Friday, June 22, 2012

Greater Sandpoint area Chamber of Commerce Plans Building Renovation, Move to Scenic Sand Creek Location


Greater Sandpoint area Chamber of Commerce Plans Building Renovation, Move to Scenic Sand Creek Location
Renovation returns operation to long-time home with help from Panhandle Building Contractors Association

In support of its long term mission and to plan for the future, the Greater Sandpoint Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a capital campaign and renovation project to return Chamber operations the former Sand Creek location on Hwy 95. The project culminates months of planning by the Chamber’s Capital and Infrastructure team, tasked with finding a permanent home for the Chamber. After extensive and thoughtful deliberation, the Chamber Board of Directors enthusiastically approved the construction project and upcoming return.

“Countless volunteer hours have been put in to plan for this move and many factors were examined. Our original move from the Sand Creek property in 2009 was necessary due to structural issues with the building – it was not a choice, but a necessity at the time.  We’ve spent the time since planning for our eventual return by creating a funding and renovation plan that will create a facility to forward our mission of business development and tourism growth,” noted Clif Warren, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.

During the planning process, the new Capital & Infrastructure team, led by mortgage loan originator for Loan Star Mortgage and board member Jim Lovell, determined, along with architectural and contracting experts, the building had great ‘bones’ and the decision was made to go forward with prioritizing what was needed to make it functional again.

The strategic team talked to several contractors and explored many different options. Being a non-profit, non-governmental organization, fiscally responsible renovation was the first priority.  Panhandle Building Contractors Association (PBCA), are contributing their time, resources and expertise towards the project and other local business partners such as Schweitzer Mountain Resort are making significant financial investments.

A piece of historical value has surfaced which was lost through the years -- the Highway 95 location was known as Monument Park. Additional research on the history of Monument Park is ongoing - if anyone has any information on Monument Park, please contact the Chamber.

The Chamber’s Visitor Center serves 10,000 visitors annually and the staff is looking forward to being back at the location to better serve the region and businesses. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 263-2161 and keep up on the construction on the Chamber’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/Chamber7B.