Ribbon Cutting at Laughing Dog Brewing’s New Brewery

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce Laughing Dog Brewing’s Ribbon Cutting at their new location. On the eve of the arrival of six new tanks, and the ever growing brewery that was started for fun for both owners Fred Colby and Michelle Douglass, Laughing Dog Brewing celebrated their new home at 1109 Fontaine Rd in Ponderay. Their new facility is equipped with a new and improved brewery and a tap room that can house hundreds of beer lovers.

The fun keeps growing for Fred and Michelle and so does production. The six new tanks include five 30 barrel (BBL) fermenters and one 30 BBL brite beer tank. This will take Laughing Dog Brewing’s production up to 750 BBLs a month. In their first year, they produced roughly 1,000 BBL of beer and next year. With four even larger tanks on the way, 60 BBL, they will be brewing 1,000 BBLs a month by the first of next year.

Laughing Dog Brewing’s success has seen them expand their reach to 30 states so far. They are Idaho’s first brewery that is legally able to export internationally and recently entered the Canadian market. With their growth, they have projected that in three years time they will no longer be in the “Microbrewery” category and will be categorized as a “Regional brewery” with over 15,000 BBLs being produced a year.

Help Laughing Dog Brewing celebrate their success on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 11a.m.-10p.m. at their new brewery location on 1109 Fontaine Rd in Ponderay for their 6th Anniversary of being in business. To mark six years in business, they are barbequing six pigs, releasing this year’s anniversary beer, St Benny’s Hoppy Monk, a Belgian IPA, and other specialty beers. Live music will accompany the BBQ all day long. You will not want to miss this celebration!

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in wishing Laughing Dog Brewing continued success and congratulating them on their new location. Visit them at their new home, 1109 Fontaine Rd, Ponderay, ID 83852 or online at www.laughingdogbrewing.com/. For more information, call Laughing Dog Brewing at 208-263-9222.

In photo: From left to right Chamber Ambassador Carol Warren, Owner Michelle Douglass, State Representative George Eskridge, Ambassadors Clem Hackworthy and Erin Butler, Chamber Chairmen of the Board Clif Warren, Owner Fred Colby, and Ambassador Peggy Shadel.

Chamber Welcomes Sandpoint United Methodist Church

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sandpoint United Methodist Church. The Methodist Church is Sandpoint’s first church and was first established in 1897. The Sandpoint United Methodist Church was reborn on June 12, 2011 with a new purpose.

Their new mission is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ, for the transformation of the world.” Their purpose is to feed and lead, and they do it through connection, growth, service, and sharing. Disciples of the Sandpoint United Methodist Church are connecting with God and one another, growing as disciples of Jesus Christ, serving God and one another, and sharing their faith.

The churches rebirth has brought on more singing, scripture and preaching and less reading. A typical PowerPoint presentation through a projector has been replaced by a new 64” high definition plasma screen. The addition of a Tuesday morning Bible study, and children’s involvement in worship round out the changes that have taken place at the church however, their signature Ministries of Circles on Tuesday nights and Community Meal on Thursday nights continue with a renewed focus on service.

This summer they have been “Majoring in the Minors” by taking a closer look at the 12 so-called Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Sandpoint United Methodist Church is holding their annual “Back to School Neighborhood Barbecue” on September 8th, in replace of the Community Meal. This Halloween, Monday, October 31st, they are hosting a “Trunk or Treat,” which is a chance for the kids of Sandpoint to have a safe and fun filled Halloween experience in the safety of the church parking lot.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in wishing the NEW Sandpoint United Methodist Church great success and thanking them for their contribution to our community. They have asked that you “Come connect and grow with us. Join us in service to our community. Share the good news with those who need to hear it most!” For more information, please visit www.umcsandpoint.org or call 208-263-1837.

In the Photo: From left to right Chamber Ambassadors Peggy Shadel, Carol Warren and Clem Hackworthy, Sue Norman, Chamber Chairman of the Board Clif Warren, Pastor Stan Norman, Associate Pastor Gerri Harvill, Heidi Rickert, Linda Oens, Tom Harvill, Chamber Ambassadors Paralee Gates and Colleen Spickelmire, and State Representative George Eskridge.

Chamber honors Panhandle Alliance for Education as July's Business of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognizes Panhandle Alliance for Education (PAFE) as the Business of the Month for their contributions to our community in education. PAFE was formed in 2002 by a small group of citizens concerned about their public schools and is modeled after local education foundations created over the last 15 years in thousands of communities across the United States. A common goal is to support public schools in our communities by raising money to enhance taxpayer-financed programs. A common focus is on quality education that raises achievement levels of all students.

“The role of PAFE is actually more than money, it’s supporting our kids, and our teachers, and our school administrators.”– Bill Berg

Idaho now ranks fiftieth of the fifty states in per capita spending for public education. This low ranking, coupled with problems that frequent rural small towns, moved several community leaders to take action. The Board of Directors is comprised of local business people, school district executives, teachers, parents, and grandparents. PAFE has had a positive impact on public education in north Idaho through the success of innovative programs and continuous support for improving education.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating PAFE for being honored as the Business of the Month and wishing them continued success. For more information, visit their website http://www.panhandlealliance.org.

In Photo: Chamber Ambassador Colleen Spickelmire, presents Business of the Month award to PAFE Executive Director Marcia Wilson, and PAFE Directors and Executive Committee members: Bill Berg, Chris Bessler, Mindy Cameron, Dick Cvitanich, Wendy Dunn, Barbara Eacret, Tracy Gibson, Geraldine Lewis, Roxie Lowther.