Wednesday, November 29, 2023 |
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Repeal of State's Climate Law Meets
Signature Threshold to Land on 2024 Ballot
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Repeal effort: Organizers of an initiative to repeal the state's climate law turned in 418,000 signatures last week, more than enough to qualify for the November 2024 ballot. The initiative would repeal the 2021 Climate Commitment Act and end the state's cap-and-trade auctions.
The initiative is one of six in the Let's Go Washington campaign, funded by Redmond businessman Brian Heywood, targeting various state laws. At a news conference last week, Heywood and others criticized the climate policy for driving up fuel costs.
Road to ballot: First, the signatures need to be verified by the Secretary of State's office. The initiative will then go before lawmakers in the 2024 session for adoption. If lawmakers reject the measure or take no action, Initiative 2117 will go before voters on the November 2024 ballot.
Opportunity for reform: The Legislature has a chance to make some important changes to the Climate Commitment Act in order to smooth out future price increases and provide more stability, as mentioned in a recent Seattle Times editorial.
"Leaders must find ways to rein in the cost of the market’s allowances… " The Editorial Board wrote. "Washington’s latest auction, at $66.03 per metric ton of carbon, is close to double the $38.73 price of the linked cap-and-trade system between California and Quebec."
Contact Government Affairs Director Peter Godlewski to learn more and get involved.
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State Revenue Expected to Grow
Another $200 Million
There's no budget deficit on the horizon
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Revised revenue forecast: A new revenue forecast projects that state tax collections will increase by $191 million in the current two-year budget cycle compared to a forecast in September, the Economic Revenue and Forecast Council reported last week.
Outgoing chief economist Steve Lerch told the council that stronger than expected retail spending and higher personal income drove the revised forecast. He noted that revenue growth is expected to slow moving forward.
Budget season coming up: Tax collections have risen by about $1.2 billion since the Legislature adopted its biennial budget in April, the Washington State Standard reported. Gov. Jay Inslee will release his 2024 supplemental budget in mid-December, and the Legislature will craft its own spending plan when it convenes Jan. 8.
New taxes not needed: Sen. Lynda Wilson, the lead Republican on the Senate's budget writing committee, told the Standard that given the revised forecast, “there is absolutely no justification for raising even more money through new taxes."
"There’s no budget deficit on the horizon. It was confirmed today that the government has more than enough revenue to maintain services and programs." Wilson said.
Contact Government Affairs Director Emily Shay to learn more and get involved.
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Chamber Open House @ White Barn Decor
Friday, December 8, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Make sure to join us for what will surely be one of the highlights of your holiday season - the GKC Open House at White Barn Decor in Belfair. Come check out the winter wonderland owner Jimmi Cook has created and enjoy 25% off any purchases, along with refreshments and some tasty holiday cocktails. We hope to see you there!
23611 NW State Highway 3 | Belfair, WA 98528
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Bremerton GreenDrinks @ Minder Meats
Thursday, December 14, 2023, 5:00 pm
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Grab those goggles, onesie ski suits, and bundle up - Bremerton GreenDrinks is excited to join Minder Meats in celebration of their 80th Anniversary because we're having a party!! This is our year-end celebration for all of the nonprofits we've successfully amplified, all of the bridges you've helped us build, and for all of the collaboration you've helped us achieve.
This IS a costume party, but you don't have to dress up. DO dress warmly and expect a full spread of delicious food supplied by Minder Meats!
On Thursday, December 14th, 5-7:30pm, GreenDrinks will showcase Docluvthekids, a 501c3 nonprofit which provides activities, programs, community support for at risk youth, and also supplies the less fortunate with essential needs such as water, food, clothing, and hygiene products.
So get ready to MIX, ENGAGE, REPEAT. But don't forget to bring those business cards and don't forget your glass (we want to be green). This is a 21-and-over event, where we welcome everyone to meet new people and make new connections in Bremerton.
Get your tickets now. Space is limited!
Greendrinks is a monthly, social networking event for community leaders, concerned citizens, elected officials, business professionals and anyone who wants to make Bremerton a thriving, sustainable community. This event is for adults only (age 21 and older). $10 helps to offset the costs of food and drink.
Advance tickets are available at eventbrite. Tickets at the door are $20.
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December Luncheon @ Admiral Theatre
Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 11:00 am
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Make sure to register now for the Chamber's annual holiday luncheon, featuring amazing networking, our annual Ugly Sweater Contest, holiday entertainment and a visit by Ho Ho Santa! Registration is open now! |
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Gnome on the Roam is Here
Shop local program runs Nov. 24th to Dec. 23rd
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Come find Kitsap Kelly (and some great deals) as you're out this week and coming weekend. Kitsap Kelly will be out and about in Bremerton for Krampusnacht this Friday, December 1st, so after your selfie with Krampus, be sure to get one with Kitsap Kelly! You can also find our Gnome on the Roam at these amazing locations throughout this week:
TUES/WED/THURS LOCATIONS:
Lisa Stirrett Creative Warrior Studio
Seaport Salon & Spa
Spark Commons
FRI/SAT/MON LOCATIONS:
Krampusnacht Bremerton (Friday night)
Ballast Books
Bremerton Mercantile & Cups Espresso
GastroPup
Grumble & Wine
Vulca the Smug Etruscan
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Host Kitsap Kelly for 3 days in your store – this option is reserved for our true retail and hospitality businesses, places that offer goods and services that people are looking to purchase during this season OR restaurants for people to patronize and/or purchase gift cards from. Kelly can visit you for Fri/Sat/Mon (they sleep on Sundays unless you are open!) or Tues/Wed/Thur. If you elect to host Kitsap Kelly for a 3-day period, we ask that you:
Offer an incentive – a gift with purchase, discount, raffle, business swag, etc. It doesn’t need to be big, but we want people to see Kelly and know that it will benefit THEM to shop at a location where Kelly is because of your amazing inventory and the incentives you might offer.
Post on your social media when you’ll be hosting Kitsap Kelly and be sure to tag #greaterkitsapchamber, #gnomeontheroam, and #findkelly. Make sure to announce when Kelly arrives. Encourage your customers daily to take selfies with Kitsap Kelly and post to their social media accounts and tag your business and one of the above hashtags for the Chamber. The lovely algorithms of Facebook and Instagram will ensure that the more you and your customers post, the further your business name will go!
OR, you can try option two! If your business doesn’t really sell a physical product but you want the community to know that you support the shop local movement, then option #2 is for you!
Take a selfie with Kitsap Kelly and share on your social media channels throughout the Shop Local/Holiday Shopping season. Let us know you’d like a selfie, and someone from the Chamber will come by with Kelly for a quick picture. If you’ve got customers around when Kelly stops in, make sure to get some pictures of Kelly with your customers. Then post, post, post on social!
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RECAP: Celebrating Spark Commons |
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber was excited to celebrate the 5-year anniversary of Spark Commons in Downtown Bremerton on Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon cutting and grand re-opening. Join co-owners Maureen and Holly on Friday as they continue the celebration during First Friday Art Walk from 4 - 9 pm.
Above left photo credit: Debbie Doll
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Get the Most Out of Your Member Benefits |
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Insurance done differently. Our benefits partner BHT offers quality, cost-effective medical plans plus a whole lot more, including concierge level customer service and innovative cost-saving programs and resources.
Before you renew this year, be sure to benchmark your benefits with BHT – and learn how purchasing your benefits package through an Association Health Plan can benefit you.
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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? 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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KCAR Foundation RAIN Auction
Friday, December 1, 2023, 11:30 am
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Ashley Oaksmith, Business Development Manager at Clark Construction, with Greater Kitsap Board Chair, John Morrissey, and President/CEO, David Emmons. |
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901 Hildebrand Lane | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | (206) 842-5450 |
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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SCORE: Digital Marketing
Monday, December 4, 2023, 1:00 pm
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This workshop will help you, the small business owner, develop a digital marketing strategy along with determining the specific tools you’ll use to make that digital marketing strategy successful. Topics covered in this workshop include:
- What is Digital Marketing
- Websites – what makes a great website
- Search Engine Optimization
- Use of Video throughout the digital marketing spectrum
- Paid advertising
- Email marketing
- Content development, including the effective use of blogs
When you leave this workshop, you’ll have a much better idea of how to build awareness of your product or services among your customers and potential customers. That will increase their interest in what you are selling, moving them to inquiring more. Finally, converting them to paying customers is the ultimate goal of this strategy so that you sell more of your products and services, and drive your business forward!
Workshop Fee: $40
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Why Good Accounting Matters at Tax Time
Thursday, December 7, 2023, 9:00 am
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Join us on December 7 at 9:00 am PST for our latest CO-- Strategy Studio: Why Good Accounting Matters at Tax Time. Prepare Now. We'll share the best tax prep methods to set you up for a smoother, more manageable tax season. Hear from industry experts and small business leaders who are shaping the way with better practice and planning at the ground level. |
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Business News & Resources |
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Addressing Workforce Shortages
and Diminishing Expertise
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Skilled worker shortages may result in employers hiring those with less on-the-job experience and knowledge. Employers are spending less time to train new employees due to high turnovers. Frequently, newer, less experienced employees are now training the newest employees, which can result in gaps in understanding proper processes and the risk hazards associated with the work.
To address these gaps, management/supervisors need to be intentional about incorporating good practices such as:
Ongoing training to upskill existing employees:
- For experienced workers, develop them into mentors to transfer knowledge to newer ones.
- Cross-train wherever possible to create a backup resource for the future.
Employee Retention Strategies:
- Provide a positive work environment and competitive compensation and benefits.
- Conduct regular employee feedback sessions to address concerns and follow through with their feedback to improve job satisfaction.
Recruitment Strategies:
- Inquire applicants about their past involvement and training on workplace safety.
- Consider hiring based on potential and cultural fit, with a commitment to providing necessary training.
Strategic Partnerships:
- Collaborate with industry associations, community colleges, and vocational schools to identify targeted training programs.
- Establish partnerships with other businesses to share resources and expertise.
Internship Programs:
- Develop internship programs to provide hands-on experience to individuals entering the workforce.
- Create pathways for interns to transition into full-time roles.
Technology Adoption:
- Leverage technology to automate routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on more complex responsibilities.
- Invest in tools and systems that enhance productivity and reduce the need for highly specialized skills.
Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation:
- Regularly assess the skills needed and adjust training programs accordingly.
- Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends to anticipate future skill requirements.
By combining these strategies, businesses can work towards minimizing the impact of a skills gap and fostering a workforce with the necessary safety knowledge and competencies.
The Washington Retail safety team is available to help members improve their safety program beyond compliance with quality safety practices. Contact us at safety@waretailservices.com to learn more.
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AWB Workforce Board Seeks Input |
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The Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board is asking employers, workers and all community members to share their thoughts on Washington’s workforce system through a new survey.
The survey is part of the Workforce Board’s community outreach as the state’s next workforce plan is created. The plan, Talent and Prosperity for All, is being developed now and will guide investments of roughly $1.3 billion in state and federal dollars that serve nearly 500,000 Washingtonians.
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Business Grants to Apply for in November 2023 |
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$500,000 in grants from Verizon Small Business
Here's how it works: Business owners can sign up for the free online resource, which aims to provide technical assistance, mentoring and other resources to underserved small businesses, and complete either courses, coaching or participation in community events to be eligible to apply for the grant.
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grant application process is open until Dec. 20, 2023.
$25,000 grants to women in food and beverage businesses
The Stacy’s Rise Project, from the maker of Stacy's Pita Chips, aims to provide $25,000 grants to 10 women-founded small businesses in the food and beverage industry in the United States. Specifically, a company must be selling a consumer packaged good and have annualized sales between $25,000 and $1 million to be eligible.
Business owners must be willing to participate in a 16-week mentorship program that consists of virtual webinars, online office hours and virtual training and support.
AICPA and CPA.com are offering $25,000 for accounting startups
Those selected for the accelerator will be offered a $25,000 grant, access to members of the professional organizations, firms, press and customers and subject matter experts and mentors.
The deadline for applications is Nov. 30, 2023, and winners will be announced in January 2024.
The $10,000 Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant
Black and Latino-owned restaurants and related businesses can apply for a financial stipend of $10,000 and free financial education, consulting and marketing assistance through Feed The Soul’s grant program.
Applications open Oct. 5, 2023, and run through Jan. 31.
Hello Alice to offer $1,000 in “American Dream” grants
Visitors can nominate a small business, making it eligible for $1,000 grants and additional publicity and support in the form of a small-business accelerator.
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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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4 Year-End Fundraising Marketing Essentials
Published on NonProfitPRO.com, November 27, 2023
Credit: Getty Images by Sinenkiy
“Please” and “thank you,” as well as addressing others directly, are important interpersonal social skills. They are also vital fundraising marketing basics, and something to think about for year-end campaigns. Stewarding donors is a process. Nonprofits must keep donors and prospective donors informed of their work, ask them to please support the cause and — like our parents taught us — say “thank you”.
In line with campaigns throughout the year, end-of-year marketing campaigns should focus on an organization’s mission and stay true to its branding. It is, however, OK to include holiday and tax-benefit messaging. Messages should be a combination of fundraising and friend-raising.
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Central Kitsap Community Council
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 5:00 pm
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As a reminder, the Central Kitsap Community Council has a new meeting location at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road in Silverdale. The next meeting takes place at 5 pm. Wednesday, December 6th. The meeting features a presentation on the proposed Kitsap County 2024 budget.
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50th Annual Christmas Lane at Port
December 1-3, 2023
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Silverdale GreenDrinks@ CK Food Bank
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
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124th Army vs. Navy Football
Saturday, December 9, 2023, 11:30 am
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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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Krampusnacht Bremerton
December 1, 2023
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 1 - 17, 2023
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Kingston Cove Christmas
Saturday, December 2, 2023
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Holiday Brass
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 7:00 pm
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BCT: A Christmas Carol
December 8 - 10, 2023
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Battle of the Bands
Thursday, December 14, 2023, 7:00 pm
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Presented by the Admiral Theatre: |
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The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits
Friday, December 15, 2023, 7:30 pm
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The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits (The Original Stars of Broadway’s Jersey Boys)
The Midtown Men, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit JERSEY BOYS, will ring in the Christmas season this year with their "Holiday Hits" show. This evening of songs and stories will feature iconic Yuletide classics such as "Winter Wonderland," "Let It Snow," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," as well as their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s. The popular vocal group will treat their audiences to the songs of The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, and more! Additionally, The Midtown Men will perform their holiday single, "All Alone on Christmas," which they recorded with Stevie Van Zandt and members of Bruce Springsteen's The E Street Band. Come celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year" with these seasoned Broadway veterans!
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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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