Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Nominations Accepted for Annual Chamber Choice Awards

Nominate individuals and businesses for the annual Chamber Choice Awards.

“These awards represent the values of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to honor business excellence and encourage continued growth of quality business operations and engaged leadership,” said executive director Amy Little.

Nominations will be accepted from the community until November 30th, and the Chamber’s general membership representing 550 businesses, organizations, and individuals will cast their votes in December to determine the winners. The gala is set for January 29th, 2010 at the Sandpoint Business & Event Center and winners will be announced that evening.

The Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year are the most notable recognitions to be given. Last year the Festival at Sandpoint received the Business of the Year and Lois E. Miller was honored as Citizen of the Year with her extraordinary efforts with Panhandle Special Needs. There are ten other distinguished awards. Submit nominations for the Business of the Year, Employer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Innovation in Education Award, Green Award, Nonprofit of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.

To nominate, visit www.SandpointChamber.com for a nomination form or visit the Chamber offices at 1202 Highway 95. Return nominations to the Chamber no later than 5 p.m. PST on November 30th by mail at P.O. Box 928, Sandpoint, ID 83864, fax at 265-5289, or e-mail at info@sandpointchamber.com.

For more information, call the Chamber at 263-2161.

Chamber Offers Value During 2009 Membership Drive

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is holding a membership drive through the month of November. New and existing members alike can benefit from these limited-time offers.

“We recognize that times are tough out there and we want to do what we can to help our members,” says Amy Little, executive director. “We thought it was important to add value and at the same time find ways to reward our members for their participation in the business community.”

The Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit 501c6 organization with 550 existing members. The Chamber promotes, support and develops the business community of the Greater Sandpoint area.

New members who join before November 30th receive a number of great benefits, including having their initiation fee of $25 waived. In addition, there are free advertising opportunities exclusive to new members valuing over $260.

New members will also be guaranteed a listing in the Chamber’s new and improved business directory. New this year over 7,000 copies will be printed, with approximately 6,500 copies inserted in the Bonner County Daily Bee. Chamber membership levels range from $100 for non-profits to $455 for businesses with 21 to 30 employees, with additional investment levels with added exposure for those with 31 or more.

Current Chamber members also have an opportunity to save money and earn credits on their next annual dues statements. Any current members who sign up a new member are eligible for a $25 credit towards their next annual dues statement for each new member they sign up. In addition, members who pay dues to other business organizations and maintain good standing are eligible for a 10 percent discount on their Greater Sandpoint Chamber dues.

The Chamber also recognizes that local businesses sometimes have a second business or a second location that they would like to have a separate business listing for. Now through November 30th, members can list their second locations for as little as $100 per year. All offers expire November 30th, 2009.

For more information, visit SandpointChamber.com or call 263-2161.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Scenic Half Raises $2000 for Local Food Center

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Scenic Half committee was pleased to present a $2,000 check to the Bonner Community Food Center as part of the proceeds from the inaugural race. The Scenic Half, a half marathon, 10k, and 5k race, was held on September 20, 2009.
“We are pleased to be able to give these funds to support individuals and families of Bonner County,” said executive director Amy Little.

Since 1980, the Bonner Community Food Center has served families in the area by providing a “helping hand” in a time of emergency. They are a primary food resource for low income families, individuals with disabilities, children and seniors. All their resources are free and supported by donations and grants. In January 2009 the center was honored as Nonprofit of the Year at the Chamber Choice Awards.


The Chamber and its board of directors would like to thank presenting sponsor Panhandle State Bank and the many sponsors, runners, and volunteers who supported the race with their time and resources. A special thanks also goes to the Scenic Half Committee led by Dennis Dye and Coldwater Creek’s Kevin Estes who contributed countless volunteer hours in planning this event.


“Sandpoint has needed a signature running event, and we believe the Scenic Half succeeded beyond our expectations in just the first year, so much so that we strongly believe it has the potential to become a major economic boost for Sandpoint and surrounding communities, and a benefit to local non profits as well,” said committee member and Chamber board representative Judy Thompson.


The 2010 Scenic Half event will be chaired by Allen McClelland from Washington Trust Bank. The date is tentatively set for September 19th, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.scenichalf.com/.


Photo Caption: Pictured is executive director Alice Wallace from the Bonner Community Food Center receiving a $2,000 check from the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Scenic Half Committee. From left is volunteer coordinator Allen McClelland from Washington Trust Bank, co-director Kevin Estes from Coldwater Creek, Alice Wallace, medical and emergency coordinator Michelle Anderson from Pend Oreille Health Care, and Judy Thompson.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

2010 Economic Outlook Forum on Nov. 12th

The 2010 Economic Outlook Forum presented by Mountain West Bank brings regional experts together to provide an insightful and informative look into the economy of Bonner County on Thursday, November 12th.

Keynote speaker Fred Dickson will give a picture of 2009 and outlook for 2010. A longtime equity market strategist with a reputation for solid analysis and balanced, commonsensical commentary, Dickson is Senior Vice President and Chief Market Strategist for D.A. Davidson and began his investment career in 1973 as part of Goldman Sachs’ top-ranked investment strategy team before serving as an institutional portfolio manager and chief investment officer with several money management firms.

Other notable speakers include Regional Economist Katheryn Tacke who will give a labor market outlook and will specifically address health care, one of the largest employment sectors in Bonner County.

Experts representing banking, manufacturing, and tourism will address their specific industries. President of Mountain West Bank Russ Porter will discuss the banking industry explaining the bailouts, currency, and other pertinent information for businesses and consumer spending. To discuss the manufacturing base of Bonner County and projections is CEO of Pneumex John Kupice. Examining the tourism industry which represents a major segment of the labor pool in the hospitality industry is Amy Little, Executive Director of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and manager of the allotted $109,300 Idaho Travel Council grant fund.
The event is sponsored by the Bonner County Daily Bee, D.A. Davidson & Company, Horizon Credit Union, Panhandle State Bank, and Wells Fargo and hosted by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and Bonner County Economic Development Corporation.
The forum will begin at 11:30 am in the Sandpoint Center Community Room, located at 414 Church Street. The cost is $15 with a reservation and $20 at the door and includes lunch catered by Tango Cafe.

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