The Kitsap Peninsula Visitors and Convention Bureau 2013 KPVCB Annual Meeting and Awards luncheon is May 22

It will be hosted by the Best Western Plus-Silverdale Beach Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The theme of the meeting is “Destination Kitsap Peninsula; Capitalizing on our Natural Attractions.” Award recipients will be announced at the meeting.

The KPVCB in partnership with Kitsap County, Sound West Group, and the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce plan to use the event to welcome REI to the Kitsap Peninsula region.

Guests will hear a presentation from the featured speaker, Kevin Golic, retail director REI for Washington and Alaska.

Golic will talk about the economic and environmental benefits of outdoor recreation and share details about REI’s new store scheduled to open in Silverdale this fall. The event will include comments by Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown, Commissioner Rob Gelder and Commissioner Charlotte Garrido and other business and community leaders.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view exhibits and talk with representatives about a wide range of public and private sector tourism related construction and development projects.

Local chambers, downtown merchant associations and other groups will have information about up-coming events, attractions and visitor services.

The buffet luncheon and hand crafted desserts will be provided by local chefs and caterers. Cost is $15. RSVP online at VisitKitsap.com/AnnualMeeting or send an email to info@visitkitsap.com.