WA Legislative Session Closes

After 105 days, the 2023 Washington State legislative session came to a close Sunday night.

With Democrats controlling the majority in both houses, there were sweeping new restrictions placed on firearm purchases and the new $70 billion biennial budget (SB 5187) reflected increases to education and health spending as well as increases to public worker pay.

Both parties came together to address the state’s housing crisis, police pursuits, reproductive rights, environmental protections, and more.

Governor Inslee Shares His Legislative Session Thoughts

“It’s been an extraordinary session,” Inslee said. “Lives are going to get better because of massive housing investments totaling over $1 billion, new gun safety laws, the clean energy jobs we’re creating, and our investments in education.”

Inslee noted that legislators left one important job undone - a July 1 deadline to approve an urgently-needed “Blake fix” to ensure drug possession isn’t decriminalized while providing options for substance use treatment.

Business Owners: Talk Waste Reduction with City Staff & Council Members

Wed April 26, 3 - 4pm

Come to this month's session at the Downtown Association office (147 Madrone Lane N) to give your feedback on the proposed changes, including a repeal of the 25c cup fee, and an attempt to update and simplify city code to make it easier for business owners.

Participate in establishing new criteria for the products that will still fall under the revised ordinance for 2023 in direct discussion with Mayor Fantroy-Johnson and Councilmember Deets.

Learn more about the proposed changes

Work Ready Bainbridge: Application Window Open For Employers, Employees

Summer is coming - Does your business need outstanding young employees?

The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce and Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) have joined forces to launch an eight-week summer employment and workforce certification program connecting local youth employees (ages 16-24) with employers and the local business/nonprofit community on Bainbridge Island.

The Work Ready program offers businesses pre-screened potential employees and a portion of wage bills covered through generous support from BI Rotary and from Kitsap Bank.

On The Agenda:

City Council Regular Business Meeting

Tue April 25 at 6pm

Tonight's business includes:

8.A. - Climate Change Advisory Committee's 2022 report and 2023 work plan review (PPTX link)

8.B. - Environmental Technical Advisory Committee 2022 report and 2023 work plan review (Report Link)

8.C. - Comprehensive Amendment Applications for rezoning by Puget Sound Energy and in Lynwood Center (PDF link to presentations)

Also of note, the consent agenda also includes council authorizations to: 

5.I. - Allocate funds for Wastewater Treatment Plant ($735,492 to Tetra-Tech, Inc.) (PDF)

5.J. - Advertise Madison Avenue Non-Motorized and Sewer Improvements Project (Presentation)

5.L. - Establish Steering Committee to provide oversight on Winslow Subarea Plan Update and Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review (PDF)

5.M. - Refer Draft Housing Action Plan to the Planning Committee (PDF)

On The Agenda at

Planning Commission Meeting

Thur April 27 at 6pm

5.A. - Appoint three planning commissioners to sit on the Steering Committee Overseeing the Winslow Subarea Plan Update and Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review (PDF)

6.A. - Presentation and review of the Draft Housing Action Plan (PDF)

Business Awards: What to Wear to a Sold Out Event?

Sat Apr 29, 5 - 9pm

The Chamber has been getting the question from our attendees - what to wear to our sold out 2023 Business Awards Show/After Party at The Manor House?

The answer is simple: You can make this as fancy or fun as you want - just be comfortable, photo-ready & open to dancing your socks off!

Thank you to Puget Sound Energy for being the dinner sponsor, Eleven Winery for donating wine, Town & Country Markets for supplying desserts, Bainbridge Event Rentals for bringing their "Lightning Booth" photo fun, Skyhawk Press for making the awards, and Pleasant Beach Village for hosting the event.

All the winners will be announced in our May 2 email newsletter... good luck to all the nominees!

Get Your Motors Running:

Enter The GO4 Car Show

The application process is officially open to all potential exhibitors for the 2023 Grand Old 4th Car Show on Bainbridge Island.

This eclectic mix of classics, rods, foreign, motorcycles, military and oddball vehicles are viewed by the public from 8:00am to 2:00pm.

Online registration ends on Friday, June 23 – but you can still register onsite on July 4 at the Car Show – as long as there is space available. Therefore, don’t wait and register today!

Young Artists: Win $500 in the GO4 Poster Contest

Young artists (ages 5-18)… The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, Scrappy Art Lab, KiDiMu, & BIMA are excited to invite all current Bainbridge Island students to enter the Annual Grand Old 4th Poster Contest!

Your original artwork should show what do you love about celebrating July 4 on Bainbridge?

The artist of the winning poster design will receive a $500 cash prize, graciously sponsored by Puget Sound Energy. 

Deadline for submitting artwork: May 19, 2023

Pies, Fries & the 4th of July:

Parade, Street Fair & More!

We are preparing to celebrate the Island's largest and longest-running island tradition - The Grand Old 4th!

As your hosts, the Chamber is delighted to have registration open for the Street Fair (all vendors, including food) & Hometown Parade, as well as to humbly ask for Community Volunteers to consider signing up to be part of the fun.

Important Upcoming Dates:

• May 19 - Poster Contest Deadline
• June 2 - Street Fair Vendor Deadline
• June 16 - Parade Deadline
• June 23 - Car Show Deadline

Now In The Pop-Up Window:

The Island School

Nestled in the woods of Bainbridge Island, The Island School is an independent school for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Founded in 1977, the school engages the mind and heart of every child in a culture that values excellent education, innate curiosity, joy in learning, and respect and appreciation for others.

Contact Joan to inquire about enrolling your child for 2023-24.

The Island School facility is also available for rent for your next event...

Learn more about The Island School

Bergh Images Closing Store, Revamping Their Business

After more than four and a half years at 400 Winslow Way, Andy and Carol have decided to close the physical doors at Bergh Images on April 3, but this is far from goodbye to their business.

The husband-and-wife team are updating their website to feature more images and will be will also be marketing later in the year at local venues like the weekly Farmers Market, local galleries, and at the Grand Old 4th of July.

When new tenants Eagle Harbor Wine Co. open in the space, they will also feature an assortment of Bergh Images on canvas, metal, and fine art acrylic. 

Visit their website for additional information

Employment Opportunity:

Join the Plum Team

Plum on Winslow is looking for a new Plumette - someone to provide excellent customer service, assist with receiving & restocking, and operate a cash register & computer.

Interested? Email your resume

Each month the Chambers of Commerce ask a single question to gather information on our communities and our county...

Q: How do you feel about the e-commerce element of your business?