Chamber Welcomes the Eureka Institute

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Eureka Institute to the Chamber. The Eureka Institute develops and delivers programs that promote health, fitness and vitality and feature the Greater Sandpoint area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Steve Holt is the Executive Director of the Eureka Institute and together with its Board of Directors are excited to be a part of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

“We create the kinds of programs and events that exemplify Sandpoint’s mountain culture and its community,” explained Founder Steve Holt. “We promote healthy experiences that build character, develop creativity and enhance leadership skills all the while creating lasting memories and a life-long love of the outdoors.”

The Eureka Institute has a variety of programs and events which promote the arts, outdoor education and recreation, and environmental stewardship.  Their Yoga Festival, summer camps, kayaking and mountain biking programs, Sandpoint SummerFest, a special event focused around Sandpoint’s music, arts and culture festival, all attract participants from the entire northwest. They see more than 75 different children, half of which are from out of the area, at their two weeks of camp each summer. Through grants and other fundraising efforts, the Institute is able to scholarship youth who would not otherwise be able to attend summer camp in addition to other outdoor programs. 

Recently, Eureka Institute received their outfitters license which allows them to guide mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and camping all around region. Their amazing group of guides and experienced teachers are ready to lead expedition, camps and adventures to Chimney Rock and Roman Nose, Sagle peninsula, Gold Hill, Gamlin Lake and Mineral Point.

They offer much more than just children’s summer camps. Anyone who loves the outdoors and any kind of creative pursuits will love what the Eureka Institute does.

“Our programs are specifically designed to promote community involvement by providing opportunities to nurture and foster the over-all wellbeing of each individual while exploring this magnificent wilderness that surrounds us,” said Holt

The Eureka Institute kicks off its summer season with the Sandpoint SummerFest July 13-15. Other activities include their Outdoor Adventure Sports Daycamp July 16-20, Camp Eureka July 22-28, Teen Wilderness Program July 22-28, Northwest YogaFest Aug 3-5 and Outdoor Adventure Sports Daycamp again Aug 13-17.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes the Eureka Institute continued success in our community. For more information about their programs call them at 265-4000, email them at info@eureka-institute.org or visit them at http://www.eureka-institute.org/.

In Photo: Executive Director Steve Holt cuts the ribbon with Eureka Institute employees and Chamber Ambassadors.

Introducing Dog Days at Dover Bay Resort

For Immediate Release

Contact: Meggie Foust                                                                                
Cell: 208-946-0226

Email: meggie.foust@live.com

Introducing Dog Days at Dover Bay Resort

A Weekend of Fun, Action and Entertainment for the Entire Family (Including Man’s Best Friend)

This year, the weekend of July 14-15 goes to our canine friends at the inaugural Dog Days at Dover Bay Resort. The two day benefit for the Panhandle Animal Shelter will feature activities and entertainment the entire family (including your four-legged relatives) can enjoy.

“Dog Days is filled with so many events that we had to divide it between two days,” Mandy Evans, Executive Director of the Panhandle Animal Shelter said. “For the athletic guests we have sheep herding demonstrations, agility courses and fly ball. On the main stage we will be hosting a pet talent show and several competitions including awards for the ugliest/cutest dogs, and of course we fit a Yappy Hour in the weekend too.”

Physical activities are not the only items on the agenda. “America’s Veterinarian” and well-known author Dr. Marty Becker will be joining his daughter, Mikkel Becker on stage for a dog training presentation. After the show, he will be available for a book signing.

There will also be vaccination clinics, adoption stations, live music and a “Raise the Roof” auction of locally-made, one-of-a-kind dog houses and cat castles.

For just a small recommended donation of $5.00, everyone can enjoy all that Dog Days has to offer.

“The goal of Dog Days is to share a memorable weekend with our faithful friends while raising much needed funds for the 1,600 lost, abandoned, neglected and abused animals we service every year,” said Evans.

The Panhandle Animal Shelter is a volunteer, non-profit shelter. Of the thousands of cats and dogs admitted each year, nearly all strays are placed in adoptive homes and several hundred are reunited with their owners. To learn more about the Panhandle Animal Shelter, go to www.pasidaho.org.

To learn more about Dog Days at Dover Bay, go to www.dogdaysdoverbay.com or join the Facebook event site.

Dover Bay Resort is located at 651 Lakeshore Avenue, Dover, Idaho 83825. 

Chamber Honors Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin as June’s Business of the Month. Sandpoint’s own Pawn Stars, owners Scott and Lisa Sawyer have been in the pawn business for 35 years. Pawn shops have been around for more than 3,000 years but businesses like Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin have kept the industry relevant to the times.

The main business pawn shops are in is loaning money. If you need cash to cover expenses like utility bills, car repairs or unexpected medical bills a pawn loan can be a financial life saver. There are no applications, no financial requirements or credit checks. Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin is licensed by the State of Idaho to loan money, just like a bank, but unlike other financial institutions you do not need to demonstrate good credit, have a bank account or provide references.

“We'll make you an offer based on the market value, current condition and our likelihood of selling the items you want to pawn,” explained Scott. “The collateral is held until the interest or the loan has been repaid or the loan period expires. If you elect not to redeem your collateral, there is no credit consequence and the items are sold at a value price to retail consumers. If you pay back the loan plus the interest before the loan term expires, we return your collateral to you.”

Scott grew up in his father’s store learning the trade. Since taking his path along the same career, Scott became a member of the National Pawnbrokers Association which was founded to support the growing network of responsible pawnbrokers in the USA and has a code of ethics they must adhere.

The Sawyer’s do a lot for our community and really love being involved in our community. They contribute to and participate in many different events and organizations in our community including but not limited to the Kinderhaven’s Festival of Trees and Golf Tournament, Bonner Community Food Bank, Scenic Half Marathon, Bonner County Fair, Sandpoint High School, PCDC’s Ponderay Days, PBCA, Ponderay Rotary’s CCS and Duck Hunt, and also the Kootenai Thunder. Their support of the many organizations leaves a positive on everyone they touch.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit them at 800 Kootenai Cut-Off Road in Ponderay or call them at 208-265-0202.

In Photo: Scott and Lisa Sawyer are honored by Chamber Board Member Amy Whalen.

Chamber Honors Kathy Hubbard

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honors Kathy Hubbard as June’s Volunteer of the Month for her service to our community.

“Our volunteer of the month has always been very giving of her time and is a true champion for our community,” said presenting Chamber Board Member, Amy Whalen.

Her former position was working with the Bonner County Daily Bee as the Advertising Director and now that she has retired, she is a super Sandpoint volunteer. Her volunteer record includes being a former Chair of the Board of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors for the Bonner General Hospital Foundation, Pend Oreille Arts Council and Women Honoring Women.

If that is not enough to keep her busy, her dedication to the Chamber’s cause is still very relevant. She emcee’s the Summer Sampler and volunteers a generous amount of her time to assist with the many Chamber events. She also is an avid volunteer at the Festival of Sandpoint.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Kathy in being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking her for all of her contributions to our community. Her hard work has done a lot for so many causes in our community. Thank you Kathy!

Photo: Kathy Hubbard is honored with the Volunteer of the Month award by Chamber Board Member Amy Whalen.

Greater Sandpoint area Chamber of Commerce Plans Building Renovation, Move to Scenic Sand Creek Location

Greater Sandpoint area Chamber of Commerce Plans Building Renovation, Move to Scenic Sand Creek Location

Renovation returns operation to long-time home with help from Panhandle Building Contractors Association

In support of its long term mission and to plan for the future, the Greater Sandpoint Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a capital campaign and renovation project to return Chamber operations the former Sand Creek location on Hwy 95. The project culminates months of planning by the Chamber’s Capital and Infrastructure team, tasked with finding a permanent home for the Chamber. After extensive and thoughtful deliberation, the Chamber Board of Directors enthusiastically approved the construction project and upcoming return.

“Countless volunteer hours have been put in to plan for this move and many factors were examined. Our original move from the Sand Creek property in 2009 was necessary due to structural issues with the building – it was not a choice, but a necessity at the time.  We’ve spent the time since planning for our eventual return by creating a funding and renovation plan that will create a facility to forward our mission of business development and tourism growth,” noted Clif Warren, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.

During the planning process, the new Capital & Infrastructure team, led by mortgage loan originator for Loan Star Mortgage and board member Jim Lovell, determined, along with architectural and contracting experts, the building had great ‘bones’ and the decision was made to go forward with prioritizing what was needed to make it functional again.

The strategic team talked to several contractors and explored many different options. Being a non-profit, non-governmental organization, fiscally responsible renovation was the first priority.  Panhandle Building Contractors Association (PBCA), are contributing their time, resources and expertise towards the project and other local business partners such as Schweitzer Mountain Resort are making significant financial investments.

A piece of historical value has surfaced which was lost through the years -- the Highway 95 location was known as Monument Park. Additional research on the history of Monument Park is ongoing - if anyone has any information on Monument Park, please contact the Chamber.

The Chamber’s Visitor Center serves 10,000 visitors annually and the staff is looking forward to being back at the location to better serve the region and businesses. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 263-2161 and keep up on the construction on the Chamber’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/Chamber7B.

Sandpoint Summer Sampler Kicking Us Off For Summer

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the public and its members to the 7^th Annual Sandpoint Summer Sampler at Farmin Park Thursday, June 28^th, from 5-7:30PM. This event is regarded as the local’s unofficial kick-off to summer by dishing up Sandpoint’s favorite restaurants and featuring our award winning breweries and winery. The Summer Sampler is your chance to sample many of Sandpoint’s best eateries and check out the Litehouse Foods Cooking Competition with local chefs battling for the ‘Best Of’ title.

New this year, the food and beer and wine garden are all together this year so you can eat and drink all in the same place. Wear your Sandpoint Suit; flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt because dress is casual at this outdoor event. As always, the event is free to attend and you should bring the whole family. Food tickets are on sale at the event for $1 each. Food and beverage samples range from $2-7.

This year’s attendees include but are not limited to: Bistro Rouge Café, Chimney Rock Grill, Eichardt’s Pub, Grill & Coffee House, Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak, Laughing Dog Brewing Co., MickDuff’s Brewing Co., Pend d’Oreille Winery, Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine, Trinity at City Beach, Pine Street Bakery and Sugar Girl Creations.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at the Sandpoint Summer Sampler this Thursday, June 28, from 5-7:30PM, at Farmin Park in downtown Sandpoint. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors Litehouse Foods, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Bonner County Daily Bee & KPND 95.3. Farmin Park is between 3^rd and 4^th Avenue on Oak and Main Street. For more information, call or the Chamber at (208) 263-2161 or visit www.sandpointchamber.com