Heartbeat of Kitsap

With the frightening statistic that 50% of all youth coming out of the foster care system wind up homeless, combined with record labor shortages across most employment sectors, it's time for businesses and communities to think of alternative answers, and perhaps more job training and internships are a solution.Cody Clark from The Coffee Oasis will share the different programs they administer with youth in Kitsap County, with an emphasis on The Coffee Oasis' job training and internship programs.Presenter: Cody ClarkCody Clark was born and raised in Kitsap County, graduating from South Kitsap High in 2009 and from Covenant Bible Seminary with a BA in Theology in 2019. Cody has been serving as the Community Development Lead for The Coffee Oasis since April of 2019. He strives to build and maintain relationships with businesses and the Chambers of Commerce throughout Kitsap County to support the work The Coffee Oasis is doing to help homeless and at-risk youth in the community.

Jennifer Filzen discusses how you can use social media to your advantage. owner of Rock Star Marketing in Monterey, California. Jennifer's marketing agency is the category king of storytelling for the auto repair industry, and she will be sharing her marketing wisdom with our group.Some of the topics include:What is new for social media in 2022?What do the changes in Facebook mean for the average business owner?Why are video marketing and podcasting so important?How can you use social media to attract workers and clients to your business?

Too many business leaders fail to set effective goals because they don't start with the aspirational identity they seek and then set effective goals to achieve what they want. Success is so much more than metrics and KPIs. It's about how you plan to achieve those goals. You need to ask yourself the big question – who, and what, do I want to be?Are You Ready to Commit to Making It Happen This Year?Learn the keys to making reasonable and measurable progress in 2022. Attend our Business Planning Workshop and work alongside other professionals as you create a vision and map out the actionable steps needed to reach your goals.PRESENTERSAs the founder of the Cadre Concept and a learner in all things business, Shane McGraw‘s mission is to encourage others to show up as the best version of themselves. For over a decade, Shane has been a lead producer in some of the largest mortgage companies and owns several strategic businesses. He is always chasing audacious goals, which now include professional coaching. Shane is a veteran, husband, father, and leader in his community.Over the last five years, Acaia Mayfield, co-founder of the Cadre Concept, has devoted her energy to personal development and business coaching. She's spent years learning systems, studying the art of working with people, attending conferences, and leading multiple companies all with the goal of becoming a better woman, wife, and leader.

Regulations change on a regular basis. Frank Warner, CPA, will share the changes coming in 2022 and how we can be prepared.Topics will include:What financial regulations will be changing in 2022 and 2023What we can do to best financially prepare ourselves and our businesses for these changesPRESENTERFrank Warner has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. In addition to being an expert in college and retirement financial planning, he is the owner of his own CPA firm located in Silverdale, WA where he has been since 1981.Frank graduated from Lehigh University in 1970 with a BS in Business Administration. Although he has no idea where his diploma is, he can still readily locate his lime green pure polyester slacks and plaid sports jacket, the true uniform of the 1970s. In 1975 he received his MBA from Pace University in New York City where he worked at Price Waterhouse and Co. on Wall Street. Following his stint on Wall Street, Frank relocated to the Pacific Northwest where he has been ever since.

Are you looking for an innovative technology to bring to market that will launch a new company,improve a product line, or diversify your product offerings? In this Kitsap Business Forum, you'lllearn how to discover and access a pool of untapped government-funded intellectual property(IP)—readily available to move to Washington state-based industries as well as those acrossthe U.S. You'll realize how easy it is to work with a government organization as Sara demystifiesthe technology transfer and licensing process. To inspire your thinking, Sara also will describejust a sampling of clean energy technologies that could be deployed in the Pacific Northwest.PRESENTERSara Hunt, Commercialization Manager, Pacific Northwest National LaboratorySara Hunt is a commercialization manager for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) located in the Seattle office. She is responsible for identifying promising PNNL-developed technologies, overseeing technology development and demonstration, securing intellectual property assets, marketing novel technologies, and negotiating business terms to transfer technologies to private industry where they can be matured into commercial products and services. The technology portfolio Sara manages includes advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental monitoring.

Homelessness is a complex problem. What role does business play in the homelessness crisis? Hear from our panel about homelessness issues in Kitsap County. Explore ways local businesses can help alleviate the homeless crisis in our community.PANELISTSStacy B. Doré, Director of Development, Kitsap Community ResourcesJosh Hinman, Executive Paster, Newlife Church-Silverdale

With so many social media “tools” out there your work toolbox may be closer to a tool shed by now. So why care about Google My Business (GMB)? GMB is a solution to many problems that today's small business experience including being seen digitally. In this Kitsap Business Forum, you'll learn how GMB is the gateway to two of the most powerful apps in the world: GoogleSearch and Maps. Find out why you should claim your business today and if you already have, how you can maximize the efficiency of what GMB does for you and your brand. Join us for this Google Master workshop.TAKEAWAYSHow GMB controls what people see on Google Search and Google MapsWhy using different types of posts on GMB is necessaryWhy GMB isn't just a social media platformPRESENTERDrake AustinDrake Austin is a Google specialist. He is the owner of Drake Austin Consulting where he helps Kitsap businesses and local startups maximize the value of their Google Workspace subscriptions. With over 10 years of professional Google experience and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) certified, Drake calls himself “Google Master.” Drake is also the digital production manager at NeoLuxe Marketing where he oversees web development and automation production. Drake transplanted from Florida to Kitsap in 2017.

In this Uplift Kitsap, we'll look at limiting beliefs and how they affect your success. Transformational mindset coach Bonnie McVee walks us through one of the biggest mindset issues among entrepreneurs and business owners, something she calls “the tired old path.” McVee connects the hamster wheel of life we often get caught up in to the science behind why we get stuck.TakeawaysThe difference between Default and Essence energies and how to shiftThe science behind how doing “the work” impacts your overall successHow to identify yourself on the tired old path and action steps for how to get onto a new pathPresenter: Bonnie McVeeBonnie McVee is a transformational mindset coach. Hairdresser turned life coach by way of recovery and cancer survival. An expert on life's transitions, she now guides her clients facing a life transition to free them from their unseen default energies into their essence energy becoming aware of the patterns that no longer work for them so that they can get unstuck and not repeat the past. Bonnie uses her unique gifts of intuition and pattern recognition for faster results.

When was the last time your team experienced healthy conflict, fought over ideas, and left feeling more unified than divided? These moments are the makers of great teams. Being able to debate ideas instead of attacking others is key. Instead of tiptoeing around what needs to be said or bulldozing through, we can leverage differences to bring positive outcomes and competitive advantage.Jonathan StoneJonathan Stone has served as a leader and teacher at Newlife for the past 15 years. He also has led international teams for 10 years through Youth with a Mission.

Over 78 percent of business owners are expecting the sale of their business to be a major part of their retirement plan, but most have no idea how to go about selling (or buying) a business. As more small business owners are on the home stretch to retirement, many people want to be certain that they can transition the business to new leadership that will respect the integrity of their business. How can you both make sure your clients are taken care of and you still get top dollar for all of your years of sweat equity and hard work? What happens if some of your children want to run the business, and some don't? AND as a buyer of a business, how do you make yourself attractive to the seller?Program HighlightsReal life stories of successful (and some not so successful) business transition plansWays to plan, in advance, for a smooth transition as you sell your businessWays to make sure you have security from the new buyer after you sell your businessCost effective solutions you can use to prepare for giving your business to family members (while treating the non-interested family members fairly)What makes a buyer attractive to a sellerPresenter:Matt Augspurger is a wealth advisor and speaker. As a fiduciary, he focuses on holistic wealth management and retirement planning. He has been seen in various local publications and events, such as Seattle Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, Uplift Kitsap, and Compass & Clock Magazine. Matthew comes from a family of educators and his passion for teaching shines through. He is a dynamic speaker focusing on memorable ideas, understandable explanations, and the message of clarity that provides clients with sound, unbiased, and independent financial solutions.

Organizational performance doesn't start with your teammates; it begins with you!Leadership is personal. It's an inside-out process that flows from individuals, ripples through teams, and cascades throughout the organization to become part of the culture.After coaching leaders and teams for over 18 years to transform company culture, Shannon Bruce, Professional Certified Coach, reveals common themes and recurring patterns that not only hinder organizational results but also negatively impact the well-being of employees from the C-Suite to the frontline. Regardless of company size or industry, consistent unhealthy habits and negative behaviors minimize the impact of leadership and marginalize business results.On a mission to end suffering in the workplace, along with a deep desire to “go into companies to create communities,” Shannon has integrated her years of insight to thoroughly engage you with a thought-provoking message that you won't want to miss. She will share perspectives and practical information that will challenge, empower, and activate you as a leader. You'll take away 7 key strategies that will help you optimize your personal leadership and well-being to maximize organizational health and performance.Meet Your PresenterShannon Bruce, CPCC, PCCShannon Bruce, CPCC, PCC is a passionate Professional Certified Coach whose work inspires transformational change in her clients and their companies. With more than two decades of experience in management and executive leadership, Shannon is a powerful listener, able to challenge the status quo.Her coaching and facilitation clients rave about her ability to motivate them to always drive toward excellence. As CEO of StoryBridge, Inc. she acts as a catalyst for Conscious Culture Change, creating communities within organizations and building cohesive, high performing teams. Clients say she has helped them achieve accelerated trust, improved relationships, as well as bottom-line business results.Shannon's resume reveals a richness of experience that helps her quickly engage in any industry. She was a CPA with Ernst & Young, an executive with two wholesale distribution companies, and an entrepreneur who has launched multiple business start-ups. Her client list includes: healthcare, construction, banking, architecture, libraries, escrow and title insurance, and city ports—corporate, nonprofits, and government. She is currently serving Executive Leaders at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility through CACI, Inc.

Do you have a hard time saying no to an opportunity?How do you know when to say no?Creating a boundary around where you invest your time and energy is critical in business and life. Consider that true success is what you say no to. In this Uplift Kitsap, learn three methods to say no when vetting opportunities or decisions that will free up your time and energy and create more peace of mindPresenter Anna Sun Choi, CEO and Founder of Conscious Business Coaching, TEDx Speaker, and Forbes Author, is committed to elevating humanity's consciousness by empowering high achieving, six-figure conscious entrepreneurs to master their energy while growing their business with balance–not burnout.Anna brings over 10,000 hours of mastery in coaching on leadership development, high performance, and stress management for hundreds of conscious entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.

As pandemic restrictions lift, many companies are left grappling with how to re-think their workplace, especially against the backdrop of whether to transition into a hybrid work model. In this Uplift Kitsap, we will discuss three of the most pressing challenges for future workplaces along with opportunities that can further enable workers to thrive, businesses to grow, and corporate cultures to live—from anywhere.HIGHLIGHTSWhat companies can do today to prepare for the future workplace—whatever that may look likeHow you can maximize your time working in the office and working from homeWhat opportunities can be gained from a hybrid workforceYOUR PRESENTERLeni RiveraLeni Rivera is a Workplace Experience specialist and author of the book "Workplace Experience." Her passion is creating work environments that enable all employees to be both productive and happy, regardless of where that is.Leni's career spans 20 years and three continents. With corporate leadership roles in interior design, real estate development, and global workplace services, Leni has the unique ability to understand the impact of a physical environment on employee behavior, business growth, and culture expression.Currently, Leni is finishing her master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, enhancing her robust knowledge of organizational behavior.Today, as the world begins emerging from the pandemic and organizations start to rethink the future of their workplace, Leni is front and center helping leaders and peers develop a Workplace Experience that drives safety, flexibility, and productivity, allowing employees and businesses to continue to thrive.

Tax laws have changed enormously over the past few years, and more changes are on the way. What does this mean for your small business? What are the tax benefits? The tax risks? Find out in this Uplift Kitsap when we highlight key factors and effects of new and upcoming tax laws.PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSRecent changes, tax benefits, and qualification criteriaUpcoming changes and tax planning opportunitiesRobust Q & A for small business tax scenariosYOUR PRESENTERJohnnie HawkinsJohnnie Hawkins, CPA, is a partner at Olympic Tax and Business Consulting. He is a highly skilled accountant who often receives great reviews from his clients. Johnnie specializes in tax and accounting services for small to medium-sized businesses. He also has lots of experience working with not-for-profit entities. Johnnie began his full-time career in public accounting in 2006 after graduating in the top ten percent of his class from the University of Washington where he majored in accounting and minored in applied computing. Johnnie is a member of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants and a certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisor. He has been a guest lecturer at the University of Washington.

It's time to move forward in 2021. In this Uplift Kitsap, consultant and creator Dan Weedin will lead the conversation about conquering the hills of business and life while preparing for the realities post pandemic.PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSMindset around adversity opportunity is crucial for moving forward in business and life.There is no “new” normal; it's just that there is no normal anymore. We all need to be nimble.Specific things you can do to end 2021 at full speed.YOUR PRESENTERDan WeedinDan Weedin has worked with countless small and medium sized businesses over 30 years to help them grow and protect their most valuable assets and company wealth. Based in Poulsbo, Dan has had success with clients all over the world in helping them achieve their business and personal goals. As both a business consultant and insurance broker, he wants to assure that all his clients are prepared for whatever challenges they will face.Dan is a monthly business contributor for the Kitsap Business Journal, writing about business and life topics. He is also host for the nationally syndicated entrepreneur-focused podcast, The Shrimp Tank Podcast

The process of building a productive workforce doesn't end after a hiring decision is made. Without a comprehensive plan in place, you run the risk of watching your new employees walk out a constantly revolving door. The greatest strength of any successful organization is its employees. In this Uplift Kitsap we will talk about best practices supervisors can implement to help set up new employees for success.YOUR PRESENTERSUplift Kitsap Panelists: Jeremy Flowers and Taylor JerniganJeremy Flowers, Regional Developer with Express Employment Professionals, is an operations and business development executive who leverages resources, insights, and best practices to drive aggressive growth. Jeremy is dedicated to professionally developing his direct reports, driving down employee turnover and increasing engagement. He is known for building up people and teams, driving efficiency and productivity and generating exceptional results for employers.Taylor Jernigan, Employee Relations Administrator with Kitsap Bank, has comprehensive human resource experience including talent management, training, benefits, and compensation. Her experience spans hospitality, medical, and banking in both union and nonunion environments. Taylor joined Kitsap Bank about three years ago. She loves the community atmosphere. She is a business school graduate of the University of San Francisco.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to remote work not only kept the economy moving but helped ensure the availability of public services. During this Uplift Kitsap, we’ll hear how our local WorkSource office successfully managed its teams from traditional in-person services to a 100-percent remote workforce. Mike Robinson will share the journey of his team in this transition, their challenges, and solutions. Learn more about best practices and the future of remote work.YOUR PRESENTER:Mike Robinson has dedicated his life to public service. Upon retiring from the US Navy, he joined the State of Washington Employment Security Department’s local team at WorkSource Kitsap. His journey into workforce development began during the Great Recession. Mike is responsible for the growth and development of relationships within the WorkSource partnership including government agencies, local business, economic development organizations, labor, and community-based organizations to enhance the area’s economy and community support. While leading teams at WorkSource Kitsap, Clallam, and Jefferson Counties, Mike has been a Silverdale Chamber member for the last 6 years.

When faced with adversity and overwhelming odds stacked against you and your business, how do you pivot and reinvent?Hear how these two entrepreneurs dug deep, got creative and found very unexpected ways to save their business and turn things around.HIGHLIGHTSUtilizing your values and culture to create meaningful changeLetting go of what was in favor of new possibilitiesInspiration on finding the tenacity and fortitude to push through adversityYOUR PRESENTERS:Panelists Alisha Weiss and Monica DownenAlisha Weiss is the founder and CEO of Skyhawk Press in Poulsbo. She is an engineer turned entrepreneur. Alisha is passionate about telling stories through products and creative graphic design. For the past decade, her company has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world to create high-performing apparel and merchandise as well as creating from-scratch brands to scale.Monica Downen is the owner of Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Café in Old Town Silverdale. She is a law enforcement dispatcher turned chef. Monica is passionate about creating positive experiences for others. Since 2006, her company has nourished the community through engaged relationships. With change all around, Monica believes the ability to adapt, flex, and go with the flow are superpowers everyone can embrace.

In this Uplift Kitsap we turn our attention to the small-business agenda and the recently adjourned 2021 legislative session. Hear about State-level progress on top issues and what it means for local businesses and our community.YOUR PRESENTERDave MontoureDave Montoure is Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and the co-owner of KettleFish Seafood Counter in Old Town Silverdale.

Many individuals can find themselves released from prison but locked out of work. Successful reentry programs give former offenders opportunities to support themselves through legitimate and productive work, reducing recidivism and improving public safety. But finding employment or being able to start a business is only part of the equation. Research reveals many barriers that inhibit someone’s ability to be successful upon reentry. In this Uplift Kitsap we shine a spotlight on the work of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Welcome Home Reentry Program within Kitsap County. This program models a human dignity approach to reentry—providing healing, hope, and opportunities—for those who are and have been incarcerated to become contributing members of society and embrace a positive future.HighlightsHow reentry programs can support a healthy and thriving communityInvolving businesses in reentry and creating opportunities to increase quality of life and reduce recidivism.Presenter:Janel McfeatJanel Mcfeat is the Project Manager/Strategic Planner for the Second Chance Act Community-based Adult Reentry grant. She holds a BA in Social Work from Pacific Lutheran University and is pursuing a master’s in Social Work. She has worked 20 years in case management, victim advocacy, restorative justice, Tribal probation and reentry, court services, and does strategic planning for human dignity reentry models. Ms. Mcfeat is certified in Moral Resonation Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, tapping to reduce PTSD, Conflict Resolution, and in White Bison 12 Step Medicine Wheel. She is also qualified in Correctional Assessment and Intervention System™ and is a Restorative Circle Practitioner. Ms. Mcfeat presents this human dignity reentry model to state and national audiences in hopes that the culture of corrections will shift to more restorative practices and a human dignity reentry model will be infused into jail and prison systems throughout the country.

Today more than ever, small businesses rely on referrals and repeat business to succeed and reduce marketing costs. While social media and advertising remain major marketing expenses, understanding and working a proactive referral business is still a vital part of any marketing plan.HIGHLIGHTSProactive versus reactive referral businessFoundational pieces needed to build a referral-based businessHow to target your database to increase referralsYOUR PRESENTERFrank EllerbroekFrank Ellerbroek is a Senior Mortgage Consultant for Evergreen Home Loans. He has originated residential mortgages on the Kitsap Peninsula, Washington State, and Idaho for over 24 years. With referral-based coaching, Frank has been able to work his business strictly by referral for over two decades.Frank has four team members working as “The Home Team.” His goal is to integrate a client’s loan into their overall short- and long-term financial and investment plans.Frank has served on the Silverdale Chamber Board of Directors for six years with two years as Board Treasurer and Chamber President in 2015. Frank has also served on the Kitsap County Association of Realtors as a Board Member and Affiliate Committee Chair. In addition, he has been a member of the BNI Olympic Business Exchange chapter for over 15 years.

Whether we meet our customers on the computer screen, by phone, or in person, there are some time-tested solutions to retaining customers and getting enthusiastic referrals. To create enduring connections and meaningful relationships, we need to make sure our everyday interactions are positive, memorable, and special. This interactive session will focus on the six key ingredients we must have to be successful.HIGHLIGHTSLearn the six key ingredients needed to retain customersExplore the number one path to popularityDiscover the three essentials to relationship marketingBonus! everyone who attends can sign up to receive a FREE PDF copy of Arnold’s book Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere.YOUR PRESENTERArnold SanowArnold Sanow, MBA, CSP, is a speaker, trainer, and coach who works with leaders and teams to help them get along better with customers, co-workers, and stakeholders by improving their interpersonal relationships, sales interactions, communication, emotional intelligence, and presentation skills. He is the author of seven books including Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere; Marketing Boot Camp; and Present with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz. He has delivered over 2,500 keynotes and professional development programs. Successful Meetings Magazine named him one of the top 5 best “bang for the buck” speakers in the USA. Arnold is also a former adjunct professor at Georgetown University.

Credential hacking, email phishing, the dark web–all are increasing threats to businesses these days. The global pandemic brought business a slew of challenges, not the least of which is fast-changing security issues. With many companies turning to remote ways of working, they’re increasingly relying on virtual activities like email, meetings, and remote access to systems. And each hold a unique set of security risks. This presentation will outline those risks as well as provide tips on how to mitigate them (and some even remove altogether).YOUR PRESENTERSteve TreanorSteve Treanor is the founder and CEO of Help Desk Cavalry which serves the Kitsap business community by providing full-scale technology and IT services. He is an honorably discharged disabled veteran as well as a native-born Kitsap County resident where five generations of his family still reside. In the US Army, Steve served as a Cavalry Scout, which is where the company’s name originates. Steve’s passion is helping other Kitsap businesses thrive through the optimization of technology and tools that they can afford. And GO HAWKS!

One of the keys to achieving business success is to be more data centric. Relying on analytics and hard data rather than guesswork enables you to make smarter decisions toward higher profits and better customer satisfaction. In the Uplift Kitsap, we’ll talk about how to harness the power of data.HIGHLIGHTSUsing customer data to identify your best customersUnderstanding consumer purchase behavior and habitsOptimizing your marketing and lead generationYOUR PRESENTER:Abrann HarrisAbrann Harris is a business marketing coach. Abrann and his wife Sharon own the Valpak of Western WA West franchise. Valpak is the leading direct mailer in the country and a resource for business advertising data, trends, and expertise.Abrann has been in sales for over 30 years. Prior to Valpak, Abrann spent 23 years in the insurance industry as an insurance and financial advisor. He has led successful sales teams as a senior branch and territory manager for Liberty Mutual for 18 of those years. Abrann feels he has been blessed to learn from some of the best minds in business, and he in turn hopes to pass on that knowledge to help as many as he can to start and build successful businesses of their own.

According to Patrick Lencioni, author and founder of The Table Group, everyone has natural talents and gifts when it comes to work. As it turns out, there are six different types of gifts that are required of any group of people trying to get something done. In this Uplift Kitsap, Kristal will share how she used this assessment tool with her team and the transformations that have occurred as a result.HIGHLIGHTSThe six types of working genius definedDifferences between working genius, competency, and frustrationsHow to utilize your assessment with your team, work group, or familyThe power of working to your strengths and knowing your team’s strengths and weaknesses.Take the assessment for deeper understanding, but not required: Home | The 6 Types of Working GeniusYOUR PRESENTERKristal ThomasKristal Thomas, owner and CEO of the Bremerton Express Employment Professionals office, has been a part of this community for 13 years. Kristal came from a background in sales and leadership and has been a professional facilitator for her company Intoxicating Intellect since 2009 teaching communication and personal effectiveness.Thomas says, “Because we are members of this community, working always to be a trusted HR resource for small and medium sized businesses, we have a vested interest in our city and want to help the people and businesses of Kitsap County thrive and grow together.”

Why do high-earners often feel unsuccessful? In fact, high earning individuals are often unhappy and feel like they are butting heads with a glass ceiling. So often we get caught up in the idea that wealth is only about money. What if the way you think about money is keeping you from your next level of wealth? In this Uplift Kitsap, we’ll talk about ways to get your thought life to start paying you dividends.BIG QUESTIONSHow do you define wealth?Are your thoughts accidentally slowing you down?What if volatility (in life, in investing, in business) is an asset?YOUR PRESENTER:Matt AugspurgerSeeing a growing need for strategy and specificity in financial planning, Matt opened his own financial planning business in 2008 from scratch, by referral-only. In 2011 Matt joined forces with Nepsis, Inc. to deepen research capabilities and refine money management, which gave him the ability to focus specifically on building financial plans and helping clients hit their goals.* Matt has a drive for helping families and local business owners. He has numerous accolades including Leadership Kitsap’s prestigious “20 Under 40 Award,” and in Kitsap Daily News’ popular “Best of Kitsap,” Matt was voted Best Financial Planner in both North and Central Kitsap for 2020.

In this interactive Master Class, “Elaine, the Brain” will help you discover the gap in your business. Once you discover that gap, you will find your Goldmine! Be sure to grab your printable workbook on her website: https://www.elaineturso.com/freebie.HIGHLIGHTSHow to use your previous customers/clients to discover the gapHow to create marketing campaigns to attract the gapHow to set your company apart by serving the gapPresenter:Elaine Turso (aka “Elaine, the Brain”) is a creative business mentor and entrepreneur. Sometimes using colorful sentence enhancers, she will challenge you to get out of your own way and get things done.Elaine is a trained “Dare to Lead” professional, managing director of Polka Dot Powerhouse Diamond membership, and cofounder of the 83/38 Collective. Mindset, education, and accountability are the foundational pillars that have contributed to her success.

Understanding motives—yours and others—can lower your stress, increase your productivity, and cultivate a more engaged team.HIGHLIGHTSLearn your personal motivatorsUnderstand other people’s motivatorsDevelop awareness of common pitfalls of each motivatorPresenter:Kristal ThomasKristal Thomas, owner of Express Employment Professionals Bremerton and host of Heartbeat of Kitsap podcast will lead this Uplift Kitsap session.

As an entrepreneur or community leader, how do you navigate feelings of loneliness, disagreement, or frustration of an unshared reality while growing your business?Join us in a lively dialogue with Business Energy Coach Anna Choi, Founder of Conscious Business Coaching and Kristal Thomas, Host of Heartbeat of Kitsap, a Silverdale Chamber Uplift Kitsap event, where you’ll learn ways you canMore easily process emotional stress to stay calm with your family and friendsSimple exercises to stay grounded and connected withinValue your fears when there’s division to create unifying conversationsPresenter:Anna ChoiAnna S. Choi, Business Energy Coach, TEDx Speaker, and Forbes Author is committed to elevating humanity’s consciousness by empowering conscious entrepreneurs and business leaders to focus their energy, magnify their presence, and find peace in chaos.​As a broke art major, zero experience or connections, she started her first business as a financial planner grossing six figures by age 25. Burned out from the hustle and grind, she pursued energy mastery becoming a martial artist, yoga instructor, and brain education leader. She is now helping high achieving business leaders grow in flow, align their energy, and embody yin-based leadership for themselves and their teams.

Have you ever found it challenging to communicate with different generations? Do you work with colleagues or have clients from different generations? Do you have multiple generations living under the same roof? For the first time in history there are five generations working, living, or volunteering side by side. This creates challenges that can stop you in your tracks, and opportunities that will take you through barriers to unmatched levels of success. Karen McNamara, Baby Boomer, will help you understand the why behind generational differences and will share strategies for communication with each.Presenter:Karen McNamara from Click-consultants is a motivational, inspiring and captivating presenter and leader who brings Military, Nursing and Educational Leadership experience to her engagements. Presenting on stage in conferences, organizations, academic and nonprofit settings both stateside and overseas, she is sought after as a communications and generations expert, for diversity inclusion, and the power of learning through story. Whether coaching one to one, speaking virtually or on stage, her strategies have immediate application, make ideas and goals click, and customers succeed. She will have you laughing, learning and communicating for success.

While COVID-19 brought us some mammoth life changes, it certainly is not the first event that we have experienced feelings of loss, grief, stress, or emotional challenge. Life is full of opportunities that allow us to experience any, if not all, of those feelings. During this Uplift Kitsap, we’ll explore emotional self-management and how you can more intentionally equip yourself despite difficult circumstances. You’ll learn tools and techniques that can help you feel calmer during life’s storms.Meet Your PresenterLesli Dullum TutterrowLesli Dullum Tutterrow, LMT, CC, CBHCChief Wellness Officer, Executive Consultant/ TrainerLesli Dullum Tutterrow is president of The Wellspring Company, a coaching-counseling consultancy focused on individual and organizational wellbeing, leadership, and cultural transformation. Lesli founded LiveWellKitsap.com, a website supporting community health and wellbeing. She is a Certified Counselor in Washington State with a part-time counseling practice in Silverdale. Additionally, Lesli is a licensed massage therapist, certified brain health coach, and Gallup Strengths Coach.

We are living in unprecedented times and the leaders that can connect authentically will make a way forward.PresenterBrandon Cameron has been a pastor and leader for 25 years. During that time, he has shared 15 years in Kitsap County at newlife church. Brandon is passionate about start-ups, our community, and working with other leaders to reach their full potential. Brandon says, “I believe there is something electric about working on a team with talented people to solve a problem or break new ground.”

Are digital hackers really targeting your password-protected sites all the time? The answer is an unequivocal YES. Laura Moynihan from Digital Helpmates teaches you how businesses get hacked and the single most important tool you can use to keep yourself safe AND easily share passwords with employees and contractors. In this case, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth 6 months worth of cure (the average amount of time it takes to recover from identity theft).TAKEAWAYSWhat are the three most common methods hackers use to obtain your passwords?Can I create an “unhackable” password that isn’t 50 characters long?What is the best way to share (and unshare) passwords with employees and contractors?PRESENTERLaura MoynihanLaura Moynihan the Director/CEO of Digital Helpmates, a company that matches personal tech tutors with individuals and businesses nationwide. She is a state certified teacher, professional Mac/Apple user for over 20 years, and full-time tutor since 2015. Her areas of expertise are software training, online safety, and helping people simplify their technology.

Social Media is a world all its own. Marketing your business on social media is easy to do if you understand how to use the various platforms to your advantage. Social media specialist Valarie Harris will help you get a leg up on your 2021 marketing efforts by increasing your knowledge of paid and organic reach on popular platforms.HIGHLIGHTSBy the numbers: social media platform significance and statsPros and Cons: The differences between paid and organic reach on social mediaHow to maximize your time, efforts, and money using paid reachLearn a variety of techniques to increase your organic reachValarie Harris is the founder and president of Varris Marketing and the Soul Intensified Entrepreneur. Valarie is a certified business, branding, and marketing coach who specializes in social media marketing. Her passion is creating purposeful and soul-driven plans of action to help businesses build their brand stories. Before starting Varris in 2012, Valarie enjoyed a 28-year career in corporate retail management.

A resume can be a powerful tool, but there is often a disconnect between what a job candidate thinks is being communicated on their resume and how hiring managers interpret the information being presented. This results in companies missing out on hiring some great talent, and job seekers missing out on excellent opportunities. In this Uplift Kitsap, professional resume writer Tina Callison helps bridge that gap by identifying places on a resume where disconnect happens and exploring how both job candidates and hiring managers can improve their use of resumes.Tina Callison is a professional resume writer and owner of Loud Resumes LLC. She has been writing resumes professionally for the past eight years and has written thousands of resumes for clients across all industries and job levels, with the most of her clients being professional or executive-level candidates.

Time management is fundamental to accomplishing BIG goals. Enjoy a conversation about tackling the process to avoid overwhelm.HIGHLIGHTSPrioritiesOrganizationDisciplinePresenter Ryan Oliver is the author of the new fantasy adventure series, Beast of Men and Gods. Oliver’s inspiration for writing and storytelling originated from years of studying history and reading great works of fiction. He aspires to bring grand new tales to the world.Oliver works as a journeyman electrician with the Department of the Navy. In addition to writing, he is developing as a speaker and coach.Born and raised in the Kitsap County, Oliver graduated from Bremerton High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Washington University. He and his wife Ashleigh live with their two sons, Lucas and Jackson, in Bremerton.

How long has it been since you’ve taken a serious look at your best customers? Are you prioritizing the right products and services and giving your sales efforts the best chance by having a solid understanding of who is bringing money and influence to the table? Our guest, Maureen Jann, Chief Strategist at Kitsap-based marketing agency NeoLuxe Marketing, will talk about:HIGHLIGHTSHow to confirm that you’re still working with your most profitable, influential, and strategic customersHow to better understand them to use your products and services to sell your offeringEvaluate how your conversations might change in a post-pandemic worldMaureen Jann is a veteran B2B marketer whose career in digital media has grown up with the Internet. She is the co-owner of Bremerton’s original coworking space, Spark Commons, and the founder and managing director of SuperDeluxe Marketing, a marketing, content, and thought leadership strategy agency. Maureen has a Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University and her side projects have earned her an MBA from the School of Failed Startups. She is a frequent guest on podcasts, a regular conference speaker and a guest author on prestigious blogs like Content Marketing Institute and Spin Sucks. She is passionate about unusual shoes, crafts, and artfully crafted cocktails. In her carefully guarded free time, Maureen loves exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her daughter and husband.

Conversation sets the tone for a relationship. Open and honest communication leads more quickly to mutual understanding and respect for differences in views, interests, and needs. Being able to communicate effectively is perhaps the most important of all life skills, so let’s talk!Kristal Thomas, owner and CEO of the Bremerton Express Employment Professionals office, has been a part of this community for 13 years. Kristal came from a background in sales and leadership and has been a professional facilitator for her company Intoxicating Intellect since 2009 teaching communication and personal effectiveness.Thomas says, “Because we are members of this community, working always to be a trusted HR resource for small and medium sized businesses, we have a vested interest in our city and want to help the people and businesses of Kitsap County thrive and grow together.”HIGHLIGHTSA model to observe and improve the value of your conversationsSkills to help elevate the quality of your communicationWays to open yourself to intersecting points of view

All leaders must be adept at having difficult conversations as we train, onboard, and hold our teams accountable to the goals.Having difficult conversations may never be easy, but there are ways to make those conversations both productive and as painless as possible.HIGHLIGHTSHow to prepare for difficult conversationsFramework to decide if you should have the conversationA model for communicationMEET YOUR PRESENTERKristal ThomasKristal Thomas, owner and CEO of the Bremerton Express Employment Professionals office, has been a part of this community for 13 years. Kristal came from a background in sales and leadership and has been a professional facilitator for her company Intoxicating Intellect since 2009 teaching communication and personal effectiveness.Thomas says, “Because we are members of this community, working always to be a trusted HR resource for small and medium sized businesses, we have a vested interest in our city and want to help the people and businesses of Kitsap County thrive and grow together.”

Race, equity, and inclusion are not only imperative social issues, but vital economic issues impacting company sustainability and overall performance. In this insightful discussion, we uplift our emerging leaders and make their voices heard. From education to workforce recruitment to consumer spending, you’ll hear the experiences and perspectives of the next generation of young professionals.Moderator: Ken RileyPanel Members: Kelvin Gardner Jr., Central Kitsap High School, Austin Kitchens, Northwest University, Ania Briggs, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy

As a business leader, do you feel energetically scattered in navigating the unknown?Are you looking to build emotional resilience to lead the way for others? In this Uplift Kitsap, Anna Choi will teach the ALIVE model to reclaim your energy.HighlightsIdentify where to double down on on your yin versus yang timeDiscover how to make decisions using your 3 inner advisorsExperience energy management hacks to keep you in flow dailySpeaker Anna S. Choi, Business Energy Coach, TEDx Speaker, and Forbes Author is committed to elevating humanity’s consciousness by empowering conscious entrepreneurs and business leaders to focus their energy, magnify their presence, and find peace in chaos.​As a broke art major, zero experience or connections, she started her first business as a financial planner grossing six figures by age 25. Burned out from the hustle and grind, she pursued energy mastery becoming a martial artist, yoga instructor, and brain education leader. She is now helping high achieving business leaders grow in flow, align their energy, and embody yin-based leadership for themselves and their teams.

The importance of how your business appears online has been amplified in a physically distanced, COVID world. Being successful requires a fresh look at your digital strategy—from websites, videos, social media, ad strategy and mobile marketing. In this Uplift Kitsap, Jason O will share tools and resources for all skills levels so that you can create, analyze, and improve your digital presence.Jason D. Oberholtzer founded My Lion Marketing in 2006. Jason’s success in marketing strategy and brand management ranges across some of the world’s premiere sport properties including the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. As an international consultant, Jason has been involved with large scale, multi-cultural brand initiatives, leading teams for Proctor & Gamble, Samsung and Visa.On the U.S. domestic front, Jason has proven a catalyst for the growth consulting with small business, mid-cap, non-profit and government clients. Under his leadership, the development of new marketing and strategic plans helped set new revenue benchmarks for multiple clients.

If you don’t know where you are going, how do you know if you got there?In the current world of business, most owners and managers are wearing multiple hats, barely keeping their heads above water. They’re so busy and caught up on the doing that they lose focus on their mission and what their desired vision was in the first place. In this Uplift Kitsap, you’ll learn to apply the Be-Do-Have Principle to enhance efficiency, productivity, and employee morale.YOUR PRESENTERRoger Sargent owns Affluence Business Solutions, a consultant practice specializing in all phases of Business Consulting – in depth, hands-on services to rev up the bottom line of independent business owners. Roger has over 35 years in the small and midsized business community. Over the past 15 years, Roger has been a partner in the hotel, health club and restaurant industries.

Most of us have realized that things aren’t going to be the same when we do come out of this challenging period. So how do we lead our teams through this change and through the stress?HighlightsHow to manage remote techno stressMotivation and engagement in a remote worldEstablishing clear strategies forwardPresented by Kristal Thomas, CEO of Express Employment Professionals, Bremerton, Washington

Power. Privilege. Racism. Lean in as our panelists answer some of the tough and uncomfortable questions you’ve asked about racism, bias, equity, and inclusion. Through frank discussion, this Uplift Kitsap provides an aperture for understanding how to encourage open dialogue about race and what people of color are looking for in an ally. Join this conversation to gain clarity and understanding about disrupting racism in our workplaces and beyond.Panel members: Ken Riley, Valarie Harris and James Donaldson

Fake News is nothing new. But now, more than ever, bogus claims can reach people at exceedingly high speeds. Figuring out what’s real and what’s imaginary takes critical thinking and fact-checking tools. In this Uplift Kitsap, find out how to spot fake news, uncover the facts, and become the best defense against the spread of misinformation.Presented by Carina Wood and Priya Charry Adult Services Librarians at Kitsap Regional Library

As business owners, staying connected to our community is one of the keys to a healthy business. How do you keep the connections alive in a virtual environment? How do you connect, when you can’t connect in person? In this Uplift Kitsap, Maureen Jann, co-conspirator and chief strategist, will share what 350 post-pandemic virtual networking meetings have taught her about building a business during a crisis and how you can too.HighlightsWhere to find networking opportunitiesHow you can turn virtual networking into moneyHow to keep yourself and your invitees from getting Zoomed outMaureen Jann is a veteran B2B marketer whose career in digital media has grown up with the Internet. She is currently the co-owner of Bremerton’s original coworking space, Spark Commons, and the founder and managing director of SuperDeluxe Marketing, a marketing, content, and thought leadership strategy agency. Maureen has a Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University and her side projects have earned her an MBA from the School of Failed Startups. She is a frequent guest on podcasts, a regular conference speaker and a guest author on prestigious blogs like Content Marketing Institute and Spin Sucks.

A recent IBM poll of fifteen hundred CEOs identified creativity as the top “leadership competency” of the future. Creativity and innovation are the “secret sauce” for success and now more than ever are crucial to re-imagine the future and pioneer what’s next for our businesses.But, big questions like How do I become more innovative? How do I attract and empower innovative people? How can I come up with cutting-edge ideas while managing the status-quo? leave us feeling disoriented in the uncertainty of our current landscape.In this Uplift Kitsap, we will consider how 4 Keystone Habits can drastically reframe how we think, operate, and boost our bottom line.This session is for any leader looking tosharpen their company’s competitive edgedevelop the skills to turn ideas into impactstrengthen their team’s innovative dexterityattract and empower top innovative talentmanage and lead teams to creative brilliance.Surf Instructor for the Creative Waves, Bryan Lindgren teaches leaders and organizations how to establish practices that lead to everyday innovation. He is an author, speaker, and creative lead at newlife, helping people uncover and fully unleash their own creativity and innovation.

Anyone else feel like life is a little unpredictable right now? How is anyone supposed to lead in such uncertain and anxious times? As a society, we are standing on the edge of uncharted territory. Our world needs leaders who are able to not only navigate uncertainty but lead courageously into places we have never been before. Let’s talk about what it takes to be an adaptive leader – a leader who faces anxious times with a spirit of adventure – and who discovers a surprising world along the way.Jenni Waldron is a writer, speaker, and communications leader at "newlife"Church in Silverdale.

As business owners and community leaders, we can make a difference in racism that continues in everyday experiences—the hurt, the pain, the injustices, and the micro-aggressions. In our digital world, information moves rapidly. We all have a voice. How can we join in the conversation and make a difference? In this Uplift Kitsap, Valarie Harris will share her social media expertise and ideas.TakeawaysHow to talk about racism through your business’s social media platformsHow your business can get involved on social media in the quest for changeHow your business can be a social media community activistValarie Harris is the founder and president of Varris Marketing and the Soul Intensified Entrepreneur. Valarie is a certified business, branding, and marketing coach who specializes in social media marketing. Her passion is creating purposeful and soul-driven plans of action to help businesses build their brand stories.

We must go on a journey together. Racism isn’t just something that happened way back then or way over there. It’s something that continues to happen—everyday experiences, the hurt, the pain, the injustices, and the micro-aggressions. Talking about racism is a beginning. While it’s not necessarily easy or comfortable to unpack the issues, we’re starting the conversation within the Kitsap Business Forum.Ken Riley was born and raised in Southern California. In 1996 he joined the United States Navy and relocated to Bremerton WA, where he presently resides. Ken is a community leader serving as one of the lead pastors at Newlife Church on the Peninsula as well as Adjunct Faculty at Northwest University in Kirkland, WA. He is also a Board Member for Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton and Sports Beyond of Kitsap County.Our speaker Ken Riley holds a Master of Divinity from Seattle University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.Ken has been married to his wife Kimberly for over 20 years, and they have three wonderful teenage daughters