Kitsap Transit Begins Sunday Service, Expands Bus-On-Demand & Mobile App Partnership

It has been a busy week for Kitsap Transit:

Last Sunday (Sept 24), Kitsap's long-awaited Sunday service began its initial rollout phase in Bremerton (and is scheduled to reach Bainbridge early next year) all rides on Sunday will be fare-free through the end of 2024.

In addition, a new contract with BI Ride's mobile app vendor The Routing Company (TRC) expands the Pingo platform to Kingston and South Kitsap, having already served 50,000 on-demand passengers on Bainbridge.

KT has operated its on-demand BI Ride service six days a week (Monday through Saturday) since July 2021. The Chamber and its members look forward to it being seven...

Alternative Visions For Winslow's Future Presented To Council Tonight

At COBI's Regular Business Meeting at 6pm tonight (Tuesday), item 8A presents drafts of three alternatives for the Winslow Subarea Plan as a presentation to council members:

1. Change Nothing and miss all required targets, community expectations, and goals
2. Increase Density a bunch in specific spots, and a little in others, exclude Wing Point from Winslow and potentially achieve all targets, expectations, goals
3. Expand Winslow to include High School Rd and Coppertop, increase density uniformly by a little (plus) and potentially achieve all targets, expectations, goals.

The presentation also captures the kinds of housing units already in Winslow and the types that could be deployed to help meet the island's new mandatory requirements from the State's Growth Management Act.

Also on tonight's agenda (Item 5F) is consideration of reducing or removing planning and impact fees for projects that commit to creating more affordable housing units on the island.

See Agenda, watch tonight's meeting via Zoom

Local Lodging In Focus At Council, Planning Commission This Week

Tue Sept 26@6/Thu Sept 28@6

In the spotlight this week at City Hall are two aspects to discuss how our community wants to regulate the ways that visitors can stay on Bainbridge:

With regard to regulating the operation of Short Term Rentals (stays of less than 30 days at hotels, inns, Airbnbs, VRBO's etc) on Bainbridge, Item 8B will introduce an initial draft of Ordinance 2023-26 to council - aimed at:

• Identifying the number of short-term rental units in the city
• Ensuring that the owners of such short-term rentals pay the appropriate city taxes and fees
• Establishing common sense quality of life protections for residents
• Preserving and creating space for traditional lodging establishments.

The initial draft was developed by city staff in consultation with local innkeepers, the Chamber, and Visit Bainbridge Island.

At Thursday's Planning Commission meeting, item 4A is a Public Hearing to consider new regulations and repealing the existing moratorium on Inns in Neighborhood Centers.

Draft Ordinance 2023-25 proposes to limit the development of inns outside of Winslow to:

• 3 in Lynwood Center
• 2 in Rolling Bay
• 2 in Island Center

And would prohibit any new inns being built on adjacent properties or be jointly owned/operated by any single entity within any neighborhood center.

It might be useful to note that planning approval has already been granted for a 3rd Inn at Lynwood, and that no Inns are currently planned or indeed feasible at Rolling Bay or Island Center until if/when sewer systems are in place that could support such businesses.

Bainbridge Innkeepers Gather For Initial Meetup

Wed Sept 27, 5:30pm

A new collective group of Bainbridge Innkeepers will assemble this week at Dahlia Bluff Cottage in Rolling Bay for an inaugural social gathering.

The friendly forum is working to collect and share notes, tips, and new opportunities to help this group of small businesses unite and thrive - with a focus on the the new COBI regulation of local Short Term Rental lodging establishments (also on the agenda for discussion at tonight (Tuesday)'s council meeting).

The Innkeepers Forum unites hotel, inn, and rental lodging owners/managers/providers under the umbrella (and sometimes around the conference table) of the Chamber as part of our mission to help bring businesses and Bainbridge island together.

First BI Comprehensive Plan Workshop & Project Kick-Off

Want a say in the future of Bainbridge? Begin by providing input and feedback for COBI's Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update.

This is the start of the public process around updating the guiding principals for the planning of our island's future from 2024-2044.

On Wednesday night, join us in person at Woodward Middle School Commons for a 4-6pm Open House, immediately followed by a 6-8pm Workshop.

After the in-person event, feedback will still be welcomed from Sept 28 all the way through Oct 29, online via virtual workshop and/or public feedback space.

Spartan Alum Kicks Off BI Film Festival

The Bainbridge Island Film Festival kicked off its inaugural event at the Historic Lynwood Theatre with a screening of ‘This is not financial advice,” a documentary co-directed by Bainbridge High School alum Zach Ingrasci.

It was followed by an opening night celebration at the nearby Manor House.

In front of a packed house, Charles Poekel, BIFF founder and showrunner, introduced the feature film followed by a Question and Answer session.

The festival continued through Sept. 24; learn more at www.bifilmfest.org.

Hummingbird Haven

Enjoy the garden & mountain views from the "Hummingbird Haven," a bright and comfortable work-friendly, ground-level suite which creates the perfect island getaway or launching point for adventures on Bainbridge and beyond.

The 2-room, non-smoking space has its own entrance and patio, a king-size bed, full bath, and a roomy living area with fireplace, wet bar, and MCM furnishings.

Owners live upstairs and can provide help as needed. Dogs less than 35 lbs are welcome with prior approval and a pet fee.

State Senator Drew Hansen To Host Business Roundtable at Bainbridge Chamber

Thu Sept 28, 11am

This Thursday morning at 11am, newly-announced WA State Senator (and long-time Bainbridge Islander) Drew Hansen will sit down for an intimate 90-minute listening session with Chamber members representing multiple business sectors and community organizations.

This roundtable follows a recent session with US Congressman Derek Kilmer, and ahead of upcoming roundtables with County Commissioners, State Representatives and other elected officials who advocate for our community.

There is one remaining open space at the table available to any Chamber member...

September After Hours at PacWesty Sold Out

Thu Sept 28, 5:30pm

Another capacity crowd is confirmed for this week's After Hours member mixer hosted by PacWesty and the Pacific Mobility Group on Thursday, September 28 at 5:30pm.

Alongside BBQ from the PacWesty/PMB crew, we are delighted to also feature Island Cool Creamery providing free samples of their new Snoqualmie Ice Cream, and complimentary wine provided by our event sponsors at Eleven Winery

As always, members are encouraged to add their name to the After Hours wait list and be ready to scoop up last-minute entry from those who may have previously RSVP'ed but cannot attend.

Tickets are always free for Chamber members and available to a limited number of non-member guests for $20.

You're Invited: Grand Opening of the New Buxton Center BPA

Sat Sept 30, 5:30pm

Join BPA on Sept 30 at 5:30pm to cut the ribbon, throw open the doors and welcome the community that has supported them for many years.

Be one of the first to explore the dramatically improved building with better seats, more accessibility, less environmental impact, and a brand new Studio theater.

This is an evening you won't want to miss: watch captivating live performances, dance to the exhilarating rhythms of the Anzanga Marimba Ensemble, enjoy the vibe at the Moonlight Market beer garden, and more!

No Reservations + More Info

Congratulations to Chamber Members Named as

"Best in the PNW" Winners

Every year as a special supplement in The Seattle Times, The People's Choice of the Best in the Pacific Northwest are announced.

The Chamber wishes big congratulations to all the winners, and especially to our members who made the list for 2023:

• Eleven Winery - Wine Selection/Wine Shop
• Umpqua Bank - Bank
• Virginia Mason Medical Center - Cancer Treatment Center
• Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort - Paying Slots, Sports Book, & Table Games
• Tour Bainbridge - Tour Group

Skyhawk Press Fall Sale

Skyhawk Press loves helping brands take flight.

Visit Alisha and her team to learn about their printing styles and techniques, custom designs, & brand development.

Order now and get 20% off your entire order, good through Sept 28. Minimum order of $500.

Congratulations Coach Izzy

Congratulations, Israel "Coach Izzy" Sanchez of Healing and Strength on receiving his official Fascial Counterstrain certification on August 12.

This was no easy task as the testing procedure is one of the most demanding in the world of manual therapy medicine.

Fascial Counterstrain is gaining notoriety because of its power, effectiveness, and gentleness.

Izzy is now part of a handful of therapists in the world holding this prestigious certificate, and currently the only certified Fascial Counterstrain Therapist on Bainbridge Island. 

Far Bank Enterprises, known locally for Sage Fly Fishing brands, is proud to be one of the leading employers in Kitsap County.

They are actively expanding to support their brands and currently have 5 open positions on their manufacturing operations team.

Interested? Find out more

Bainbridge Senior Living is comprised of four family-owned and operated Assisted Living & Retirement Communities along Madison Avenue on beautiful Bainbridge Island.

Click for their full-time & part-time opportunities

Why America Has a Long-Term Labor Crisis

The U.S. economy has been running, improbably, with an unemployment rate under 4% for nearly two years. 

Labor shortages are turning into a long-term labor crisis that could push wages and turnover higher. 

Work experts have warned for years that the combination of baby boomer retirements, low birthrates, shifting immigration policies and changing worker preferences is leaving U.S. employers with too few workers to fill job openings.