January's BonnerBIZ Article - Sandpoint B.I.D.

By Kim Queen, Manager at Sandpoint Business Improvement District

“I cannot sing, dance or act; what else would I be but a talk show host.” 

-David Letterman

Things are moving quickly for all of us now that 2014 is underway, and in the BID, we are working on several new projects to keep that momentum progressing in the right direction.

In December, the Sandpoint Business Improvement District team launched a new monthly local radio program entitled the Downtown Dialogue. The show airs on 1400AM/KSPT, as well as 1450AM/KBFI, and is hosted by the B.I.D. manager (me) and Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Communications Manager, Mack Deibel.  The show airs at Noon every third Monday, with our next airing slated for Monday, February 17^th.  

Our goal with this program is to create a forum for open discussion on events, issues and general topics-of-interest pertaining to downtown Sandpoint.  We will be working with our constituents in all areas identified and represented in the BID: Restaurants, Education, Real Estate, Professional/Banking/Law, Health Care, Retail, Arts/Entertainment, Lodging, and At Large/Miscellaneous businesses and organizations. We will also host future conversations with our partners at the City of Sandpoint, Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, and many others.

This is where YOU come in! 

We are seeking 2 professionals to interview every month on the Downtown Dialogue. If you are a BID member in good standing, and would like the opportunity to present yourself as an expert of your industry and promote your business and/or services to the audience, then please contact me directly at kim@sandpointchamber.com.  

For future programming, we would also like to have input from our listeners: what business, organization or individual in the BID would you like more information on? Is there an event or project you want to know more about, or get more directly involved with? Again, please contact me at kim@sandpointchamber.com.  

For the February program, we will mostly be focusing on the highly-anticipated 40^th Annual Winter Carnival, taking place this year from Feb. 14 – Feb. 23^rd, with numerous events being hosted around greater Sandpoint and up on Schweitzer.  The BID has been asked to bring back an old favorite, the Parade of Lights, and we just couldn’t say no! The Parade will be held on Friday night, February 21 in the downtown core, and will end its route at Jeff Jones Square. There, we will be announcing the Parade’s award winning floats, and then enjoying a jaw dropping performance by Cirque de Sandpoint.  For an entire list of Winter Carnival events, and to download a registration form for the parade, please visit sandpointwintercarnival.com. 

Did I mention things are moving quickly in the BID? 

Impactful Leadership

by Kate McAlister, President and CEO of Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce

Over the last several months our communities have lost some amazing human beings and it has caused me to reflect.  After the last celebration of life I attended, as one of a certain age commonly does, I took a long look at my life. Every celebration ceremony showed an individual who had made a tremendous impact on those around them, no matter their age.  I was impressed by each individual’s inspiring leadership, yes, leadership, and I hope to carry on those qualities I admired most.

Beautiful Kayle Porter was a tremendous role model to young people in our community.  She gave herself large goals and worked very hard at achieving each one.  From working three or four jobs, to going on a mission to serve those less fortunate, she was always moving forward.  At her celebration there were many stories from friends and loved ones who described Kayle as always supportive and encouraging others to reach their goals. Kayle’s leadership will help me be a more encouraging leader.

The Wake for John Conlan gave yet another pause for thought when from 2p to 11p downtown at the Hive, on a play-off afternoon, a continuous revolving crowd of 300 plus paid homage to a great friend.  From his time in the Marines to his time spent as a business owner in Sandpoint, he lived a full life.  The stories were about a man who gladly fought for his country and fully enjoyed his life. Making people happy was always in the forefront of his mind. He was always quick with a joke or a story to make a person smile. His leadership example was to always find the humor even in difficult situations, and continue on.

Mayor Marsha Ogilvie was certainly the most well-known leader and I am honored to have known her. She started making a difference as soon as she moved to Sandpoint. Being a foster child spurred her idea for Kinderhaven, a safe-haven for children in crisis. She was also a successful businesswoman and experienced first-hand what it was like to do business in Sandpoint. Marsha’s leadership example for me was two-fold; it’s about the people and don’t be afraid to change things up because change is not only good, but often necessary to move forward.  

Captain David Lyon (Lissy) was the ultimate example of leadership; selflessness. Stories of his young life included always reaching out to help others and being someone you could always count on.  Out of the four mentioned individuals, Captain Lyon was the only one I didn’t know personally.  However, I have always had a deep respect for those who serve in the armed forces.  I was in high school during the Vietnam War and it was a very emotional time.  The thought of someone who doesn’t even know me, who is willing to die for me, was, and still is, an overwhelming concept.  Thank you for the example of selflessness Captain Lyon.

A wonderful thing about our community, among many, is how we are full of inspiring leaders.  Look around you at those who are offering solutions and positively affecting change.  As a leader do you offer solutions, or add to the problems?  We have over 150 non-profits in our surrounding communities. That is amazing.  I want to thank all of you who are working hard for our community.  I know it’s not always easy to keep going, but think about these amazing people and all the others who have gone before.  Strive to be encouraging; see humor even in the darkest times; it IS about the people; don’t be afraid to make changes and always, always think about the bigger picture, the good of the whole. Together, let’s continue to be inspiring leaders.


See you around town.

Looking Back at 2013

by Kate McAlister, President and CEO

The lights are up and the snow is on the ground; must be Holidays in Sandpoint.  As we bring our year to a close it is always fun to look back at what happened throughout the year.  I don’t know about you but I run so fast sometimes I forget to look back and remember. 

Let’s start with all the press we received last year.  We once again had a number of accolades in the national press, “Top 10 Emerging Ski Towns” – Nat Geo; “Snow Trax: My Own Private Idaho” – The New Mexican; “Top 5 Places in the World to Get Married” [Schweitzer Resort] – Birmingham Press U.K.; “10 Picture-Perfect Mountain Towns” – USA Today; “Idaho’s Hippest Mountain Town” – Men’s Journal; “Is This The Prettiest Town in America?” – Steve Winston for World Property Channels (seen in 120 countries).

In January we watched it snow as we continued to move into our new ‘old’ location out here on the highway.  We LOVE it here.  One day we promise we’ll have an open house but we have not stopped running since we moved.

February delivered one of the most successful Winter Carnival’s in a few years.  Town was alive with visitors and locals as well. With events and happenings going on in Jeff Jones square, the Granary District, and of course up at our favorite ski resort, Schweitzer, a good time was had by all.

Besides St. Patrick’s Day, March brought the Idaho Tourism Council (ITC) to town for their quarterly meeting.  Schweitzer hosted the three day event for this panel of governor appointed tourism specialists to showcase our wonderful area and all we have to offer.  This is the group who manages the Idaho Department of Commerce tourism grants of which we received $111,000 in 2012 to market our town outside of the area.  They were very impressed with us, as they should be.

Keeping with the tourism theme in April, Sandpoint hosted the North Idaho Tourism summit at the Sandpoint Events Centers and it was one of the best attended in a number of years.  Quite a few of our local restaurants and recreational businesses participated such as, Trinity, Pend Oreille Pasta, MickDuffs, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Scotchman’s Peak and others.

In May, we welcomed our favorite event “Lost in the 50’s” and all the prosperity it brings to our little town in the midst of the ‘shoulder’ season.  Thank you Carolyn Gleason for all your hard work and dedication for our community over all these years.

June kicked off the summer with the Chamber’s Summer Sampler, our ‘local’ kick-off to summer event.  We enjoyed wonderful food from restaurants and caterers, from Sagle to Ponderay, as well as another rousing Chef Cook-Off sponsored by one of our local favorites, Litehouse.  Reese Warren from Eichardt’s took the title home for the second year.  Next year, hopefully in April, we are going to put him up against a chef from our Sister City, Nelson B.C., when we sponsor the first International Chef Cook-off.  I’m betting on Reese.

If you love a parade, then of course our annual Lions Club, 4^th of July parade is for you.  The community came out in droves and lined the downtown streets for the parade.  We also hosted another very successful Wooden Boat Show and I was honored to participate in the Friday night boat parade.  It was spectacular with all those beautiful boats out on the water with their noses up and carving through the water. Can’t wait until next year!

August rode in with 350 bicycle riders in the Ride Idaho group.  Our area showed them a great time and they spent their free day enjoying our area and all we have to offer. 

We were honored in September to have the Idaho Community Review team here from the state of Idaho and for three days we listened to our community as we held focus groups and listening sessions all over the area.  This team of experts came here after the City of Sandpoint wrote and received a grant from the Idaho Rural Partnership to come and assess our area and add to our comp plan.  It was an enlightening three days.  The state team took all the information and have been analyzing and putting together a presentation with their recommendations and will be giving us the full report in early January.  This report will also include other grant opportunities for small towns like ours and other possible partnerships. 

The Scenic Half also took place in September with over 1,000 runners participating.  Only a little more than one-fourth of the runners were local.  Thirteen states and two countries were represented and again it was a stellar September day for the run and to showcase our beautiful area.

October was a big month for the Chamber, we officially took on the administrative management of the Sandpoint Business Improvement District and hired Kim Queen as the new manager.  It is a big undertaking and the Chamber staff will be working very hard to make this a success for all concerned. 

November and December brought holiday decorating all over town, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, Saturdays with Santa on Cedar Street Bridge, and so much more.

The Chamber, well Mack, held quite a few well-attended Social Media classes at the Holiday Inn Express in Ponderay and we will continue to do so in 2014.  If there are other classes you would like to see, let us know.

All in all it was a jam packed year of great success.  Starting in January the Chamber will start holding every other luncheon at the Ponderay Events Center and we encourage everyone to attend.

As we say good bye to 2013 we can say it was a good year, and we look forward to 2014 and all it will bring our way. I hope the new year will bring you and yours great opportunities, prosperity and fun.  Don’t forget the fun.  Take care, see you in 2014.  

Chamber Welcomes Lover’s Getaway/Spiritual Retreat

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome the Lover’s Getaway/Spiritual Retreat, a private residence which serves as a vacation rental. This retreat is about experiencing a love affair, whether with source, significant other or self. This intimate space allows one to rest, renew and reflect in the expanse of nature. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, privacy, and an inspirational and renewing retreat look no further. This cliff side home is built on mountainside rock overlooking Lake Pend Oreille where you view nothing but water, mountains and the animals that make it their home.

“Size matters when it comes to view and this view is unsurpassed,” explained Ginny Hendren, manager for the Lover's Getaway.

At Lover’s Getaway, nature envelops you. You can watch eagles and osprey compete for food as you lounge in the hot tub or deck. Hear the cry of a loon. Watch sunsets from the comfort of the outdoor fire pit on an infinity deck that gives you a bird’s eye view of this nature retreat. Winter affords a snow globe experience as the floor to ceiling windows puts nature at your feet.

"This is the time of year the locals discover us.  Since we're so easily accessible and so private we're seeing more stay-cations when weather makes for challenging travel.  This getaway provides that needed perspective and intimacy a special occasion calls for without the long distance travel.  IT's the best of all worlds" Says Ginny

You will wake up and go to sleep to the most inspirational setting you could wish for. Of course, nearby there are a host of activities and attractions however many guests never leave the premises. After all, you want to  rest after doing nothing all day.  As it’s a private residence the
kitchen is fully stocked with every amenity needed for your comfort and convenience. Spa robes and linens all provided. Just remember your toothbrush.  

“This home was built with love, crafted by an artist/designer and inspired by spirit,” Ginny added. “This isn't a home, this is an experience.”

For more information, visit them online at www.loversgetaway.vacayhome.com or contact Ginny at ginny@netw.com  for reservations.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome The Lover’s
Getaway/Spiritual Retreat to the Chamber and wish them great success.   

Photo: Kate McAlister, Tim and Fran Potter, Ginny Hendren, Ashley Kearns and Kim Queen. 

Chamber Brings on Kim Queen to Lead Sandpoint B.I.D.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Kim Queen who joined the Chamber as the new Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) Manager. Kim started in the position on October 16^th after leaving Sandpoint’s oldest non-profit, the Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC), as their Executive Director of seven years. Her non-profit expertise more than fifteen years deep and brings extensive management experience, as well as an insider’s look, to the B.I.D. Manager position.

“As a B.I.D. member with POAC, paying the assessment tax, I was never sure what the benefit was,” explained Kim. “Granted, I didn’t educate myself or take an active role in the process. I simply paid the bill and went on with business.”

Kim was born in Portland, OR and attended high school and college in Vancouver, WA. After college and before she moved to our community, she held the position of Fund Development Manager at the First Place School in Seattle for six and half years and worked at the Northwest AIDS Foundation for one and half years. She relocated to our area to become the Executive Director of POAC and has since fallen in love and made this her home.

“I want to work with B.I.D. folks and figure out what improvements can be made and how the new Sandpoint B.I.D. organization can benefit you and the community. It is my goal to get to know the concerns of all our B.I.D. members and I will have an open door policy.”

Since taking the B.I.D. Manager position, Kim and the Chamber Staff undertook a strategic planning process to help guide the newly formed Sandpoint B.I.D. organization under the Chamber’s umbrella. The first weeks on the job have included meetings with various groups including the City of Sandpoint, Tourism Sandpoint, SURA and Sandpoint Shopping District, as well as planning the Holiday’s celebration themed this year Home for the Holidays.

“If you see me out and about, please introduce yourself and I look forward to meeting you!”

For more information about the Sandpoint B.I.D., call 208-263-2161 or email Kim Queen at kim@sandpointchamber.com. 

Sandpoint BID’s new era begins

By CAMERON RASMUSSON, Staff writer

Article taken from the Bonner County Daily Bee (See article here)

SANDPOINT — This week marked a new era for the Sandpoint Business Improvement District.

With a BID manager selected in Kim Queen and an administrative council established to guide the fund forward, city and Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officials hope to bring a new level of transparency and representation to the public funds.

“We’re going to make something brilliant happen, as well as continue the brilliant things that are already happening,” McAlister said.

Established with the dissolving of the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association into a council under the chamber’s wing, the newly-appointed members of the BID Council met for the first time Tuesday to go over their goals and ideas for future uses of the BID fund.

A monthly assessment paid by business owners within the district, the BID fund is used to promote mutually-beneficial events and marketing opportunities for the downtown core.

However, some downtown business owners have been perturbed at being asked to pay an assessment they felt didn’t benefit them, according to chamber president Kate McAlister. That’s why city and chamber authorities decided to restructure BID management under the chamber’s wing. The BID fund is managed separately from the chamber budget, with McAlister and other chamber staff providing office space, supplies and supervision for the council and BID manager.

One of the primary goals is to make all downtown business owners feel they get something out of the BID. That’s why the council is made up of representatives from several different downtown industries. Katie Stang of The Readery represents restaurants, Mark Browning of North Idaho College represents education, Ross Schoenig of Alliance Title represents real estate, Michelle Polhemus of Horizon Credit Union represents professional services, Kathy Hubbard of Bonner General Hospital represents health care, Kathy Friedman of Zero Point represents retail, Dyno Wahl of the Festival at Sandpoint represents arts and entertainment, Sheldon Packwood of the K2 Inn represents lodging and community volunteer Barney Ballard is the council member at large.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Grimm of the city of Sandpoint, Karl Dye of the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, Eric Paull of the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and Kim Diercks of Panhandle State Bank serve in an advisory, non-voting capacity.

“We want to bring people in to the idea that a vital downtown benefits everyone,” Wahl said. “I really believe that a rising tide floats all.”

Meanwhile, the chamber has hired Queen to serve as BID manager. Her role is to enact the decisions of the council through event planning and interfacing with downtown businesses.

An experienced nonprofit worker who has worked with the Pend Oreille Arts Council and more, Queen is eager to use her skills in a new responsibility.

“What were going to do (in the coming days) is break down what exactly the BID does and doesn’t do for you,” she said.

Lewis-Clark State College and NIC Team Up

LEWISTON, Idaho – With the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon this summer in Sandpoint, Lewis-Clark State College embarked on a new cooperative initiative with North Idaho College (NIC).

In fall 2012, North Idaho College completed an extensive renovation of the old Sandpoint High School with the aim to accommodate a new administrative and classroom center for NIC.  The center, called NIC at Sandpoint, was completed in response to growing student enrollment from Boundary and Bonner counties and NIC’s commitment to offer a full associate’s degree in North Idaho by fall 2013.

“The next logical step was to offer bachelor’s degrees,” explained Rocky Owens, Director of LCSC-Coeur d’Alene.

Noting that LCSC maintains a historical tradition to serve outreach students with bachelor’s degrees, Sandpoint public officials, state legislators, and NIC administration encouraged LCSC to consider a presence in Idaho’s northernmost counties.  LCSC-CDA has been an active supporter and partner with NIC in offering degree opportunities in Coeur d’Alene for some 30 years and will continue to support efforts to increase transfer opportunities for Sandpoint students.  While the CDA Center continues to serve as the hub of operations for Region 1, LCSC-CDA officials believe that opportunities exist to expand LC’s presence in Sandpoint by maintaining a staff presence there, increasing institutional marketing, and facilitating course delivery technology to make LCSC courses more accessible.

As part of the initiative, during the fall 2013 semester LCSC-CDA will offer an on-site class in Sandpoint that fulfills an upper division core requirement for all LCSC bachelor’s degrees.  LCSC-CDA will also be offering instruction via video conferencing and sharing office and classroom space with NIC.  LCSC-CDA advisors will regularly be on-hand, making contact with current and future students.

At the dedication ceremony in Sandpoint, LCSC President J. Anthony (Tony) Fernández emphasized the importance of ties between North Idaho College and LCSC.

“This is just another example of the close relationship between NIC and LCSC,” said Fernández. “We value this relationship and look forward to doing more, along with NIC, for the citizens of Region 1.”

Fernández and Owens, along with Lori Stinson, LCSC Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chet Herbst, LCSC Vice President for Finance and Administration, Kathy Martin, LCSC Dean for Community Programs and Governmental Relations, NIC President Joe Dunlap, NIC Vice President Ron Dorn, and members of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee gathered at the Sandpoint center for the occasion.

Owens called the ceremony, “recognition of future things to come with regard to what we can build in Sandpoint.”  

Photo attached (left – right):  Ron Dorn, Joe Dunlap, J. Anthony (Tony) Fernández, Kathy Martin, and Chet Herbst

PEND OREILLE SURGERY CENTER ANNOUNCES BUSINESS REORGANIZATION

Restructuring Will Position POSC for Even Greater Opportunities

Pend Oreille Surgery Center, LLC has successfully completed a year-long reorganization. The reorganization was the result of collaborative efforts of POSC board members and management, accountants, attorneys and banking professionals.

POSC has provided high-quality, cost-effective outpatient surgical care to residents of Bonner County and surrounding areas since opening in 2009. Changes in the way health care is provided and reimbursed led POSC to consider what needed to be done in order to survive and thrive in a changing health care environment.  

The reorganization involved splitting POSC into two distinct entities. POSC, LLC will continue to provide quality, cost-effective outpatient surgical care. The center remains owned by local physicians who care for their patients at the center as well as the local hospital.

A new entity, POSC Holdings, LLC, now owns the building and land. Separating the real estate from the operations provides an opportunity for investors to become involved in a business that, prior to reorganization, could only involve physicians who intended to use the facility. Successfully executing these changes has positioned POSC for growth and success in an uncertain health care environment.

POSC would like to thank the following businesses for their assistance throughout the process:

·         Washington Trust Bank in Sandpoint (Allen McClelland)

·         Berg & McLaughlin Attorneys in Sandpoint (Bill Berg)

·         Christoffersen Accountancy in Salt Lake City (Mel Christoffersen)

·         Sandpoint Title Insurance in Sandpoint (Tom Williams)

The reorganization wouldn’t have been successful without their confidence in the center and commitment to POSC’s success.

Please contact Kris Sabo at the contacts below for more information.

Work:  208 265-8194

Email: kris@poscllc.com

Chamber Welcomes Longleaf Wilderness Medicine

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Longleaf Wilderness Medicine (LWM). Initially founded due to the need for emergency medical training after Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast of the US, Jason Luthy, LWM’s owner, and Dr. Lynn Yonge collaborated to design LWM to provide usable medical education for the Gulf Coast in times of limited access to medical services. The initial LWM trainings taught a form of medicine called Wilderness Medicine.

Wilderness medicine is the practice of providing medical care first aid in environments with limited resources and access to emergency medical services. The wilderness medicine curriculums taught by LWM provide detailed information about the prevention, assessment, and treatment of injuries and illnesses. All courses teach up to date current evidence-based treatment practices.

Whether you’re an individual who travels or lives in remote environments or a governmental agency, non-profit organizations, medical professionals, humanitarian workers, guiding businesses and schools that provide hikes for their students and scouts. Their courses are all encompassing.

Courses provided include Wilderness First Aid, a two day (16-hour) certification course for individuals who take short trips into remote environments or individuals who are responsible for providing initial medical care for individuals or groups. Wilderness First Responder, nine day (76-hour) certification course, is the standard for individuals working in remote environments like backcountry guides/instructors, governmental agents working in remote environments and individuals traveling long distances from emergency medical services. Medical Electives for Medical School Students,  a four week elective for senior medical school students interested in remote medicine. LWM also offers custom courses ranging from 45 minutes to multiple days designed to meet the specific needs of individuals or organizations.

The goal of LWM from the beginning has been to provide accessible, quality, education to communities and business to better prepare people to respond to emergencies. Jason Luthy studied education and began working in the outdoor education industry.  He’s worked throughout the US teaching individuals aged from young to old for populations from at-risk youth, college students, to veterans. For the past 7 years, he’s worked with Outward Bound throughout the US as a field instructor, course director, trainer, and program developer.

‘I’ve focused my professional interest on providing adult education, and went to graduate school to earn a M.S. in Experiential Education,’ explained Jason. ‘The degree provided me an intimate understanding of how to design educational environments to be highly productive and beneficial for the learner. Throughout my experience leading wilderness expeditions I built my knowledge and skill in providing remote medicine to be prepared to treat injuries and illnesses.’

Jason holds certificates as a WEMT (Wilderness certificate plus the National Registry EMT certificate), Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS), and he is a candidate for the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) from the Wilderness Medicine Society. In addition to running LWM Jason has used his experience and training to work and volunteer with ambulance services, in emergency rooms, and as a volunteer with the local search and rescue.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome Longleaf Wilderness Medicine to the Chamber and wish them continued success. Mention this article and receive 20% off of the September 7-8 Wilderness First Aid course. For more information, call 208-274-3596, visit www.longleafmedical.com, email info@longleafmedical.com, or connect with them at www.facebook.com/longleafmedical. 

Chamber Honors Paul Graves

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Paul Graves as July Volunteer of the Month. Paul moved to Sandpoint 25 years ago to become the pastor of Sandpoint United Methodist Church and later decided to make it his family’s special life-long home. After retiring from the parish ministry, he has refocused his purpose.

Watch Paul accept his award, click here>>

Since 1996, he has written a faith-and-values column for the Spokesman-Review. He later started writing two age related columns contributing to the Bonner County Daily Bee with the, Dear Geezer, and United Methodist Conference newsletter, Nurturing Elders, since 2009. In January of 2012, Paul started hosting biweekly Geezer Forums which explore and discuss aging issues. In 2006, Paul helped develop the Bonner County Circles Initiative, a relationship-based strategy for getting people out of poverty. For the last six and a half years they have held weekly dinner meetings with people in poverty who have the intent to develop their inner and community resources so they can become more economically, socially and emotionally self-sufficient. The other part of their mission is to reach out to community groups to advocate for changes that will eventually eliminate the complex barriers to keep people in poverty.

‘Service in the community has always been part of who I am, from my teen years until now,’ said Paul. He added, ‘I count it a high privilege to be in community with other persons and we have so much to learn from each other and to honor each other with our caring for one another.’

Paul’s efforts are large and his roles are vast. He is also a founder of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, and served as a volunteer chaplain for Bonner Community Hospice for 22 years and a City Councilman and Mayor of Sandpoint. He is currently part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on elder abuse and domestic violence.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Paul Graves for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Photo: Paul Graves accepts the award from Chamber President Kate McAlister.

Future Management of the Business Improvement District (BID)

By Kate McAlister

With the change in management of the BID, I wanted to take time to start the communication process.

After attending various meetings and hearing comments over the speculation of the BID Management and the Chamber’s role going forward, we put together this FAQ to answer some of the reoccurring questions. The Chamber appreciates how engaged everyone is in the process and welcomes this engagement going forward. After reading this, if there are any other questions or comments you’d like us to include in future communication briefings, you can submit them anonymously through the following link (http://ow.ly/mQ9gs),  or you can email them directly  to Kate at kate@sandpointchamber.com.

The following questions were put forth at the three open forums that were held as well as from emails and phone calls we have received at the Chamber.  Again, if we haven’t answered your question, give us a call or send me an email.

Are the DSBA and Chamber combining?

No.  As of September 30, the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association (DSBA) is dissolved in its entirety. There will be a new name and logo for the new organization through the strategic planning process. It is anticipated on October 1, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce will be awarded the management contract from the City of Sandpoint for the administration and management of the Business Improvement District. A new organization will be put together, with a council of new individuals leading the way. 

Who will make up this new Council?

Members of this new council (similar to a Board of Directors) will be made up of nine business sectors and their representatives.  These sectors include:  Food & Beverage, Education, Real Estate, Professional Services, Health Care, Lodging, Retail, Arts/Entertainment and a Member-at-Large.   Each representative will communicate with the BID members in their sector in regards to strategic planning, input and issues. There will also be four non-voting ad hoc members representing the City of Sandpoint, Chamber of Commerce, Bonner County Economic Development Council and Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency. Once the new council representatives have been identified and confirmed we will publish their names and contact information.

Will I still have to pay the BID fee?

Yes.  Those parameters will not change. The BID fee is an assessment. An assessment is a unique self-imposed fee to benefit a specified area for improvements, economic vitality, revitalization, beautification, and other identified projects.  A new business is given a one year grace period before they are assessed.  It is the business owner who is assessed not the building owner.

Will The Chamber impose the BID Assessment?

No. The Chamber will not impose or collect the assessment fee. The City of Sandpoint will continue to collect the assessments and pay it to the organization who manages the BID. It is anticipated beginning October 1 this will be the Chamber, who in turn will use the funds for identified projects from the new council’s strategic plan.

**You can read the City Council meeting minutes starting with the June 2000 minutes through October of 2000.  The members of the BID elected to form the organization in 2000 with the help of the City of Sandpoint and a vast array of supporters. The BID fees are a self-imposed assessment to help fund downtown projects and enhance economic vitality of the downtown core. 

Will the BID funds go to the Chamber?

The BID Monies will be kept separate from the Chamber accounts.

Similar to what the Chamber already does with a $120,000 grant from the State of Idaho, the Chamber will keep a separate budget specifically for the BID funds and it will not mix it with the Chamber’s General Budget or ITC Grant Budget.  The Chamber will receive an administrative fee, as it does with the ITC grant, for the additional work Chamber staff will be taking on as part of managing the BID. 

Does the Chamber decide how the BID Monies are spent?

No. The BID monies are paid by BID members and they are the ones who ultimately decide how monies will be spent through representation on the above mentioned Council (similar to a Board of Directors). It will be the BID Manager’s responsibility to implement the strategic plan developed by the council. 

Who will the BID Manager report to?

The BID Manager will report to the Chamber President/CEO who will manage this position, and offer support and resources when needed.

Are BID Members automatically Chamber Members?

No.  The BID Members will be members of the BID organization.   In order to receive Chamber benefits and have the ability to support and get involved with the Tourism Sandpoint organization, BID members, as they do now, will need to join the Chamber.  Currently, a little over a quarter of the BID members are also Chamber members and four directors on the Chamber Board of Directors have businesses in the BID.  They are still two separate organizations. 

Will the Chamber President run the BID?

No. The Chamber President’s role is to create transparency so BID members will be able to see where their monies are going, what projects are being worked on, manage the manager, keep the lines of communication open and provide leadership for the organization. They will not have a voting seat on the council but will be involved in the day-to-day operations.

Will the BID continue operating in the same way?

No. Many things will be different and a few will remain. A brand new organization will be created to manage BID funds and new players will be brought into the mix. The goal is to create a strategic plan and evolve the BID into a stronger organization, moving forward with new council members and new ideas to create stronger economic vitality for businesses in the BID.

Will we still have the Flower Baskets?

Yes. This is one of the things remaining the same.  When asked, BID members told us they wanted to keep the flower baskets, the annual Christmas Tree lighting festivities and Winter Carnival.

Is this a new idea, having a Chamber of Commerce manage a BID?

No. BIDs have been created all over the United States and many of them reside within the local Chamber of Commerce’s walls. It allows collaboration, cost savings, leadership and accountability. Coeur d’Alene is the closest example of this organizational structure.

Does the Chamber have skin in the game?

Yes. Our Board of Directors did not take this decision lightly and the support of the City of Sandpoint has made this process go smoothly. Over a quarter of the BID Members are already Chamber Members as well and the Chamber’s role of listening to their members will be enhanced through this process. The Chamber’s main concern will always be the vitality and prosperity for our business owners and the surrounding communities. Through this change in administration of the BID, the Chamber feels it is parallel with this goal.

Does the City of Sandpoint have skin in the game?

Yes. The City of Sandpoint plays an important role in the BID. The Chamber has requested the City of Sandpoint be involved in every step and already identified representatives to take part in the planning. The City has promised to stay engaged and take a leadership role in the development and revitalization efforts of the downtown core. Recently, the City of Sandpoint received a Community Review Grant from the Idaho Rural Partnership. This grant will act as a catalyst for many positive changes to come in the future and has shown positive results for other communities in Idaho.

Will BID Members know where their money is going?

Yes. In an effort to show the BID Members how their assessments are being spent, the budget will be transparent and members will be able to view it at any time. The Chamber requires full transparency and fluency of BID monies. The Chamber will publish the budget for BID Members in an effort to gain trust of the process.

What about the other communities the Chamber represents?

We have served the Greater Sandpoint area for many years and we will continue to support our local businesses in Ponderay, Kootenai and Dover.  Beginning January 2014 the Chamber’s monthly General Membership Luncheon will be held at the Ponderay Events Center every other month.  We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate and support our surrounding communities.

I hope this article will shed some light on what is going to take place in October.  A 3 to 5 year strategic plan will be developed and will be made available for everyone to see.  This will provide a roadmap for the future and accountability for the new council.  Once the planning begins be prepared for to be asked for input on a number of topics.  I highly encourage all of you to participate.  This is your money, it has always been your money and your involvement is critical in going forward. 

See you around town!  Wear sunscreen!

Kate McAlister

Leadership Sandpoint and CAL team up to help Kinerhaven

Kinderhaven has a new base for its play area, thanks to the Leadership Sandpoint Class of 2012-2014 and a generous grant from the Community Assistance League. Leadership Sandpoint, a program of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, has a goal to motivate leaders toward greater involvement in our community and make a direct impact through projects. Assisting Kinderhaven with a much needed upgrade was a proud moment for the current Leadership Sandpoint class.

On July 2, eleven Leadership Sandpoint class members provided over 50 hours of hard labor, on what was the hottest day of the summer. Over 10,000 pounds of rubberized mulch was moved and spread. A forklift donated by Sun Rental of Sandpoint assisted, but each bag then needed to be hoisted over a fence and another 50 feet to the 43 x 22 foot play area. After the site was cleaned of old mulch and prepped with weed-proof fabric and new edging, then the new mulch was spread.

The rubberized playground mulch provides a safe play surface, doesn't decompose and never freezes, which means it will be around for a long time.  Additionally, the 130 feet of new rubberized edging replaced the old decaying wood edging, making the play area safer and keeps the new mulch in place.

“This project is especially meaningful to Kinderhaven because our play area offers the wonderful opportunity for unstructured play, which is extremely therapeutic for the children in our care,” stated Phyllis Horvath, Kinderhaven Executive Director.   “Abuse leaves deep wounds in its aftermath, affecting areas such as brain development, self-concept, and the ability to form healthy attachments.  Play is so essential for the development of all children, and especially so for ours.  It helps them begin to heal and, at the same time, have fun — just getting to be kids!” continued Horvath.

The project was funded by a 2013 grant from the Community Assistance League, which also provided a 2012 grant for the swings, monkey bars, and rings, in the play area.  So the entire play area was funded, built, and finished by community members.  

“This project was a great opportunity for the Leadership Sandpoint Class to work with Kinderhaven to provide an important improvement to their facilities,’ stated the Class President Eric Grace.  “The programs offered by Kinderhaven are vital to our community, so it was great that we could help out in this small way.”

Leadership Sandpoint is a program which identifies leaders in the Greater Sandpoint area and provides them an interactive experience to gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a citizen-leader in our multi-faceted community. Each class selects one service project to be completed during the program and fundraises to benefits their project or a cause the class chooses to support. For more information, contact the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at 263-2161 or leadership@sandpointchamber.com.

Photo: Leadership Sandpoint class and Kinderhaven employees pose for photo at Kinderhaven taken after the project was completed. In photo from left to right; Matt Diel, Daniel Moering, Stacey Darley, Crystal Gunter, Mandy Evans, Geraldine Lewis, Karen Robinson, Phyllis Horvath, Tami Stormo, Darcy Bilbo, Eric Grace and Steve Holt.

The Word is….Networking

by Kate McAlister, President/CEO

Networking (n) – The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions.

Whenever the Chamber puts out a survey asking our membership what they would like to see more of, we always hear ‘Networking’.  Which we offer at least three opportunities a month with the Women In Business lunch the first Tuesday of the month, our General Membership Luncheon the second Thursday of the month,  and our 5:01 Business After Hours the last Wednesday of every month, hosted each month by a different Chamber member business. In addition to these regularly scheduled opportunities we also have events throughout the year also offering networking opportunities through volunteering and attendance.

Beyond the items identified above, there are a multitude of FREE opportunities throughout your day and week to informally network with others.  Every time you are anywhere, it’s an opportunity to tell people about your business. Informal networking includes friends from a former job, people you meet when recreating, volunteering and community events.

You can also join networking groups online like LinkedIn, where you can connect or link your business and personal contacts as well as join a group specific to your business and interests. In writing this article I went to Google search and typed in “online networking groups”, the Google machine came back with, and I’m not kidding, 129 million results. Now that’s a lot of networking.  Some groups required a fee to join, but most were free and out of 129 million results I’m sure there is something for everyone.

If you don’t know where to start, or you are a little shy, you can follow Dale Carnegie’s basic rules for networking:

• Smile – be approachable.  If you walk round always looking serious and scowling, no one will want to talk to you.  Be friendly, people like to talk to friendly people.  Say ‘good morning’ when you meet someone on the street or at a restaurant or  while attending a community event.

• Ask a question – Think of a question of interest and pose it to the group. It will start a conversation and you never know what the outcome will be.

• Listen - This is often the most difficult lesson since we all like to hear ourselves talk about what we want to talk about.  If you can actively listen and get others to discuss their experiences and opinions you will be amazed at what you might learn about business and even yourself.

• Business Cards – Always, always, always carry your business cards.  You never know when you might need them.  Have your 30 second commercial ready to go.  How do you expect others to understand what you do if you can’t articulate it in a concise manner?  See yourself.

• Remember and say the person’s name – People like to hear their own name.  When you meet someone, use their name, maybe several times during the conversation.  It makes the other person feel more comfortable and willing to share information if you attempt to get to know them.

With all these opportunities available to Network, you will make strong connections wherever you go. 

See you at Farmin Park on June 27^th for Sandpoint’s kickoff to summer, the Summer Sampler.  Let’s Network!  

Sandpoint Summer Sampler Kicking Us Off For Summer

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the community to the 8^th Annual Sandpoint Summer Sampler at Farmin Park Thursday, June 27^th, from 5:30-8PM. This event is regarded as the local’s kick-off to summer by dishing up Sandpoint’s favorite restaurants and featuring our award winning breweries and winery. The Summer Sampler is your chance to sample many of Sandpoint’s best eateries and check out the Litehouse Foods Cooking Competition with local chefs battling for the ‘Best Of’ title.

Since the positive feedback of last year, once again the food and beer and wine garden will be all together so you can eat and drink all in the same place with family and friends. Wear your Sandpoint Suit; flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt because dress is casual at this outdoor event. As always, the event is free to attend and you should bring the whole family. Food tickets are on sale at the event for $1 each. Food and beverage samples range from $3-7.

This year’s attendees include but are not limited to: Chimney Rock Grill, Connie’s Café, Eichardt’s Pub, Grill & Coffee House, Forty One South, Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak, Jupiter Jane Traveling Café, Laughing Dog Brewing Co., MickDuff’s Brewing Co., Pend d’Oreille Winery, Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine, Sweet Lou’s, Trinity at City Beach, and Skeyes the Limit Catering.

Show up early for the Farmin Park Bandshell dedication with the Sandpoint Rotary, Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and the City of Sandpoint. The keys are being passed to the City of Sandpoint at 5:15PM since construction is complete and project was a success. After the dedication, the Litehouse Foods Chef Cook-Off will take place under the bandshell!

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at the Sandpoint Summer Sampler this Thursday, June 27, from 5:30-8PM, at Farmin Park in downtown Sandpoint. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors Litehouse Foods, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Bonner County Daily Bee & KPND 95.3. Farmin Park is between 3^rd and 4^th Avenue on Oak and Main Street. For more information, call or the Chamber at (208) 263-2161 or visit www.sandpointchamber.com

Preparing for Summer Visitors

Part 2

By Kate McAlister

Summer started early for us this year; let’s hope it stays until October.  With the beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing it’s easy to see why visitors make this a destination.  After they meet us, it’s easy to understand why they come back year after year. The combination of scenic beauty and our friendly, thoughtful community is exactly what travelers are seeking; an authentic, fun experience.

Last month we talked about the demographics of our visitors; where they come from, how they heard about us and what are they looking for when it comes to using their precious vacation time.  So how do they spend the most money when they get here?

When I asked Melody Circo, Chamber Visitor Center expert, where visitors spent the most money, without hesitation she said, “Visitors who come to Sandpoint for a few hours or a couple of weeks will most definitely spend money on dining, shopping and entertainment.”

According to the State of Idaho and the commissioned Longwoods report, when it comes to spending, more than half of every visitor dollar is spent on “food, shopping and entertainment”. They could have saved money and asked Melody because she was right on the dot with her answer. In 2008 total spending in the state from overnight visits equaled 1.8 billion dollars, yes ‘billion’.  Overall visitor expenditures included $502 million for lodging, $412 million for food and beverage, $333 million for retail, $298 million for transportation and $218 million for recreations/sight-seeing and entertainment. 

Domestic and international travelers to Idaho spent $3.5 billion and generated $499.7 million to federal, state and local governments, dollars helping fund jobs and public programs such as police, firefighters, teachers, road projects and convention centers.

• The 26,000 jobs created by travelers to Idaho represent 4.0 percent of the state’s total non-farm employment.

• Without these jobs generated by domestic and international travel, Idaho’s unemployment rate of 4.9 percent would have been 8.3 percent of the labor force.

• For every $1 million spent in Idaho by domestic and international travelers, 7 jobs are created.  1 in every 8 jobs is tourism related.

 Idaho’s tourism industry has been growing faster than the national average and since 2003, has grown by 22.9%, contributing over $3 billion to Idaho’s economy. 

The Idaho Travel Council, a division of the Idaho Department of Commerce Tourism Division, awarded almost $3.2 million in grant dollars in August 2012 to 28 organizations to assist them in promoting their regions. The grant funds come from the bed tax and total lodging tax receipts are dispersed as follows:

• 10% to administration of the tax
• 45% to fund travel promotion statewide
• 45% to the region from which it came as travel and convention promotion grants

The Idaho Travel Council (ITC) is made up of eight individuals appointed by the Governor for three year terms, representing the seven regions of Idaho plus one member-at-large.  This group determines the rules and regulations around state tourism and also determines the grant awards.

For us, the grant writing process starts in late February with our Tourism Sandpoint Council – Visit Sandpoint, as we discuss our marketing strategy for the coming year. All grant funds have to be spent out of the area to encourage travelers to visit our communities. Our ads appear in publications such as: Outdoors NW, The Swerve (in Calgary), the Inlander (Spokane), Horizon/Alaska Air, NW Travel and others.  All ads list upcoming events in the area to lure visitors to town.  We are also responsible for our award winning visitor guide; we won best in state in 2010 and 2011.  This year, 2013, we won best website in the state for www.VisitSandpoint.com.

Our Chamber Tourism Council is made up of 15 members representing; lodging – 5, Retail – 3, Activities – 3, Public Relations and media – 3, and a BID representative.  This group is a closed council and businesses have to be a member of Visit Sandpoint to be eligible to be on the council.  This council is democratically run and majority rules. 

The first round of the grant is submitted on April 25^th each year and presented in the first week of May at the State recreation and tourism conference.  Final submission is the first Monday in June.  We find out what our award is the first week in August.  The Chamber receives 10% of the grant for grant administration, as you may guess there is a terrific amount of paperwork and time spent throughout the year to comply with State regulations.  Last year we requested $231,000 and were awarded $111,137.  For 2014 we are asking for $267,700.

We all do a tremendous regarding tourism and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all the hard work that goes on all summer.  Visitors add to our economic vitality substantially and help raise the tide for those who work on the frontlines whether serving food or being at the front counters in retail. If we can raise their standard of living, we all benefit.

That’s tourism in a nutshell for our area.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here at the Chamber. We will be talking about the visitor experience at the June 13 General Membership Luncheon.  Our very own Melody Circo will be there to tell what visitors experience when they arrive at our door.

Here’s to a great visitor season. Remember, it’s about Succeeding Together! See you around town!