a weekly digest for bainbridge business owners and our island community |
|
CHAMBER HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS |
|
|
|
The Chamber offices will remain open 9-5 as usual through Friday December 23.
In celebration of the holidays:
- The Chamber Offices will be closed December 24 through January 2
- Our licensing agent will be on vacation from December 15 through January 2
- The Chamber & the Licensing Desk will both reopen on Tuesday January 3
Vehicle/Vessel tabs ordered online will still be able to be picked up from Chamber staff December 15-23.
|
|
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY NEWS |
|
Islander Mobile Home Park aerial photo - courtesy of COBI |
|
PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERING PROPOSED PURCHASE OF MOBILE HOME PARK FLOOR AREA RATIO
Thursday Dec. 8 at 6:00 pm
|
At this Thursday's Planning Commission meeting, Madrona Way Investments' (developers of The Walk) request to have the City purchase the remaining 8,190 sq ft of floor area ratio (FAR) development rights associated with the at the Islander Mobile Home Park will be considered.
To be clear, this proposal is not to redevelop the actual mobile home park in any way, but rather to potentially sell the transferrable rights to the property's remaining FAR (after most of that FAR has already been allocated to adding more housing units at The Walk between 2010 and 2019).
On Thursday, the Commission will balance MWI's proposal with the City's planning staff not recommending the purchase - due to the city not having any shovel-ready housing projects that would justify the associated $147k cost (not included in the 2023-2024 budget).
The Planning Commission will ultimately provide a recommendation to the City Manager regarding this request ready for further public discussion at an upcoming City Council meeting.
|
|
Winslow Subarea Plan Area courtesy of COBI |
|
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW WINSLOW SUBAREA PLAN
Thursday Dec. 8 at 6:00 pm
|
Project manager consultant Adam Amrhein from LMN Architects will provide an initial overview of the Winslow Subarea Plan during this week's Planning Commission Special Meeting.
Last updated in 2006, the Subarea Plan is a part of the City's overall Comprehensive Plan (and defines what can be built and maintained in the downtown area shown in the map).
Updates to the plan for Winslow include water & sewer planning, as well as consideration of sustainable transportation, housing action plan, increasing community equity, and 2044's population & employment estimates.
|
|
|
|
NEW "988 LIFELINE - THERE IS HOPE!" LICENSE PLATE EMBLEM |
Effective immediately, the general public may purchase a prevent veteran suicide emblem for $18.
Funds from this emblem will go to support the Suicide Prevention Account at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
This emblem is to be displayed on the bottom of any WA license plate.
|
|
|
|
PSE OFFERS NEW 'PEAK ENERGY REWARDS' FOR THE ISLAND |
Puget Sound Energy is piloting a new energy-efficiency program for customers on Bainbridge Island.
In an effort to address electric capacity needs on the island, PSE wants to use smart technology to help meet the community's collective energy demands.
By enrolling their existing smart thermostat for remote control during extra-cold weather, participants can receive $75 annually and eligibility for rebates on heating equipment, weatherization, and more.
|
|
Image courtesy of Visit Seattle |
|
SEATTLE'S 2023 PRELIMINARY CRUISE SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED |
Next year's Seattle's cruise schedule will begin April 15 and continue until October 30 with a preliminary forecast of 288 ship visits at Piers 66 and 91, and 1.4 million revenue-generating passengers.
The Port of Seattle reports the demand for the Alaska itinerary originating in Seattle remains high, indicating strong economic activity potential for the upcoming season.
|
|
Image courtesy of Pleasant Beach Village |
|
RSVP NOW FOR THE CHAMBER'S AFTER HOURS HOLIDAY PARTY |
Join the the Pleasant Beach Village team for the next Chamber After Hours at The Manor House this Thursday Dec. 8 at 5:30pm.
Complementary wine courtesy of Eleven Winery and food from Manor House Catering will be freely available for all guests.
|
|
|
NEW DUDE'S DONUTS CAFE LINKS BAINBRIDGE & PORT ORCHARD |
Dude's Donuts now has a cafe location open to the public at their long-time commercial bakery location on Bay Street in Port Orchard.
While dining on vegan and gluten-free donuts in Port Orchard, customers can now grab a mug of Bainbridge-roasted coffee, while coffee drinkers at the iconic Pegasus Coffee House can satisfy a Dude's Donut craving on here on the Island.
Celebrating the new link, an unusual dual ribbon cutting ceremony was held on December 1 with the Port Orchard Chamber, Bainbridge Chamber, community leaders and very first customers in attendance.
|
|
|
|
|
SHOW YOUR ISLAND LOVE WITH BI LICENSE PLATE FRAMES |
"I Love This Island" and "Beautiful Bainbridge Island" license plate frames make a great holiday gift for your neighbors and friends.
Pick them up at our Chamber/DOL office at 395 Winslow Way weekdays between 9am - 5pm.
|
|
|
SMALL BUSINESS SEASON: SHOP LOCAL |
|
General Store pop-up in the Chamber Window |
|
BROWSE BAINBRIDGE AT THE ONLINE GENERAL STORE |
Continue your holiday shopping and small business season online at the Bainbridge Island General Store.
Returning for another holiday season, the island's online general store helps locals browse Bainbridge, find what you need, and connect directly to business's own websites.
|
|
|
Image courtesy of Buy Kitsap |
|
BUY CLOSE BY KITSAP, COUNTY-WIDE SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGN |
For every $100 spent at Kitsap County businesses, $48 is put straight back into the local economy.
Buy Close by Kitsap is a Kitsap Economic Development Alliance initiative that supports and promotes local businesses to bring awareness about places to shop, eat, and spend in Kitsap.
|
|
|
Image courtesy of Eat Local First |
|
SHOP LOCAL WITH A HOLIDAY FOOD & FARM FINDER |
The 2022 Holiday Food and Farm Finder is a holiday-themed resource which serves as a source of inspiration for consumers to buy locally sourced gifts, ingredients for holiday meals, and more.
Utilize the map to find listings of what's in season, along with ideas for local gift-giving and winter activities throughout Washington.
|
|
|
Image courtesy of stock photos |
|
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES |
For many small businesses, the holiday season can be prime time to overcome the challenges and fluctuations of the year.
Ideas for support local businesses:
- Buy gift cards
- Order take-out or delivery
- Tip a little more
- Leave a positive review
Because when we support small businesses, it makes a big impact!
|
|
|
MEMBER & COMMUNITY EVENTS |
|
|
|
WASTE REDUCTION ASSISTANCE: COBI'S HOME COMPOSTABLE PRODUCT FAIR
Mon Dec. 12, 1-3pm at City Hall
|
You are invited to attend a Vendor Fair at City Hall on Dec. 12 to learn more about the waste reduction ordinance from COBI staff, talk to suppliers, and test home compostable service ware sample products.
|
|
|
|
|
YOU ARE INVITED TO reHOME COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
Sat Dec. 10, 11am - 1 pm
|
Join Friends of the Farms in celebrating Bainbridge Island's First Affordable Tiny Homes at Morales Farm.
reHOME is a 2022 American Institute of Architects Award-Winning Project.
The community open house is located at 8862 NE Lovgreen Rd, park along Lovgreen Rd.
|
|
|
Image courtesy of Community Meals |
|
'TIS THE SEASON TO VOLUNTEER + HELP OTHERS
Friday Dec. 23
|
The December Community Holiday Meal will be on Friday, December 23 at St. Cecilia's Conger Hall.
If you would like to reserve a meal, please call the Senior Center 206-824-1616 or Helpline House 206-842-7621, before Monday Dec. 12.
|
|
|
BAINBRIDGE HOLIDAY EVENTS |
|
|
|
BIFD HOLIDAY MUSIC TRUCK SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
Dec. 13 through Dec. 24
|
Get ready for the holiday magic to come to your neighborhood with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department's annual holiday music truck.
The brightly lit truck spreads the joy of the season throughout Bainbridge while playing beloved holiday music.
|
|
|
|
|
BIDA ANNOUNCES LIGHTS ON THE LANE
Thursday Nights in December
|
From 6-8 pm on Madrone Lane on Thursdays this month, the Downtown Association invites businesses to stay open late around a selection of special outdoor events:
- Holiday Movie Showing: December 8th and 22nd
- Live Music with Skinny Blue: December 15th
A complimentary Hot Cider Station is provided by BIDA, and look for a festive Photo Pop Up near Dana's
|
|
|
|
|
"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" RADIO PLAY AT BPA
December 8 - 11
|
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast.
With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
|
|
|
|
|
WATCH "THE POLAR EXPRESS" AND SUPPORT TOYS FOR TOTS
Saturday Dec. 10 at 11am
|
|
|
|
|
EAGLE HARBOR HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE
Saturday Dec. 10 at 5 pm
|
|
|
|
|
DESIGN A GINGERBREAD HOUSE, SKATE ON ICE, + VISIT WITH SANTA AT PLEASANT BEACH VILLAGE
Throughout December
|
|
|
|
|
ELF ON THE SHOP SHELF ON WINSLOW
Now through Dec. 23
|
|
|
|
|
BLOEDEL RESERVE "WINTER OF WONDER"
Now through Jan. 8
|
|
|
|
|
SOCK SKATING AND OTHER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT KIDIMU
Now through Wednesday Feb. 1
|
|
|
|
|
CHRISTMAS TREES AND VISITS FROM SANTA CLAUS AT SUYEMATSU FARMS |
|
|
|
|
SHOP ITALIAN THEMED GIFTS AT VIA ROSA'S HOLIDAY MERCATINO |
|
|
|
|
PEGASUS HOLIDAY PROMOTIONS |
|
|
KITSAP QUESTION OF THE MONTH: |
|
Q: How has the Chamber helped your business in 2022?
|
|
Q: What would help you as a Kitsap consumer to better shop small, shop local? |
|
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND RESULTS |
|
BAINBRIDGE BUSINESS ACADEMY |
|
Image courtesy of WA Paid Family Leave |
|
PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE RATES INCREASING |
As required by law and to keep pace with more people using the program, the premium rate for Paid Family and Medical Leave will increase in 2023.
Next steps for employers:
- Notify your employees that you will start collecting the new rate on Jan. 1.
- On Jan. 1, start collecting the new premium rate from employees each pay period.
- You cannot retroactively withhold premiums from employees.
- First-quarter premiums and reports are due by the end of April 2023.
|
|
|
Image courtesy of Bainbridge Prepares |
|
Current COVID Cases per 100,000
-
Bainbridge Island: Unavailable
-
Kitsap County: Unavailable
NOTE: As of Oct. 6, 2022, KCPH suspended updates due to inability to receive accurate reporting from St. Michael's Medical Center
Kitsap County External Resources:
|
|
|
FREE CHAMBER MEMBER RESOURCES |
|
|
|
BAINBRIDGE FILMWORKS:
Make your home or business available to film/tv productions via a new WA Filmworks partnership
BROCHURE RACKS:
Newly-expanded capacity for 4x9" promo cards in our indoor and outdoor racks at both Ferry Info Kiosk + Winslow Way Info Desk.
VIA ROSA CONFERENCE ROOM:
Seating for 10 people, a 50” video screen + giant whiteboard wall – Avail. for 60 or 120-min sessions
PSE POP-UP SPACE:
6' x 6' space with display stand, power, internet + 43" monitor -
Avail. for 1-week-or-2-week slots.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
