Chamber News
SOS - How you, your family and friends can help local businesses survive!

The coronavirus pandemic has had an uneven impact on local businesses. Some industries - especially those deemed essential - are thriving. While others - particularly retailers and restaurants, fitness, dance and workout centers - continue to struggle.

Many of these latter businesses rely on tourists and walk-in customers. Tourism has been greatly curtailed by the coronavirus, and the safety requirements of the pandemic sometimes makes it challenging for retailers and restaurants to serve customers. 

In a partnership with the City of Bainbridge Island and the Downtown Association, the Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a new campaign: SOS - Save our Stores & Businesses. This Island-wide, multimedia effort is aimed at encouraging Islanders to Shop Local. We encourage you to participate. If you don't, your favorite shop or eatery might not be around a year from now!

How else can you help? Visit www.sosbainbridgeisland.com for a number of suggestions.

Thank you for your support! We're here for you,

Kevin Dwyer, Interim President & CEO
Mickey Molnaire, Director of Membership & Marketing
Bloedel Named One of Top 10 Botanical Gardens in North America

The Bloedel Reserve, one of the island's treasured places, has been named one of North America's top Botanical Gardens in a reader survey conducted by USA Today. Bloedel was No. 7 on the list after being named No. 10 in 2018.

"We are so appreciative of the many people who chose Bloedel Reserve as the best of the best," said Executive Director Ed Moydell. "This honor recognizes the beauty of our landscapes, our commitment to excellence in horticulture and conservation, and our work to enrich lives using nature’s ability to enhance well-being and creativity. We’re grateful to offer guests an opportunity to connect with nature in unique and meaningful ways, which is more important now than ever.”
Donate Online to the Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale

This August, for the first time in its 60-year history, the Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale is being held ONLINE. A lot of things are different this year, but one thing remains the same: All auction proceeds are invested in our community, local and beyond.

For 2020, donating and buying items happens from the comfort of your home. There is no central location to donate or shop. Items stay with donors until purchased. The only personal interaction is between donor and buyer for item pickup, at an agreed-upon time and place. You can eliminate contact by arranging for pickup from the donor’s door or driveway, or at a public location such as a store’s parking lot.

Take a look at the list of 2020 Donation Categories for specifics on which types of items the online auction can accommodate. As in the traditional auction, lower-value items can be purchased outright, and items of higher value will be sold through silent auctions.

Items can be donated online through Tuesday, August 18 at 5:00 pm

Online shopping begins: Monday, August 24, 6:00 am thru Sunday, August 30 at 5:00 pm
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Website Updates

Businesses, please continue to send us your status so that we can keep the information current at www.sosbainbridgeisland.com and www.bainbridgechamber.com Indicate hours and what services you are providing: open, closed, delivery, pick-up, online sales? Email info@bainbridgechamber.com

Please let us know if there is any additional information we can provide or visit the chamber web site, www.bainbridgechamber.com for the latest updates.
 
Kevin Dwyer, President/CEO
Mickey Molnaire, Director of Marketing & Membership