Chamber Honors Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity as October’s Business of the Month. President Tom Harvill, President of the Board of Directors, was present at the Chamber’s Economic Summit on October 11 to accept the honors on behalf of the organization.

Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which is a nonprofit Ecumenical Christian Housing organization. Their focus and mission is to partner with families, sponsors, faith groups, and local businesses to provide decent affordable housing for families in need. They also operate the ReStore, located at 1424 North Boyer Ave. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5 pm. The restore will be moving to a new location on Baldy Rd. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1191.

In 1991, Mike Schissler, while building homes in Mexico on a mission for his church, decided that when he returned home to Sandpoint he was going to start a program that builds homes for low-income families. He founded the Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity and two years later, the first Habitat home was built. Mike passed away from a long fight with cancer. Homes are being built at Schissler Meadows in Kootenai in dedication to their founder.

Currently, the 15th home is being completed. In order to apply, families must apply for a home and make approximately $25,000-30,000 per year to pay the mortgage. When chosen for a home, a single person must put in “300 sweat equity hours”, and a married couple must put in “500 sweat equity hours”. Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity has also funded 24 homes in developing countries in the past years.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit them at the ReStore, 1424 North Boyer Ave, email them at info@iphfh.org or call them at (208) 265-5313.

In Photo: Tom Harvill accepts the award from Chamber Ambassador Carol Warren.

Chamber Honors Michelle Anderson

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Michelle Anderson, Family Nurse Practitioner and founding owner of Pend Oreille Health Care, as October’s Volunteer of the Month for her service to our community at the 2012 Economic Summit. Her volunteerism shines very bright with the various positions she holds around town and the Chamber is very fortunate to have her as an active member.

Michelle has been the medical coordinator for the Sandpoint Scenic Half Marathon since its start in 2009 with primary responsibility for the aid stations. In this capacity, she organized all the medical supplies as well as recruited and coordinated the medical volunteers to ensure the safety of the runners and volunteers.

When asked why Michelle chooses to volunteer her time so generously she responded, “My biggest reason for volunteering  with these organizations and committees is that I believe strongly in what they do and am happy to be part of their team. Nothing ever gets done with one person solely, it is the group that makes the events or organizations happen.”

Michelle’s other volunteer activities include: restarting the Health and Safety committee and acting as either chair or co-chair for 3 years and serving on the Community Cancer Service Board.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Michelle Anderson for 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. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber as well as the participants and volunteers of the Scenic Half Marathon, Thank You!

Photo: Michelle Anderson accepts the award from Chamber Board Member Kris Sabo.

Sandpoint City Fire Inspection Announcement

On behalf of the City of Sandpoint and the Sandpoint Fire Department, we want to thank you in advance for your cooperation and collaboration with our department to ensure a safe business environment for the Sandpoint community.  Together, we can work to correct the most common fire hazards found in commercial occupancies.  In order to achieve this goal, it’s important to inform you, our community partners about the fire inspections the Fire Department provides to make your business safer.  
 

The Sandpoint Fire Department conducts fire inspections to mitigate any fire hazard within your business.  Throughout the year, members of the Fire Department will make a visit to inspect your building.  Inspections will be pre-scheduled either by phone or in person.  The firefighters who conduct the inspections are on duty, and their schedules are frequently interrupted by answering emergency calls.  The visits usually occur between 10am and 5pm.  The general areas of concerns that the inspections focus on are:

•          Fire alarm systems:  If there is one is it functional and working, with an absence of trouble signals?
•          Fire sprinkler systems: If there is one has it been serviced, tagged and tested?
•          Kitchen hood systems: Has it been recently serviced and tagged?
•          Exits: Is there more than one exit? If so, are the exit corridors and hallways unobstructed? Are there exit signs and emergency lighting if so do they function?
•          Fire extinguishers: Do you have one? If so, is it mounted and has it been serviced and tagged in the last twelve months?
•          General cleanliness: Is there combustible trash building up in a common hallway or on the exterior around the trash bin or dumpster?
•          Walls and ceilings: Are there breaches in the walls or ceilings that will allow fire to travel into hidden spaces?
•          Knox box:  Do you have a Knox Box?  If you do; are all of the contents up to date with accurate door keys, fire alarm panel keys and contact information?

The Sandpoint Fire Department would like to thank you for your participation in our fire prevention program.  We believe by working together, we can keep your business as safe as possible.  For additional information, please contact the Fire Department at 208-263-3533 or 263-3502.

Idaho Business Opportunity Conference Provides Forum for Idaho Companies to Connect with Government Procurement Experts, Explore Opportunities for Expansion

NEWS RELEASE:  For Immediate Release

Contact: Megan Ronk

Idaho Department of Commerce 

(208) 334-2470

megan.ronk@commerce.idaho.gov

Idaho Business Opportunity Conference Provides Forum for Idaho Companies to Connect with Government Procurement Experts, Explore Opportunities for Expansion 

BOISE, Idaho—October 2, 2012—The Idaho Business Opportunity Conference will take place on Wednesday, October 25, 2012, at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls (780 Lindsay Blvd.).

This represents the 24th annual opportunity for manufacturers, contractors, distributors and service providers to meet with procurement officials from government agencies to discuss purchasing needs and ways businesses can improve their selling techniques.

The all-day event begins at 7:30 a.m. and will go to 3:30 p.m.  The program includes government panels and speakers who will offer insight into the entire process of doing business with the federal government and the state.  Topics include Getting on the GSA Schedule, Certification and Loan Programs, Subcontracting with Large Prime Contractors, and Doing Business with the Idaho National Laboratory.

“The Idaho Business Opportunity Conference attracts a diverse group of small businesses who are either actively engaged or have the capability to provide the government with goods and services,” said Jeffery Sayer, director of Idaho Commerce. “This is an excellent opportunity for Idaho companies to receive personalized assistance to connect with government procurement experts and enhance opportunities to expand their business contracts.”

Registration is $55 and covers all seminars, access to all buyers and purchasing agents, continental breakfast and lunch.  Idaho businesses interested in attending can register here.

The Idaho Business Opportunity Conference is presented by the Idaho Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).   Idaho PTAC services are free to any company in Idaho, regardless of size, and can help attract new customers and opportunities that match a business’ particular products and services.

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