Thursday, June 17, 2010

Chamber Announces Departure of Bennett

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officially announces the resignation of Marketing Director Heather Bennett, effective July 9, 2010. Bennett has been with the company for four years and will be moving on to another opportunity at the Greater Spokane Incorporated.

“I want to thank the Board of Directors, members, and staff for giving me the opportunity to work in this organization,” said Bennett. “I’ve worked with a top-notch team and alongside countless business leaders who give of their time and expertise to make the impossible possible.”

“Heather will be sorely missed. She has contributed so much to the growth of the chamber,” Kathy Hubbard, chair of the board said. “We certainly wish her all the best in her new career in a much bigger market. Greater Spokane Incorporated will benefit from Heather’s experience working with small to mid-sized businesses.”

A replacement for Bennett is listed through the Idaho Department of Labor. For those with communications and event planning experience, please contact the Idaho Department of Labor at (208) 263-7544 or visit www.labor.idaho.gov. The job will be posted until Friday, June 25th.

For additional information, contact the Chamber at (208) 263-2161.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Summer Sampler Postponed to June 24th Due to Inclement Weather

The weathermen predict sunny skies next week, so the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce determined to postpone the 5th annual Sandpoint Summer Sampler to Thursday, June 24th.

“We plan on the same place and time but with blue skies and sunny rays,” said chairman of the board Kathy Hubbard.

The Sandpoint Summer Sampler brings favorite Sandpoint restaurants, wineries and breweries to Farmin Park and Main Street in downtown Sandpoint to cook up samples of their cuisine, wines, and brews. From 5 to 7:30 pm, sample from over sixteen establishments.

To top off the evening, don’t miss the ever-popular Litehouse sponsored cooking competition. Local chefs will compete for the traveling trophy as they cook using a box of ingredients and their ingenuity. Competing this year is Eddie Sneva from DISH Home Cooking battling and Jason Clarke from The Bistro Inn at Sand Creek.

Radio host Gary Lirette will emcee the event, and Litehouse CFO Kelly Prior, Sandpoint Magazine writer for “eats and drinks” Carrie Scozzaro, Bonner County Daily Bee’s David Keyes, Stephen Evans, and Sandpoint Chief of Police Mark Lockwood will judge and determine the best of show.

The cooking competition begins at 5:45 p.m. Tickets for samples are available at the clock tower, and samples range in price from $1 to $7. Cash will be accepted.

The Sandpoint Summer Sampler is proudly sponsored by Litehouse, Horizon Credit Union, Reynolds Auto Sales, Mountain West Bank, Bonner County Daily Bee, and K102 and hosted by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber thanks Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 2nd Avenue Pizza, Taylor-Parker Motor Company, participating businesses, and countless volunteers who come to support this event year after year.

For more information, call (800) 800-2106 or (208) 263-2161 or visit www.sandpointchamber.com.

GO FISH! Charters Open for Biz

A passion for fishing stirred in Captain Chad Landrum in his toddler years and led him to become a trained fisheries biologist, a licensed master with the US Coast Guard, gain 25 years of experience bass fishing nationwide, and now guide on the waters of Lake Pend Oreille.

Captain Landrum’s new business, GO FISH! Charters provides hands-on, multi-species fishing on North Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille and Clark Fork River on a fully equipped 18 foot Lund Fisherman. Whether interested in fly fishing for native cut-throat trout, casting for smallmouth bass, or jigging whitefish on the main lake, Chad has a versatile fishing strategy which ensures a great time on the waters for season veteran anglers and family groups alike.

A full day charter includes made from scratch shore lunch. They customize packages and provide private dock pick-up. Custom morning evening site seeing charters also available. Rates start at $200 and satisfaction is guaranteed.

Captain Chad says, “Let’s go fish.”

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce congratulates Captain Landrum and wishes him and his family much success with their charter business.

To reserve your fishing expedition, call (208) 597-5020, (208) 267-3934, or visit www.gofishcharter.org for additional information.

Photo Caption: Pictured is Captain Chad Landrum cutting the ribbon for his new business GO FISH! Charters alongside his wife Reagon and children and the Chamber Ambassadors.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Sandpoint Cookin' Up Flavorful Dishes on June 24th

On Thursday, June 24th favorite Sandpoint restaurants, wineries and breweries will be cookin’ up favorite recipes for the 5th annual Sandpoint Summer Sampler at Farmin Park and Main Street in downtown Sandpoint from 5 to 7:30 pm.

“Over sixteen restaurants are creating savory samples this year,” said Kathy Hubbard, chairman of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce board. "You won't want to miss this summer kickoff event."

Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak will not only serve their scrumptious Philly cheesesteaks but will additionally have good ol’ American hot dogs, hamburger sliders, chips, and soda for the whole family. Long-time favorite Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine will tingle your taste buds with portabella crimini mushroom raviolis with creamy tomato vodka, a chopped shrimp waldorf salad, and chocolate chip cookies and a refreshing blend of white, rose, and red wines. Skeyes the Limit always has a scrumptious sample with BBQ spareribs and coleslaw or grilled chicken satays. DISH Home Cooking has a southern style menu with house smoked St. Louis BBQ pork ribs with potato salad and homemade strawberry lemonade. For those looking for sweetness, check out Pine Street Bakery for their assortment of bakery goods.

Chimney Rock Grill, Connie’s CafĂ©, Eichardt’s, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, 41 South Restaurant, and Tango Cafe will reveal their surprise dishes and drinks at the Sampler; and MickDuffs, Pend d’Oreille Winery, and Laughing Dog Brewing will have brews and wines.

To top off the evening, don’t miss the ever-popular Litehouse sponsored cooking competition. Local chefs will compete for the traveling trophy as they cook using a box of ingredients and their ingenuity. Competing this year is Eddie Sneva from DISH Home Cooking battling and Jason Clarke from The Bistro Inn at Sand Creek.

Radio host Gary Lirette will emcee the event, and Litehouse CFO Kelly Prior, Sandpoint Magazine writer for “eats and drinks” Carrie Scozzaro, Bonner County Daily Bee’s David Keyes, Stephen Evans, and Sandpoint Chief of Police Mark Lockwood will judge and determine the best of show.

The Summer Sampler will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and the cooking competition begins at 5:45 p.m. Tickets for samples are available at the clock tower, and samples range in price from $1 to $7. Cash will be accepted.

The Sandpoint Summer Sampler is proudly sponsored by Litehouse, Horizon Credit Union, Reynolds Auto Sales, Mountain West Bank, Bonner County Daily Bee, and K102 and hosted by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber thanks Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 2nd Avenue Pizza, Taylor-Parker Motor Company, participating businesses, and countless volunteers who come to support this event year after year.

For more information, call (800) 800-2106 or (208) 263-2161 or visit www.sandpointchamber.com.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Chamber Welcomes Hopes Basket Biz

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Hopes Basket Biz owned by Phyllis Minnock.

As an independent home consultant, Minnock carries Longaberger baskets and home and lifestyle products, including pottery, wrought iron, fabric accessories, and specialty foods.

Longaberger Company is a privately held, family run business. All of their products are hand woven in the United States, providing jobs for those who harvest and replant the trees to the basket weaver who signs each and every basket. Each basket is unique due to the craftsmanship of the weaver and are hand woven with hard rock maple.

Minnock provides home shows to provide a “hands on” experience to the quality of these baskets; and a hostess can earn any item in the catalogue for free or for half price, depending on a qualifying show. Those interested in ordering can either call or order in her online store.

On Saturday, June 26 Minnock will provide an Open House at her home in Hope from 12 noon to 6 pm. She invites those interested to contact her for additional information.

Hopes Basket Biz also provides fundraisers and bridal registry. Each year the company does a special basket called the “Horizon for Hope” for the American Cancer Society, with a portion given toward the effort to fight breast cancer. The Horizon of Hope campaign starts in June.

To learn more about Hopes Basket Biz, call (208) 264-5371 or visit www.lonaberger.com/phyllisminnock.

Photo Caption: Hopes Basket Biz celebrated with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. The company provides Longaberger baskets and home and lifestyle products. Pictured is owner Phyllis Minnock cutting the ribbon at the Commerce & Community Expo with the Chamber Ambassadors.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Annual Tourism Luncheon with CEO Tom Chasse

On Thursday, June 10th the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Tourism Luncheon sponsored by Horizon Credit Union. They invite Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Chasse as the keynote speaker to discuss the importance of customer service.

Growing up in a skiing family, Chasse became a competitive ski racer, suffering a career ending injury in 1976 that opened the door for him to work in the ski industry as an instructor. He worked his way through the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) as a member of the Eastern Educational Staff/Examiner Team, and then gained a stronger focus on staff development and ski area management with the American Skiing Company, eventually leading to an appointment as President, Managing Director of Attitash.

Now as President and CEO of Schweitzer Mountain Resort, his objectives are to build a strong management team, believing staff development and recognition are key factors in the overall guest experience.

The luncheon will be held at Panhandle State Bank’s Community Room, located at 414 Church Street in downtown Sandpoint. The program begins at 11:30 am with networking and business tradeshow booths.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members and includes a lunch catered by Tango Cafe.

To reserve, contact the Chamber at (208) 263-2161 or register online at SandpointChamber.com.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

New Business Loopah Provides Innovative Fundraising

Taking fundraising from bake sales to positive purpose campaigns and online malls, Loopah supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and other entities with their financial needs through an innovative approach.

Founded by CEO Steve Russo in 2009, Loopah originated when Russo recognized a clear need for innovative fundraising methods after observations as a board member for nonprofit organizations. An online method to raise funds utilizing Positive Purpose Campaigns resulted.

The campaigns gain supporters for a cause through a safe donation platform on the organization’s website. For example, a sponsor may donate $1 for every hour of reading or $2 for every hour of volunteer work performed; and Loopah provides the platform where donations are collected, tasks tracked, and family and friends can connect in a safe online environment.

Additionally, through partnering with E-Bates, Loopah provides a Loopah Mall. Supporters enter the mall through their own website, where they have access to over 1,200 online retailers. Each purchase made through the Loopah Mall earns up to 26 percent cash back for the organization.

With the online platform, Loopah also builds user-friendly websites, and the first 100 nonprofit organization who sign-up will receive a free website.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce congratulates Loopah and welcomes them to the business community.

For more information on Loopah, call (208) 946-3867, visit www.LoopahFundraising.com, or stop by their office located in downtown Sandpoint on the Cedar Street Bridge.

Photo Caption: The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated with the Loopah team with their new business providing innovative online fundraising for organizations.

Leadership Sandpoint Supports DayBreak Center

On Saturday, May 1 the Sandpoint Leadership Class of 2009 completed their class project, an assignment bestowed on every class to support a nonprofit. The class of 2009 chose the DayBreak Center, an organization sponsored by Sandpoint Area Seniors which provides respite care to family members of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In 2009 the class raised over $2000 with a yard sale and recently utilized the funds raised to install planter benches for their back patio, as well as provide them potting benches, a number of potting tools, and additional chairs for their backyard. The Leadership Sandpoint class provided these at the request of the center which will support their therapy to delay the progress of dementia.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce congratulates the class on their successful project and thanks the DayBreak Center for their continued efforts to provide a nurturing place for adults and respite time for caregivers.

For those interested in participating in Leadership Sandpoint, applications are available and applications are due by July 31. The program is an excellent way to learn the facets of the Greater Sandpoint area from a consortium of leaders and refine leadership and team building skills.

For more information on the DayBreak Center, visit www.daybreakcenter.org. For additional information on Leadership Sandpoint, call (208) 263-2161 or visit www.SandpointChamber.com.

Photo Caption: The Leadership Sandpoint Class of 2009 stands with the staff of the DayBreak Center after providing them with potting tools and benches for their facility. The DayBreak Center is a nonprofit organization providing respite care to family members of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. On front row from left is DayBreak Center staff Chrissi Vergoglini, Nancy Wood, and Rose Mundell and on back row is Ron Denova and his son Cal, Andy Gion, Kim Queen, Charlene Godec, Margi Gunter, Linda Robey, and class President Doug Lynch. Leadership Sandpoint classmates not present include Alana Hatcher, Bob Blettenberg, Nancy Lewis, Tawnie Sleep, Tere Schultz, and Brett Taylor.