In an effort to enhance the economic vitality of the Silverdale/Central Kitsap area, the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce recently formed a task force to identify and recommend to the Chamber’s board, specific short, mid and long range projects which will serve to enhance the economic vitality of the area.

This is the second such group to form in recent months. Another ad-hoc group made up of a diverse group of business people from all areas of the county has been meeting as well. The Port Orchard Chamber has also appointed a committee to look into ways to bring some form of economic development to South Kitsap.

The Silverdale task force is encouraged to think “out of the box” — considering proposals which may, on their surface, appear difficult to accomplish, but address the stated goals.

Task Force members include; Capt. Duane Baker, Commanding Officer of SUBASE Bangor; Norm McLaughlin, head of the Kitsap County Consolididated Housing Authority; Larry Thomas, publisher of the CK Reporter; David Johnson of Westsound Bank and Mike Walton from eAcceleration. Kevin Wojcik, General Manager of the WestCoast Silverdale Hotel chairs the committee. Chamber Executive Director Sam Granato and Board President Jennifer Green are also members.