Kitsap chamber hands out business awards

More than 75 businesses and 300 people were represented at the first Greater Kitsap Chamber’s Business Awards Gala Nov. 17.

Kitsap Bank won the coveted Natalie E. Bryson Pioneer Business of the Year award.

The Business of the Year honor went to Vibe Coworks.

White Barn Decor took home the Dr. Glen Gordon New Business of the Year.

Nothing Bundt Cakes won the Hospitality Business of the Year.

The Nonprofit of the Year award went to Foundation for Homeless and Poverty Management.

And Michele Wasson was named Citizen of the Year.

Meanwhile, the Greater Kitsap Chamber has won a Gesa Credit Union Local Heroes Grant Award for $15,000 in support of the chamber’s local military and veterans programs; Military Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day Festival.

Don Miller, president and CEO of the credit union, said the chamber has provided “selfless efforts in serving our community.”

The credit union honored 43 organizations through the program that assists local heroes in action, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, teachers and veterans.