Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Important News for You
Community Project Funding Initiative
Congressional funding for 2025 has short window to apply
Following the initiative by the bipartisan Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress in FY 2022, the House Appropriations Committee introduced the Community Project Funding initiative. This allows Congress members to direct federal funds to projects addressing significant community needs. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, public entities, and specific non-profit organizations. Projects should demonstrate significant support from the community. If you know of deserving projects in your region that you would like to see funded, please have them apply. 

For details on past CPF requests by Rep. Kilmer, please click here.
Chamber News
Check out and like the
Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!
Bremerton GreenDrinks @ The Fleethouse
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 5:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting @ BC Fitness & TechFit Studios
Friday, March 15, 2024, 12:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting @ The Kids' Dentist Silverdale
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 4:00 pm
Kitsap Women's Summit
Thursday, March 21, 2024
We are excited to share that this event sold out in less than a day! This half day of conversation, community, and personal and professional development, curated for
women by women, is made possible through grants from our generous sponsors

Please note that registration is required for this event and you must have a ticket to attend. If you registered and are not able to attend, please contact us so that we can get your ticket to someone on our wait list. We will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.
March Luncheon @ KGCC:
Marketing Strategies in the Age of Robots
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 11:00 am
Join us this month as expert marketer, Maureen Jann, shares her advice on how to market your small business utilizing the technology of today. AI and ChatGPT don't have to be the enemy! Strengthen your business and your business connections at the Greater Kitsap Chamber monthly membership luncheon - you won't want to miss!

Don't forget your donations for our monthly raffle! Proceeds benefit the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation's scholarship programs.

This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club.
Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits
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/

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.
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!
Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
Member News
Commerce Invests $30.4 million to Add
High-Quality Early Learning Spaces
Grant will fund 42 facilities, serving nearly 2,500 children
The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), has awarded $30.4 million in grants to 42 early learning providers across the state.

Early Learning Facilities grants provide financial assistance to Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) providers to plan, expand, remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities and classrooms.

These grants will create at least 2,422 new child care slots.

View the complete list of projects awarded funding and a map of where they are located.

“Access to childcare is foundational for working parents and a critical component for equitable participation in the economy,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “Early Learning Facilities investments will bring high-quality childcare to Washington communities so that parents can work, knowing that their children are secure and thriving in a safe environment.”

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is happy to announce that our 2023 Business of the Year recipient, Treetop Village, is the recipient of one of these grants and as a result will be able to add 332 new childcare slots here in Kitsap. Congratulations, Treetop Village!

KCAR Launches Campaign Sharing Efforts on Fairness & Transparency
Member Spotlight
Photonatix Photobooth Rentals & Beyond
It's not everyday that one of our members calls us up to make sure they have their digital membership badge because they want to include it on their ad in the middle of Times Square in New York City, but that's what happened as Photonatix traveled to Manhattan to work during Fashion Week in early February. Their ads were featured on one of the largest billboards in Times Square, and the Greater Kitsap Chamber got a huge nod by being included. Many thanks from the Chamber to our March Member of the Month - Photonatix Photobooth Rentals & Beyond!
Contact Photonatix for all your photobooth needs and elevate your event today! Visit www.photonatixbooth360.com to learn more.
Education Committee
Member Education & Training Resources
OMWBE Certifications & How to Get Lending
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 10:00 am
SCORE: Paid, Earned and Owned Media - Three Essential Elements to Marketing Success
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 9:00 am
Your marketing plan is not just building a website and doing a few social media posts. Most businesses can benefit from a multi disciplined approach that includes website, SEO, social media, email marketing, PR and online advertising. This webinar will show you how these elements (What we call "Push, Pull and Amplify") work together to guide your business on a road to marketing success.

We will discuss:

PULL
  • Why a properly built website is important for optimal search engine rankings
  • What is SEO. How to organically improve search engine rankings.
  • Google Ads vs Facebook Ads. Why, when and where you should advertise your business.

PUSH
  • Public Relations and how it is different than Advertising
  • Why hire a seasoned publicist
  • The PR Toolbox- Press releases and media lists
  • Free PR tools vs Paid tools to get publicity

AMPLIFY
  • Where, when and what you should do with social media for your business
  • Content calendar to help you organize your marketing campaigns
  • Digital tools to help you tell your story easier
  • Importance of E-Mail marketing

We tie it all together at the end to show you how we determine which marketing elements are right for your business!

Workshop Fee: FREE
Three Basic Financial Reports
Every Business Should Have
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 1:00 pm
In this SBDC webinar, you will discuss the three basic financial reports that every business should have whether it is a start-up or a well-established business. This session will delve into who the typical users will be, what questions they may ask, and how you can use these reports to operate your business.

The instructor, Ann Zimmerman, is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor and has over thirty years of experience in business and has worked in various industries including retail, construction services, manufacturing, healthcare, and not-for-profit.
Business News & Resources
Consumer Trends Forecast for 2024:
Bright Spots Amidst Economic Challenges

Despite economic challenges like inflation and high interest rates, 2023 illuminated several bright spots across various consumer-facing sectors. From the influence of star power in retail and stadiums to the rise of second-hand apparel and the emphasis on experiential dining and entertainment, emerging trends in 2023 are poised to shape the consumer landscape in 2024.
KEDA Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 11:00 am
Featuring economists Hart Hodges and James McCafferty, co-directors of the Western Washington University Center for Economic & Business Research who will provide valuable insights into the economic forecast for the upcoming year.
Small Business Grants You Can
Apply for in March 2024

The FedEx Small Business Grants Program
Every year, FedEx offers one small business a $50,000 grant and nine others a $20,000 grant to help grow their businesses. So far, the company has given away about $1.9 million in grants since 2012. Applicants must be existing FedEx customers with a valid shipping account that has been open at least six months.

The application window opens at noon on March 1, 2024, and closes at noon on April 1, 2024. Grants will be announced on May 16, 2024.

$10,000 grants from the NAACP and L'Oreal
The NAACP, the Hispanic Federation and L'Oreal USA will provide 40 one-time grants of $10,000 to small business and entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Business can use the money to grow their inventory, refine marketing strategies and open new retail locations. This is the second round, and the deadline to apply is March 29, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Barclays offers up to $60,000 for small-business stories
London-based multinational bank Barclays PLC has rolled out its Small Business, Big Wins grant contest, in which small businesses from across the United States can provide a 500 word or less story about their business, alongside a photo, for the chance to win cash prizes.

Businesses need to demonstrate energy, enthusiasm and passion for their business and articulate their positive impact on their community. To be eligible businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and have less than $10 million in annual revenue — and nonprofits are not eligible to participate. 

Barclays will award one $60,000 cash prize, one $40,000 cash prize, one $20,000 cash prize and seven $5,000 cash prizes along with 50 prizes of $2,000 each. Applications are due 5p.m. on March 4, 2024.

LegalZoom expands $3 million small-business grant program with NBA, WNBA
LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small business owners and $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business. 

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. Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. 

Winners will first be announced on social media and Action Opportunity Fund will administer the grant awards. Grant applications close on September 13, 2024 at 8 p.m.

Additional small-business grant opportunities in March:

Business owners looking for more grants, resources, technical assistance or loans to grow their business can check out our more extensive resource page too.

That includes grants with "rolling" admissions in which there is no application date, as well as additional SBA and government resources.
Business Quick-Reads
Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
L&I Resources
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 weekly for education, resources and more from L&I.
Free Workshop with L&I Consultants
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 10:00 am
Get help with your Accident Prevention Plan

Washington state law requires all employers to develop and implement a written safety program tailored to their workplace hazards and needs.

This free workshop is provided by DOSH professional safety and health consultants who will help you build an effective Accident Prevention Program (APP) including:

  • Required written programs
  • Mock facility/jobsite walkthrough
  • What to expect from an L&I consultation
  • Hazard abatement timelines
  • How violations are calculated

Wednesday, March 13th
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Department of Labor & Industries
950 Broadway Suite 200, Tacoma, WA
5th floor Orcas Training Room
Phone: 253-596-3800 │ Fax: 253-596-3903
Nonprofit News & Resources
The Power of Gamified Nonprofit
Marketing and Fundraising
Published on NonProfitPro.com, March 7, 2024
Photo: Getty Images by Alessandro Biascioli

One of the top things any nonprofit has to do is connect with their audience. But, something to keep in mind is that most of the population are millennials and Gen Zers. As a result, the traditional approaches to engaging with supporters need to be tweaked by default as younger generations communicate differently. For instance, one method that works well for that audience is to gamify your fundraising and marketing. 

We know that millennial and Gen Z generations are digital generations. The younger the person, the higher the chance that they prefer digital (e.g., nonprofit texting) instead of in-person chats. One approach that digital and social media platforms have taken in everything from learning a language to productivity tools is to gamify these tools. Moreover, when organizations gamify learning and training to almost everything, they get a pop of engagement. 

Greater Kitsap News
New Homeless Service in Bremerton
Provides Outreach & Enforcement
Published in the Kitsap Sun, March 11, 2024
Photo: Kai Uyehara, Kitsap Sun

Trisha Munson’s hands were full of items from her packed lunch as she walked along MLK Way, stepping over orange peels and bags of belongings, dogs barking in the background. She handed the food to a homeless 17-year-old, who’d been sitting on a sleeping bag outside the Salvation Army on Sixth Street with a few companions. She’d just spoken with them at length about drug treatment, withdrawals and services that may be able to help.

Munson is an outreach worker with Commonstreet Consulting, a Seattle-based firm that has been engaging with Bremerton’s homeless population since December 14, 2023. The firm was initially contracted for a month-long pilot program by the Bremerton Police Department to take on some outreach efforts, and in January landed a year-long, $212,000 contract with the city. Munson and her six co-workers have put high focus on outreach at MLK Way and Broadway Avenue, two areas of downtown Bremerton where encampments grew during 2023 before being cleared, but have potential for repopulation as people continue to gravitate to the area.

County Seeks Feedback on New Automated Ferry Traffic Management System in Kingston
Residents, business owners and other community members in the greater Kingston area are invited and encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Kingston Community Advisory Council from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at the Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, to learn about Kingston ferry traffic congestion mitigation projects with staff from Kitsap County Public Works and Washington State Ferries. There is a virtual meeting option via Zoom.

A new Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS) is planned to replace the current tally system on State Route 104, used to hold traffic outside the downtown corridor then move it through town to ferry toll booths and the holding lot. The estimated activation time of the new ATMS is spring of 2025.

Operational days and times of the ATMS are still being determined and will be based on feedback from the community. This meeting is an opportunity to provide that feedback, learn about how the system will work, the timeline for implementation, where traffic will be routed and proposed signage improvements. There is ample time for questions and to share input. Updates will also be shared on other traffic mitigation projects including a proposed traffic holding lot and the realignment of SR104.

A new website provides information on the project status, answers to frequently asked questions, and extensive documents including traffic studies, cost estimates and more. Go to https://kcowa.us/ATMS to review documents prior to the KCAC meeting. 

Council members will also share announcements about local events and happenings. KCAC meetings are a great way to stay up to date on what's happening and find out how to get involved to help improve the community.
Fix Our Ferries Townhalls
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Suquamish Tribe Plans First Off-Reservation Venture, with Gas Station, Market in Poulsbo
Published in the Kitsap Sun, March 7, 2024

The Suquamish Tribe and Port Madison Enterprises have broken ground on a site at the intersection of Bond Road and Gunderson Road in Poulsbo, where the tribe's first business venture outside of the Port Madison Reservation is planned.

The Clearwater Market, planned as a convenience store, gas station and Agate Dreams cannabis retail store on more than 7,500 square-feet of retail space, is slated for completion later this year and is likely the first of several such projects around Kitsap County.

"This is very exciting to be able to move off reservation, especially to go with gas and marijuana," Irene Carper, Suquamish Tribe Secretary and COO of Port Madison Enterprises, the tribe's business arm, said in a video documenting the groundbreaking ceremony.

"It's a huge deal," she said.
Photo: (Top) Rendition of market by architects at Rice Fergus Miller, courtesy of the Suquamish Tribe. (Middle) GKC's own Board Director and Principal at RFM, Jason Ritter-Lopatowski, participates in the official groundbreaking, Tiffany Diamond Photography. (Bottom) Children from the Suquamish Tribe participate in the groundbreaking ceremony, Tiffany Diamond Photography.
Community Information
Wednesday Morning Networking at the Y
Free networking begins March 13, 2024
Downtown Bremerton Hosts
Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
LeadHERship Event:
Fireside Chat with Monica Guzman
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 5:30 pm
Join Bainbridge Community Foundation for a fireside chat with Mónica Guzmán, journalist and author of the book I Never Thought of it That Way. Mónica is the Senior Fellow for Public Practice at the national cross-partisan depolarization organization Braver Angels, and in this fireside chat, she’ll share her experiences and help the audience gain tools for better understanding or even learning from people with a different or opposed worldview.
Masks & COVID Testing Kits Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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.
Tourism Information
The Admiral Theatre Presents:
An Irish Rambling House
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 7:30 pm
An energetic folk music and dance production that melds the traditions of American, Celtic, and Baroque. Grammy Winning Music. World Class Dancing.

In Ireland, the neighbors would pick a house to ramble to in the evenings to share music, dance, and story. It was these settings that bore their humor, charm, and a sense of community and togetherness which is what Rambling House exemplifies. It is a joyful culture that’s rich in spirit and warmth. Like a steaming mug of Irish coffee in a neighbor’s kitchen on a cold winter’s night, ‘An Irish Rambling House’ will warm the spirit with stories, music, song, and dance from the rich tradition of Ireland. Spend an evening with native Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley, Grammy Award-winner William Coulter, native Irish fiddler and vocalist Eimear Arkins, Irish piper Brian Bigley, and Galway dancer Marcus Donnelly - some of the most gifted performers on either side of the Atlantic.
Prom Date Mixtape:
St. Patrick's 80s New Wave Dance Party
Saturday, March 16, 2024, 8:00 pm
Prom Date Mixtape is the Ultimate Live 80s New Wave Experience and the Best 80s Tribute Band in the Pacific NW! And Bremerton's Admiral Theatre is the ONLY venue in Kitsap where you can see them.

***PLEASE READ*** This is a ST. PATRICK'S themed 80s tribute concert with dancing, a balloon drop, confetti cannons, black light, a costume contest (Green / Irish), drink specials, and free party favors at the door. There will be two sets between 8 - 11 p.m., with a 20-minute break for the band.

IYKYK this is Kitsap's biggest party! PDM has an action-packed night of TOTALLY RAD 80s HITS by Duran Duran, Billy Idol, INXS, Pat Benatar, Tears For Fears, The Go-Gos, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Fixx, Simple Minds, Eurythmics, Depeche Mode & MUCH MORE!

Named “The Greatest 80s Tribute Band in the Pacific Northwest” by KOMO TV 4’s Seattle Refined, Prom Date Mixtape delivers the most authentic and energetic renditions of your favorite decade-defining new wave, pop, and rock tunes that you will ever hear.
Clearwater Casino Resort:
Travis Nelson & Phillip Kopczynski
Friday, March 15, 2024, 9:00 pm
Lucky Town - Bruce Springsteen Tribute
Saturday, March 16, 2024, 9:00 pm
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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David Emmons
President/CEO
Irene Moyer
VP, Membership & Strategic Communications
Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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.