Wednesday, September 20, 2023 |
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The ferry Walla Walla sits moored at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal. (Jennifer Buchanan/The Seattle Times) |
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Another WA Ferry Out for at Least a
Month, Forcing Fleet Shuffle
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The ferry Walla Walla, which had been sailing between Seattle and Bremerton, will be out of service for at least four weeks as crews repair a propeller that broke near Rich Passage last week.
Losing the 188-car Jumbo class boat for a month forces Washington State Ferries to shuffle its fleet yet again, likely meaning more backups on the already thin ferry system.
The state ferry system has recently resembled a game of Tetris. The Walla Walla was pulled from service Friday when the ship started to vibrate. It was replaced by the 144-car Chimacum, which itself had just replaced the 202-car Wenatchee on the Seattle-Bainbridge route, which is out for a year as it’s converted to hybrid-electric. Now, the 64-car Salish will remain on the Bainbridge crossing while the Chimacum stays on Bremerton.
The result of the puzzle is that both the Bremerton and Bainbridge routes have lost capacity. Bainbridge will carry 138 fewer cars between its two boats while Bremerton will carry 44 fewer. Bainbridge is the state’s busiest route, carrying 4.5 million rides in 2022 and more than 8 million before the pandemic.
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September Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Join us for our "State of Education in Kitsap" luncheon. Hear from local leaders in education, learn more about how businesses can connect with and support educators
and education initiatives in our community.
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Heroes Golf Tournament
Friday, September 29, 2023
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There's still time to register your team today - contact Tiffany to sign up!
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Submit Your Nominations Now for
2023 Business Awards Gala
Nominations accepted until September 28th
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RECAP: Open House & Re-Launch Party @
The Spot - a Vibe Space
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Congratulations again to our 2022 Business of the Year, Vibe Coworks, as they relaunched their Bremerton co-working space, The Spot, in Downtown Bremerton last week! Learn more about The Spot and book your meeting or event now by clicking here.
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GKC Visitor Center Volunteers Needed
Sunday, September 24, 2023, 11:30 am
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Join the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center as we welcome participants of the Kitsap Color Classic at the finish line on Sunday. Share all the things there are to do in Kitsap County for the 1000+ visitors to this event. To volunteer at the Visitor Center booth, please contact Community Relations Committee Chair, Leah Thompson, here.
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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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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Friends of the Carlisle II:
Town Square Port Orchard
A new vision for Port Orchard focused on dining & community
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This month we are honoring a group of businesses and their leaders who made up the coalition that brought the pop-up ferry to Silverdale over the Labor Day weekend. Each week we will highlight a new leader and their Kitsap-based business. This week we turn our focus to Zaxium LLC and Town Square Port Orchard, whose support of the ferry pop-up was instrumental.
Many modern improvements have been made to Town Square Port Orchard in the last several years, but this former mall in the heart of Port Orchard has a lot of history.
Built as the South Kitsap Mall in 1981 by Robert “Buck” and Glynnis Gehring, the operation was run by Glynnis and her son Rick until 2005. The mall became a key fixture of local life with students from South Kitsap High School just across the road.
The Gehrings sold the South Kitsap Mall to Larry and Grace Li. The new owners renamed the shopping center Towne Square, and operated the mall for fifteen years.
In early 2021 privately held Zaxium LLC purchased the property, updating the name to Town Square Port Orchard. The transformation of the property began almost immediately, both in visible exterior enhancements including the façade, the new roof, and other key infrastructure repairs and upgrades. These improvements and the new management’s focus on making the mall a dining and event destination are making Town Square Port Orchard a major force in the flourishing South Kitsap community.
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1700 SE Mile Hill Drive | Port Orchard, WA 98366 | 360.895.2112 |
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Groundbreaking at St. Michael Medical
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10:00 am
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Growing Greater Businesses Grant Spotlight:
Lisa Stirrett Creative Warrior Studio
A working glass art studio with a mission to empower women
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A word from Lisa: Since 1988, it has been my goal to create beautiful works of art that impact and inspire. My work has evolved over the years and the different mediums I have mastered have lent themselves to being able to create interior and exterior art for personal, public and commercial use. I started my artistic endeavors with Gyotaku, then proceeded to learn and create with Encaustic, Metal Design, and then the fascinating art of Cast and Fused Glass.
For the last twenty years, I’ve been working primarily with float glass. The world of float glass is exciting but has been widely unknown on how to use it successfully. I continually push the envelope and come up with new and innovative ideas. There are so many reactions, layering and striking combinations that the possibilities are endless. These techniques have given me the opportunity to create original works for communities both locally and globally. I have a motto with my customers; if we can think it, we can make it. I am inspired daily by the nature of our world around us, the splendor of our oceans, wildlife, and ancient history. These ideas meld into much of my work in an elegance that is suggestive and organic. It is my greatest joy to create relative, meaningful and inspiring works of art.
Since 2006 I have owned and operated a working glass studio, which is open to the public. In 2012, I moved my operation to a historical building in Silverdale, WA, which was built in 1946. I am blessed with an entire team dedicated to helping me create custom pieces for my clients and customers, as well as giving back to our communities.
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Coming Soon: 26th Annual Eggs & Issues |
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Childcare Stabilization Act Would Continue COVID-Era Funding for Childcare |
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Last week, U.S. Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash, and Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, jointly introduced legislation to extend pandemic-era federal funds for childcare providers. The American Rescue Plan included $24 billion to help 220,000 childcare providers stay afloat during the pandemic, but the funding will run out on Sept. 30.
The senators proposed $16 billion each year for the next five years to continue the Childcare Stabilization Grant program. "This is an urgent economic priority at every level: childcare is what allows parents to go to work, businesses to hire workers, and it’s an investment in our kids’ futures," Murray said.
When the funding expires, childcare providers say they will likely have to serve fewer children, raise tuition for families, reduce wages for workers, or close their programs for good, according to a May report from the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions. More than 6,800 childcare programs in Washington received stabilization grants.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Business Taxes Seminar
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 6:00 pm
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SCORE: Strategies to Identify & Reach
Your Target Customers
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 9:00 am
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In this Marketing workshop, we start by helping you identify your target market. These are your best potential customers and knowing them helps you create a better product or service. It also makes all your promotional efforts more focused and effective.
We show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market. Then we take you through how to create a value proposition that perfectly captures the unique value your product or service brings to your customers. Next you have to build your marketing message. That’s the information for your brochures, websites, and anything else you use to sell your product or service. We will also review a number of promotional methods and help you draft a promotional plan for your business.
This workshop focuses on hands-on exercises to help you create a target market, value proposition and promotion plan for your business.
Workshop Fee: $40
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Insights into the Holiday Season 2023
Thursday, September 21, 2023
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Experts say this holiday season isn’t likely to be like last year, or the year before. But what exactly will it be like? With consumer sentiment up, inflation down and rapidly shifting parcel carrier landscapes, the 2023 peak holiday season is sure to bring some unexpected twists and turns.
Join Industry Dive’s expert team of journalists from Marketing Dive, Retail Dive and Supply Chain Dive for their second annual holiday season preview, as they share trends that every leader needs to know. Attendees of this free event will hear discussions of the following topics:
- The specific tactics marketers need to know to avoid being left out in the cold this shopping season.
- Where and when consumers will shop during the holidays
- How shipping challenges and opportunities will shape strategies
Plus you’ll hear directly from the c-suite at major companies on how they’re planning for the 2023 holiday season.
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Driving Workplace Culture with Recognition
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 11:00 am
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An organization is only as strong as its work culture. In fact, human talent is worth 2.33X more than any physical or technological asset. But with employees feeling more disengaged from their work today than they have in a decade, companies must ask themselves: What can we do to foster a culture of connection across the organization?
This webinar will share the latest research findings from Gallup and Workhuman on the ways employee recognition can support building a culture of connection and affect key business outcomes such as engagement, productivity, and attrition. You’ll also gain data-backed strategies to help lead a cultural transformation at your company.
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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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BIPOC Business Forum
October 25, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
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Workforce Development Comm |
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New Manufacturing Resources Available
for Teachers & Students
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Education on manufacturing: To help teachers connect students with the quality jobs available in advanced manufacturing, the AWB Institute has just published an array of resources on our new webpage, Manufacturing in the Classroom, which are aimed at supporting career pathways in manufacturing and better connecting classrooms to employers.
Relevant information: These resources include:
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A teacher toolkit, complete with a list of how to get students excited about pursuing a career in manufacturing;
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A video highlighting the high-tech nature of today’s modern manufacturing operations;
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A Manufacturing Week one-page quick guide to help businesses understand how to incorporate education partners in local events and tours; and
A directory of past Manufacturing Week Spotlight videos which showcase employers across the state and can be utilized in the classroom to deepen understanding of the possible career opportunities in manufacturing.
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Business News & Resources |
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US Supply Chain Woes Shift & Persist in 2023 |
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The U.S. supply chain is still recovering from the initial shocks of the pandemic, which caused shipping costs to surge and led to shortages in various goods, ranging from toilet paper to pasta. However, more than three years later, challenges like material shortages and difficulties in hiring persist.
Americans have redirected their purchases away from big-ticket items - like furniture, BBQ grills, and large-screen TVs, to travel and entertainment. This change in demand has brought some relief to struggling shippers as transportation costs, including trucking and ocean shipping, have declined.
The labor market remains tight, contributing to rising costs throughout the supply chain. Material shortages persist, especially for machine parts and, increasingly cement. This is largely due to automakers and manufacturers striving to meet increasing demand, along with the ramp-up of infrastructure projects across the United States.
Dean Croke, a principal analyst at DAT Freight and Analytics, characterizes the situation as a lingering challenge for U.S. supply chains, akin to a "long-term hangover."
Different industries are experiencing varying degrees of impact. The retail sector, which relies heavily on trucking and rail, has softened, while industries like automotive, coal, and non-residential construction materials continue to thrive.
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Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises Celebrates 40 Years of Service |
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OMWBE is celebrating our 40 years of service this September by waiving certification fees until June 2024. We are so excited to invite small businesses throughout the state of Washington to get certified for FREE!
Renewal fees have also been waived, for businesses that are already certified.
While we obtained funding to waive certification fees for the next 9 months, we are pursuing sustainable solutions to eliminate certification fees long-term.
Why Certify?
- Be visible to prime and general contractors
- Gain access to valuable government contracts
- Network with contractors and government agencies
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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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Nonprofit Fundamental Series
Fall 2023, Winter 2024 & Spring 2024
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Build a solid foundation for your organization through the Nonprofit Fundamentals Series. Strengthen your board’s performance, decision-making, and ability to take action. Through the Nonprofit Fundamentals Series, you have access to guides, activities, checklists, samples, reflection questions, and more that you can use immediately with your board and nonprofit. This no-cost series includes the Boards in Gear, Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits, and Let's Go Legal webinars.
Workshops are free, courtesy of the Office of the Secretary of State.
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Estate Planning 101: Your Life & Legacy
presented by Kitsap Community Foundation
Thursday, October 19, 2023, 10:00 am
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Where: Kitsap Universalist Unitarian Fellowship
During this complimentary session, you will learn about:
- Estate Planning and why it is important
- Four key estate planning documents everyone should consider
- Wills – maintain control of assets during your lifetime
- Trusts – save on taxes while planning for the future
- Donor-Advised Funds – make a donation, support your favorite charities, grow the funds
- Life Insurance – protecting your beneficiaries and supporting your favorite charities tax-free
You are welcome (and encouraged) to bring guests and advisors.
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County Commissioners Appoint Greg Nance
as 23rd District Representative
Nance fills position recently vacated by Drew Hansen
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The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners announce the appointment of Greg Nance to fill the open seat of the 23rd District State Representative. The position was vacated when Drew Hansen resigned after being appointed Aug. 23 to fill the 23rd District Senate seat, formerly held by Christine Rolfes who left the position after her appointment as Kitsap County Commissioner June 5. He will join Representative Tarra Simmons in leading the 23rd Legislative District, which encompasses all of North Kitsap, Bainbridge, Keyport, Silverdale and East Bremerton.
Commissioners said they were impressed by the top three candidates the Kitsap County Democrats brought forward for consideration, noting they make up a very talented slate of the next generation of leaders. In addition to Greg Nance, nominees included Brynn Felix and Leiyomi Preciado.
Commissioners selected Nance based upon interviews with the candidates Sept. 15 and his letters of endorsement from the Suquamish Tribe, labor unions and other community organizations. They also pointed to the diversity of his experience including environmental stewardship, work with local tribes and championing youth mental health. Overall, Commissioners believe he can ‘hit the ground running’ and that he will be a strong representative of our communities with a depth of understanding of the budgetary and service challenges of county government. They feel he is best suited to represent Kitsap during the short 60-day legislative session next spring. The term of 23rd District State Representative seat runs through 2024.
Nance is a resident of Bainbridge Island, having graduated from Bainbridge High School in 2007. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in management with an innovation focus from Cambridge University. He currently serves as chief executive officer of the Run Far Foundation, an organization he founded to raise funds for youth mental health and at-risk youth, and as chairman of Moneythink, another organization he founded, based in Seattle and Chicago, to support inner-city youth.
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Drop Off Gently-Used Costumes at the Chamber
DBA Hosts Annual Trick or Treat Street
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Health & Wellness Resource Fair
September 20 & 21, 2023
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Old Town Fall Market
Friday, September 22, 2023, 4:00 - 8:00 pm
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Veterans Stand Down Returns to Bremerton
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Cars on Callow
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
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Oktoberfest @ Cloverleaf
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Pride in the Park
Sunday, September 24, 2023, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Kitsap Color Classic
Sunday, September 24, 2023
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Autumn has arrived. The fall morning air is crisp and the leaves are turning shades of gold, amber-orange, and scarlet. It's the last major ride of the Cascade season, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you! We present the 29th annual Kitsap Color Classic, our season finale. Pedal along the gorgeous Kitsap Peninsula and through some of the best riding country in the state! Friendly communities, delicious bakeries, and terrific fall scenery make this a fun, annual must-do event.
This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy, education, and community rides, such as the Major Taylor Project, Let's Go, Your Streets Your Say, and Pedaling Relief Project.
Organizers are looking for local organizations and businesses interested in hosting a booth at the finish line from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday. If you're interested, please contact Allison Pringle here.
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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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Port Gamble Events for All Ages
October - December, 2023
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Admiral Theatre Presents: +LIVE+ Unplugged
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 7:30 pm
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+LIVE+ have sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums: Throwing Copper and Secret Samadhi. Their catalog is filled with such gems as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You” and “Lakini’s Juice,” which live on today as classics on rock radio. Throwing Copper—which the band celebrated in 2019 with a new deluxe 25th anniversary edition via Radioactive/Geffen/Ume along with a global tour across major festivals, amphitheaters and arenas--produced the band’s biggest single, “Lightning Crashes,” which was #1 at Modern Rock radio for ten consecutive weeks. Throwing Copper reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually surpassed sales of 10 million albums sold, with Rolling Stone honoring the album with placement on their list, “1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative's Greatest Year.” Secret Samadhi (1997) immediately shot to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually went double platinum. The release of the platinum-selling The Distance to Here (1999) turned +LIVE+ into an international powerhouse and moved the band from arenas into stadiums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut. The band released an acclaimed five-song EP in 2018, LOCAL 717, their first new music in over a decade.
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Port Gamble Theatre: Murder on the Nile
October 6-22, 2023
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KCMT Presents: Bye Bye Birdie
October 12-29, 2023
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Save-the-Date: Poulsbo Film Festival
October 13-15, 2023
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Halloween Extravaganza
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6:00 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 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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