Dear Chamber Members,
This year the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a two-fold PR campaign and fundraising effort called the Total Resource Campaign. We have themed it "Go for the Gold" in honor of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The campaign begins September 3, and ends officially at 12noon on September 30th. We will host our opening ceremony during the lunch hour on the 3rd and have weekly Medal Ceremonies until our closing ceremony on October 1.
The Board of Directors has set a goal of $20,000 to be raised through sales of memberships and sponsorships for various Chamber programs and services. If the Chamber reaches its goal, I have agreed to allow our members to vote on something they want to see me do. Kind of in the same spirit of the coach shaving his head when the team wins the state championship, but I just don't think I'll look good bald.
The most wonderful part of this campaign is that our volunteers will be paid for their efforts. They will receive 10% of whatever they bring in to the Chamber. In addition, if our teams and volunteers raise over $20,000 all those who have sold something during the campaign will be entered to win a $1000 bonus.
There will also be prizes and giveaways and recognition along the way. This is meant to be fun AND rewarding to our volunteers. More details will be provided as we get closer to the start.
In the meantime, please submit your vote for "WWAD" (what will Amy do?). The top 3 vote getters will be put in a hat and on October 1 will be drawn at the closing ceremony. If we reach our goal, you will find out what I am going to do.
Thanks to everyone who continues to support the Chamber. My door is always open (actually, I don't even have a door!) so please let me know your thoughts and suggestions for the future of the Chamber.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
So many things, so little time!
It's the fourth of July weekend! Get out there and enjoy. We have so many wonderful events this weekend (from the www.sandpointonline.com calendar):
JULY
3 Faith and Freedom Celebration. Panida Theater hosts the event, sponsored by the Christian Faith and Freedom Coalition, at 7 p.m. 208-263-9191
4 Fourth of July. The Lions Club sponsors this celebration with a parade in downtown Sandpoint at 10 a.m., plus stage performances and a fireworks show at City Beach. 208-263-0887
4 Jazz Club Music. Three Glasses Wine Bar and Restaurant, 202 1/2 First St., hosts jazz piano and bass duo Bill Reid and Larry Hanna on jazz piano and bass duo from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 208-265-0230
5 Sandpoint Fly-in. The Sandpoint Airport hosts the third annual Sandpoint Fly-in from 7 a.m. to noon. The fly-in includes displays dozens of unique planes and a pancake breakfast. The event is open to the public. Sponsored by the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. 208-255-9954
5-6 Bird Aviation Museum Open House Weekend. The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center hosts an Open House and 1st Birthday Celebration from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. During this special event, there will be fly-ins at the Bird Airstrip, and special guests including aviators and inventors will be at the museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The Shriners will be hosting a cookout, and there will be scavenger hunts and activities. Museum admission is free. Click to view a press release detailing the full line-up of special guests and events, or visit BirdAviationMuseum.com. 208-255-4321
5 Summer Sounds. This free, summer-long concert series features Bright Moments Trio, performing from noon to 2 p.m. at Park Place stage, located at First and Cedar. 208-263-6139
5 Sandpoint Events Center Grand Re-opening Celebration. Sandpoint Events Center, at the corner of Pine and Euclid, will hold an Opening Ceremony at 1:30 p.m., with daylong self-guided tours, a book signing of "Sandpoint School Days - A Photographic Homecoming" with Bob Gunter, food booths, entertainment, free root beer floats and cake, and a free sock hop from 7 p.m. to midnight featuring Kenny and the Cruisers along with a no-host bar provided by Eichardt's. 208-263-7770
5 Winery Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts Kristi Nelson on soulful blues and folk from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 208-265-8545
5 Alexey Koltakov Piano Recital. A free piano recital by international pianist Alexey Koltakov will be performed at the Panida Theater at 7 p.m. The classical piano recital is sponsored by the family of Paul Rechnitzer in honor of the Sagle resident's 90th birthday. The concert is free and open to the public; donations at the door go to the Bonner County Historical Society. Read a press release about the event, and learn more about Koltakov, a prize-winning pianist, by visiting his Web site at www.koltakov.com. 817-228-8948
5 Cellar Music. Stage Right Cellars, 302 N. 1st Ave., hosts Vance Bergeson on original jazz and blues from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 208-265-8116
5 Jazz Club Music. Three Glasses Wine Bar and Restaurant, 202 1/2 First St., hosts jazz piano and bass duo Bill Reid and Larry Hanna from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 208-265-0230
6 Sunday Concerts on the Lawn. The POAC sponsors this free live concert series featuring Generations at the Dover Bay Marina at 2 p.m. Click to read a press release. 208-263-6139
6 Matsiko. The Panida Theater hosts the Uganda Children's Choir of the International Children's Network. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free. To learn more, click to view a press release. 208-263-9191
And don't forget while you are out and about to support our local businesses!
Happy Fourth of July!
Sincerely,
Amy Little
JULY
3 Faith and Freedom Celebration. Panida Theater hosts the event, sponsored by the Christian Faith and Freedom Coalition, at 7 p.m. 208-263-9191
4 Fourth of July. The Lions Club sponsors this celebration with a parade in downtown Sandpoint at 10 a.m., plus stage performances and a fireworks show at City Beach. 208-263-0887
4 Jazz Club Music. Three Glasses Wine Bar and Restaurant, 202 1/2 First St., hosts jazz piano and bass duo Bill Reid and Larry Hanna on jazz piano and bass duo from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 208-265-0230
5 Sandpoint Fly-in. The Sandpoint Airport hosts the third annual Sandpoint Fly-in from 7 a.m. to noon. The fly-in includes displays dozens of unique planes and a pancake breakfast. The event is open to the public. Sponsored by the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. 208-255-9954
5-6 Bird Aviation Museum Open House Weekend. The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center hosts an Open House and 1st Birthday Celebration from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. During this special event, there will be fly-ins at the Bird Airstrip, and special guests including aviators and inventors will be at the museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The Shriners will be hosting a cookout, and there will be scavenger hunts and activities. Museum admission is free. Click to view a press release detailing the full line-up of special guests and events, or visit BirdAviationMuseum.com. 208-255-4321
5 Summer Sounds. This free, summer-long concert series features Bright Moments Trio, performing from noon to 2 p.m. at Park Place stage, located at First and Cedar. 208-263-6139
5 Sandpoint Events Center Grand Re-opening Celebration. Sandpoint Events Center, at the corner of Pine and Euclid, will hold an Opening Ceremony at 1:30 p.m., with daylong self-guided tours, a book signing of "Sandpoint School Days - A Photographic Homecoming" with Bob Gunter, food booths, entertainment, free root beer floats and cake, and a free sock hop from 7 p.m. to midnight featuring Kenny and the Cruisers along with a no-host bar provided by Eichardt's. 208-263-7770
5 Winery Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts Kristi Nelson on soulful blues and folk from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 208-265-8545
5 Alexey Koltakov Piano Recital. A free piano recital by international pianist Alexey Koltakov will be performed at the Panida Theater at 7 p.m. The classical piano recital is sponsored by the family of Paul Rechnitzer in honor of the Sagle resident's 90th birthday. The concert is free and open to the public; donations at the door go to the Bonner County Historical Society. Read a press release about the event, and learn more about Koltakov, a prize-winning pianist, by visiting his Web site at www.koltakov.com. 817-228-8948
5 Cellar Music. Stage Right Cellars, 302 N. 1st Ave., hosts Vance Bergeson on original jazz and blues from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 208-265-8116
5 Jazz Club Music. Three Glasses Wine Bar and Restaurant, 202 1/2 First St., hosts jazz piano and bass duo Bill Reid and Larry Hanna from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 208-265-0230
6 Sunday Concerts on the Lawn. The POAC sponsors this free live concert series featuring Generations at the Dover Bay Marina at 2 p.m. Click to read a press release. 208-263-6139
6 Matsiko. The Panida Theater hosts the Uganda Children's Choir of the International Children's Network. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free. To learn more, click to view a press release. 208-263-9191
And don't forget while you are out and about to support our local businesses!
Happy Fourth of July!
Sincerely,
Amy Little
Monday, June 16, 2008
Save money, shop local!
Dear Chamber Members,
As I watch the prices of gas increase almost daily, I am reminded about the ever growing concern over the cost of living. I hear people complain about it, and yet (myself included) we all still fill up our cars (many of us with a truck or SUV) and drive to work and anywhere else we need to go.
And many of us are still opting to drive to Coeur d'Alene or Spokane to buy the things they "need". As a family, we have determined that whenever possible we will stay here and purchase goods & services, and almost always with a Chamber member.
Recently we calculated the cost (per diaper) to drive to Costco to purchase a box of Huggies. Yes folks, that's right, it is actually cheaper to buy them here in town (when you figure in your fuel costs). It's a shocker, right? People tend to think buying in bulk will save you, but in the case of our community it actually costs significantly more to drive out of town.
Again, I would like to offer a plea to not only our chamber members, but to our entire community. Please think twice before you head out of town for food, entertainment, groceries, clothing, household items, etc. Remember the cost is more than the ticket.
The cost is wear and tear on your car, cost of your time, the cost of fuel, and above all, the cost of fostering a healthy and vibrant local economy. Please, shop locally and of course, support your fellow Chamber members whenever possible.
Thank you.
As I watch the prices of gas increase almost daily, I am reminded about the ever growing concern over the cost of living. I hear people complain about it, and yet (myself included) we all still fill up our cars (many of us with a truck or SUV) and drive to work and anywhere else we need to go.
And many of us are still opting to drive to Coeur d'Alene or Spokane to buy the things they "need". As a family, we have determined that whenever possible we will stay here and purchase goods & services, and almost always with a Chamber member.
Recently we calculated the cost (per diaper) to drive to Costco to purchase a box of Huggies. Yes folks, that's right, it is actually cheaper to buy them here in town (when you figure in your fuel costs). It's a shocker, right? People tend to think buying in bulk will save you, but in the case of our community it actually costs significantly more to drive out of town.
Again, I would like to offer a plea to not only our chamber members, but to our entire community. Please think twice before you head out of town for food, entertainment, groceries, clothing, household items, etc. Remember the cost is more than the ticket.
The cost is wear and tear on your car, cost of your time, the cost of fuel, and above all, the cost of fostering a healthy and vibrant local economy. Please, shop locally and of course, support your fellow Chamber members whenever possible.
Thank you.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Mini Trade Show May 28th
Dear Chamber Friends,
Next Wednesday is our first-ever Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mini Trade Show. The theme is "Grow your business", a very fitting theme indeed, as our sponsor and host will be Ponderay Garden Center.
Today I received a call from a young lady interested in having a booth at the show. Unfortunately, I turned her down. I turned her down, not because I didn't want her there, not because I didn't think she belonged, but simply put: she's not a member of the Chamber.
I really want our members to know that in many cases we open up our programs and services to members AND nonmembers alike, though we usually charge a little bit more for our nonmembers. For this event, it is sponsored & hosted by a Chamber member and space is so limited. I feel very strongly that the space reserved at such a low rate should be exclusively for our members.
I hope you know that we are consistently looking for ways that we can add value to your membership, to show you how much we appreciate you and to demonstrate our commitment to you to do all we can to help you grow your business.
Along those lines, please visit us on Friday May 30th for our Membership Appreciation Day. Another members-only opportunity. We will have hotdogs, beverages, snacks and tours, and we have a gift for our members who stop by & pay us a visit. (one gift per member please!)
You can even bring a table and put information out about your business (FREE, just because we want to say thanks). Hours are from 12 noon - 5pm. Call us at 263-0887 for more details.
Have a wonderful week, and remember that we appreciate you and hope that you always find value in your investment, not just in the Chamber, but the community.
Sincerely,
Amy Little, Executive Director
Next Wednesday is our first-ever Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mini Trade Show. The theme is "Grow your business", a very fitting theme indeed, as our sponsor and host will be Ponderay Garden Center.
Today I received a call from a young lady interested in having a booth at the show. Unfortunately, I turned her down. I turned her down, not because I didn't want her there, not because I didn't think she belonged, but simply put: she's not a member of the Chamber.
I really want our members to know that in many cases we open up our programs and services to members AND nonmembers alike, though we usually charge a little bit more for our nonmembers. For this event, it is sponsored & hosted by a Chamber member and space is so limited. I feel very strongly that the space reserved at such a low rate should be exclusively for our members.
I hope you know that we are consistently looking for ways that we can add value to your membership, to show you how much we appreciate you and to demonstrate our commitment to you to do all we can to help you grow your business.
Along those lines, please visit us on Friday May 30th for our Membership Appreciation Day. Another members-only opportunity. We will have hotdogs, beverages, snacks and tours, and we have a gift for our members who stop by & pay us a visit. (one gift per member please!)
You can even bring a table and put information out about your business (FREE, just because we want to say thanks). Hours are from 12 noon - 5pm. Call us at 263-0887 for more details.
Have a wonderful week, and remember that we appreciate you and hope that you always find value in your investment, not just in the Chamber, but the community.
Sincerely,
Amy Little, Executive Director
Friday, May 16, 2008
Get Lost (in the 50s)
What a wonderful weekend we have ahead of us. Beautiful weather, a terrific community event, and thousands of people descending on our community to spend their money! We here at the Chamber and the Visitor Center personally interface with many of our visitors and constantly make recommendations for where to shop, stay, eat and play.
Rest assured that our Visit Sandpoint and Chamber Members are our number one priority for referrals. Many times we hear that businesses don't receive referrals from the Chamber. Make sure that you ask any newcomers how they heard about you. The Chamber gets over 70,000 hits to our online business directory annually, and we receive around 150 visitors or more to our visitor center daily each summer. Rest assured that we are sending referrals to you. All you have to do is ask and in many cases they will confirm that they heard about you from us.
When you notice someone new in your business, welcome them to our community, give them the best customer service they have ever received and invite them to come back for another visit. We hope that our visitors have the best time they could have imagined (and then some) when they visit us, and this will ensure that they return.
Lastly, as we head into the peak summer season, remember that the Chamber has put together a coupon book. There's still time to get in, just call us and we'll help. Remember, you may be able to put your business name in front of 150 visitors a day by being in the book.
In closing, the mission of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is to promote, develop and support the business community in the greater Sandpoint area. Each and every summer we strive to do our very best to represent this beautiful region that we all live in.
Thank YOU for your support.
Amy Little, Executive Director
Rest assured that our Visit Sandpoint and Chamber Members are our number one priority for referrals. Many times we hear that businesses don't receive referrals from the Chamber. Make sure that you ask any newcomers how they heard about you. The Chamber gets over 70,000 hits to our online business directory annually, and we receive around 150 visitors or more to our visitor center daily each summer. Rest assured that we are sending referrals to you. All you have to do is ask and in many cases they will confirm that they heard about you from us.
When you notice someone new in your business, welcome them to our community, give them the best customer service they have ever received and invite them to come back for another visit. We hope that our visitors have the best time they could have imagined (and then some) when they visit us, and this will ensure that they return.
Lastly, as we head into the peak summer season, remember that the Chamber has put together a coupon book. There's still time to get in, just call us and we'll help. Remember, you may be able to put your business name in front of 150 visitors a day by being in the book.
In closing, the mission of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is to promote, develop and support the business community in the greater Sandpoint area. Each and every summer we strive to do our very best to represent this beautiful region that we all live in.
Thank YOU for your support.
Amy Little, Executive Director
Friday, April 25, 2008
Career Fair indicates a solid employment base
The Idaho Department of Labor, in partnership with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Career Fair on April 30th at the Bonner County Fairgrounds from 12noon - 6pm. We have over 45 businesses coming to meet and greet local and regional job seekers.
If the career fair is any indication, 45 local employers hiring for jobs should be a fair indication that locally, our employment base is fairly strong. With all the talk of recession, declining home sales, rising gas prices, etc, I find it interesting that in our community we have such a large number of jobs available.
To me, this is in drastic contrast to what the media tells us is happening elsewhere. I think we should focus on things like this rather than what the media tells us. I think our local economy is strong, and will continue to be. Every other day it seems like I see a photo and a store in the paper about a new business opening up.
So get out there, shop locally, support your local businesses, and most importantly, support your fellow Chamber members.
Sincerely,
Amy Little, Executive Director
If the career fair is any indication, 45 local employers hiring for jobs should be a fair indication that locally, our employment base is fairly strong. With all the talk of recession, declining home sales, rising gas prices, etc, I find it interesting that in our community we have such a large number of jobs available.
To me, this is in drastic contrast to what the media tells us is happening elsewhere. I think we should focus on things like this rather than what the media tells us. I think our local economy is strong, and will continue to be. Every other day it seems like I see a photo and a store in the paper about a new business opening up.
So get out there, shop locally, support your local businesses, and most importantly, support your fellow Chamber members.
Sincerely,
Amy Little, Executive Director
Friday, April 18, 2008
A Letter from our Member to Member Discount program
Dear Chamber Members,
I don't know if you know who I am, but my name is the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Member to Member Discount Program. Did you know about me? Well, it seems like a lot of the members aren't aware that I exist. Which is very tough on my self esteem to be honest with you.
I came into existence because the Chamber office kept hearing members say that they wanted a way to market to other members and give members only discounts on products and services. So they went ahead and created me, which I sincerely appreciate.
However, since my birth I have only had a handful of discounts listed. Not that I am complaining mind you! I am happy to have what I have, but I would sure love to have more discounts posted. It will help with that pesky self esteem issue for one thing, but will expand the offerings to Chamber members and their employees.
Did you know that a member business AND their employees are eligible to access & use the member to member discount program? That's pretty neat if you ask me! And really the best part is that it is FREE to post an offer. Just log in to ChamberMaster (or call the office at 263-0887 if you can't remember your login, it happens a lot!) and they'll walk you through the process.
If I could ask one thing of you, it would be to always look to Chamber Members first when you need to do business, but also look to the Member to Member discount program if you are looking for a great deal. Please use me (just don't abuse me!) and hopefully I can help you grow your business.
Thanks for reading my letter, I do appreciate your time and consideration. If you have any ideas about how I can be even better (I'd sure love an upgrade!) just let the Chamber know. Best of luck and "thanks for noticing me."
I don't know if you know who I am, but my name is the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Member to Member Discount Program. Did you know about me? Well, it seems like a lot of the members aren't aware that I exist. Which is very tough on my self esteem to be honest with you.
I came into existence because the Chamber office kept hearing members say that they wanted a way to market to other members and give members only discounts on products and services. So they went ahead and created me, which I sincerely appreciate.
However, since my birth I have only had a handful of discounts listed. Not that I am complaining mind you! I am happy to have what I have, but I would sure love to have more discounts posted. It will help with that pesky self esteem issue for one thing, but will expand the offerings to Chamber members and their employees.
Did you know that a member business AND their employees are eligible to access & use the member to member discount program? That's pretty neat if you ask me! And really the best part is that it is FREE to post an offer. Just log in to ChamberMaster (or call the office at 263-0887 if you can't remember your login, it happens a lot!) and they'll walk you through the process.
If I could ask one thing of you, it would be to always look to Chamber Members first when you need to do business, but also look to the Member to Member discount program if you are looking for a great deal. Please use me (just don't abuse me!) and hopefully I can help you grow your business.
Thanks for reading my letter, I do appreciate your time and consideration. If you have any ideas about how I can be even better (I'd sure love an upgrade!) just let the Chamber know. Best of luck and "thanks for noticing me."
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