CHAMBER CHAT
Since 1973, the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to the development of a strong business community and in extension a vital place to live. The efforts of the organization have varied throughout the years depending upon the leadership goals of the board of directors.
It is a strong belief of the organization that beyond serving the members, being involved in the community and helping to guide its development is very important. The Chamber’s Education Committee believes individuals and businesses want to move to areas with outstanding schools. The committee’s ongoing partnership with the district has taken on many goals during the past 36 years. The Chamber’s commitment to rewarding outstanding scholars came to fruition this year with the selection of Kela McVicker for our annual Career and Technical Education scholarship. The committee also will be presenting its first Excellence in Education award to Danyell Laughlin, an English teacher at Klahowya Secondary School, at our June luncheon. Congratulations to the Central Kitsap School District and the staff at CK High School for their recent ranking in the top 1,500 schools in the country.
Similarly, the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee is committed to efforts that help service members and their families enjoy a positive experience while stationed at commands throughout Kitsap. It is the Chamber’s hope that the time in Central Kitsap and Silverdale leaves a lasting impression with these dedicated individuals so that they will consider “homesteading” in the area and coming back here in retirement. The Navy’s commitment to being an active and strong community partner cannot be overstated. This could be part of the reason when the Chamber gets a call for someone with orders to Kitsap there is no small amount of joy expressed at the location of their new assignment.
Congratulations to the Silverdale Water District on their recent selection as the Best Tasting Water in the Northwest!
Having the Silverdale/Bremerton metropolitan statistical area singled out by US News and World Report speaks strongly for our community as well. As the top 10 area recognized for real estate growth in the next 10 years, a national spotlight is focused on our area for others to learn yet another reason we cherish this place we call home.
Beyond serving the membership and specific segments of the community as we move into summer the Chamber’s focus goes to area events and being a resource for residents and visitors alike looking for things to see and do. We want to encourage individuals seeking information about the annual Whaling Days festival to visit their very informative Web site at www.whalingdays.com, all the event applications and schedules can be found there. On June 27 and 28 you’ll want to check out the Thunderbird Benefit Pro Rodeo. August is packed with events from the Silverdale Shootout 3 on 3 Basketball tournament (www.silverdaleshootout.com) to the Kitsap Fair and Stampede Rodeo and the return of Extreme Bulls. If you are looking for information about events in the area, please check out the community calendar on the front page of the Chamber’s Web site at www.silverdalechamber.com.
As always you are invited to attend our monthly luncheon. This month, Bill and Patty Hoke will be doing a presentation on strategies you can take back to your office or store and put to work immediately to improve your business. Our business showcase will feature nonprofit organizations. The lunch will take place at 11:30 a.m. on June 24 at the Silverdale Beach Hotel.
If you want more information about what’s going on at the Chamber you can subscribe to our weekly e-mail newsletter by sending a note to subscribe@silverdalechamber.com. Until next month, remember to shop Silverdale!
Darla Murker is the executive director of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce. She appears the third Friday of the month in the CK Reporter.
