For the past 14 years, Mickey Molnaire has steadfastly helped drive the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce efforts to modernize, develop small business initiatives and programs, advocate for our community, and plan and execute special events of all kinds.

That is an impressive array of talents. But it misses what we all know that Mickey’s true talent at the Chamber has been her depth and breadth of knowledge for all things Bainbridge, and her willingness to help share that information with members, visitors, and any friendly face that came through the chamber doors.

After more than a year of public discussion, a public hearing and potential vote is on the agenda tonight for the proposed Affordable Housing Density Bonus for Religious Organizations ordinance.

If passed, the ordinance would allow Bethany Lutheran Church to develop up to 23 affordable housing units as a pilot project for the city (which could subsequently inform more comprehensive policy changes island-wide).

There has been much discussion on this matter over recent months, but tonight is the night - and we encourage all Islanders to attend and participate, either in person at City Hall or via zoom.

Tonight’s agenda also includes:

Already double the federal rate, Washington’s minimum wage is set to increase to $15.74 in January.

However, post-pandemic many businesses are feeling the sting of significant labor shortages and a historic competition for replacement workers. Many businesses in the Puget Sound area are now offering starting hourly wages of $18 or more to attract and retain workers, according to The Seattle Times.

And while the Fed has raised interest rates again to help slow the economy and reduce inflation, the national jobs report reflected little impact, adding 263,000 jobs while the unemployment rate fell to 3.5% – still near historic lows, according to The New York Times.

What’s that I hear? The dulcet tones of pile driving starts this week and extends into mid-November as WSF engineers and construction crews place structural supports for the terminal’s new overhead walkway.

Crews will work with vibratory and impact hammers between sailings in an effort to minimize noise for passengers.

However, there will be noise and dust in the area at times (and possibly the smell of ancient creosote) as old piles are pulled and hauled away.

As a reminder, these changes remain in place through November:

Bainbridge Island Lodging Association is pleased to announce a new service called Last Minute Lodging to assist local property owners in filling their booking calendars and help island visitors find same-day vacancies.

To get the word out about Last Minute Lodging, the BILA is hosting a launch party where owners or lodging association partners can view the technology, learn how it works and celebrate the new service.

Join BILA and their partners on Wed. Oct. 19 at the Rooftop at Fletcher Bay, 500 Winslow Way East, at 5 pm.

Visit Bainbridge Island, the island's official destination marketing organization, has been working hard with regional and national reporters to bring destination coverage to our island to aid in post-pandemic recovery.

Enjoy this latest round of exceptional write-ups:

Have a great idea or story coming up?

Let the team at Visit Bainbridge Island know by emailing chantelle@visitbainbridgeisland.org

Special recognition is given to A Kitchen That Works, Churchmouse, Consolidated Shippers, David T. Hunting, Fournier/Sears Insurance, Island Fitness, IslandWood, Kiwanis, Net Systems, and Rotary - all of whom have been Chamber members for more than 20 years.

Join us as our Chamber After Hours heads to the wonderful and playful world of KiDiMu for a festive evening of pumpkins and potions...

Sip on potions (wine), and snack on Halloween-appropriate offerings as you decorate mini pumpkins, network, and of course play!

Tap into your inner child - with beverage in hand, of course, thanks to Eleven Winery generously donating the evening's libations...

And also come say thank you and farewell to Mickey Molnaire at the end of her 14-year Chamber run...

We couldn’t have more cause to celebrate, so THANK YOU for voting our Grand Old 4th tops in the 2022 Best of Bainbridge!

We’re thrilled for the honor and look forward to bringing this event back for the island and our visitors to enjoy in 2023...

Holiday spending by customers is expected to increase by 7.1% over last year, according to MasterCard's latest report.

These predictions are based on the increase in summer spending, and real and perceived strength of the overall economy and consumer confidence.

So how do you prepare to capture those dollars this season: