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

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."

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Welcome to Chamber Chatter

Dear Greater Sandpoint Chamber Members,
We have launched this blog as a fun way for us to communicate to you and keep you informed. We also hope to use this as a way for us to find out more about what you expect from us a Chamber of Commerce.

We have a weekly poll on the right hand side where we will post a new question each week. We also will have a comment section for each post. Additionally, we have links to current news and also partner organizations at the bottom. We hope you find this blog fun & useful.

Thank you for supporting the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and our mission to support, develop and promote the business community in the greater Sandpoint area.

Sincerely,

Amy Little, Executive Director