Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | | |
Join the GKC Board of Directors
Applications open through April 8th
| | Are you interested in becoming more involved at the Greater Kitsap Chamber? We have volunteer positions open for the 2025-26 year, including on the Board of Directors, Chamber Committees, and the Chamber Foundation Board. Contact Irene to learn more and to submit an application today! The deadline to apply is April 8th. | | |
March Membership Luncheon
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 11:00 am
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NOTE: New Date for March due to the KEDA Spring Forum
Join us on Thursday, March 27th at the Kitsap Conference Center as we talk about one of the biggest economic drivers in Kitsap County - tourism. Hear from local Destination Marketing pros at Visit Kitsap Peninsula, as well as from area small-business owners who feel the impacts of the tourism economy daily. Find out how your business can benefit from this boost and prepare for events - and people - coming to Kitsap!
Paid parking is available at the Kitsap Conference Center on the Green Level. Lunch registration is open until March 25th.
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Chamber: Off the Clock @ Oxford Suites
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 5:05 pm
| | Ticket sales open next week! | | 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.
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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? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact David now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | Chamber Members Secure Grant Funding | | |
The Olympic Workforce Development Council (OWDC), WorkSource Clallam and WorkSource Kitsap are excited to announce the selection of eight outstanding small business grant applicants, each awarded up to $10,000 through the Washington State Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project.
These awardees were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants based on their innovation, impact, and commitment to enhancing our local economic empowerment and sustainability. We celebrate their entrepreneurial enthusiasm and look forward to the ongoing positive contributions they will make to our communities.
NON-PROFIT GRANT AWARDEES
Research and Development Services of America (RDSA)
Leadership Kitsap
Central Kitsap Food Bank
Scarlet Road
Bremerton Community Farmers Market
Kitsap Harvest
Kitsap Rescue Mission
We Are Better Together Foundation
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Bremerton School District
Subcontractor Outreach Event
Wednesday, March 27, 2025, 4:00 pm
| | Arnold's Home Furnishings | | |
Unique Offerings: Stylish, Functional, and Timeless
Arnold’s Home Furnishings is more than just a furniture store—it’s a destination for homeowners seeking both aesthetics and functionality. From classic to contemporary styles, their showroom features a diverse selection of living room, bedroom, dining, and home office furniture, along with home décor, mattresses, and custom upholstery options.
Reasons to Choose Arnold’s Home Furnishings:
- Wide Furniture Selection – Sofas, sectionals, dining sets, bedroom furniture, and more
- Custom Upholstery – Personalize your furniture with a range of fabric and color choices
- Mattresses & Sleep Solutions – High-quality mattresses for a restful night's sleep
- Home Décor & Accents – Stylish accessories to complete any room
- Interior Design Assistance – Expert advice to help bring your vision to life
- Top Furniture Brands – Featuring trusted names in the industry for durability and comfort
Arnold’s commitment to quality craftsmanship means customers can invest in pieces that stand the test of time. Their staff takes pride in helping each customer find furniture that reflects their personal style and enhances their home’s functionality.
A Community-First Approach
Beyond furniture, Arnold’s Home Furnishings is deeply invested in the Bremerton community. Supporting local events, charities, and organizations, the business believes in giving back to the people who have supported them for decades. Their longstanding presence in the region has made them not just a business, but a trusted partner in the community.
Experience Arnold’s Home Furnishings Today
For those in search of stylish, well-crafted furniture with exceptional customer service, Arnold’s Home Furnishings is the place to go. Visit their showroom in Bremerton, WA, explore their offerings online at arnoldshomefurnishings.com, or follow them on Facebook for the latest updates and design inspiration.
Whether you’re redecorating, furnishing a new home, or searching for the perfect statement piece, Arnold’s Home Furnishings has the expertise and selection to bring your vision to life.
| | Weekly Legislative Update | | |
Courtesy of the Washington State Standard
Photo: Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard
Lawmakers in the Washington Legislature spent the past week and a half passing bills off the House and Senate floors ahead of a Wednesday deadline.
Measures that didn’t make it through their chamber of origin by that cutoff are likely dead for the year.
Legislators left dozens of bills behind and spent hours working to pass others. The House pulled several long nights as Democrats pushed through controversial legislation on topics like guns and the rights of public school students.
Two other deadlines already doomed several high-profile bills over the past few weeks.
Proposals are immune from the deadlines if they’re considered necessary to implement the budget. And lawmakers have been known to find creative ways to revive bills later in the session.
Looking ahead, the legislative session will switch gears as the House takes up Senate bills and vice versa. Next, those proposals will need to make it through policy committees by April 2. The session is scheduled to end April 27.
Read more on the bills to keep watching
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26th LD's Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan Town Hall
Saturday, March 22, 2025
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23rd LD's Session Update w/Rep. Greg Nance
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 3:00 pm
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Unlock the Power of Google Ads
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 4:00 pm
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Leverage Google to put your business directly in front of people seeking your products and services. Google Ads offers fast, cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes. Learn about:
- Setting up a free Google My Business profile
- What Google Search Ads are and why they are valuable
- Search trends for your business
- How to budget for a campaign
- Common mistakes to avoid when running Google Ads
Registration Fee: FREE
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Creating a Culture of Change:
Women in Leadership
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
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Join us for a webinar focused on empowering women in leadership roles. We'll discuss key strategies for growth, overcoming challenges, and fostering environments that support continued advancement. Whether you're an aspiring leader or looking to strengthen your impact, this session will provide practical insights to drive change.
Hosted by Washington's Business Health Trust.
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SBA Business Financing:
7(a) and 504 Loans & 8(a) Certification
Friday, March 21, 2025, 9:30 am
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Ever want to gain a better understanding of the U.S. Small Business Administration? Local expert, Janie Sacco, SBA Outreach Specialist will be on hand to share her knowledge and answer your questions. No cost to attend. Please note this is an in-person event only held at the Kitsap Credit Union Harborside office in Bremerton, Washington, no virtual option available.
9:30 - 10:00 am, Networking
10:00 - 12 noon, Workshop
The SBA's goals include:
- Helping small businesses become more established and viable
- Helping small businesses earn a fair share of government contracts and surplus property sales
- Helping small businesses compete in the global marketplace
- Helping small businesses recover economically after disasters
This is the second in the series of the 2025 Summit Business Financial Education workshop series that will be held on the third Friday of every month. A collaboration between Kitsap Credit Union, WWU-Kitsap Small Business Development Center, Greater Kitsap Chamber and the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.
| | Business News & Resources | | |
Statewide Rapid Response Event
March 20, 2025, 10:00 am
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Small-Business Grants to Apply
for in March 2025
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Courtesy of the Puget Sound Business Journal
Image: Getty Images (Amanda Rohde)
About 53% of business owners surveyed by the Small Business Majority were worried about tariffs negatively impacting their business, while 77% were worried about tariffs impacting the American economy more broadly. The survey also found that over the past three months, business revenues decreased for 42% of entrepreneurs and stayed the same for 34% over that period. Just 24% of small businesses reported revenue increases.
A separate survey from small-business networking platform Alignable found that 30% of small businesses anticipate revenue losses due to tariffs proposed by the Trump administration. Just 18% believe it will boost their sales.
"Small businesses are already navigating a financial minefield — rising costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty," Alignable CEO Eric Groves said in a press release. "Now, the threat of new tariffs could be the breaking point for many.”
For small businesses looking to bolster their financial state or take their business to the next level amid the uncertainty, we have assembled a list of small-business grants that are open for applications.
Honeycomb Credit offers ‘breakthrough’ grant
Small-business investment platform Honeycomb Credit is offering a $10,000 breakthrough grant to support small businesses achieving their next big step, whether it’s a new location, launching a food truck or franchising. Applicants must own a business to qualify. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 2, 2025, with the grant winner to be announced by April 11, 2025.
Cognac brand Remy Martin offers $20,000 grants
Creatives and entrepreneurs contributing to their local culture in a few select cities are eligible for the Remy Martin This is My City Microgrant. The grant is for entrepreneurs in Chicago, Detroit, New York City and Atlanta, with a winner in each city getting the money and one-on-one mentorship from an established figure in their field. The grant coincides with the release of limited edition bottles designed to mimic the culture and flavor of each city.
This is My City grant honorees will be announced in June 2025. Applicants can submit their entries on RemyMartin.com/en-us/This-Is-My-City Applications close April 11, 2025.
$5,000 Faire Small-Business Grant
Independent retail stores or those who soon plan to open a retail store can win a $5,000 grant in Faire merchandise to help stock their store. Applicants need to provide a few details and submit a short video on how the grant money would help. Applications are due March 31, 2025, and winners are announced April 30, 2025.
$10,000 DoorDash disaster relief grants
Restaurants across the country hit hard by a natural disaster can apply for $10,000 grants, courtesy of DoorDash.
The Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, a partnership between DoorDash, financing platform Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship network, is open to restaurants in state or federally declared natural-disaster areas. The grant windows operate on a rolling bases, with four a year.
To be eligible, restaurants must have a brick-and-mortar location, fewer than 50 employees per location, be open at least six months and have less than $3 million in revenue per location.
The first window for applications is open until March 3. Winners will be announced in April.
Additional grants business owners can apply for throughout 2025 include:
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | 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:
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
Why Donor Retention is Down,
What to Do About It
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Published on NonProfitPRO.com, March 18, 2025
Image: Getty Images by Igor Suka
In 2024, donor retention continued to decrease. The Fundraising Effectiveness Project shows that through 2024’s third quarter — the latest data available — 2024 is on pace to be the fourth year of this trend. Now that 2025 is in full swing, it is important to take a beat and consider why this is and what fundraisers can do to turn this trend around.
Read more here
| | Olympic College Adds New Degree Program | | |
Published in the Kitsap Sun, March 18, 2025
Photo: Kitsap Sun
Olympic College is launching a new bachelor's degree program in computer science, designed to prepare students in Kitsap County for high-paying, in-demand careers in technology.
The program was approved in March and is now recruiting students for this fall, according to an announcement Monday by Olympic College.
The four-year bachelor's program is built on the foundation of OC's Associate Degree Programs in Computer Science and Information Technology. The program emphasizes AI, cloud computing, data integration and cybersecurity, and equips students with the skills to develop intelligent systems, analyze big data, and drive technological innovation, according to OC.
"With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in artificial intelligence, software engineering, and cybersecurity, this new bachelor’s degree allows students to gain critical knowledge and hands-on experience while staying close to home," the college's Dean of Business & Information Technology Teresa McDermott said in a statement.
Read more here
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UPDATE: Central Kitsap Paving Project to Begin
Major project to impact Silverdale Way through fall
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Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Seeks Input
Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:30 pm
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KPHD: Overdose Awareness Training
Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 6:00 pm
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Poulsbo 47.7 Hour Film Screenings
Saturday, March 29, 2025
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We had 9 teams dare to write, shoot, and edit their films in only 47.7 hours during the weekend of Feb 28 - Mar 2. Now let's watch them together in Poulsbo at Western Red Brewing on March 29th!
Both the first-place winner (determined by jurors) and the Audience Award winner will be announced at the 7pm showtime. We'll also have a 4pm screening for anyone who would like to attend an earlier showing. Audience members can vote for their favorite in both showtimes.
1st Place Prize: $10,000 (contract to produce a commercial)
Audience Award: $1,000
This event is a collaboration between the Poulsbo Film Festival and Visit Kitsap Peninsula. The intent of this new program is to bring aspiring and professional filmmakers to the community of Poulsbo to produce an original short film within the city limits over a span of 47.7 hours.
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Kitsap Humane Society: Pints for Pets
Saturday, March 29, 2025
| | Using AI to Boost Your Business | | |
Bremerton Central Lions Club
Centennial Celebration
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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Masks Still 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. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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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.
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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.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Drifters, Platters, & Cornell Gunter's Coasters
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 7:00 pm
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It’s not a concert, It’s a party! Spend a nostalgic evening saluting three of the world’s most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the Rock & Roll/Doo Wop sound. Cornell Gunter’s Coasters hits like Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak and, Poison Ivy, The Platters featuring four of America’s premier singers performing their greatest hits including Only You, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes and The Great Pretender and The Drifters, one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups performing their 50 year catalog of hits that feature Under the Boardwalk, Up on the Roof, This Magic Moment, On Broadway and more.
Combined, these three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame groups have been associated with well over forty of the top classic songs in Rock & Roll history. With such incredible musical diversity from the comedy of Cornell Gunter’s Coasters to the romance of The Platters, to the Motown Magic of The Drifters, this show has songs to please every palate, delivered just the way you remember them, when you first heard them on the radio.
Purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or in the Casino Gift Shop.
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BPA Presents: Eurydice
Now thru March 23, 2025
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Dive into the hauntingly beautiful world of Eurydice, a reimagining of the classic Greek myth by award-winning playwright Sarah Ruhl. This lyrical and poignant play explores love, loss, and memory through the eyes of Eurydice, a young woman who reunites with her deceased father in the Underworld after a tragic accident on her wedding day.
Transported to a surreal realm, Eurydice must navigate the strange and captivating landscape of the afterlife, where she struggles to remember her past and reconnect with her beloved husband, Orpheus. Guided by her father’s love and wisdom, Eurydice faces choices that will define her existence in both worlds.
Eurydice combines stunning visual storytelling with poetic dialogue, creating a mesmerizing theatrical experience that resonates deeply with audiences. This timeless tale of love and remembrance invites you to reflect on the bonds that shape our lives and the power of memory to transcend death.
Don’t miss this extraordinary production that has captivated audiences and critics alike. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of mythology’s most enduring stories.
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Admiral Theatre Presents:
Skerryvore
Friday, March 28, 2025, 7:30 pm
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What are Skerryvore? They’re like no one else. Epic of melody, intimate of feeling and plugged into the roots of Scotland but blasting out to the world.
Three time winners of Scotland’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ award, Skerryvore have evolved from their humble beginnings to become one of the country’s leading forces in a thriving live music scene. At the forefront of a movement that has reinvented and reignited a traditional Scottish scene for a modern, multicultural audience, the band have brought their high energy performances to audiences across the globe. From their early days in Scottish West Coast halls and bars, to festival crowds in the USA, Canada, Australia and throughout the UK and Europe, Skerryvore’s wide range of influences and talent produce a musically expansive, immersive yet intimate set that excites and captivates audiences.
With a mix of bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys, Skerryvore represent the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music. Their now 7 studio albums demonstrate the wide range of influences the individual musicians bring to the mix – a unique fusion of folk, trad, pop and rock.
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Port Gamble Theatre Presents:
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
March 28-April 13, 2025
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Winner of the Tony Award, this brilliant and hilarious musical follows Monty Navarro, a charming and ambitious man who discovers he's eighth in line to inherit the prestigious D'Ysquith family earldom. Determined to speed up his ascension, Monty hatches a clever scheme to eliminate the relatives ahead of him, all while juggling the affections of two beautiful women. Don’t miss this side-splitting musical comedy! Recommended for ages 10 and up. Contains adult themes, humor, and farcical situations.
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Purchase Tickets Now: Bremerton Air Show
July 12 & 13, 2025
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If you are a vendor looking to be a part of the 2025 Bremerton Air Show,
please visit their vendor site HERE.
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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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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in 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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