Chamber Recognizes Jack Parker as the August’s Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Jack Parker as August’s Volunteer of the Month.

“Mr. Parker has been a fixture in the Sandpoint community for many years. Through his years in business and thereafter he has supported just about every worthy organization in the community in the form of monetary donation or by volunteering his time. Organizations include but are not limited to Bulldog athletics, The Elks & Shriners Clubs, Sandpoint Unlimited, and he was even a past president of the board of directors for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Parker currently serves on the Bonner General Hospital Board of Directors.”- Brett Taylor, Chamber Member At Large.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in thanking Jack Parker for his service and congratulating him for being honored as August’s Volunteer of the Month.

In Photo: From left to right: Chamber Member at Large Brett Taylor and Jack Parker.

Chamber Welcomes Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcomes Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions. Brett and Joy Batchelor moved to Sandpoint earlier this year and opened shop in June. Both are formally educated in graphic arts and met 10 years ago at The Olympian Newspaper in Olympia Washington.

Before moving to Sandpoint, Brett & wife Joy drove long haul for Gordon Trucking. They did this together in order to get out of debt. In the last 4 1/2 years, they logged over 1 million miles. “We have always wanted to move to Sandpoint. It brings us closer to our family and nature,” said Brett.

Joy attended Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming, where she earned her degree in graphic design and graphic arts. She worked in the newspaper industry for over eight years, starting as an ad designer and working her way up. Her years working at the newspaper provides her customers an excellent experience in design, writing, and project management. As president of Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions LLC, Joy Batchelor has a special talent for public relations that stems from her extensive background in communications and her genuine interest in her clients. Plus, she loves her job. Having worked in client and customer support and as a graphic designer, Joy brings a well-rounded perspective to the project management role. With her creative insight and perfectionist attitude, she is able to offer tremendous service and support to her clients and team members.

Brett Batchelor has over 12 years of hands-on experience in corporate branding, advertising, design and illustration. He has worked with many prestigious clients in the Northwest and across the nation including Microsoft, Sierra Online, Helly Hansen, and Washington State Parks. Brett is noted for creating the Centennial 2013 Logo for Washington State Parks as well as promotional posters for The Hearst Castle Theater. When he's not busy designing, Brett enjoys riding his motorcycle and playing guitar. Brett attended The Art Institute of Seattle, where he earned a degree in Communication Arts. As the marketing and creative director for Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions, clients can rest assured that their artwork is being handled by one of the Northwest's best & brightest talents.

Busy Beaver Graphics and Promotions is a promotional products and graphic design agency. Promotional products like mugs, pens and t-shirts are memorable and provide a better cost per impression for advertisers than almost every major marketing effort like TV, magazines and the Internet. They have access to thousands of vendors nationwide providing numerous product choices. Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions brings you the free design consultation service for any of your graphic design and print business needs.

“We cater to all categories of small, medium and large businesses. We have over 20 years combined experience in the world of graphics design and multimedia,” said Brett. “We believe in ‘doing things right,’ and also in ‘doing right things,’” he added, “We have gone to great lengths to ensure that Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions LLC reflects these values & we feel a true calling for this type of work.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in wishing Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions great success in our community. Visit their website to see some great innovative ideas that won't break the bank at www.busybeavergraphics.com. If you have any questions please give us a call (208) 265-2484 and remember that we are offering 10% off all first orders.

In Photo: From Left to Right Chamber Ambassador Carol Warren, Busy Beaver Graphics & Promotions Owners Joy and Brett Batchelor, State Representative George Eskridge, Chamber Ambassadors Dawn Spell and Andrea Marich.

Sponsorships and Booths Available for Annual Community Health and Safety Fair

Are you in a health or safety related industry? The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 4th Annual Health and Safety Fair organized by the Health and Safety Committee of the Chamber to promote the well being of area residents by partnering with health care professionals to provide needed services. The fair specifically targets low income, elderly and individuals with limited or no health insurance coverage. Services will include, but are not limited to: free screenings, lipid profiles, low cost testing, dental and other health services.

Located at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 15, during the hours of 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsorships and booth spaces are available for business to promote their products and services. The fair is a premier event and a wonderful chance to promote your business. This is a great opportunity for your business to reach out to a group of core consumers.

As a Major Sponsor, you will get:
• Prominent booth space at entrance with two 8 foot tables and chairs
• Radio Advertisement including 60 fifteen second radio spots (valued at $380)
• Logo recognition in advertising
• Recognition as event sponsor throughout event

As a Radio Sponsor, you will get:
• Radio Advertisement including 60 fifteen second radio spots (valued at $380)
• Booth space including 8 foot table

As a Booth Sponsor, you get to attend the event and man a booth for your company.

For a small fee tables, linens, chairs, and power can be provided to help make your booth look sharp and even more functional.
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The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank the generous sponsors of the Health and Safety Fair. Partnering Sponsors: Association of Bonner County Employees, Luther Park at Sandpoint, and Major Sponsors: AAging Better In-Home Care, and PacificSource Health Plans.

Join the action at this year’s Health and Safety Fair, highlight your business, and show the community what you have to offer as a healthcare or safety business. For more information or to register as a sponsor, please call (208) 263-2161 or visit www.sandpointchamber.org/healthandsafety.html to download the form.

Chamber Recognizes Peak Sand & Gravel as the August’s Business of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognizes Peak Sand & Gravel as August’s Business of the Month. Established in 1958 by Les Peak, the business is now carried on by his son, Larry, Larry’s wife, Patty, and their sons, Matt and Mike. As a third generation company, Larry wants to give his sons the same chance his dad gave him to continue on with the business.

Peak Sand & Gravel started small and took jobs that weren’t always desirable for others. Today, they have over 50 employees and continue to grow because of their reputation for providing quality work and putting their customer’s needs first. They give their customers a reason not to go anywhere else

Notable projects they have been involved with are the new Dover Bridge, Idaho highway corridor south of Coeur d’Alene, Silver Valley cleanup, Hecla Mining’s Lucky Friday operations, and the U.S. 95 North-South Byway.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Peak Sand & Gravel for being honored as August’s Business of the Month and wishing them continued success. For more information about Peak Sand & Gravel visit their website http://www.peaksandandgravelinc.com/ or call 208-255-2611 to see how they can help you on your next project.

In Photo: From left to right: Larry and Patty Peak, and Peggy Shadel.

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.

Chamber honors Laurel Taylor as July's Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honors Laurel Taylor as the Volunteer of the Month for her service to our community. Laurel has been a Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) board member for more years than she probably wants to remember. She is currently serving as Secretary, which means she has held virtually every executive position; but most notably she has served several terms as President. Taylor has stepped up to take charge during some challenging times the organization has faced, often when no one else had the courage to do so and has guided the organization as it has grown and expanded the visual and performing arts events that POAC is known for.

“Laurel’s humor, strength of character and eternally positive attitude as well her ability to create a ‘we are a team’ mind set has been instrumental to the ongoing success and positive reputation that POAC has in this community and the broader Arts world. Over the years, Laurel has quietly contributed her time and energy to many organizations in our community. Most notably the Pend Orielle Arts Council. Laurel is also an active member of the Women of Wisdom Organization, helps with Kinderhaven’s Festival of Trees (as well as donates items and purchases trees) and was one of the first to volunteer for the Chamber’s Scenic Half Marathon event when it began 3 years ago and has continued to be there each year to do what ever is needed. Even during last year’s monsoon! She does a great deal to make this a better community.”
- Judy Thomson

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Laurel Taylor in being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking her for all of her wonderful qualities as citizen of our community.

From left: Chamber Member at Large, Judy Thompson, presents Volunteer of the Month award to Laurel Taylor.

Chamber Welcomes Sweet Magnolia Bed & Breakfast

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sweet Magnolia Bed and Breakfast to the community. Sitting on the corner of North 4th Avenue and Alder Street, the old grand house, formerly known as the Coit House, is 104 years old. Calvin and Jill Ogle recently purchased the home and opened for business on July 1, 2011. The business had been closed for 2 years.

Calvin got his Innkeeper's roots early, in a small family motel business in the resort town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He worked for his aunt during the summers in his younger years and eventually managed the summer seasons.

Jill has always dreamed of living in an old house! The rest is history:

They met while in college at Clemson University and were married in 1984. They spent the first 20 years of their marriage in the Atlanta, GA area raising their 3 children Emily, Eddie, and Madelynn. Then in 2003, after a family vacation in 2002 to the beautiful Northwest, they decided to change things up and make the move to Sandpoint, Idaho. Some called it a midlife crisis...but they did it as a family! After turning 50 and too many years as a traveling sales engineer, Calvin recently turned it all in to become the full time Innkeeper of the Sweet Magnolia. Jill works part-time as a Medical Technologist at Bonner General Hospital (just next door to the Sweet Magnolia) and part-time as the Innkeeper's helper.

In addition to lodging, the Sweet Magnolia offers a beautiful venue for catered holiday parties, wedding or baby showers, tea parties, and receptions.

The Sweet Magnolia boasts "Southern Hospitality in the Heart of Sandpoint" as their motto. The porch is always open to the community for a shady rest along the way, and the Ogles are happy to give tours to passersby.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes Sweet Magnolia Bed and Breakfast success and is pleased they have joined our community. For more information and to inquire about vacancies, you can reach the Ogles by phone at 208-263-2425 or visit their website at www.sweetmagnoliabandb.com.

Rooms are still available for this weekend! Call now and enjoy southern hospitality in the heart of Sandpoint, Idaho this weekend while the Festival is happening.

From left: Chamber Ambassador Carol Warren, Chamber Member Ken Wood, Joanie Hamelmann, Calvin Ogle, Ambassador Clem Hackworthy, Madelynn Ogle, Jill Ogle, Kelsey Kittleson, Violet Plummer, Eddie Ogle, Lisa Van Deusen (Daily Bee), Leanna Paulsen Kittleson (Seven Sisters Catering Co.), Ambassador Colleen Spickelmire, Idaho Representative George Eskridge, Ambassador Peggy Shadel, & Chamber Chairman of the Board Cliff Warren.

Chamber Welcomes Bonner County Gardeners Association

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome the Bonner County Gardeners Association (BCGA) to the community. Formerly known as the Bonner County Master Gardeners, the BCGA is a non-profit organization, specializing in providing home horticulture education to the citizens of Bonner County. Education is available through many outlets. The members have a natural love for gardening and want to assist others with their gardening questions in northern Idaho.

The BCGA’s programs include a home horticulture workshop series, informational booths at various events, gardening presentations as requested by community groups, the Garden Tour, school gardens, internal education and beautification projects. Currently, the BCGA has taken on a major beautification project at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds is a multi-use venue with many visitors throughout the year. This is a large project demanding a high level of resources.

The BCGA look for members who desire not only to further their own knowledge of home horticulture, but also to share that knowledge with others. Their goals are to promote continuing education and a spirit of good fellowship among our members and the community. If you are interested in contributing to this effort please contact the association for more information.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes the Bonner County Gardeners Association success and we are very glad they are a part of our community. The BCGA’s new home is at 804 Airport Way, Sandpoint, ID. Anyone who is interested in assisting in any of these projects and programs, or want to become a member of the association is encouraged to contact BCGA President Zoe Bolton at 265-2070 or at bcgardeners@gmail.com. To be placed on the distribution list and notified of upcoming educational events available to the public call the office or email the office. To find out more about the organization check out the website at www.bcgardeners.org.

From left: Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Carol Warren & Connie Rasco BCGA members Gail Swan & Chris McIntosh, BCGA President Zoe Bolton, BCGA members Jan Griffits, Shirley Barksdale, Bonnie Cavanaugh, Richard Bower & Howard Fennimore, Ambassador Clem Hackworthy, BCGA members Penny Barton & Mikey Haven, and Ambassadors Erin Butler, & Colleen Spickelmire.