McAlister Announced as Chamber President

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officially announces and welcomes, Kate McAlister, to the chamber staff effective Aug 9, 2010. McAlister will serve as President and CEO and brings over 20 years of corporate program development and marketing experience to the team.

Kate received her Community Investment education from Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, Caroll School of Business and participated in an international leadership committee to develop standards for the Community Investment Program.

Prior to joining the chamber, Kate acquired valuable experience and education in her position as Corporate Community Investment Manager at Itron, Inc. in Spokane, WA. Over a span of 15 years she was instrumental in developing an award winning national…and later international…Community Investment program which included partnerships with local universities, non-profits and corporations.

Kate also took the initiative to establish and manage the Itron Employee Foundation. Only 30 such foundations exist in the United States today.

“After driving to Spokane for over 14 years, I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity in Sandpoint to come along and this is it!” says Kate. “I’m excited about my new position and can’t wait to get out into the community to begin meeting the business owners. And….I can’t wait to walk into my office.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber in welcoming Kate to her new position as President and CEO.

For additional information, contact the Chamber at (208) 263-2161.

Roxie Lowther Awarded Volunteer of the Month

At the July 8th Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Power Luncheon, Roxie Lowther, Director of Marketing Media at Litehouse Foods, received the Volunteer of the Month Award for her active involvement in the community.

Roxie took the initiative by coordinating the food and equipment for the cooking contest during the Summer Sampler and was instrumental in the event’s huge success. She took responsibility for the “secret” ingredients and made sure the chefs had everything they needed for their pantry items. Roxie and her team provided the cook stoves and strategically placed mirrors so the audience could watch the chefs as they prepared their mouth-watering fare.

"The Chamber couldn't have put on this popular event if it weren't for Roxie and the Litehouse team," Kathy Hubbard, chairman of the board of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce said. "Roxie pulled rabbits out of the hat, and made it look easy. Her can-do attitude and great sense of humor makes her a pleasure to work with."

Roxie and her team were there from start to finish. They set everything up, tore everything down, tallied votes, and basically made it all happen!

The Chamber is pleased to honor Roxie Lowther for her contributions to make the Greater Sandpoint area a better place to live and work.

Super One Foods Comes to Sandpoint

The long anticipated arrival of Super One Foods has finally been realized! With their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on June 30, Super One Foods have opened their doors to bring area residents great prices and a full service grocery.

Located at 624 Larch Street, or the corner of Boyer and Larch, Super One Foods offers 5 star produce, USDA Choice Beef, delicatessen and bakery. “Most of our bakery items are actually baked right here in the store,” says store manager, Steve Furin. “We’ve also modeled this store after our newest Kalispell store which has a Natural and Organic section larger than most of our current locations.”

To celebrate their opening in Sandpoint, Super One Foods will offer special promotions and great deals over the next few months. There will be giveaways such as BBQs, camping gear, Silverwood tickets, kayaks, ice chests and more for those that come in to shop the great deals already found throughout the store.

Look for great sales also coming in the months of July and August. On Friday, July 16, there will be a 1 day seafood sale with all service deli cheese and wine selections at 20% off. On Thursday, August 5, shop the 12 hour produce sale for the finest in fruits and vegetables.

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Super One Foods has 11 locations in North Idaho and Western Montana – all of which provide fast and friendly service.

To learn more about Super One Foods, call (208) 255-2417 or visit http://www.super1foods.net/storeHome3.php?store=sandpoint for weekly ads

Evans Brothers Coffee Honored Business of the Month

No matter what your preference on regular, decaf, or espresso, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters is gaining popularity throughout the Greater Sandpoint area with their freshly roasted organic, fair trade coffee from around the world.

At the 2009 Chamber Choice Awards the Evans brothers received the Rookie of the Year award, and now they are up in the running as Business of the Year with their recent recognition as Business of the Month. These two savvy successful entrepreneurs founded this family business in Sandpoint inspired by their love for coffee and life.

In addition to their great coffee, they provide superior customer service and community support. The Evans Brothers reach out to support multiple nonprofit organizations. Recently they hosted the Earth Day Celebration at their studio, located at 524 Church Street, to benefit Lake Pend Oreille Water Keeper with live music, local brews, an art showing, and their newest coffee. They were also an in-kind sponsor for the annual Farm Tour, providing parking spaces, coffee, and more for over 100 participants. With an active event calendar, the Evans brothers are constantly partnering with artists, musicians, and local businesses to support a cause.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce congratulates Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters for their successful business model and wishes them continued success.

For more information, contact Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters at (208) 265-5553 or visit www.evansbrotherscoffee.com.

Photo Caption: Pictured is Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Diane Miller of Life Care Center of Sandpoint giving the Business of the Month award to owners Rick and Randy of Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters.

Loopah Receives Rookie of the Month

The successful new company offering positive purpose campaigns and online malls for innovative fundraising solutions was recently honored as Rookie of the Month by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

The award is bestowed on a new member business who is actively engaged within the business community, and Loopah has been very involved. When first launching their business, they participated in both the Business Fair and Commerce & Community Expo.

COO Melissa Compton joined the Nonprofit Development Council, bringing her savvy web and technological expertise to support the development of a nonprofit online forum and will speak at upcoming workshops in a nonprofit development workshop series provided by the council.

With positive purpose campaigns and online malls, Loopah is a provider of innovative fundraising to private organizations.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Loopah team on this honor and wishes them continued growth in their venture.

For more information on Loopah, call (208) 946-3867 or visit www.LoopahFundraising.com.

Photo Caption: Pictured is COO Melissa Compton accepting the Rookie of the Month Award for Loopah by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Kathy Hubbard.