With a new face on board, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce is ramping up its tourism and marketing efforts to generate support for local businesses at a time when budgets are tight and spending is limited.

“We really saw a need to respond to all of the marketing opportunities we have on the island,” said Lois Boubong, president of the board of directors. “Because of the economic conditions, pushing marketing and tourism will help the downtown business community.”

The chamber hired Andrea Mackin to fill the new position of director of operations and marketing for the chamber, and to work in partnership with Executive Director Kevin Dwyer.

Mackin will vacate her position as executive director of the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association (BIDA). She said the fate of the downtown association is still undecided.

Boubong said the decision to support another position was spurred by a stronger marketing and tourism need and as a way to streamline services for the community. She said Mackin will also ease the growing responsibilities of Dwyer, who already has plenty to juggle.

“In the past, lots of people have been confused with how the downtown association and the chamber are different, why we have both and why the organizations don’t work more together,” Boubong said. “So I think this will be welcomed by the community. We recognized the need to reach out and collaborate with all the organizations on the island.”

With the looming Winslow Way reconstruction set to begin next year, Mackin said, it will be important to have the support of a bigger organization at her back to ensure the project’s impact on the business community is as small as possible. A solid communication and marketing plan is still in the works and depends on the fate of the downtown association and how the city chooses to allocate the $40,000 set aside in its budget for BIDA.

“I’d really like to expand regional recognition of Bainbridge as a visitors’ destination,” said Mackin. “Expect to see more of the ‘think local first’ campaign and reinforced partnerships throughout the community.”

Beginning early next year, the Tourism Alliance, composed of the chamber, BIDA and the Lodging Association, will begin its partnership with KOMO 4 News in an effort to reinforce Bainbridge as the gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula.

The Seattle station will feature “Visit Bainbridge” themed videos during peak viewing hours throughout the weekday. The partnership will also be featured on radio and online advertising.

“This is a great opportunity to get amazing reach for the island during peak times and to illustrate the island as a destination and visitor gateway to other communities,” said Mackin.

Dwyer said the addition of Mackin will allow the chamber to “spread its wings” and have a broader reach in the community. She will also work internally on a variety of chamber projects.

“Tourism in general is a big piece of our economy going forward and there are lots of opportunities there,” he said.

“It’s a way for us to push forward initiatives like the ‘buy local’ program that we’ve worked on for a number of years, but now we have more legs to help. Andie’s marketing background and ability will help take those programs to the next level.”