Scenic Half Committee Receives Honors

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors were pleased to honor the Scenic Half Committee with the Volunteers of the Month award for their energy and commitment to organize the inaugural Scenic Half Race presented by Panhandle State Bank – a half marathon, 10K, 5K race, and kids’ fun run.

It was a core group of business professionals who volunteered to organize the event - director Dennis Dye, co-director Kevin Estes from Coldwater Creek, volunteer coordinator Allen McClelland from Washington Trust Bank, medical coordinator Michelle Anderson with Pend Oreille Health Care, and Judy Thompson.

We planned for 300 to 500 runners early in the planning stages, said co-director Kevin Estes.

Exceeding their goals, the committee had over 600 runners thanks to the support of forty-five sponsoring businesses and the thoughtful promotional efforts of the committee. Due to the high number of runners, they needed more resources to ensure this first event was a success and coordinated over 200 volunteers.

The races drew people from outside the area to lodge, dine, and shop; and in addition to supporting the local economy, they raised $2000 for the Bonner Community Food Center to support local families.

“The Scenic Half Committee gave much of their time and resources to organize this first annual event,” said the Chamber’s executive director Amy Little. “It is this type of passion, dedication, and commitment that make this community a great place to live and work.”

For more information on the Scenic Half, visit www.ScenicHalf.com.

Sandpoint Lions Club Receives Honors

“They are truly the ‘elves’ working behind the scenes responsible for the purchasing, wrapping, and distribution of all the gifts and food boxes that are donated to help make Christmas a little brighter for the less fortunate in our community,” said Chamber Ambassador Andrea Marcih from Horizon Credit Union when presenting the Business of the Month award to the Sandpoint Lions Club at the Chamber’s monthly Power Luncheon.

As a “working club” with the motto “We Serve,” the club is part of Lions Clubs International, an organization with over 1.29 million members worldwide. The club meets regularly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7 pm at the “Lions Den,” located at 609 South Ella Avenue, to plan their many services and events.

Known for their Toys for Tots Drive, especially during the Christmas season, this is one of many services the Sandpoint Lions Club provides to support the Greater Sandpoint community. They display and maintain US flags at participating business locations and during holidays, collect used eye glasses and hearing aids to refurbish and make available, and provide college scholarships for Sandpoint High School graduates.

Additionally, the club organizes the annual Easter Egg hunt and 4th of July Parade, two major community events for both locals and visitors.

“They are appreciated for their support and dedication to the Sandpoint community and the many worthwhile causes they provide; therefore, the time is right to honor them, and December seems to be the perfect month to do so given their extra efforts put forth during one of the busiest times of year,” Marich added.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is pleased to honor the Sandpoint Lions Club and encourages the community to participate this season in the annual Toys for Tots Drive to support local families. New and unwrapped toys can be donated at drop boxes at a number of businesses around town.

For more information about the Sandpoint Lions Club, visit www.SandpointLionsClub.org or call (208) 263-4118.

Photo Caption: Pictured on left are John Hunt and Nancy Lewis from Sandpoint Lions Club accepting the Business of the Month award from Chamber Ambassador Andrea Marich from Horizon Credit Union.

Chamber Announces Nominees for Chamber Choice Awards

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for the 2nd annual Chamber Choice Awards presented by Horizon Credit Union, a ceremony recognizing excellence in businesses and the community. Over five hundred fifty members of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce will vote on these awards, and the winners will be announced at the Chamber Choice Awards on Friday, January 29th at the Sandpoint Business & Event Center. The event will be an Oscar-style awards ceremony honoring businesses and individuals who are involved, innovative, and inspirational and represent the “best of” in the Greater Sandpoint area. Sponsoring the event is STCU, Williams and Parsons, PA CPAs, 95.3 KPND, and the Bonner County Daily Bee.

To view a list of the nominees and for tickets and nominations, visit http://www.sandpointchamber.org/chamberchoice.html. More info: 263-2161.