SHARE:  

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Important News for You

Corporate Transparency Act:

It's Time to File Ownership Reports

Beneficial ownership reporting requirements are back in effect, with a new deadline of March 21, 2025 for most companies. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) mandates many U.S. small business owners to file reports with beneficial ownership information to combat illicit activities like tax fraud and money laundering.


Businesses meeting specific criteria must submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This report identifies individuals associated with the company to enhance transparency and protect national security. 


What is the CTA?

The CTA was enacted by Congress on January 1, 2021, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The CTA included significant reforms to anti-money laundering laws and is intended to help prevent and combat money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and tax fraud.


Under the act, small businesses in the United States were required to file beneficial ownership information reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury by January 1. This deadline was on hold due to federal court rulings.


In February 2025, a bill that would provide a one-year delay for small businesses from having to report their beneficial ownership information under the CTA passed the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate. The U.S. Chamber sent a Key Vote Letter to the House supporting H.R. 736, the Protect Small Business from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025.


Failure to submit the BOIR paperwork puts small business owners at risk of criminal penalties, imprisonment, and fines up to $10,000.


Click here to download a CTA Guide for Small Businesses from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News

Check out and like the
Greater Kitsap Chamber Facebook pages!

Just a Few Booths Left - Secure Yours Now!

Put your business in front of our military community

Some sponsorships still available - contact Tiffany for more information!

SIGN UP FOR A BOOTH

February Membership Luncheon

Today, February 26, 2025, 11:00 am

Join us for our annual State of Kitsap luncheon, with special guest speakers, Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler and Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters. Hear from our local elected leaders about accomplishments from this last year, and what 2025 has in store for both Bremerton and Kitsap County. You won't want to miss this informative luncheon!


This month's luncheon will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center. Paid parking is available on the GREEN (2nd level) underneath the Conference Center.

You're Invited: Deep-Dive Business Series

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 2:00 pm

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is expanding its Business & Professional Development offerings in 2025, bringing you even more opportunities to grow and thrive.


Is this the year you take your business and professional skills to the next level?


You can—with our 4-part development series designed for those ready to go beyond the basics and dive deeper into the strategies that drive long-term success.


This series is not just another workshop—it’s a deeper focused supplement to the Chamber’s existing business training programs. Each session is designed to go below the surface of business development, equipping you with the insights and tools needed to sustain and scale your success.


What Makes This Series Different?


🔹 In-Depth Exploration – We’ll go beyond surface-level advice to tackle the real challenges and opportunities in business growth.

🔹 Learn from Experience – You’ll hear from speakers that are business owners who’ve “done it” and will share what has worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned.

🔹 Real-World Application – It’s not just talk! You’ll get insights and ideas that you can implement in your business.

🔹 Interactive Learning – Engage in discussions and exercises tailored to business and professional development.


The 4-Part Deep Dive


📍 Session 1 (March) - Partnering for Growth: Building Business to Business Relationships

Explore three game-changing B2B connections—physical networks, out-of-the-box collaborations, and referral partnerships—to drive business growth and success.


📍 Session 2 (June) - Cultivating Customers: Building Business to Customer Relationships

Dive into how to find and attract your ideal customers, turn them into loyal brand ambassadors, and craft a compelling business story that people can’t wait to share!


📍 Session 3 (August) - Thriving Locally: Strategies for Brick & Mortar Success

Discuss challenges of a brick-and-mortar business, brainstorm how to overcome those challenges, and how to seize opportunities for long-term success. 


📍 Session 4 (October) - Diverse & Dynamic: Thriving as a Minority-Owned Business

Explore the realities of minority business ownership—overcoming challenges, capitalizing on opportunities, leveraging programs, and building networks for lasting success!


Events are free of charge, and open to Chamber members only.

REGISTER

Chamber: Off the Clock @ Vibe Coworks

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 5:05 pm

Info Session: Discover the French Riviera

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 5:30 pm

Bring your friends, neighbors, family, and business associates to learn about this amazing travel opportunity with the Greater Kitsap Chamber. All are welcome to travel! Join us for this informative presentation and Q&A or contact Irene at the Chamber to learn more!

REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK

Insurance Needs for You & Your Employees: Business Health Trust Has You Covered

Big changes are coming to healthcare and insurance in 2025. Did you know the IRS has expanded preventative care benefits for high-deductible health plans? This includes coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, continuous glucose monitors, and certain insulin products.

 

Our partner, Business Health Trust has summarized the insurance and healthcare changes impacting Washington employers and employees this year.

 

Click the link to read:

 

🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/news_insights/insurance-changes-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/

 

Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Email quote@businesshealthtrust.com to learn more and get a free quote. 

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

New Members - Welcome to the Chamber!

Great Peninsula Conservancy

Purchases Historic Petersen Farm

Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) announces the acquisition of the beloved Petersen Farm, securing 142 acres of prime agricultural land and vital salmon habitat in Clear Creek Valley. The farm will become part of an affordable farm leasing program, aimed at creating farming opportunities for beginning and underserved farmers.


“GPC’s mission is three-fold; protecting land, stewarding that land, and connecting people to nature. By securing the Petersen Farm we accomplish all three of those goals. First, we will reactivate high-quality Kitsap farmland. Second, we will restore salmon habitat in Clear Creek. And third, we will extend the Clear Creek Trail northward, allowing trail users to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of spending time outside.” says Nathan Daniel, GPC Executive Director. “This acquisition is a win for conservation, salmon habitat protection, and local farm preservation efforts.”


Read the full press release here


Read more in the Kitsap Sun


Photo courtesy of Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun

Coming Soon! Kitsap Business Magazine

to Hit Mailboxes Next Week

Does your business or nonprofit have staff changes, honors and awards, new board members, new projects or expansions, promotions, and/or certifications to share? If so, we want to hear about it and share it with our magazine readers!


Email your business announcements or story ideas to news@kitsapbusiness.com.

Kitsap Great Give 2025

Early Giving Begins March 1st

Member Spotlight

Away With Words

A Haven for Book Lovers and Community Connection


Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Poulsbo, Away With Words Bookshop is more than just a place to buy books—it's a sanctuary for readers, writers, and dreamers alike. With a thoughtfully curated selection of titles, a welcoming atmosphere, and a deep commitment to fostering literary love in the community, this independent bookshop has become a cherished destination for bibliophiles of all ages.


The journey of Away With Words Bookshop began with a simple yet profound love for books and the connections they create. Established with the goal of offering a diverse and inclusive selection, this independent bookstore is dedicated to ensuring that every reader can find a story that speaks to them. Whether it’s a timeless classic, an exciting new release, or a hidden gem from an indie author, the shop prides itself on providing a collection that caters to all interests and backgrounds.


Beyond selling books, Away With Words Bookshop is a space where literature thrives in a warm, welcoming environment. From book signings to reading groups, the shop actively fosters a community of readers who share their passion for storytelling and meaningful discussions.


Relatively new members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber since January of 2024, owners Bittina and Kevin Sheen have jumped into Chamber activity showing their love for local businesses and nonprofits alike. Congratulations on being our February Member of the Month!

www.awaywithwordsbookshop.com

Advocacy Committee

Roundtable Discussion with Rep. Richards

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:00 am

Property tax increases: The Legislature is considering a pair of bills — Senate Joint Resolution 8203 and Senate Bill 5770 — that would increase state property taxes for rental properties as well as all business properties by 35%.


Impacts: The bills would exempt a homeowner’s primary residence from the state property tax up to 60% of the county’s median home value, resulting in an estimated tax shift of $1.4 billion annually onto other property owners.


  • Owners of multifamily buildings, manufacturing, industrial and other business properties would see their state property tax rate jump from $1.75 to $2.36 per $1,000 in assessed value — a 35% increase.
  • This proposal would primarily impact business owners. Washington employers already pay nearly 50% of state and local taxes. This proposal would make the state more expensive for business.


Voice your opinion: The bills are scheduled for hearings Tuesday afternoon and are on track to pass out of committee by the end of the week.


Proposed Bill Would Remedy 'Slew of Lawsuits'

Courtesy of the Association of Washington Business


State lawmakers are considering a bill to address a concerning number of lawsuits filed in response to Washington’s 2023 pay transparency law. The Seattle Times Sunday edition featured a front-page story on the issue, and AWB News also has a report.


Senate Bill 5408, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, would require written notice to the employer of an allegedly deficient job posting prior to filing suit, allowing an employer to correct a job posting or notify a third-party company of the need to correct the posting. AWB has been working closely with lawmakers this session to support solutions including the King bill.


Employers hit with lawsuits: Washington’s pay transparency law requires employers to disclose a salary range in job postings, with the goal of providing important information to job applicants to give them better negotiating power. Since 2023, about 250 employers have been sued for allegedly failing to include a salary range, reflecting as much as half a billion dollars in liability. The majority of the lawsuits have been filed by one Seattle-based law firm.


‘Cottage industry’: AWB Government Affairs Director Lindsey Hueer said the flurry of lawsuits doesn’t indicate there’s a widespread issue with employers not complying with the salary disclosure rules; it points to a “cottage industry” that has popped up, with some seeking to profit from the new law.


“Employers want to post the (salary) information because it increases trust among the potential employees and increases trust among the current workforce,” Hueer testified in support of SB 5408. “We found that employers actually even in states that don’t require it, they’re doing it anyway.”


Private right of action: The law allows job applicants to sue employers for alleged noncompliance. Out of 14 states with similar legislation, Washington is only one of two (along with California) with a private right of action. The pay transparency lawsuits illustrate why private right of action is problematic.


If the court rules in favor of the job applicant, employers can be required to pay actual damages, statutory damages and attorney fees. Additionally, employers can be sued in a class action lawsuit for a single deficient job posting, even in which the posted information was outside of the employer's control, which amplifies the potential damages into the millions of dollars per case.


AWB’s perspective: AWB and other employer groups have raised these concerns in court. Additionally, AWB encourages legislators to pass SB 5408 to limit employer liability for third-party postings out of the employer's control, and to allow time for employers to correct job postings. This will stem the tide of these frivolous and costly lawsuits.

Business & Professional Development Committee

Member Education & Training Resources

SCORE: Financial Basics

for New Small Businesses

Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:00 pm

This workshop is designed to give you, the business owner, the financial skills and know-how needed to perform key tasks like to determine how to accurately compute the amount of funding you’ll need to start your business. You will also learn how to project your future financial results realistically including:


  • Projecting sales for a new business
  • Understanding your cost of goods sold and gross margin
  • Being able to project your operating expenses
  • Calculating your net income.
  • Planning your cash flow successfully.


This workshop includes a special section on creating financial statements for service businesses.



Proper management of finances is crucial to any business’s success and a special set of skills is needed to understand and create these critical financial statements. This workshop is suitable for everyone whether you are starting a new business or need to update your skills. 


Registration Fee: FREE

REGISTER

Matchstick Lab Business Accelerator

Applications Open thru February 28, 2025

The 2025 accelerator will double its reach, supporting 24 entrepreneurs with enhanced mentorship, training, and resources in both Bremerton and Poulsbo.


Kitsap’s small business entrepreneurs have a new opportunity to grow their ventures with the launch of Cohort III of the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator, which has significantly expanded for 2025.


Executed by Matchstick Lab, in partnership with Kitsap BankKitsap Community Resources BE$T ProgramKitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA)Rice Fergus MillerSpark Commons, and Vibe Coworks, the no-cost, 13-week program provides hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and an unmatched network of peers and community business leaders.


Now in its third year, the Micro Business Accelerator is doubling in size, welcoming 24 early-stage small business owners, and offering dedicated classes in both the North and South ends of the county to increase accessibility and impact.


Learn more and apply now

De-Escalation Training Offered at OC

March 3, 2025

REGISTER

Unlock the Secret to GROWTH

an Executive Leadership Masterclass

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 8:00 am

LEARN MORE

Women in Business: Mindful Marketing

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 10:30 am

REGISTER

Business News & Resources

KEDA Economic Forecast Luncheon

Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 11:00 am

Chamber members enjoy the Investor rate, but take advantage of Early Bird pricing for the best rate. Early Bird ticket sales close on Monday, March 3rd.

TICKETS

EEOC Shift on LGBT Protections Create

Legal Complications for Businesses

Courtesy of the Puget Sound Business Journal


The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under the Trump administration is reversing course on LGBT protections, which is putting businesses in a difficult spot.


That’s because, despite the EEOCs decision to withdraw from a number of cases prosecuting LGBT discrimination claims and President Donald Trump's executive orders that target transgender Americans, discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation is still against federal law. That was reaffirmed in a 6-3 decision by the Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County in 2020.


“While the federal government now recognizes only male and female sexes, private-sector employers should keep in mind that the [executive order] does not reverse binding court precedent, and employers must continue to comply with Title VII and applicable state laws — many of which are in direct conflict with the EO,” said Mariah Berry, senior associate at Muskat Devine LLP, in an email.


Read more here

Business Quick-Reads
Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!

Courtesy of FastCompany.com

Courtesy of entrepreneur.com

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 quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I.

1st Quarter Webinars for Small Businesses

 

L&I Essentials for Business webinars cover:

  • Essentials about workers' compensation, quarterly reporting, what to do if your employee is injured, workplace safety and health requirements, wage and hour laws, and contractor registration rules;
  • How to access a range of L&I resources and services designed to help your business save time and money; and
  • Various ways L&I partners with you to keep your workforce safe and healthy. 



Upcoming monthly 80-minute L&I Essentials for Business Webinars:

Got a question or issue to be solved?

Call L&I's Small Business Liaisons for assistance.


Phone: 1-800-987-0145

Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.gov | Negocios@Lni.wa.gov

Online: Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

Nonprofit News & Resources

4 Mistakes Nonprofits Make When

Embarking Upon a Capital Campaign

Published on NonProfitPRO.com, Feb. 24, 2025

Image: Getty Images by Teera Konakan


No one goes through life without making mistakes. When I inevitably made mistakes as I was growing up and even in my adult life, my dad would remind me, “Good judgment is based on experience. And experience is based on bad judgment.” A smart person learns from their mistakes; an even smarter person avoids them by learning from the mistakes of others.


Read the full article here

Nonprofit Innovation Summit

Thursday, March 13, 2025, 10:00 am

Now more than ever before, financial strategy is an essential part of effective nonprofit management. Yet all too often we neglect the examination, building, and implementation of a strong financial strategy. Viewing our financial journey from a big-picture perspective can reveal underlying sources of organizational stress and potential solutions. Join us on Thursday, March 13 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm for our next virtual Nonprofit Innovation Summit on Financial Strategy and Leadership

 

Scott Schaffer, Principal of Public Interest Management Group, will lead us through this interactive virtual Summit. As a Summit participant, you will be able to:


  • Explain why financial strategy is an essential part of your organization’s planning. 
  • Frame your organization’s big financial questions. 
  • Explain what data will be helpful to making decisions. 
  • Use storytelling to build alignment around financial goals. 
  • Identify tangible steps toward building and implementing an effective financial strategy. 
REGISTER

Greater Kitsap News

Olympic College President

Announces Retirement

Published in the Kitsap Sun, Feb. 19, 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Olympic College


Olympic College President Marty Cavalluzzi stood among college leaders and elected officials on Feb. 14, ceremonially knocking a hole through the wall to signify the start of work on a massive expansion at the school's Poulsbo campus.


Four days later, he announced that someone else will be the leader that guides an expansion of health care-related education from the OC president's office. Cavalluzzi on Tuesday formally told the OC Board of Trustees of his plan to retire on September 1, after more than seven years leading the institution, and then the campus was informed of the decision.


“Serving as the President of Olympic College has been the greatest honor of my professional career,” Cavalluzzi said in a statement released by the school Wednesday. “Although this announcement is unexpected to many, I am confident the college is in a strong position to continue moving forward as it works to fulfill its mission of student success.”


Read the story here

Kitsap County Project Kick-Off

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 5:30 pm

We’re looking forward to kicking off the Year of the Rural with you! To ensure the best possible experience, we’ve moved the kickoff meeting to March 4, 2025 (previously scheduled for February 19).


The event will now take place at the Village Green Community Center, located at 26159 Dulay Rd NE in Kingston.


The time remains the same: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, and a virtual option will be available for those who prefer to join remotely.


We also want to ensure that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts, the community survey will now remain open until March 7, 2025.


If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at compplan@kitsap.gov.

WSDOT Travel Advisory: Expect daytime delays on SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge starting Tuesday, Feb. 1


Washington State Department of Transportation crews will reduce the span to one-way alternating traffic during daytime hours. Annual maintenance work will take place Feb. 18-21 and an in-depth bridge inspection will occur Feb. 24-27.


Work schedule:

  • 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 through Thursday, Feb. 27

What to expect:

  • Single-lane alternating traffic on the bridge.
  • At least 30 minutes of additional travel time in each direction.
  • Law enforcement officers will direct traffic at the intersection of SR 305 and Suquamish Way Northeast.   
CENTRAL KITSAP ROAD REPORT
BREMERTON ROAD REPORT
Community Information

Homebuyer Webinar

Sunday, March 2, 2025, 9:00 am

Join us as we walk you through the homebuying process from beginning to end and beyond. You will learn about getting pre-approved, how to choose your homebuying team, the variety of down payment assistance programs available, what to look for in a home, how to navigate today's ever-changing real estate market, and more! We are here to help you gain the confidence you need to make educated decisions throughout your homebuying journey.


Webinar link provided upon registration.

REGISTER

Silverdale GreenDrinks

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 5:24 pm

Bremerton YMCA Summer Camp Registration

1st Annual Korean Heritage Night

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:30 pm

Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.

Can I still get COVID-19 tests?

You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov


Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance


If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at ready@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2235.

Free immunization clinics for children


Kitsap Public Health is offering free immunization clinics for children 18 and younger on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 in Bremerton. Our clinic provides flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and routine childhood immunizations.



Learn more and book an appointment at kitsappublichealth.org/clinic

Tourism Information

Admiral Theatre Presents:

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Friday, February 28, 2025, 7:30 pm

Celebrating over 45 years since their founding in 1977, the GRAMMY Award-winning New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres, including bebop jazz, funk and R&B/soul. This unique sound, described by the band as a “musical gumbo”, has allowed the Dirty Dozen to tour across five continents and more than thirty countries, record twelve studio albums and collaborate with a range of artists from Modest Mouse to Widespread Panic to Norah Jones. Forty-five plus years later, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world-famous music machine whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances.

TICKETS

Clearwater Casino Presents:

Washed in Black - Pearl Jam Tribute

Friday, February 28, 2025, 8:30 pm

TICKETS

Spin Doctors

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 7:00 pm

Formed in 1988 in New York City, in 1990 Spin Doctors were signed to Epic Records/Sony Music by A&R executive Frankie LaRocka. The band’s Epic debut EP Up For Grabs was recorded live and released in January 1991. In August 1991, the Spin Doctors released their full-length debut album Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Relentless touring and a wave of positive press boosted sales and Kryptonite was certified gold in September 1992. and received an additional boost from the band’s October appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” Reaching the one million mark in January 1993.


Kryptonite entered the Billboard Top Ten one month later and by June 1993, the album was triple platinum and had breached the Top Five among Billboard Pop Albums. The album spun off two major hit singles: Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong and the No. 1 Rock radio song of 1993, Two Princes which earned the band a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. Ultimately, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite sold over five million copies in the US and another five million overseas.



The band has experienced many more milestones in the past few years and plans are in the making for their seventh studio album to be released on Capitol Records in early 2025 and another swashbuckling world tour, adding to their tally of almost two thousand shows. Grab some tickets and experience Spin Doctors in the Clearwater Event Center.

TICKETS

Purchase Tickets Now: Bremerton Air Show

July 12 & 13, 2025

If you are a vendor looking to be a part of the 2025 Bremerton Air Show,

please visit their vendor site HERE.

TICKETS
Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
Contact Us
Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!

Irene Moyer

irene@greaterkitsapchamber.com

David Emmons

david@greaterkitsapchamber.com

Tiffany Diamond

tiffany@greaterkitsapchamber.com

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.