Bird Museum Receives Business of the Month

A museum celebrating inventors and aviators, the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center received the May Business of the Month award by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Founded by Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird, the 16,000 sq. foot museum educates visitors about the historic contributions of aviators and inventors who helped create modern technology and who forever changed the way of life. Since their grand opening in 2007, they’ve hosted multiple historical events, inviting well-known aviators and inventors to meet and greet the community of the Greater Sandpoint area. Their next event on July 17th will honor Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who flew over 60 million miles during WW II.

The museum also hosts Camp Invention, scheduled for June 28 through July 2 of 2010. The camp is a weeklong summer enrichment program for children entering grades 1 through 6 and teaches life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun.

From May 17 through October 8, 2010 the museum is open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Their café is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm and is available for private catering events.

The Chamber thanks the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center for their tremendous contributions to foster education, enrichment, and innovation for the Greater Sandpoint area.

For more information, call (208) 255-4321 or visit www.BirdAviationMuseum.com.

Photo Caption: Pictured is Chamber Ambassador Clem Hackworthy (on right) presenting the Business of the Month award to Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird, founders of the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center.

Jim Zuberbuhler Receives Rookie of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognized Edward Jones Financial Advisor Jim Zuberbuhler with the Rookie of the Month Award for his involvement with the Chamber.

As the Chamber’s education chairman, Zuberbuhler became heavily involved with Bonner County Communiversity after meeting with Sandpoint High School’s Connie Kimble who came up with the idea. With a background in higher education, strategic planning, and passion for education, Jim became a key leader in forming the organization. He along with Connie Kimble and Karl Dye of Bonner County Economic Development Corporation became the steering committee; and they galvanized the support of a consortium of colleges and universities, financial institutions, businesses, and organizations to launch Communiversity.

“I can't sing Jim's praises enough,” said Kimble. “He jumped into the Communiversity project with his whole heart and mind, with passion, humor and an expertise that kept us focused and invigorated. He's been a first rate moderator, cheerleader, and idea man. The Bonner County Communiversity is a reality in large part due to the genuine care and commitment of Jim Zuberbuhler.”

The Bonner County Communiversity, a nonprofit organization serving to publicize the existing educational opportunities and launch new opportunies, is in the process of providing a Business Management Certificate in partnership with Lewis-Clark State College with classes beginning in the fall of 2010. According to Kimble, other classes are in the works and all are steered by instructors and community interests.

The Chamber sincerely thanks Zuberbuhler for his dedication to bring Bonner County Communiversity to the area, strengthening our workforce and our business community.

For more information about Communiversity, email BCCommuniversity@gmail.com.

Photo Caption: Pictured is Jim Zuberbuhler receiving the award of Rookie of the Month by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s former CEO & President Amy Little.

Chamber Yard Sale Supports Satellite Visitor Center

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce plans to open a summer Satellite Visitor Center in their former location at 1202 Highway 95. The location, in addition to the Visitor Center headquarters in the PSB Community Plaza, will provide information to visitors and those relocating to the area.

In order to gain support to operate the additional Visitor Center, the Chamber is selling sponsorships for businesses to gain added exposure, an optimum opportunity considering the high traffic volumes of 100 to 150 visitors per day.

The Chamber will also host a yard sale on Friday, May 21st from 9 am to 12 noon to raise funds to operate the center. With office and party supplies, brochure racks, filing racks and cabinets, vintage posters, books, and assortment of items, the community is welcome to find a “treasure” and in return support the business community of the Greater Sandpoint area.

For additional information, call (208) 263-2161 or visit SandpointChamber.com.

“Cruise” at Commerce & Community Expo on Thursday

All aboard! “Cruise” through the Commerce & Community Expo presented by Horizon Credit Union on May 20th at the Bonner County Fairgrounds from 3 to 7 pm. Welcomed by tour guides, visitors will receive a map and passport to journey “ship tours” and “ports of call” and discover all the many services and opportunities available in the Greater Sandpoint area.

“Whether looking for an opportunity to find new business opportunities or seek the products and services available in our area, we invite the community to come have fun at the Commerce & Community Expo on May 20th,” said Amy Little, CEO & President of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

The passport is an interactive way to participate in the event, Little says. Visitors will have it stamped as they meet people representing participating businesses and organizations. Those who complete their passport will enter to win a 3-day North Idaho Getaway package, and all visitors can enter to win fabulous prizes while on board.

Guests will explore a wide variety of both new and long-time treasures in the ship tours and ports of call: statehouse tours feature elected officials, concierge showcase all the ‘stay’ vacation and services available, promenade vendors sell a variety of retail items, galley volunteers raise money for the a cause with bakery items and other goodies, and the pursar’s office includes financial services. Other ship tours and ports of call include education alley, the bridge, information highway, kids club, lifeboats, and the infamous gangway sponsors.

The event is sponsored by Horizon Credit Union, Aaging Better In-Home Care, Mountain West Bank, Reynolds Auto Sales, Bonner County Daily Bee, and K102 Country.

For additional information, call (208) 263-2161 or visit SandpointChamber.com.

DSS Custom Homes Announces New Location & Services

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce celebrated with DSS Custom Homes for their new office, located at 223 Cedar Street, and expansion of services.

DSS Custom Homes is pleased to announce their new Home Preservation Service, a comprehensive home care program, backed up with 30 years of experience as custom home builders. DSS Custom Homes has the expertise to identify potential situations that may arise through the years and the knowledge of what maintenance is required to keep a home at its best. Additionally, they provide handyman services, housekeeping, lawn and yard maintenance, snow removal, and a 24/7 emergency line.

Their Inspection and Maintenance Program involves regularly scheduled visits to check homes for problems and do repairs if necessary. The program was created for seasonal home owners who want responsible, professional people caring for their home while they are away.

Their Seasonal Maintenance Program accommodates all home owners, property managers and business owners, too. They take care of the chores needed to be done throughout the year. They periodically perform preventative maintenance checks on all of the systems of homes or office such as changing the filters on heating/cooling systems, flushing the hot water tank, checking the septic system, appliances, toilets, etc. to assure everything is functioning properly and insure houses are in compliance with the terms of the manufacturers’ warranties. All services are individualized to fit the needs of the owner and their property.

Whether a home owner, property manager, or business owner seeking preventative maintenance home checks, weekly or monthly home visits, lawn and garden maintenance, snow removal, or home or office cleaning, DSS Custom Homes is pleased to fashion a program designed to fit each client.

For more information on DSS, their custom homes, and services, please call (208) 263-2853 or visit www.dsscustomhomes.com.

Photo Caption: DSS Custom Homes announces their new Home Preservation Service, a comprehensive home care program, in addition to their new office at 223 Cedar Street. Pictured from left on front row is Ambassador Erin Butler, Christa Gervasi of DSS Custom Homes cutting the ribbon, DSS Custom Homes Semi-Retired Larry Smith, Owner Steve Smith Account Manager Shambra Palmer, Ambassador Peggy Shadel, Ambassador Connie Rosco, and Ambassador Paralee Gates. On back row from left, Ambassador Andrea Marich, Ambassador Alaina Tallman, Owner Doug Smith, Jay Lewis, Mike Wibel, and Ambassador chair Carol Warren.

Luncheon with Drs. Forrest & Pamela Bird

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcomes Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird to speak at the upcoming Power Luncheon sponsored by STCU on Thursday, May 13th.

“It is with great pleasure to welcome the Birds to speak about new developments taking place at the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center,” said CEO & President Amy Little.

Dr. Forrest Bird is an aviator, inventor, and biomedical engineer best known for pioneering the first reliable, low-cost, mass produced medical respirator in the world, reducing infant mortality for those with respiratory problems from 70 percent to less than 10 percent worldwide. He received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama.

His wife Pamela Bird, Ph.D. is a “key player” in the technology-transfer process. She is a liaison between inventor organizations, venture capital organizations, entrepreneurial networks and research park facilities, and served as a consultant to ABC television network 20/20 as a national new product development and commercialization expert.

Together the Birds founded the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center, located in Sagle, ID, to educate visitors about the historic contributions of aviators and innovators who helped created modern technology and celebrate these individuals who forever changed the way of life.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 am and will be held at the Panhandle State Bank Community Room, located at 414 Church Street. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members and at the door and includes lunch provided by Tango Cafe. Bring plenty of business cards for networking starting at 11:30 am followed by the program starting at 12. Please reserve by calling (208) 263-2161 or visit www.SandpointChamber.com to register online.

Farms, Forests, & Food

Farms, forests and foods are the theme of the 44th annual Farm Tour presented by Idaho Forest Group on June 16th.

The tour provides an educational opportunity to discover the inner workings of local farms and forests with local experts. This year’s tour explores southern Bonner County with tours to BLM Lands and Garfield Bay with local Fire Safe project manager and long-time forester Don Gunter explaining the forests and fires, with a history on the fire of 1910. The tour then travels to the WaterLife Discovery Center, also known as the “fish hatchery,” to view this outdoor aquatic education center surrounded by forested wetlands and abundant in wildlife. Last on the itinerary, guests visit privately-owned elk and horse ranch Gabriel Creek Ranch to discover the business of raising elk, rabbits, chickens and goats for meat, dairy, soap, and eggs.

The event is hosted by the Chamber’s Ag & Forestry Committee each year to educate about the farming and forestry industries in the area. This is a family-friendly event, packed with information and activities for all ages.

“We are pleased with the momentum building for this annual Farm Tour with some new faces and new organization involvement,” said committee chairman Doug Lynch.

New this year the tour provides more sampling of locally grown foods and fair trade flare. The tour begins with organic, fair trade coffee at Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, and the Cattle Women’s Association serves a feast for lunch, including locally produced Woods meat and salad greens provided by local food cooperative Six Rivers Market.

“We especially thank the many businesses and organizations who support this event and the volunteers involved,” Lynch said.

The Farm Tour is sponsored by Harvest Sponsor Horizon Credit Union, Ag & Forestry Cooperator Sponsors Bonner County Farm Bureau and Northwest Farm Credit Services, and other participating sponsors and partners including the Cattle Women’s Association, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, Six Rivers Market and Mountain West Bank.

The all-day tour from 8:30 am to 4 pm costs $25 per person and $10 for children 15 and under, and after June 10th registration increases to $30. Tour costs include transportation, light morning snack, and lunch. Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register early.

To register, call (208) 263-2161 or visit www.SandpointChamber.com.

Days Inn Celebrates Major Renovations

With an investment of $700,000, the Days Inn has a new face. According to manager Aly Murray, they replaced “everything minus the walls.”

The rustic furniture from Northwest Handmade Furniture fills the lounge and 47 guest rooms; and everything from fresh new paint and décor accentuates the mountain lifestyle of the area.

On top of their expansive renovations efforts, the Days Inn received the Chairman’s Award for going over and above quality, customer service, and cleanliness.

Conveniently located on Bonner Mall Way in Ponderay at the base of Schweitzer Mountain Resort and minutes from downtown Sandpoint, the Days Inn is cozy and comfortable with log cabin style rooms. Guests enjoy the amenities of home with complimentary continental breakfast, high speed wireless, cable TV, refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, and even accommodate four-legged travelers. Additionally, they have a hot tub, fitness center, 24-hour front desk, and an in-room Jacuzzi for their suites.

The Days Inn is car-friendly and welcomes Lost in the 50s travelers. To reserve or learn more, call (208) 263-1222 or visit www.daysinnsandpoint.com.

Photo Caption: The Days Inn team celebrated a milestone $700,000 renovation. Pictured from left is Chamber Ambassador chairman Carol Warren, Ambassador Paralee Gates, Ambassador Alaina Tallman, Ambassador Connie Rosco, Days Inn Manager Aly Murray, Manager Seth Williams, Front Desk Associate Emily Wion, Assistant Head Housekeeper Robert Pratt, Ambassador Peggy Shadel, Representative George Eskridge, Ambassador Colleen Spickelmire, and Ambassador Andrea Marich.