Chamber Welcomed UPS Store - Sandpoint

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome the UPS Store- Sandpoint. Located at 217 Cedar St, The UPS Store – Sandpoint has been a family business in Sandpoint for 19 years and carries on the tradition with the Batchelor’s.

Brett and Joy Batchelor recently purchased the UPS Store – Sandpoint from Bill Clatworthy and are excited to be serving Sandpoint in a new way. The UPS Store – Sandpoint has broken the mold to the well-known shipping store and offers printing and copying, as well as Secured Document Destruction. As owners of Busy Beaver Graphics and Promotions, they make the UPS Store – Sandpoint a place for more than just shipping, it is a place to come to for many areas of your personal and professional needs like graphics, promotional items and more.

“We’re much more than shipping. Whether you need business cards, brochures, flyers or to print off an email, come use our public computer to make copies and your printing needs, plus we’ll get it to you at the best prices in our area,” said owner Brett Batchelor. “Identity theft is tragically on the rise but there are sure fire ways to combat it, one being document shredding. Bring your documents to us for the most affordable secured document destruction in town.”

The UPS Store – Sandpoint has new hours. They are open Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm and Saturday from 8am-4pm. They are also one of the few places you can do your USAA deposits with our new check scanner.

“We’re still a great shipping resource for local businesses, especially the retail sector, and visitors alike. If someone has purchased too much for their carryon, send them down to us so we can ship their favorite Sandpoint items back home for them. Lately, we’ve been told we have some of the funniest greeting cards in town.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in welcoming UPS Store- Sandpoint and wishing them continued success in our community. For more information, give them a call 263-0261, visit them at their store at 217 Cedar St, email them at store1829@theupsstore.com and Like them on Facebook.  

In photo left to right: Kate McAlister, Chad Beck, Brett Batchelor, Joy Batchelor, Representative George Eskridge, Jim Lovell, Clem Hackworthy and Chuck Brewster. 

Makerspaces are community centers with tools

Message from Matthew Williams: 

Makerspaces are community centers with tools. Makerspaces combine manufacturing equipment, community, and education for the purposes of enabling community members to design, prototype and create manufactured works that wouldn't be possible to create with the resources available to individuals working alone due to being prohibitively expensive. These types of spaces are united in the purpose of providing access to equipment, community, and education, and we plan on tailoring ours to services to Sandpoint based on the feedback we receive from the survey.

Sandpoint doesn't currently have anything like this and we think it would be a worthwhile asset to our community and helping entrepreneurs and students have access to the latest manufacturing and design technology.

We're trying to gauge if this would be a worthwhile endeavor based on interest from the community.

Here is a link to the survey.

http://surveys.questionpro.com/a/t/AK3b2ZRDFR

Thank you,

Matt Williams (208.610.3589)

Idaho Club Golf Course - Up For Auction - Economic Impact Opportunity

Message via Cheryl Piehl:

The county has taken tax deed to the Idaho Club Golf Course and other parcels in the subdivision.  I am trying to share the auction information which is scheduled for 7/9.  Not only do we to recoup Bonner County tax dollars, but also possibly help improve the community by having a operating golf course that may produce jobs both in the real estate market and resort areas.  I am looking for  assistance getting the word out.  

Attached is our website address for tax sale information -  http://co.bonner.id.us/treasurer/index.html

Chamber Honors Kokanee Coffee

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the Kokanee Coffee as the May Business of the Month.

Watch their award here >>

“The company chosen by the Chamber Ambassadors this month is a fairly new to our area company but they’ve already made a major in our community,” said Ken Wood. “They’ve become a favorite gathering place for locals and out-of-towners alike. They provide a really unique atmosphere there is comfortable and inviting.”

“The owners are passionate about coffee… and take great pride in not only the product but also the service they provide. When you go in there, it is like you’re in an episode of Cheers.”

“The other reason they were nominated was the fact for how much they do for the community. From Special Olympics, to local schools, sports teams and arts like POAC, Angela said ‘I need to know how to say no, I can’t so no to all these wonderful things.’ They’ve done a ton for our community in the three short years they’ve lived here.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Kokanee Coffee for their award and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, call them at 208-597-7831, visit their website www.kokaneecoffee.com, Like them on Facebook or email them at angela@kokaneecoffee.com.

In photo: Ken Wood, Angela Reese & Rosa Ibanez. 

Chamber Honored Dr. Bob Carlson as May Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Dr. Bob Carlson as May’s Volunteer of the Month. Dr. Carlson has been an internist and given back to the community for more than two decades. Dr. Carlson has served in our community and connected our communities in many ways.

“He went to Colorado and saw this vision and thought ‘Why can’t we have this’, which was bike trails”, said Angela Oakes.

He later envisioned connecting our communities and our ability to convert rails to trails with our in town. Him and his wife helped to create North Idaho Bikeways and has given us lighted bike paths in many places, plus access to Sagle and Dover by bike path.

Click here to watch Dr. Bob Carlson receive his award >> 

“Dr. Carlson has also been recognized by Rotary as a Paul Harris fellowship, and that is to honor his service above self,” added Angela. “At the same time when you’re giving, you’re getting a lot back. As a community, we’ve gotten a lot back from him.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Dr. Bob Carlson, May’s Volunteer of the Month, and thanking him for all of his contributions and dedication to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

NORTHLAND CELEBRATES OUR HOMETOWN HEROS

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(May 27^th, 2014)

Beginning June 1^st, Northland will launch their Hometown Hero contest which will honor those who make a positive impact in the Sandpoint community. The nomination period will run through June 30^th.  Northland invites community members to submit nominations online or in the local Northland office for fellow neighbors who have gone above and beyond to enrich the lives of others. 

Three finalists will be chosen and voting for the award winner will open to the public July 7^th through July 20^th. The winning Hometown Hero will receive $250 and a $500 donation to a local charity of sponsor’s choice. Those who submit a nomination and vote will be entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card.

Northland’s Business Manager, Jeff Johnson said “I am pleased to be a part of this community, as are the local Northland staff, and as the local communications provider in Sandpoint, we are invested in this town and its residents. We wanted to take a moment to recognize and give back to community members who make this such a great place to live and work.”

Nominations and voting will be available at getnorthland.com/hero, at the local Northland office, or on Northland’s Facebook page.

For more details about the contest and Official Rules, visit getnorthland.com/hero or stop by the local Northland office.

About Northland Communications:

Northland Communications (www.yournorthland.com) is a leading provider of communications services. Northland owns and manages smaller-market cable systems in Alabama, California, Georgia, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Washington. Northland is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Northland offers the sharpest Digital and True High Definition TV, the fastest High-Speed Internet, and the clearest Digital Home Phone services to individuals and businesses in the communities they serve.  

###

Kelsey Teel

(206)748-5064

kelsey@northlandco.com

Home Preservation - Wells Fargo Mortgage Assistance - Coldwater Creek's Impact

Options that may help you save your home

If you've been or feel you may be impacted by Coldwater Creek's bankruptcy, Wells Fargo mortgage team wants to help.

Happening May 29th, the Home Preservation Event by Wells Fargo is being hosted at the Sandpoint Business and Events Center, 102 Euclid St. Any Wells Fargo Home Mortgage customer can attend.

Wells Fargo Message:

We understand you may be facing challenges in keeping up with your mortgage payments. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to get help now, a Wells Fargo representative is ready to meet with you — right in your own community. 

Come to our free Mortgage Assistance Event in Sandpoint 

Join us to get the answers you need and find out about programs that may help you keep your home. You’ll personally meet with a representative 

who will confidentially discuss your financial concerns and options. Plus, see if you’re eligible for a loan modification under the federal government’s Home Affordable Modification Program. 

Refer to the enclosed Document Checklist for all the items to bring with you, including: 

• Information about any financial hardship 

• Copies of two recent pay stubs, not more than 90 days old, and most recent W-2s 

• Most recent quarterly or year-to-date profit/loss statement (for each self-employed borrower) 

Sign up today 

We look forward to seeing you in Sandpoint. 

Sincerely, 

Joseph Ohayon 

Senior Vice President, Community Relations 

Mortgage Assistance Event 

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2014 

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Place: Business and Events Sandpoint Center 

Meeting Room 

102 South Euclid Ave. 

Sandpoint, ID 83864 

Sign up 

By: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 

Call: 1-866-790-3276 

Pacific Time 

Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Register online: 

www.wellsfargo.com/attend 

If you’re unable to attend 

Call: 1-800-678-7986 

Pacific Time 

Monday – Friday: 

5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Chamber seeks Communications Manager

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Communications Manager. Please share the job listing below with anyone you may know who may be interested and apply at the earliest convenience.

Click here to view the job listing on Idaho Department of Labor >>

"I have cherished my time with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce," said Mack Deibel. "The Chamber and its members are very special and the last three years have been really great working with everyone. Our community is amazing and I am proud to have been an advocate for business development and tourism. I look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber and members in my new role with MickDuff's Brewing Company and as a consultant with Just Ask Mack (JAM) Consulting."

Chamber Chicks honor Lisa Ailport

The Chamber Chick Connection Committee of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Lisa Ailport as May’s Chamber Chick of the Month. Lisa’s hard work and willingness to get involved in the community is one to be honored.

“My position at Ruen-Yeager & Associates (RYA) has always been to navigate public process, however the first 5 years of my 7 years at RYA was assisting private sector clients in navigating the public land use process,” explained Lisa. “Many of my private sector clients sought approval of subdivisions, conditional or special uses, variances for structures, state and federal permitting, and land use code consulting. Since moving to the municipal/public side, my duties have shifted to assisting cities in avoiding some of the pitfalls that as a private sector consultant she was able to take advantage of. ”

Through her employment with RYA, Lisa has recently been contracted to administer city planning and zoning ordinances for the cities of Kootenai, East Hope and Bonners Ferry. She also contracted to assist Bonner County with any planning services they need. More specifically, she reviews all final plats at the county.   

“The planning world, like much of the business world, is dominated mostly by men. However, what is exciting is that more women are getting into the world of professional planning and within leadership roles within the planning fields. I want to advocate and encourage younger women to take on professional and leadership roles in planning so we can continue to grow in this professional field!  I have done this through our professional organizations, the American Planning Association, taking on the Vice Chair position for 4 years and now the regional representative position on the Board of the Idaho Chapter of the American Planning Association.  I consistently look for opportunities to support local planners and will look to the future for opportunities to promote more women to the professional field.” 

Before she moved to Sandpoint in 2002, Lisa graduated Washington State University with a BS in Natural Resource Science. She’s been practicing land use planning since February of 2003 and attained her certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) in 2010. She is also a proud mom to two young girls.

The Chamber Chick of the Month is a new award which honors members of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce by the Chamber Chick Connection Committee. The Chamber Chick of the Month is selected by their achievement in the professional realm or overcoming a personal challenge. They must give back to our community either professionally or personally, as well as regularly attend Chamber Chick Connection functions.

Please join the Chamber Chick Connection Committee and Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Lisa Ailport for being honored as the Chamber Chick of the Month and thanking her for all of her contributions and dedication to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You!  

  

Photo: left to right, Gina Hall and Lisa Ailport.

Chamber Honors Bonner County Gardeners Association

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the Bonner County Gardner’s Association (BCGA) as the April Business of the Month. They provide research based Home Horticultural Educational Programs, Community Service and assist in Beautification Projects for our surrounding communities.

The BCGA does a lot to support local groups and causes. They assist with school gardens and donated the new bench to Farmin’ Park. They’ve also assisted in the beautifying efforts at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, flower baskets for downtown Sandpoint, landscaping the Mickinick Trail and the Water Life Discovery Center.

Watch the BCGA accept their award, click here >>

The BCGA also holds and attends many different educational classes and outreach events including the Fall Home Hort Series, Spring Plant Sale, Garden Tours, Home and Garden Show, Farmers’ Market and many others.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Bonner County Gardeners Association for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, call them at 265-2070, email them at bcga2013@hotmail.com or go to www.bcgardeners.org.

In photo: left to right, Carol Warren and Janae Dale.

Chamber Honored Jan Griffitts as April Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Jan Griffitts as April’s Volunteer of the Month. Jan has been in our community for almost 25 years and her involvement and impact on our community is matched by few.

Currently, Jan is the Vice President for the Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, Director of the Mickinnick Trail, Member of the Advisory Council for Day Break Center and Facilitator for the Sandpoint Alzheimer’s Support Group. She is a Certified Master Gardener and Idaho Master Naturalist which are only achieved through annual volunteer and community outreach teaching, saving, repairing and creating a better environment.

Watch Jan receive her award, click here >>

In the past, Jan was involved with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Visit Sandpoint, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and International Selkirk Loop.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Jan Griffitts, April’s Volunteer of the Month, and thanking her for all of her contributions and dedication to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

In photo: Jan Griffitts and Stephen Snedden.

Chamber Celebrates Idaho Department of Labor’s New Location

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome the Idaho Department of Labor to their new location at 613 Ridley Village Rd, Suite C in Sandpoint.

“We love the fact we are all on the ground floor, it makes it so much easier and accessible for everyone,” said Bridgette Bradshaw-Fleer, Sandpoint Manager. “Our new offices have an open and inviting atmosphere with plenty of space.”

They would like to welcome the public for an Open House on May 9^th from 2-4pm. Ken Edmunds, Director of the Department of Labor, and Kelly Sharp, Area Manager for Dept of Labor, will be in attendance to show support for the new location. Light refreshments will be served.

“Visit us for help finding jobs, interview skills, resume writing and retraining help. There are available funds.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in welcoming the Idaho Department of Labor to their new location and thanking them for their continued support of our labor force. For more information, visit their offices at 613 Ridley Village Rd in Sandpoint or call 263-7544. 

In photo: left to right Clem Hackworthy, Corrie Greene, Kate McAlister, Jim Lovell, Alice Wallace, Landon Fuller, Richard Hunter, George Eskridge, Leslie Apple, Bridgette Bradshaw-Fleer, Lisa McLeod, Diana Cartwright, Don Sturm, Steve Case and Carol Warren.  

Chamber Welcomes Dr. Mark William Cochran, Holistic Chiropractor

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Dr. Mark William Cochran, Holistic Chiropractor. He is located in the Selkirk Professional Building in downtown Sandpoint on the corner of 4th & Pine St, 101 N. 4th Avenue, Suite 105. He’s been practicing Chiropractic work in north Idaho since 2001, starting in downtown Coeur d’Alene, and moved to Sandpoint in 2009. While his office here is growing, he still maintains one day a week in his office in Hayden.

“As a holistic chiropractor, I work with health conscious, holistic minded people – who happen to be struggling with pain or injury – to heal their pain and reclaim their health and well-being from the inside out,” said Dr Cochran. “The adjustments I provide are gentle, precise, comfortable, safe and effective. My office has a warm, pleasant and healing atmosphere, not a clinical one.”

 Dr. Cochran takes a deeply holistic approach to healing, health and well-being by working with every person's own unique "Doctor Within."

 "To me, you are much more than just a collection of symptoms and problems; you are a whole, vibrant, living being with an amazing capacity to heal from the inside out. I form a partnership with you and your Doctor Within to address your health challenges, but more importantly, to help you heal, grow and thrive. Together, we will empower your potential, not your problems."

If you are health conscious and committed to living a healthy life, even if you presently happen to be struggling with pain, injury or some other health challenge, give Dr. Cochran a call because he is excited to assist you with your healthy life.

Dr. Cochran graduated from the University of Idaho in 1980 and is a retired US Marine Corps officer. After he got out of the service, he went on to Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001. He is also an award winning author of Oby's Wisdom! A Caveman's Simple Guide to Holistic Health and Wellness, named "Finalist" in the 2013 Best Indie Book Awards.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Dr. Mark William Cochran, Holistic Chiropractor and wishing him continued success in our community. For more information, give Dr. Mark William Cochran at 208-304-2330, email him at DrMark@DrMarks-Holistic-Health.com or visit his website http://www.yourchiropractorinsandpoint.com/.

Photo left to right: Kim Queen, Dr. Gabrielle Duebendorfer, Dr. Mark William Cochran, Fred Ebner, Krystle Shapiro, Larry Davidson, Susan Arina Miller, Gerald Porter and Carol Warren. Not pictured: Clif Warren.

REACH FOR THE SKY By Barney Ballard

Creative, employment-ready educational opportunities for students in our remote area are a must, and it truly takes a village to get these opportunities off the ground.  In the fall of 2013, twelve students from the Forrest Bird Charter School and Sandpoint High School have been working together in the inaugural year of the High School Aerospace Program.  The main goal of this unique program is to provide a well-structured, comprehensive and cost-effective course of study for local area high school students to investigate and experience potential careers in the aerospace industry, interfacing with regional colleges and aerospace businesses.

The program’s fall 2013 course, Survey of Aerospace Careers, was led by local aviators and aerospace professionals Ken Larson, Randy McLain, Hunter Horvath, and Andy Berrey.  The current trimester at FBCS offers an introduction to aircraft maintenance under the guidance of Jason Hauck, a certified A&P mechanic. For the fall 2014 trimester, Tamarack Air engineer Steve Babin has offered to teach an introduction to aerospace engineering.  To facilitate those students wishing to attain a Sport Pilot license, Granite Aviation has provided a model aircraft, the Tecnam P92 Eaglet, for flight lessons. The membership of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1441 has also given generously of their time and money to support the efforts of this program.

Joining in on our exciting education-in-aerospace efforts, North Idaho College has initiated a composite program at the CDA airport with forty students enrolled in the first year of this industry specific college level certification process.  Boeing has stamped its seal of approval on this NIC course, certifying that students who complete this program have achieved an initial level of competence for job opportunities.

Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties are the hotbed of aviation activity in Idaho, and there is no better time than now to offer our local students an outstanding opportunity to get a leg-up on a growing industry – right in their own hometowns.

Next month: The impact of P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) for the students of North Idaho.

Chamber’s Women in Business Updates Name to Chamber Chick Connections

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business Committee is excited to announce a new name and organization make up for their committee. At last month’s April Luncheon, the WIB announced that their strategic planning processes helped them realize the committee’s purpose and benefit to their members: Connecting.

After learning what the women of our community wanted, the name Chamber Chick Connection seemed to accurately describe their new mission, vision and purposes. One of the biggest reasons for the name change was to be more inclusive to all the women in our community. The Chamber Chick Connection kicks the stigma only business owners and managers are allowed or benefit from joining the group.

“The Chamber Chicks are at it again,” said Judy Baird, Women In Business committee member. “We’ve been shaking up our committee for the last three months and we’re excited to share some of our new developments.”

The Women In Business committee has been working with a strategic plan facilitator to hone in on their mission, vision and purpose. Their new mission is “Empower women to achieve success.” Their new vision is “live the dream.” Their 3 purposes are: Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate.

“The group has done an excellent job and worked very hard at surveying our membership, as well as their regular attendees,” explained Kate McAlister, Chamber CEO. “I am looking forward to the many good things to come.”

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber invites the community to attend the Women in Business meetings and monthly luncheon on the first Tuesday of every month.  For more information, please call 263-2161 or visit www.sandpointchamber.com. 

Community Garden Teams up with Food Bank - Sponsors Needed

Please consider sponsoring a Community Garden plot for the Food Bank at $50/each (we have 7 plots).  We need someone to "rent" the plots so that we can give the food, grown by volunteers, to the Food Bank.  The City is not able to give stuff away, no matter how great the cause.  Technically the sponsors are renting the spot and then giving the food away.  We will place a small sign on each box with the name of business sponsor.  It would be really awesome if we could just find one or two folks to cover but as long as we find a home for each of the 7 we're golden.

- Kim Woodruff, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Sandpoint

More information here: https://sites.google.com/site/sandpointcommunitygarden/

Spring has sprung - March Bonner Biz

 We have officially made it through another North Idaho winter and, according to the calendar at least, spring is once again upon us.  In Sandpoint’s Business Improvement District (BID), that means it is spring cleaning time! 

Sandpoint’s BID is gearing up for the annual ‘Shake the Sand Out’ downtown clean up event.  Teams of business owners and community volunteers join forces for a few hours on a spring morning and put the sparkle back into our downtown core (and Sand Creek).  This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 26^th.  Volunteers will gather at 8:30am in Jeff Jones Square to receive sector assignments, gloves and garbage bags, as well as coffee and pastries to get them started.  Volunteers will reconvene at the Square for lunch, also provided by the BID. 

This project usually takes just a few hours, and is a great way for individuals and service groups to jump in and help provide much-appreciated sprucing up of our downtown – as we know our spring and summer guests are soon to visit, and we want to look our very best!  If you are interested in volunteering, either as an individual or a team, please contact me to sign up by phone at (208) 263-2161, or by email at kim@sandpointchamber.com.

The Sandpoint Shopping District’s retailers and restaurants will also be holding their much-anticipated annual ‘Get Your Spring On’ event that same day – Saturday, April 26^th.   Many of our unique downtown shops will be offering discounts on winter merchandise and showcasing their new seasonal products and services, as well as hosting fun mini-events for you and yours to take part in. Several restaurants will also have specials available, paired with the excellent fair and friendly service they have come to be known for.  There will even be a $500 Shopping Spree available, as the Grand Prize in the ‘Enter-to-Win’ contest that day - sign me up, please!

Keep an eye out for ‘Get Your Spring On’ posters and advertisements soon, where you will find a detailed list of the events and the businesses involved. Opportunities for business owners to join in on this one-day event are still possible, which offer co-marketing and advertisement (cost sharing) within and outside the area. If you are a business located within the downtown core and interested in taking part in this event, please contact Ranel Hanson at (208) 946-7703, or at zanyzebrastore@gmail.com.  Deadline for inclusion is coming quickly, so please act fast!

Chamber Welcomes Cocolalla Heating & Cooling LLC

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Cocolalla Heating & Cooling LLC to the Chamber. With 30 years’ experience, Rick Ralls of Cocolalla Heating & Cooling LLC offers great knowledge of residential and commercial heating and cooling systems. They can help all businesses, homeowners, and property owners decide what is best for their particular application and are excited to work with community members.

After his schooling at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyoming, Rick Ralls spent time working in Arizona and Colorado before starting his own business. He opened Mountain Aire Heating & Cooling LLC in 1999 while living in Wyoming. 

“We ran a very prosperous business for 12 years and closed our doors in 2011 to relocate to Idaho for a better quality of life,” explained Rick. He then added, “After working for a couple of different HVAC companies in northern Idaho in 2013 I again decided that I needed to be in business for myself and Cocolalla Heating & Cooling LLC was created.”

Cocolalla Heating & Cooling LLC is a HVAC company offering service repair and installation of heating and air conditioning products including: air cleaners, a/c's, furnace, humidifiers, boilers, heat pumps, all commercial kitchen appliances including walk-in coolers, freezers, exhaust hoods etc. They offer free estimates and do not charge a travel charge for northern Idaho - Boundary/Bonner counties.

“We provide honest and affordable rates: Residential $60 per hour/commercial $80 per hour.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Cocolalla Heating & Cooling LLC, and wishing them success in our community. For more information, give them a call in at 263-5570 or email them at tinknocker4545@gmail.com. 

In photo left to right: Corrie Greene, Kim Queen, Rick Ralls, Kate McAlister and Melody Circo. 

Volunteers needed for Annual ‘Shake the Sand Out’ downtown clean-up event

The Sandpoint Business Improvement District (BID) is seeking volunteers, individuals and groups, to help clean up area streets and public spaces on April 26.

The ‘Shake the Sand Out’ clean-up event will bring local businesses, community organizations and area residents together to remove litter from streets in downtown Sandpoint, as well as Sand Creek, prior to the start of the busy summer season.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 26, when volunteers will meet at 8:30am in Jeff Jones Square.   There, they will register and enjoy a light breakfast, courtesy of the BID membership.  Participants will be assigned an area in downtown Sandpoint, then fan out in teams to pick up litter, pull weeds and tidy up business corridors, public spaces and Sand Creek. 

Disposable gloves and bags will be provided.  Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather by wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear, as well as to bring gardening gloves or any additional clean-up tools they are comfortable using.   The event will wrap up at 11:30am back at the Square, where volunteers will be treated to lunch.

For information or to preregister, please contact Kim Queen at 263-2161, or by email at kim@sandpointhchamber.com.

Chamber Honors Les Schwab Tire Center

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Les Schwab Tire Center as March’s Business of the Month. With more than 25 years as a Chamber Member and great community member, the Chamber give them this award as a way to say “thank you for always supporting our community and thank you for exemplary customer service.”

“We’re aware of businesses around our community who are leaders and contribute some of their time and as much as they can back to the community,” explained Clem Hackworthy, Chamber Ambassador. “This month we have chosen one of the largest independent car dealers in the world. I can attest for the job they do and the service they give.”

Some of the places they show their support include the Senior Gift Card Center, 4H Fundraisers and Animal Auction, School fundraisers and graduation, little league and other team sponsorships, Backcountry Horseman, car shows, Bonner County Fairgrounds, Rotary and other local clubs.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Les Schwab Tire Center for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, call them at 208-265-4518 or stop by and see them at 279 Bonner Mall Way, across from Yoke’s.

In photo left to right, Clem Hackworthy and Nick Badoux.