferry sounds like a flight of fancy, but it may soon be the way some waterborne commuters get across Puget Sound.
Two local endeavors are aiming to build passenger-only boats with hydrofoils — underwater wings that lift a boat’s hull out of the water, lessening drag on the vessel for a faster, less choppy journey and producing little to no wake, allowing them to sail close to shore without disturbing banks or piers.
These efforts, though still in the works, could promise a greener commute and a win for climate measures that may well best Washington State Ferries. The state is still years away from building new hybrid electric ferries to replace its aging fleet of diesel guzzlers.
Read the full story here
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WSDOT Travel Advisory: Expect daytime delays on SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge starting Tuesday, Feb. 1
Washington State Department of Transportation crews will reduce the span to one-way alternating traffic during daytime hours. Annual maintenance work will take place Feb. 18-21 and an in-depth bridge inspection will occur Feb. 24-27.
Work schedule:
- 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 through Friday, Feb. 21
- 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 through Thursday, Feb. 27
What to expect:
- Single-lane alternating traffic on the bridge.
- At least 30 minutes of additional travel time in each direction.
- Law enforcement officers will direct traffic at the intersection of SR 305 and Suquamish Way Northeast.
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Kitsap Antique Show
February 22-23, 2025
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Kitsap Regional Library Community Survey | |
Bremerton YMCA Summer Camp Registration | |
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Kitsap County Substance Abuse
Prevention & Youth Services Event
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2:00 pm
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Homebuyer Webinar
Sunday, March 2, 2025, 9:00 am
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Join us as we walk you through the homebuying process from beginning to end and beyond. You will learn about getting pre-approved, how to choose your homebuying team, the variety of down payment assistance programs available, what to look for in a home, how to navigate today's ever-changing real estate market, and more! We are here to help you gain the confidence you need to make educated decisions throughout your homebuying journey.
Webinar link provided upon registration.
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Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Can I still get COVID-19 tests?
You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov
Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance.
If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.
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Free immunization clinics for children
Kitsap Public Health is offering free immunization clinics for children 18 and younger on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 in Bremerton. Our clinic provides flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and routine childhood immunizations.
Learn more and book an appointment at kitsappublichealth.org/clinic.
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Admiral Theatre Presents:
Broadway's Rock of Ages Band
Friday, February 21, 2025, 7:30 pm
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The driving, music force that rocked Broadway and millions of fans in the ground-breaking musical ROCK OF AGES...
This band of Rock Star musicians and Lead singers from the original cast, electrified performances of the 5-time Tony Award nominated show for over seven years and now they are available in a thrilling concert for everyone.
With a serious commitment to playing great ‘80s rock hits the way they were meant to be played, these elite musicians and singers crush those songs in a concert performance that must be seen. THIS IS REAL ROCK by rock stars. THIS IS BROADWAY’S ROCK OF AGES BAND®. All the members were specifically selected, from popular rock bands, to bring a renewed life to the music and hits from many of the best bands of the ‘80’s, including songs by Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Journey, Whitesnake, Poison, Joan Jett, Styx, Pat Benatar, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Quiet Riot and many more...ALL IN ONE EXCITING PERFORMANCE! In fact, the musicians in this band have also played with or currently play with, many of these artists. The lead singers are well-known Broadway stars who have appeared around the world in celebrated productions and deliver lead vocals with the quality and energy that brings these concerts to a whole new level.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
El Loco - ZZ Top Tribute
Friday, February 21, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Pretenders UK - Pretenders Tribute
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 8:30 pm
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BCT Presents: Agatha Christie's Spider's Web
February 7 - March 2, 2025
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Spider's Web by Agatha Christie
In Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web, the charming and imaginative Clarissa Hailsham-Brown finds herself in a real-life mystery when a dead body turns up in her drawing room. As the wife of a diplomat, she’s used to spinning tales of adventure, but this time, she must navigate the chaos of a murder investigation while trying to keep her household in order. With the help of her quirky guests and the arrival of the wry Inspector Lord, hilarity ensues as they attempt to dispose of the body before her husband returns with an important politician. This delightful comedy-thriller is filled with suspense, hidden doorways, secret drawers, and Christie’s signature blend of tension and humor.
Content Advisory: Themes of murder, mystery, and deception, all presented in a comedic and light-hearted manner; some mature themes related to crime and deception, but they are handled with Christie’s characteristic wit and charm; there is no graphic violence, though the plot revolves around a murder and the comedic attempts to hide the body; there are mentions of drug addicts, but these are not central to the plot and are handled in a non-explicit manner.
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Save-the-Date: Bremerton Air Show 2025
July 12 & 13, 2025
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If you are a vendor looking to be a part of the 2025 Bremerton Air Show,
please visit their vendor site HERE.
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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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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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