Wednesday, August 16, 2023 |
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Hottest Temps of the Year This Week
Here's how to stay cool in Kitsap County
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The National Weather Service is predicting “dangerously hot conditions” across much of Western Washington through Thursday evening. Temperatures are forecasted to reach the high 90s and pass 100 degrees in some areas. This means it’s time for people to plan and take precautions to stay cool and safe, both outdoors and at home.
Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. Since many Washingtonians do not have air conditioning in their homes, cooling off can be a challenge, particularly for people with health conditions, the elderly, and infants.
Cooling centers are a key resource in protecting people from heat-related illness and other complications caused by hot weather. Many regional cooling centers will be set up across the state and are free to the public during heat events. Dial 2-1-1 or use the statewide online resource here to find cooling centers near you. Please call 7-1-1 before dialing 2-1-1 for TYY services. Language assistance is available.
Other key recommendations for heat safety include:
- Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible.
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Keep your home cool by closing windows and shades during daylight hours. Use your stove and oven less to keep temperatures cooler inside.
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Check on your friends, family, and neighbors before bedtime. Assist those who are vulnerable or at higher risk, neighbors who are elderly, ill, or may need help.
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Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids but don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
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Keep outdoor pets safe and make sure they have protection from heat. Walk on grass instead of asphalt, which can burn your pet's paws. Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.
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Take frequent breaks when working outdoors. Wear wide-brimmed hats, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and protect your skin from sunburn.
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Do not rely on a fan as your only cooling source. While electric fans might provide some comfort, they won’t prevent heat-related illness when temperatures are very hot.
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If you notice symptoms of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), act immediately. Move to a cooler location to rest for a few minutes and seek medical attention right away if you do not feel better.
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Avoid extreme temperature changes. Warm temperatures do not necessarily mean warm water. Rivers and lakes are still very cold this time of year, and jumping into cold open water can result in shock, arrythmias, and drowning. Cold showers combined with hot body temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially for elders and children. Ease into temperature changes.
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Follow water safety tips if you go swimming or boating. Remember swimming in open water is very different from swimming in a pool. Make sure to wear a life jacket that fits.
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Check for restrictions or warnings in your area before lighting outdoor fires. High temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire risk.
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Kitsap Transit Offers Free Rides to Local Cooling Centers |
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Effective immediately through Wednesday, August 16
Kitsap Transit is collaborating with the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management to offer free bus rides to cooling centers through Wednesday, Aug. 16.
These centers, located across the county, are run by Kitsap Regional Library, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties and the Salvation Army in Bremerton. The cooling centers can be found at seven Kitsap Regional Library locations (Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Manchester, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Silverdale, and Sylvan Way) and two YMCA locations (Bremerton and Silverdale).
If you have questions, contact Customer Service at 360.373.2877 or 800.501.RIDE.
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YMCA Offers Cooling Stations |
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To serve and support our communities, YMCA’s throughout Kitsap and Pierce counties are offering our locations as Cooling Centers to beat the heat. If a community member (non-member) visits our center or mentions our location as a cooling center, the guest fee will be waived. The community member (non-member) must sign a waiver and have their ID scanned prior to entry.
For more information, please visit the Facebook pages for our local Bremerton and Haselwood locations:
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Special Member Showcase & Networking @ August Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 11:00 am
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Join us this month as we highlight YOU, our members, in our Member Showcase and Networking Event. First priority is given to members who have joined since July 2022, but all members are invited to participate. Half-tables will be available to set up a display showcasing your business, so let us know if you'd like to participate! Please note, you must register for the luncheon as you normally would. If you'd like a half-table reserved for your display, please contact us at hello@greaterkitsapchamber.com .
We'll also hear from Jenn Evenson and Stephanie Kirk and learn all about the new health insurance benefit now available for all Greater Kitsap Chamber member businesses. You won't want to miss hearing about this exciting new benefit!
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Ribbon Cutting: CKFR Station 52
Saturday, August 19, 2023, 11:00 am
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Ribbon Cutting: Daisy Mae Consignment
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 4:00 pm
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Special Event Coming Soon
Blackberry Festival Weekend
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Save-the-Date: Heroes Golf Tournament
Friday, September 29, 2023
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It's time to start rounding up your golf foursomes - the Heroes Golf Tournament returns on September 29th! Enjoy a day on the links at Gold Mountain Golf Club, try your luck at winning our "Wheelbarrow of Booze," connect with the Greater Kitsap Business community and more! |
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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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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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Green Power from PSE
Did you know that 73% of Americans would stop purchasing from a company that doesn’t care about climate change? Show your business’ commitment to the environment by enrolling in a renewable energy program through Puget Sound Energy.
PSE’s Green Power program offers a simple and affordable way to match all or a portion of your business’ electricity use with renewable energy like wind and solar from right here in the Pacific Northwest. When you enroll, PSE purchases renewable energy from independent resources on your behalf. Easily reduce your environmental impact with no contract or equipment to install and maintain. Plus, your participation helps fund grants for solar projects at local community organizations.
“Supporting renewable energy is a simple, cost-effective way for businesses, and residents, to move our grid away from fossil fuels.” – Matt Galvin, Co-Owner of Pagliacci Pizza
Enrolling in Green Power costs as little as $4 per month. PSE offers flexible options to let you match 100% or a portion of your electricity use, making it an affordable way to reduce your business’ carbon footprint.
When a business enrolls, PSE provides turnkey marketing assets for web and social media to promote your sustainability. Easily show your commitment to your customers, employees and the planet by joining the hundreds of local businesses already enrolled.
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Growing Greater Businesses Grant Spotlight:
Digital Helpmates
Transforming your digital world, one password at a time
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Join us on an inspiring journey as we delve into the world of entrepreneur Laura Moynihan and her business, Digital Helpmates. Discover the uncommon and inspirational elements that have made Digital Helpmates a pillar of support and expertise in the Kitsap community. From networking to self-care, Laura's story offers invaluable insights for emerging entrepreneurs and fellow business owners. Learn how she fosters genuine connections, prioritizes local businesses, and provides personalized assistance. Find out how Laura's commitment to balance, collaboration, and self-care can transform your digital journey.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SBDC: How to Write a Business Plan
Thursday, August 17, 2023, 11:00 am
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Do you want to start your own business? Are you wondering what steps you need for a successful start? Join us for this webinar to learn all about writing a business plan. We will review topics included in standard business plans such as executive summary, business structure, management, marketing, and financials. You will come away from the webinar with solid ideas of how to get started on your business plan. |
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Black Business Leadership Conference
Saturday, August 19, 2023, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth, created in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. to bring attention to the needs of more than two million Black-owned businesses operating across America.
Here in Washington, Rudd's RUBB Initiative is eager to bring awareness, access, and education to Black Business Leaders during the month of August and beyond.
In 2021, Ezell’s Famous Chicken Co-Founders Lewis and Darnell Rudd, along with their sister Faye Stephens, in partnership with DoorDash and other partners in prosperity, introduced the Rudd’s R.U.B.B. (Raising Up Black Businesses) Initiative, a precedent-setting initiative designed to financially empower Black-owned businesses.
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Save-the-Date: WA Biz Fair 2023
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Biz Fair is a free, annual event for current and aspiring small business owners to learn about the programs, resources, and technical assistance available to help start and grow a small business. Biz Fair is the longest running all government and non-profit-run small business fair in Washington State.
- Saturday, September 23, 2023
- Location: Pierce College Puyallup campus (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
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Proposed Changes to WA's Heat Pump
Rule Would Still Effectively Ban
Natural Gas in New Homes
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There was a twist last week in the battle over Washington's controversial new heat pump rule. An advisory panel has recommended a credit system to offer incentives for builders to install electric heat pumps rather than mandate it, the Washington State Standard reported. But the proposal would still push builders off natural gas and drive up the cost of housing, industry groups said.
Catch up: The Washington Building Code Council's now-delayed rule requires electric heat pumps in all new homes in Washington, effectively banning the use of natural gas to heat new homes, in an effort to reduce carbon emissions.
The rule, originally supposed to start in July, was delayed until Oct. 29 after a federal appeals court thew out a similar restriction in Berkeley, California. The council then directed the advisory panel to recommend revisions to Washington's rule that align with federal law while still effectively phasing out natural gas in new homes.
While not a mandate on their face, the panel's proposed revisions make it "infeasible" to use natural gas in new buildings, noted Andrea Smith, policy and research manager for the Building Industry Association of Washington.
To meet the required number of credits, a builder would have to add a bunch of solar panels that would drive up the cost of building a home, Smith told the Standard.
Legal challenges: A coalition of builders, labor unions and three natural gas providers filed a lawsuit in March to block the statewide heat pump rule, arguing the rule would raise costs of new homes. In July, a federal judge denied their request to overturn the requirements, and the plaintiffs dropped the case earlier this month.
“However, this decision, and the plaintiffs' decision to voluntarily dismiss the case, allows us to focus our full attention on persuading the state Building Code Council to restore greater access to natural gas in new residential and commercial construction,” Jackson Maynard, general counsel for the Building Industry Association of Washington, told the Standard.
Contact Government Affairs Director Peter Godlewski to learn more and get involved.
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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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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to be one of only five Chambers statewide selected to partner with the Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) to bring education and resources to nonprofits in Western Washington. Stay tuned to this section of our weekly newsletter for education, resources and more for our nonprofit community.
To learn more about NAWA, please visit their website here.
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How Nonprofits Can Engage with
26 Million Potential Donors
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Photo: Pexels by Christina Morillo
Fundraisers can establish relationships with local companies to encourage ongoing support and engagement from these potential donors. These connections can lead to monetary support, volunteer hours and a broader network of community supporters.
Fundraisers should engage and foster relationships with these potential donors to help encourage ongoing support to the causes that align with their donors’ passions. The more an individual is involved with a nonprofit, the more likely they will continue to interact with them — whether as a volunteer, donor or sharing the nonprofit’s mission with their network. The more the nonprofit engages with that donor, the more likely the individual will grant more money to support that nonprofit.
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North Kitsap Service Center Work to Begin |
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Kitsap County Commissioners approved a contract on August 2, 2023 with Clark Construction, Inc. to build a new North Kitsap Service Center that will include both a road operations facility to improve maintenance support for unincorporated areas of North Kitsap and a household hazardous waste collection facility to serve all local residents. Crews are anticipated to begin clearing trees and grading the site within the next three weeks. Construction of this facility is estimated to be complete by March of 2025.
Project Contacts:
Jacques Dean, Road Superintendent
Eirik O'Neal, Outreach Coordinator
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Help Kitsap Youth: Survey for NK and Bremerton Residents |
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If you live, work, or have children attending school in the Bremerton and North Kitsap areas of Kitsap County, please take a short, anonymous community survey to help guide development and delivery of Kitsap County Substance Abuse and Prevention Services to local youth and their families. We're relying on your experiences to prioritize how we use funding to meet the needs of our communities.
Scan the QR codes on the flyer or click on the links below to complete the survey:
The Kitsap County Substance Abuse Coalitions are working with our partners at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to gather your input to ensure funding and resources are targeted to those most in need. The survey is open through November 1, 2023.
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YMCA Summer Concert: Navy Band NW
Friday, August 25, 2023, 6:00 pm
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The Haselwood Family YMCA Advisory Council & staff are pleased to welcome Navy Band NW back to our popular and FREE community concert series.
The Navy Band NW performs hits from the 60,70, 80's and up to today.
This event will include the band, food and dessert truck, bounce house for the kiddos and more.
Invite your friends, bring your own blanket or chairs and enjoy the evening with great music and entertainment.
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Summer Fundraiser for Kitsap Humane Society
August & September, 2023
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Sip wine and save animals this summer during Wine & Whiskers! Enjoy delicious local wines while supporting Kitsap Humane Society this summer during Wine & Whiskers presented by MUDBAY: a self-guided two-month-long wine tour benefiting animals in need. With the purchase of a ticket, participants will receive a Wine & Whiskers passport allowing them to redeem one free tasting experience at each of our participating wineries during the months of August and September All ticket sales go towards Kitsap Humane Society’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome thousands of animals in our community. Thanks to you, we can provide comfort, care, and critical services to pets who need our help. Featured Wineries:
- d'Vine Wines
- Details Wine Bar
- Eagle Harbor Wine Co.
- Eleven Winery
- Hard Hat Winery
- Holy Water A heavenly Lounge
- Hoodsport Winery
- Marrowstone Vineyards
- Sinclairs Twenty – Two
- Spin Cider
- State 42 Wines
- Wind Rose Cellars
Don't forget to be sure to get your paws on some limited-edition “Drinking Wine, Feline Fine” apparel to sport while you sip this summer! Browse t-shirts, tank tops, and more featuring our adorable Wine & Whiskers mascot. Purchase your apparel here! With your registration you get a promo Code for 10% off your Wine & Whiskers 2023 merchandise.
Must be 21+ to participate.
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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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Silverdale @ Sunset Presents:
Soul Siren
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
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Rock the Dock 2023
Saturdays in August @ Bremerton Waterfront, 5:00 pm
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Admiral Theatre Presents: Liz Longley
Friday, August 18, 2023, 8:00 pm
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Best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. With her deeply emotional music, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition. |
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Chief Seattle Days 2023
August 18 - 20, 2023
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Chief Seattle Days is an annual event that the Suquamish Tribe sponsors to celebrate and honor Chief Seattle for all of his historical accomplishments. As the celebration grows, Suquamish tribal members and community members lead the events you see on the schedule. Some events are ones that the Suquamish community thought would be fun and some are focused on the revitalization of Coast Salish traditions and culture. This celebration is open to the public and people from around the world are invited to experience the Suquamish Tribe’s hospitality, culture and fun.
Chief Seattle Days is sponsored by The Suquamish Tribe.
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Wings Over Washington
August 18 & 19, 2023
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Trace Adkins @ Kitsap County Fair & Stampede
Sunday, August 27, 2023, 5:00 pm
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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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Tiffany Diamond
Events Coordinator
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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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