a weekly digest for bainbridge business owners and our island community
Please Note: The Bainbridge Vehicle/Vessel Licensing Agent will be on vacation for the week of September 12-16.

Online Renewal Pickups, Fish/Wildlife Licenses and Discover Passes will all still remain available from Chamber staff.
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY NEWS
Image courtesy of COBI
CAN'T DRIVE 35? ISLAND-WIDE SPEED LIMIT REDUCTIONS UP FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
In 2021, 334 traffic calming requests were made by Island residents.

In an effort to understand the reasons behind those requests, city officials engaged a 3rd party review of the island’s patchwork of speed limits on its 92 miles of roadway.

The results of that study will be shared at tonight’s council meeting (hint: many 35 limits are recommended to drop to 30, and 25's to 20) as a kick off for public engagement, feedback and discussion about island-wide speed limit changes to reflect today’s roadway and safety guidelines.
Image courtesy of Bethany Lutheran
BETHANY AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT HOPES TO MOVE ON TO PUBLIC MEETING
After much discussion and many iterations, City Council is closing in on a final ordinance that could grant Bethany Lutheran Church an increased density bonus to build affordable housing on its land.

Key points of proposed ordinance:
  • New code works as a 5-year pilot project during which time it will be limited to Bethany Lutheran Church.
  • Beginning in 2028, it would apply to all requests for bonus density for affordable housing on land owned or controlled by a religious organization 
  • Units are capped at 1,400 sf
  • ADUs are prohibited
  • Allows maximum of 23 units on the Bethany Lutheran Church property (at this time, the church plans include 21 units)

If the draft ordinance is approved, the process will then move on to a formal public hearing next month (most likely on Tuesday Oct 11)
BUSINESS WASTE REDUCTION EFFORTS LOOK TO 2023, CITY COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT
Tuesday Sept. 13, 6pm
After much work from COBI's Climate Action team, and dozens of in-person visits and interviews from the Chamber's Business Ambassadors, the preparations for the upcoming new rules around waste reduction for hospitality companies will be presented to City Council for consideration of next steps.



Also on tonight's jam-packed agenda:
  • Confirmation of Utility Advisory and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee members
  • Set preliminary 2023-2024 Biennial Budget public hearing
  • Set 2023 Property Tax Levy Collection public hearing 
Photo by Cameron Karsten
HELP REPLACE BAINBRIDGE ARTIST'S STOLEN TOOLS
Ethan Currier's incredible rock sculptures dart our landscape and are synonymous with the Island, popping up in prominent mezzanines and emerging from hidden corners.

Last week, the artist had $15,000 in tools stolen from his studio in a break-in, stopping him from creating his art.

Members of our community are rallying to support Ethan via a GoFundMe campaign to replace what was taken, with more than $2,000 donated so far.

A police report has been filed with BIPD.

If you'd like to help, please consider purchasing art or making a donation via Ethan's GoFundMe page

DEPARTURE DECK ARTWORK DEDICATED AT JAPANESE AMERICAN EXCLUSION MEMORIAL
State Senator Christine Rolfes and internment camp survivor Lilly Kodama on the departure deck at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on Tuesday September 13, 2022.

On Tuesday, September 13th, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association recognized and dedicated the new interpretive artwork on the Departure Deck.

The artwork consists of a number of rusted steel sculptural pieces by Vaughan, Washington artists Anna Brones and Luc Revel, and an imposing gate by long-time memorial advocate John Buday. This portion of the development of the Memorial was made possible in part by a grant from the State of Washington, with Senator Christine Rolfes instrumental in guiding BIJAEMA through the competitive grant process.

The art installation marks the next-to-last step in the development of the Memorial site.
UV Performing Arts Dance Team at Waterfront Park

Image credit: Andrea Addington
BAINBRIDGE CREATIVE DISTRICT LAUNCHED AT FESTIVAL IN WATERFRONT PARK
For an organization celebrating creativity of all types, the Bainbridge Creative District was publicly launched Saturday with an appropriately eclectic event in Waterfront Park on Saturday.

Music, poetry, and dance performers paired with booths from leading creative nonprofits, food trucks, kid zone activities, and free books from a local artist, also seemed perfectly in place.

Finally, an array of local and state-level speakers were on hand to pledge their support and guidance for the new district, and its mission to support, inspire and connect local art, artists, and art facilities began to answer the question often asked since the Creative District signs went up on Highway 305: What does a Certified Creative District do?
NEWS IN BRIEF
YOUR INPUT REQUESTED
Image courtesy of HRB
BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SET FOR EARLY OCTOBER
As part of the preparation for the new Housing Action Plan, The City has asked the Chamber to gather business owners to provide their input and insight.

Please consider participating in a 60-minute focus group meeting to share your thoughts and experiences on how housing has impacted your business or organization.

The meeting will be in-person in the Chamber offices on Winslow Way, led by a neutral third-party facilitator, and dinner will be provided.
KITSAP BUSINESS SURVEY
Q: Would you support a community-wide 'shop local for the holidays' promotional campaign?
(please select an answer)
Yes
No
Need more information
Recent Results:

Q: How important to your business is revenue from visitors and tourism?

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND RESULTS
KITSAP COUNTY RESULTS
284Total Responses
CHAMBER UPDATES
CHAMBER AFTER HOURS HEADS TO MODERN COLLISION
Thursday Sept. 15, 5:30-7:30pm
Join us for a Classic Edition of Chamber After Hours hosted by Micah & Aaron Strom and the team at Modern Collision Rebuild and Service on Miller Rd in Island Center.

Come chat among the cars, snack on Via Rosa lasagne, and sip tasty beverages from Eleven Winery from 5:30 to 7:30pm!

(overspill parking also available at Kol Shalom)
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR NEW &
RENEWING CHAMBER MEMBERS
The Chamber is grateful for the support of each and every member - and we would like to recognize and thank all those that joined or renewed their memberships in August:
  • Arts & Humanities Bainbridge (26)
  • Bainbridge Heating and Air (7)
  • Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market (21)
  • Bainbridge Kids Dentistry (3)
  • Bainbridge Lending Group (17)
  • Bainbridge Organic Distillers (11)
  • Bay Hay and Feed (22)
  • Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island (23)
  • Breath Cafe (1)
  • Doug Jennings Construction (14)
  • Ethan Currier (5)
  • Integrity Roofing & Construction (3)
  • Island Family Eyecare (7)
  • Julie's Frame Gallery (7)
  • Kids Discovery Museum (18)
  • Kitsap Credit Union (23)
  • Leah Applewhite - Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Realty (8)
  • Madrona House (9)
  • NET Systems, Inc. (33)
  • Pegasus Coffee Company (9)
  • New Motion Physical Therapy (18)
  • Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort (19)
(number denotes total years of Chamber membership)
MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS
CLIMATE SMART: BETTER PLANTING ON BAINBRIDGE
Wednesday Sept. 14, 6pm
Join the City's Arborist and Climate Officer on Zoom to talk about all things urban trees: How to choose the right species for the right space, how to plant correctly, and how to care for trees to maximize their success rate.

Learn about tree-related considerations in the City's Climate Action Plan with an in-depth discussion about tree selection, cultural conditions, species diversity, and planting.
HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL COLLECTION 
Saturday Sept. 17, 10am-3pm
Bring your select, unwanted household and lawn/garden hazardous materials for free disposal to the City’s Operations and Maintenance Facility at 7305 NE Hidden Cove Road

Visit the event webpage to learn exactly what will and what won’t be accepted.

The collection event is for residential households only and is hosted in partnership with Kitsap County.
DREAM BIG AT BAINBRIDGE ISLAND ROWING AUCTION
Saturday Sept. 17, 3-7pm
Help current and future rowers by raising a glass and a paddle for Bainbridge Island Rowing’s annual auction and celebration - Dream Big. 

The event is outdoors at Waterfront Park with Paella, music, wine, beer, and good cheer.

This year’s proceeds will all help fund the completion of the 12,000 sq. ft Stan Pocock Legacy Rowing Center.  

Image courtesy of BPA
STAND-UP SATURDAY WITH BPA
Saturday Sept. 17, 7:30pm
Join Dean Edwards from Saturday Night Live and Dan Rosenberg for a night of stand-up comedy hosted by BPA.

Edwards is a stand-up comedian, actor, singer, writer, musician and voice artist.

His work includes voicing Scottie Pippen and Spike Lee in Celebrity Deathmatch, Donkey in Scared Shrekless, on Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Halftime Special as Savion Glover and Don Cheadle, in Tony N' Tina's Wedding as Father Mark.
MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2022 @ BIMA 
September 23-25, 3pm & 7pm showings each day
Join BIMA as they present the 25th Manhattan Short Film Festival, featuring 10 engrossing short films from around the world. 

Each attendee is a part of the festival jury process via vote for best short and best actor. Many past shorts have been nominated for Academy Awards, and two have even won that coveted prize.

The program is slightly over 2-1/2 hours, including a 7-minute intermission, and showings feature all 10 shorts.

TURN BACK TIME AT THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Saturday Oct. 1, 6-9pm
Dance the night away and raise your paddle high (or dash for dessert) for the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum's second Turn Back Time Gala at Wing Point Golf & Country Club.

Appetizers, dinner, and drinks are included in the ticket price, and auctioneering the lively evening is John Curly. 
BAINBRIDGE BUSINESS ACADEMY
7 BOOKS TO HELP FORGE YOUR BUSINESS PATH
Unsure of the path ahead, or need some sage wisdom to push your business to the next level?

Take a page from other's playbooks with 7 books recommended by Entrepreneur Magazine:

  • The Art of Tea
  • How Leadership (Actually) Works
  • UNLOCK
  • If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes
  • The 29-Hour Work Day
  • The Next Normal
  • More Money Less Hustle
WASHINGTON BIZFAIR
Saturday Sept 24, 8am-4pm
The 26th Washington State BizFair is FREE with hybrid and in-person options.

Hosted by SCORE, the event:
  • Features small business speakers
  • Connects you with mentors, advisors and trainers
  • Connects you to federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Guides you to funding, legal support, and more
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

WA FILMWORKS SMALL BUDGET PRODUCTION INITIATIVE LAUNCHES
Get your independent film project off the ground through Washington Filmwork’s latest initiative for local productions with up to a $1M budget.
Photo courtesy Pete Saloutos
2 CITY GRANTS AVAILABLE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29
Lodging Tax Grants: Applications are open for the city's $350,000 lodging tax grants.

Applicants may seek grants for between $2,000 and $175,000 to support tourism marketing efforts, events, and projects.

Individual persons and for-profit, private businesses are not eligible for funding.


Human Services Program Funding:
$660,000 is available to support human services programs that help people meet essential life needs like food, clothing, shelter, and health care.

Applicants are limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofits (but the nonprofits may sponsor projects from individuals or private companies).
JOB & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ISLANDWOOD SEEKS EXECUTIVE & OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
THE ISLAND SCHOOL SEEKS EXTENDED DAY ASST, SUBSTITUTES
BAINBRIDGE SENIOR LIVING SEEKS WEEKEND RECEPTIONIST
BARISTA NEEDED AT COMMUTER COMFORTS
BYS SILVERTECH SQUAD LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
JOIN THE reHOME VOLUNTEER TEAM AT MORALES FARM

Skilled and unskilled volunteers, 18 years or older, are needed to work alongside Clark Construction to build three new structures using repurposed and recycled
materials.

This collaborative community project will help ease our farmer housing
crisis while utilizing new and innovative ideas in green building design and serve as
a model for future affordable housing projects.
LOCAL COVID UPDATES
BAINBRIDGE BIVALENT BOOSTER CLINIC ANNOUNCED FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17
The City of Bainbridge Island, in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Bainbridge Prepares, and the Bainbridge Island Community Pharmacy will be holding a bivalent booster clinic for eligible individuals on Saturday, September 17 at the Commodore Options Lower Gym.

Individuals are considered eligible for this new bivalent booster if they received the initial vaccine series (two Moderna or Pfizer, or one Johnson and Johnson) or the initial vaccine series and subsequent booster vaccinations AND it has been at least two months since their last dose. 

Pfizer appointments are available from 9:30AM to 2PM and Moderna appointments from 2:30 to 5:30 PM.
BY THE NUMBERS: COVID RATES
Current Cases per 100,000
  • Bainbridge Island: 48 (down from 64)
  • Kitsap County: 66 (down from 72)

Bainbridge Cumulative Total Cases
  • 2,691 (12 new since last week)

As of Sept. 8, 2022

Kitsap County External Resources:
FREE CHAMBER MEMBER RESOURCES
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.


BROCHURE RACKS:
Newly-expanded capacity for 4x9" promo cards in our indoor and outdoor racks at both Ferry Info Kiosk + Winslow Way Info Desk.


BAINBRIDGE FILMWORKS:
Make your home or business available to film/tv productions via a new WA Filmworks partnership