The Chamber's 1-on-1 Community Conversation with Brenda Fantroy-Johnson

As part of the Chamber's ongoing efforts to help inform the Bainbridge community, the Chamber is conducting in-depth interviews with each of the candidates in the upcoming City Council elections.

The same 12 questions are asked of each candidate, with up to 45 minutes for full and unabridged answers. Both text transcripts and the original unedited videos are available.

Head on over to the Chamber website to see and hear what Brenda Fantroy-Johnson, North Ward candidate, has to say about the challenges and potential solutions for the future of Bainbridge Island.

Election Ballots are in your mailbox now.

New Community Petition to Preserve Green Light Garage

The multi-generational owners of landmark local business Green Light Garage are asking for the community's support to help find a way to build a new bicycle/pedestrian path around the head of Eagle Harbor while allowing the Garage to continue its existing business.

As it stands, significant operating space will be taken to widen the roadway and establish bike lanes on both sides of the road.

The new petition asks the City of Bainbridge Island to review its design for the upcoming bike lane project in search of a more harmonious solution for bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle safety that can work for all islanders. 

Former State Representative Sherry Appleton Dies

Friends and colleagues in Kitsap County are mourning the passing of former 23rd District Rep. Sherry Appleton, who died last week at age 80.

Friends of Appleton confirmed to the Kitsap Sun that she had been on a cruise, a favorite activity, when she died, though the exact circumstances of her death were not immediately clear.

As elected officials heard the news, members from the Kitsap delegation gathered to remember Appleton at a House Democratic Caucus retreat on Monday, said Rep. Tarra Simmons, current representative for the 23rd District and Appleton's successor.

Holiday Spending Expected to Rise this Year

According to combined forecasts from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), consumers are planning to spend more this year than they did in 2022; shoppers anticipate spending $875 on holiday essentials, a growth of 3.8% in retail sales this season.

Additionally, a 7.6% boost in Food & Beverage spending is projected, culminating in an expected season total of $1.60 trillion.

Factors like inflation and the rising costs of holiday items are influencing consumer spending habits; 42% of shoppers admit these economic pressures will result in them spending more, while 54% plan to spend less for the same reasons. 

However, the allure of holiday deals and promotions is anticipated to encourage 38% of the respondents to increase their expenditure.

Upcoming Open Houses for Winslow Subarea Plan

Join the City of Bainbridge Island for an Open House in November to learn more about elements of the proposed updates for our Winslow Subarea Plan.

Virtual Open House via Zoom Webinar

Thursday, November 2; 7:00-8:30 pm

Zoom Link

In Person Open House

(Hosted by Planning Commission)

Thursday, November 9; 6:00-8:00 pm

City Hall 280 Madison Ave. N

Additional information about the project alternatives, previous public workshops, and indeed all the documentation produced to date can be found on the City's project website...

Gallery: Halloween After Hours at John L. Scott

Thank you to Randi, Caron & the John L Scott Team we all had a spooktactular Chamber After Hours Event - Take a peek at the photos and all the tricks and treats that took place on October 26.

Complimentary wine was provided by our event partners and sponsors at Eleven Winery alongside tacos from Aceitunos and the Bainbridge Event Rentals Lightning Photo Booth was donated to capture some truly magical moments.

Next up: Join us on November 16 at First Fed Bank to help celebrate their milestone 100th Anniversary.

After Hours tickets are always free for Chamber members and invited guests, with a limited number also available to non-members each month for $20 each.

The Leadership Kitsap Foundation

Leadership Kitsap fosters and empowers educated, prepared, and engaged community leaders. Focused in Kitsap, their 10-month Signature Program is an immersive experience with training and hands-on learning leadership principles, resulting in an exclusive alumni association.

Annually, they host the 20 Under 40 Awards celebrating dynamic business leaders. Their Premier Leadership Institute offers an additional breadth of a la cart leadership training opportunities for all experience levels.

Bainbridge Schools Foundation Annual Event: Teacher Scoop Night at Island Cool Ice Cream

Tues Oct 31, 4-6pm

Come see if you can recognize your teachers while they serve delicious and FREE ice cream all tips support BSF!

All funds raised will go towards BISD’s new social-emotional learning and character curriculum, CharacterStrong.

Turning Your Passion into a Business – Sarah Duncan on Organization Overdrive 

For many of us, getting and staying organized is a huge challenge. Life tends to get in the way and piles of clutter are everywhere that’s where Sarah Duncan and her new business, Organization Overdrive, comes in.

As a full-time stay-at-home mom, nothing means more to Sarah than her role as a mother and wife, however, once her son started school, she decided to create her own business, and in February of 2023 Organization Overdrive was born.

“My goal is to help you create a space that works for you, not against you. Whether you’re looking to create more space, increase efficiency, or simply declutter and simplify your life, I will work with you to understand your own goals and preferences, and create a customized plan that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.”

#1 Poulsbo Storage: Discover Self Storage Excellence

Bainbridge Island's Coppertop Park, host to many of the Islands great businesses, has expanded its services to Poulsbo building a new state of the art climate controlled facility. 

In addition the facility offers covered Boat & RV space with 15 amp power to keep batteries charged and heaters on. 

The facility is fully staffed, fenced, well lit, canvassed with cameras and every unit is alarmed and tied to 911 with afterhours live monitoring. Now offering Veteran and 1st Responder discounts. 

How to Use Current Technology To Maximize

Productivity and Profits in Your Business While

Staying Protected and Secure

Designed to help small businesses equip themselves with the best technology and practices available today to increase productivity and profitability and protect them against online threats.

Featuring well-known business leaders, tech experts and leading minds showing small businesses how to compete and succeed in many aspects of their business with a concentration on utilizing technology to be productive, profitable and protected​.

This free online event includes Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec, co-Founder of Siri-Adam Cheyer, and best-selling author and entrepreneur extraordinaire Mike Michalowicz.