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Happy Presidents Day
Please note that the Chamber offices and Licensing Desk will all be closed in observation of the Federal Holiday on Monday February 19.
We will reopen for business as usual at 9am on Tuesday 2/20.
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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY NEWS | |
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Affordable Housing, Planning Commission Lead Council Discussions Tonight
Tue Feb 13, 6pm
Council members are set to consider moving forward with creating up to 100 units of affordable housing on the former Police Station property at 625 Winslow Way, including options to hold a public Q&A session, and to issue a request for proposals to start finding a development partner for the project.
Also on the agenda:
- Potential revisions to how Planning Commission members are appointed
- Making changes to the Design Review process to be in compliance with state legislation
- Creation of a transportation ad hoc subcommittee
- Formalize changes to Public Comments at Council Meetings
And on the Consent Agenda:
- Final approval of Short Term Rental regulations
- Authorization of contract with Exotic Aquatics for small boat concessions at City Dock
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Support Greg Nance's Efforts to Fix Our Ferries Tomorrow
Wed Feb 14, 4pm
Pivoting from an original effort (HB2492) which did not come to the House floor, Rep. Greg Nance, and 27 co-sponsors recently introduced the new HB 2497, with the goal of
- creating a WA State Ferries 75 workgroup to explore how to increase funding for ferries (including 2 appointees from the House/Senate transportation committees, a representative from WSF, the governor’s office and of labor, and 4 representatives from ferry dependent communities), and
- completing an Evergreen College study to show the economic impact of ferry disruptions.
The State House Transportation Committee is holding a public hearing on the bill on Wednesday, February 14th at 4PM. This is a great opportunity for Islanders to highlight the importance of reliable ferry service to the Bainbridge Island Community.
Sign in to testify remotely for 1-3 minutes to explain your support of HB 2497.
Sign in to have your position noted for the legislative record (without testifying)
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Chamber Roundtable with Congressman Kilmer Next Week
Tue Feb 20, 10-11:30am
Chamber members/business owners are invited to sit down with Rep. Kilmer and talk about the most needed kinds of federal assistance for local businesses before he heads back into Appropriations Committee meetings in DC.
Some of the issues Rep Kilmer focuses on include Health Care, Jobs & the Economy, and Higher Education.
There is limited seating in the Chamber Conference Room available - we hope you can join us.
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Vote Today on School District Educational Levies
Residents in the Bainbridge Island School District have until 8pm tonight (Feb. 13) to record their vote on whether to raise property taxes and renew two local educational levies.
The levies would fund student devices and productivity software and close the gap in funding for island staff and school supplies.
If Bainbridge voters do not pass the levies, the district will need to cut $15.9 million from its budget.
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Rendering of roundabout at 305 heading north at Adas Will Ln | |
Traffic Delays on SR 305 Throughout February
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews continue installing storm drainage and utilities at the Northeast Port Madison Rd. and Northeast Adas Will Lane intersections of SR 305 for the roundabout projects. Alternating road closures are underway from Feb. 12-15 between 8pm-6am.
Next week, expect more delays, as daytime Agate Pass Bridge work is scheduled February 20-23 between 9am and 2pm as part of WSDOT's annual cleaning project. Between those times, there will be one-way alternating traffic on the bridge.
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COBI Rendering of a "pinch point" on Grow Ave | |
Traffic Calming Construction On Grow Ave This Spring
The City’s Public Works Department has prepared a preliminary plan for traffic calming measures on Grow Avenue between High School Road and Wyatt Way, including the installation of traffic circles and “pinch points.”.
The measures will address safety conditions on Grow Avenue for folks walking and biking, and will also serve to mitigate any spillover traffic during the Madison Avenue Bundled Project construction.
The City Council included $94K for the installation in the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan & work is anticipated to begin in early spring.
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Winslow Subarea Plan Update
The City held a series of in-person and virtual workshops in the fall of 2023 to get public feedback on Draft Alternatives for Updating the Winslow Subarea Plan.
Information on the Alternatives have been combined into a summary document, and the feedback received has been incorporated into an Outreach and Engagement Summary.
Next steps include work on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that combines review with complementary alternatives for the Comprehensive Plan and expects to be complete in late Spring, and a comment period will be widely announced.
Sign up here to be notified via text or email notifications about the progress on the Winslow Subarea Plan.
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Closing Credits Roll for Sam Granato (1936-2024)
The curtain has closed on the life of Sam Granato, Bainbridge Island entrepreneur and President of Bainbridge Entertainment Enterprises (parent company of the Historic Lynwood Theatre and Bainbridge Cinemas). Sam passed away on January 24 at the age of 87 (having long liked to note that both he and the Lynwood were born in 1936).
Sam was the first mayor of Bainbridge Island (elected in 1990) and prior to that had purchased the Lynwood in 1982 from Glen & Lucille Nolta. In 1997 he and business partner Jeff Brein developed the Pavilion on Madison Avenue and opened Bainbridge Cinemas. He was a board member of the Bainbridge Chamber, and remained active in the business community until he passed away last month.
The Chamber offers its sincere condolences to Sam's wife Sharon Osborne, 6 children, 5 grandchildren and great granddaughter. A celebration of life event, along with a screening of Sam’s favorite movie, is being planned for late March at the Historic Lynwood Theatre.
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February After Hours at JGO Gallery Sold Out
Thur Feb 29, 5:30-7:30pm
Another After Hours has met its's capacity but you can still join the wait list to meet Jude, Janet, and enjoy the art at JGO Gallery.
Guests will sample complementary wine from Eleven Winery, beer provided by Bainbridge Brewing, and enjoy yummy food from chamber member Nicolas Ganea at Sauce Nouvelle.
After Hours tickets are always free for Chamber members and invited guests, with a very limited number available to non-members for $25 each.
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Samantha & Doug at 2023 BI Chamber of Commerce Business Awards | Working in partnership with The Island Wanderer, sharing stories of local businesses and the people behind their success. | |
Samantha and Doug Christopherson Talk Bainbridge Event Rentals
If you’re planning an event on Bainbridge Island or the Kitsap Peninsula, the go-to place for all your needs is Bainbridge Event Rentals (BER), which was founded in 2019, but for owners Samantha and Doug Christopherson, who purchased BER in 2022, their path to small business ownership goes back even further.
BER already provides everything you could possibly need to host a fully catered gathering for both large and small groups, including a full a compliment of glassware, dishware, serving ware, linens, tables and chairs, ovens, coolers, even hangers and coat racks - plus The Lightning Booth (photo booth) and two bouncy houses.
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Celebratory ribbon cutting with Eleven Winery Members & Staff including (l to r) Chamber President Stefan Goldby, Mayor Joe Deets, & General Manager Alana Mignano |
Eleven Winery Tasting Room Celebrates New Look
Pretty then, prettier now – the Eleven Winery tasting room is having a fabulous glow-up moment and the Chamber was happy to be there with the Mayor to help celebrate!
The Winery team collaborated with designer and project lead Shawn Parks to reimagine their Winslow Way Tasting Room with inspiration from vintage bicycles.
Bike baskets and powder-coated handlebars have been repurposed to create a new merchandise wall, design elements from Eleven's bottle labels incorporated into the color scheme, and new flooring plus a refinish of the bar tops back to their original oak color all come together to help lighten up the space - so head on over to see it soon!
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Layline Design + Build
Matt and Alison MacGregor have been finding neglected homes in great locations and reinventing them for more than 20 years.
125+ homes later, the MacGregors are currently building here on Bainbridge Island (where they reside and Matt grew up). Although their main focus is residential they have also created commercial and mixed-use properties with the collaboration of talented architects, subs and tradesmen, as well as their own skilled crew.
Unlike true spec builders Layline Design+Build only crafts a few great projects per year and can occasionally can be convinced to build custom homes or offer Interior Design and furnishings selections to select clients.
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Available private office at OfficeXpats | |
OfficeXpats Offers Private Office For Rent
A "low-commitment" private office is available at OfficeXpats Coworking in the Bainbridge Pavilion (403 Madison Ave).
The best of both worlds, privacy and community, view it 8:30-5pm weekdays.
Comes with all amenities including utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, free coffee/tea, a front desk welcome, and no long term lease with $750/month, 3-month commitment, then month-to-month.
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Volunteer for Chilly Hilly
Join the fun without bike riding the 33-mile course of the Chilly Hilly on Sunday Feb 25!
There are various Volunteer Shifts at different Island locations between 7:30am - 3pm and help out with the 5,000+ riders.
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Awards Given to Eleven Winery's 2021 Reds
Drumroll, please! Eleven Winery is over the moon to share some stellar news – their wines rocked the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Awards!
This prestigious competition featured over 50 judges from various North American wine regions, who evaluated more than 5,500 wines from nearly 1,000 wineries.
The 2021 La Ronde was awarded double gold, 2021 Lemma received a shiny gold, and 2021 Petit Verdot also achieved double gold glory.
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Want to be A Star? BPA is Accepting Auditions for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Submit a video of your 1-2 minute Shakespeare monologue. If you enjoy singing and would like to include a short song in your video, please feel free.
Purchase your tickets for the June 28-July 14 performances.
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Submissions Sought for 2024 Poetry Corners
The Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate Program seeks poetry submissions for the 2024 Poetry Corners exhibition. This year’s theme is “ecopoetry,” submit work by Feb 29.
Selected poems adorn the windows of Winslow businesses and community spaces from April 1st to 30th (National Poetry Month) for enjoyment by the both the community and visitors.
Poets whose works are selected will have the opportunity to present their poems at Poetry Corners LIVE on May 4th at BIMA.
Poetry Corners is sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate Program, with funding from the City of Bainbridge Island and support from BARN.
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KHS Asking for Donations to Support World Spay Day
Kitsap Humane Society will be dedicating 5 days (Feb 21-23, 26-27th) towards spaying/neutering cats in Kitsap County, in celebration of World Spay Day.
With a goal of over 300 cats altered, they're asking for the public’s help in donating towards the cost associated with the procedure.
Low-cost spay/neuter services are crucial towards the prevention of unwanted and homeless pets, but financial barriers can make the procedure difficult to afford for many pet owners.
With donations raised by the public, KHS hopes to offer the procedure to qualifying owners at a reduced cost.
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Advertise Your Business on the Big Screen
Advertising on movie screens before the movie starts is a highly effective way to engage with a captive audience, target your message to the right demographic, reach a large and engaged audience, and do so in a cost effective way.
89% of adults take their seats before the start of the trailers. Your ad would play before every movie and would play an average of 28 times per week at the Historic Lynwood Theatre.
Plus Looking Glass Media will create an ad for you...for :15 second ad is $799 or for a :30 second ad is $899 for 12 months.
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Example of deceptive solicitations from Labor Law Poster Service | |
AG Ferguson Sues Labor Law Poster Service for Defrauding Small Businesses
If you own a Washington small business, there’s a good chance you have been targeted by a series of fraudulent schemes orchestrated by three brothers in Michigan.
The details of their schemes vary, but they all involve deceptive solicitations giving the false impression that they are mandatory from a government agency and charging businesses for posters and other products.
Employers can download FREE digital copies of these posters from many regulators and state agencies, such as the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Washington Employment Security Department and the U.S. Department of Labor.
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A Valentine's Night in New Orleans
Wed Feb 14, 6-9:30pm
Celebrate Valentine’s night 2024 with delicious entertainment, New Orleans inspired dinner, speciality cocktails and dreams of love at the Manor House (Pleasant Beach Village).
Hosted by:
Professor D’Amour - Steven Fogell
Featuring :
Our Goddess of love - Sarah Taylor
The Sultry Siren - Shannon Dowling
And so many surprises!
Stay the night at the Inn at Pleasant Beach with a hotel room/dinner package.
*Festive Cocktail attire, 21+
Purchase Tickets & View Menu
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BCF Grants Cycle Opens
Thurs Feb 15
BCF will be opening its Annual Community Grants Cycle (CGC) for nonprofit applications on February 15, 2024.
The CGC is the heart of BCF's grants program.
Total funding since the CGC began in 2005 is more than $4.5 million—and almost every year the CGC reaches a new record, which reflects the values and generosity of this community. If you'd like to get involved as a volunteer, please contact Debbie Kuffel at [email protected].
Entry Guidelines & Application
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Evening with Author Tom Fucoloro
Thurs Feb 15, 6:30pm
Squeaky Wheels is hosting a fun and informative evening at BIMA with Tom Fucoloro, author of the new book Biking Uphill in the Rain.
Register for Free
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Drink & Draw at Ale House
Thurs Feb 15, 6:30pm
Come for a drink and stay to draw during this fun, free, clothed-model session hosted by BIMA at the Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse.
Open to anyone 21+ that is interested in working from the model, regardless of experience level. Materials provided.
More About this BIMA Event
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Katfish Salmon Co. w/pickup at Rolling Bay Winery
Sat Feb 17, 12-4pm
Pre-order your fish online and pickup your Salmon while grabbing a glass (or bottle) of wine at Rolling Bay Winery.
Pre-Order Your Salmon
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Conference Day & Mid Winter Break Camps
Feb 14 - 21
Various camps offered at HeArt & Soul Studio while school is out this week.
Engage in some Valentine's Day fun, get crazy for dog & cats, or paint pottery or fuse glass together for some creativity at 108 Winslow Way.
Book Camp Space for Your Child
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2024 KEDA Annual Meeting: Economic Forecast Luncheon
Wed Mar 27, 6:30pm
Featuring economists Hart Hodges and James McCafferty, co-directors of the Western Washington University Center for Economic & Business Research who will provide valuable insights into the economic forecast for the upcoming year.
Special guest: Rep. Derek Kilmer
Registration Now Open
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LeadHERship: A Fireside Chat with Mónica Guzmán
Thur Mar 28, 5:30-7:30pm
Join Bainbridge Community Foundation for a fireside chat with Mónica Guzmán, journalist and author of the book I Never Thought of it That Way.
Mónica is the Senior Fellow for Public Practice at the national cross-partisan depolarization organization Braver Angels, and in this fireside chat, she’ll share her experiences and help the audience gain tools for better understanding or even learning from people with a different or opposed worldview.
RSVP for this Event at BPA
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Business Info Brochure Racks:
Let everyone know about your business with 4x9" rack cards at both the Ferry Info Kiosk & Winslow Way Info Desk
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The Via Rosa 11 Conference Room:
Seating for 10 people, 50” video screen + internet, giant whiteboard wall: Available to book for 60 or 120-minute sessions
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The PSE Spotlight Pop-Up Window:
Prime position Winslow Way 6ft x 6ft area comes with 43" monitor + stand, power, lights & internet: Available for 2 week slots.
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Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce
Advocacy, Connection, and Community since 1927
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contact the chamber today - we are here to help | | | | |