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 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 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.

Chamber Honors Sandpoint Senior Center

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Sandpoint Senior Center as February’s Business/Non-profit of the Month.

“This month, I have the honor of recognizing a business that goes above and beyond for the seniors in our community,” said Ken Wood, Chamber Ambassador and the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Chair-elect announced the attendees of the Chamber’s February General Membership Luncheon.

There’s an enormous amount of pride the staff of 15 puts into the business. Last year, the Senior Center delivered over 15,000 meals to local seniors in our area. These meals are delivered Monday-Friday using an all-volunteer effort. It should be noted, many of the seniors they deliver to would not receive quality daily meals if it was not for the efforts of the Senior Center.

In addition to the Meals on Wheels program, they served more than 10,000 meals at their physical location. Those who attend or frequent the Senior Center are able to socialize and develop friendships, as well as participate in activities like bingo and billiards.

Another large focus for the Senior Center has been the Daybreak Center. This center provides relief for caregivers that are dealing with people who have dementia, Alzheimer’s and other types of aging medical issues.

“They truly care about our local seniors,” Ken Wood went on to explain.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Sandpoint Senior Center for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, call them at 208-263-6860 or stop by the Senior Center at 820 Main Street.

Chamber Honors Bonner County Daily Bee

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Bonner County Daily Bee as January’s Business of the Month. As a community newspaper, the Daily Bee is dedicated to providing local news, from what happened at the Bonner County Commission meeting to how the Bulldogs and Wampus Cats did the night before, said publisher David Keyes.

“People want local news and crave to be active and in the know in their communities, this is where we come in,” Keyes said. “The Daily Bee staff does an outstanding job of keeping the Bee relevant.”

The Bee and its staff works hard to give community residents the information they need — through stories and advertising — to be connected to each other and their community through a variety of means, from print to Facebook to online.

“We work to deliver a product that is uniquely important and intimately local,” Keyes said.

Being a community newspaper means getting involved in the community, both on an individual level by staff members and as a newspaper, Keyes said.

Among the biggest partnerships the paper is involved in is Toys For Tots, where the Bee works with the Sandpoint Lions to raise money to ensure every child in the community has a merry Christmas. Each year, the drive provides toys for 700-plus children as well as 150-plus gift certificates for teens and food boxes for about 500 families with money raised by the community.

The newspaper also works in partnership with the Bonner Community Food Center on its turkey drive, running a regular column in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Like Toys For Tots, the column tracks donations and helps the food bank give families in need a turkey for the holiday.

Each May, the newspaper's staff hits the streets to raise money for a local charity. Last year, the staff gathered at North Boyer Avenue and Cedar Street during Lost in the ’50s seeking donations for Jacey's Race.

In addition, the newspaper has published numerous books on the history of the community, both to celebrate its people and places and preserve its past; and works in partnership with local business and the school district to get newspapers into the schools as part of its Newspapers in Education program.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Bonner County Daily Bee for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information and local news, visit www.bonnercountydailybee.com.

A portion of the Daily Bee staff poses with Chamber CEO Kate M. Left to right, Theresa Alderman,Sheri Jones, Renee Tibbetts, David Keyes, Amber Bangeman and Melanie Till.

Chamber Honors Sweet Lou’s

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Sweet Lou’s as December’s Business of the Month. After opening their first location in Hope in April 2011, they have loved being a part of our community and give back in numerous ways. In February of 2012, Sweet Lou’s in Ponderay is now their year round location with the same great menu and standards as their Hope location but with a family sports-bar angle.

“At Sweet Lou’s, I make great food and excellent customer service our top priorities,” explained owner Chad Foust. He added, “During training, I stress to my employees the importance of a satisfied customer, not only with their meal, but their entire experience while in the restaurant.”

They realize the importance of giving back to the community that has given them the opportunity to live out their dream as business owners. While they wish they could give to all organizations, they are strategic in their philanthropic efforts. We focus our giving efforts on local children, public education, cancer services, youth sports and the Panhandle Animal Shelter. A few of the organizations they support to include the Long Bridge Swim, 24 Hours for Hank, local sport teams, Hope Memorial Center, Relay For Life, Bulldog Bench, Susan G. Komen Foundation, EXCEL Foundation, The Festival of Trees, SHS Grad Night and Kinderhaven.

“We are reminded daily with how blessed we are to live and work in beautiful Sandpoint, ID,” added Chad. “Our town has provided us with great business opportunities, but more important, it has provided us with a home and a lifestyle that can be based around family and we are eternally grateful.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Sweet Lou’s for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit their Ponderay location at 477272 US Hwy 95 or their Hope location at 46624 Hwy 200, call them at 265-5999 and 263-1381 respectively, visit www.sweetlousidaho.com. Like them on Facebook, facebook.com/sweetlous.

In photo: left to right, Carol Warren and Chad Foust.

Chamber Honors Bonner Community Food Bank

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Bonner Community Food Bank as November’s Business of the Month. The Food Bank is a non-profit service organization dedicated to providing nutritious food sources. The ministerial association, along with concerned citizens, organized the Bonner Community Food Bank in 1980. There were many locations the Food Bank called home until 2011 their present location at 1707 Culvers Drive was purchased.

The community of Bonner County is blessed with a Food Bank that is the only one of its kind in Idaho. When the new building location was purchased, it was with a new format in mind for the delivery of its food services called a market. The ‘Market’ format was established in November 2011, and has proven to be a brilliant way of food delivery for food bank recipients. Each individual that is head of a household is given 70 points to spend as cash in the food bank. Each other individual in that same family gets another 10 additional points. These points are used the same as money in a regular store. All of their clients have expressed how much they like this system, reserving their independence and integrity. 

Sometimes the choice is between buying food and paying the rent, buying medication, or other vital expenses. The Bonner Community Food Bank seeks to alleviate the stress of hunger and not knowing where the next meal is coming from, better equipping their clients to be able to deal with all of life’s challenges.

“Now, the Food Bank Board, staff and volunteers want to extend our heart-felt thanks to those who have made our success possible through contributions of time, goods or money,” said Alice Wallace, Director of the Food Bank. “Without your generosity we would not be able to help those who are truly in need in our community. The Food Bank relies on your support. Our funding comes from individuals, businesses, local organizations and grants. The current economic climate has created an urgent situation of reduced funding, a sharp drop in donations and a significant rise in the number of families who are turning to us for assistance. Without your generous support, we could not reliably provide food for our neighbors in Bonner County.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Bonner Community Food Bank for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information or if you are able to make a financial donation today, visit them at 1707 Culver Dr in Sandpoint or call to be a volunteer at 263-3663.

In photo: left to right, Carol Warren and Alice Wallace.

Chamber Honors Perfection Tire as October's Business of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Perfection Tire as October’s Business of the Month. After opening in May of 1996, Perfection Tire has loved being a part of our community and give back in numerous ways.

They sponsor multiple baseball teams every year, a youth club basketball team for three years running. They also give donations to many community fundraisers for community events and non-profits including the Sandpoint Senior Center, Veterans organizations, Pend Oreille Bay Trail, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and more. In the past, they donated the wheels for the high school Chuck Wagon and donated a set of custom wheels for the all-night senior graduation party.

“We would rather spend our extra money on meaningful local causes than anywhere else,” explained Heath Okon, Manager. “We give customers a $10 discount if they donate a couple items of food to our year-round Bonner County Food Bank Donation Bin.”

Perfection Tire prides themselves on their high percentage of customer satisfaction. They love their customers and really enjoy their work environment. They are an AAA approved auto repair center and NAPA Auto Care Center. They’re your auto repair center for anything under your hood and on your car with people who can rebuild your engine and transmission. They offer a dozen or so tire brands including Cooper and Bridgestone and available for same day tire appointments most days.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Perfection Tire for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit their location at 476927 US Hwy 95, call them at 208-265-8473, email them at perf21@perfectiontire.com or visit www.perfectiontire.com. Like them on Facebook, facebook.com/PerfectionTireSandpoint.

In picture: left to right Les Clark, Dan Baldwin, Heath Okon and Colleen Spickelmire.

Chamber Honors Ponderay Garden Center

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognizes Ponderay Garden Center at September’s Business of the Month. They pride themselves as being an example of what can happen when agricultural space meets city expansion and when vision is combined with a sense of community. Their community centric focus allows them to prosper and help others do the same.

Watch Ponderay Garden Center accept their award here >>

Last summer they held another successful Concert for a Cause series, in conjunction with Horizon Credit Union, and was able to give out checks totaling $10,000 this year to non-profits including Friends of Ponderay Bay Trail, Panida Theater, Kinderhaven, Forest Bird Charter School and more. These free concerts are open to everyone and raise money by donations. Other annual events the Ponderay Garden Center hold are the Garden of Artistry and Easter Egg Hunt.

When general manager Kevin Mansoor was asked why and how is their staff is so good, he answered, “I give my staff free reign to go above and beyond.”

Their venue is 9.5 acres and open to events of all kinds. They’re open through the month of October from 8am-4pm before closing down and preparing for next year.

Information: Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Ponderay Garden Center in being honored as September’s Business of the Month. For more information or to reach out to them, call 208-255-4200 or visit www.ponderaygarden.com.

  

In Photo: left to right Clem Hackworthy, Angeline Ramsay, Kevin Mansoor and Ken Wood. 

Chamber Honors AmericanWest Bank as Business of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize AmericanWest Bank as the Business of the Month. 

Watch them accept their award here>>

AmericanWest Bank is a business-focused community bank, committed to providing truly exceptional customer service.   Founded in Colville, Wash. in 1974 and now headquartered in Spokane, AmericanWest Bank has been part of the Sandpoint community since 2006 and has grown each year since opening its doors here.  It is one of the most well-capitalized banks in the country by bank regulatory standards and offers a full array of outstanding commercial and small business banking solutions, as well as personal banking products and services, including highly-competitive mortgage solutions. 

The Bank’s Sandpoint team is one of the best in the company’s 100+ branch footprint. Collectively, the local team of five has more than 50 years of combined financial experience and they leverage that expertise every day to help their customers achieve their personal and business goals.

“We take a hands-on approach for every client,” said Shelley Allen, Service & Solutions Manager.  “We don’t expect our clients to know every product and service available in banking–that is our job.  We focus on getting to know each client individually so we can tailor solutions to fit their banking needs.” 

The highly-skilled team is equally impressive in their commitment to the community.  For example, they take full advantage of the Bank’s unique community involvement program, Community Connections, which pays employees to volunteer with their favorite charities during normal work hours. Some of their favorite causes here include the Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity, the Bonner Community Food Bank, Junior Achievement, Head Start, the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Sandpoint Rotary Club, Kaleidoscope Art Program, Kinderhaven and the Sandpoint Senior Center.  The commitment doesn’t stop there.  The Bank also makes cash contributions to worthwhile causes like the student garden at Northside Elementary School and helping our local Headstart Center afford new playground equipment and repairing the fence that protects the kids when they’re playing outside.  

“The Bank’s commitment to community involvement is a key reason I enjoy being part of the AmericanWest team,” said Ken Wood, Branch Manager. “This is the first time I have been able to utilize my financial expertise to help so many folks here in Sandpoint and also pursue my passion to give back.  On a daily basis, I see the difference that our time and donations make in this community.”

Information: AmericanWest Bank, 605 Fifth Avenue; Phone: (208) 255-1700, e-mail: ken.wood@awbank.net; or online at www.awbank.net.

In Photo: AmericanWest Bank shows off their award with Chamber Ambassador Clem Hackworthy. Left to right: Monte Drake, Patrice Genschorck, Liz Sumner, Jamie Hudson, Shelley Allen, Ken Wood, & Clem Hackworthy.

Chamber Honors Berg & McLaughlin Chtd.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Berg & McLaughlin Chtd. This law firm is deeply rooted in the community and their emphasis on supporting non-profits does not go unrecognized. They work as a team, with six attorneys ensuring that each client gets the best result for affordable fees. The firm's areas of practice include civil litigation, business law, real estate, probate, estate planning, bankruptcy and family law. Three of their attorneys are Sandpoint High School graduates who returned home to practice law.

Watch them accept their award, click here>>

Berg & McLaughlin is a stellar law firm with the depth of experience and talent you want on your side, said Chamber Board Member, Amy Whalen. "Having dedicated, skilled and passionate representation is immeasurable, when you need it".

They are involved in the Panhandle Alliance For Education, Idaho Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Sandpoint, Friends of Pend Oreille Bay Trail, Bonner Community Housing Agency, Bonner Community Food Bank, Panida Theater and Relay for Life.

‘We find it important to be a part of this community and everyone is encouraged to have some sort of serious non-profit activity, be on a board or leadership position, because we want to be a part of the community, we think it is good for our business and the community,’ explained Bill Berg.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Berg & McLaughlin Chtd. for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit their office at 414 Church St, call them at 208-263-4748, email them at inquiry@sandpointlaw.com or visit www.sandpointlaw.com.  

In photo: Liesa Wood, Michele Hutchings, Toby McLaughlin, Stephanie Allen, Bill Berg, Stan Birnbaum, Stephen Snedden, Sue Shelledy, Amy Whalen (mostly hidden), and Kirsten Noll. Not pictured: Megan Johnson and Andra Nelson.

Chamber Honors Rotary Club of Sandpoint

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Rotary Club of Sandpoint as June’s Business of the Month. Sandpoint chapter of Rotary International is striving to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. In 2011, Sandpoint’s Rotary Club has 70-plus members and is part of the larger Rotary International organization, with 1.22 million members in 33,976 clubs in more than 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Sandpoint has two states and two countries in their district.

Watch Rotary Club of Sandpoint accept their award, click here>>

‘When Sandpoint and Nelson, BC became Sister Cities, the Rotarians became dearest friends,’ explained Jerri Anderson, Past-President of Sandpoint Rotary Club.

This year, they have stepped up to take on and facilitate the CHAFE 150 bike ride, benefiting the Lake Pend Oreille School District. They give $12,000 a year in scholarships for high schoolers. Recently they gave $48,000 project in India to provide medical equipment to those in need. Currently, they are embarking on a $10,000 Friends of Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and a SPOT Bus Shelter project. Also, they donated and built the beautiful Bandshell in Farmin Park, recently turned over to the City of Sandpoint.

Among the many local past projects they’ve completed are playgrounds at Travers Park, the patio at the library, stairs from Bridge Street to the boardwalk, outdoor bathrooms at Farmin Stidwell, the clock tower at Farmin Park, assisted with funding for bathrooms at Jeff Jones Town Square, assisted with patio installation at The DayBreak Center, and a picnic shelter at Memorial Field. Host the Great Sandpoint Flatwater Regatta.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Rotary Club of Sandpoint for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, connect with them on Facebook www.facebook.com/SandpointRotary. They meet Wednesdays at 12:00 PM in the Panhandle Bank Community Room, located at 414 Church St.

In photo: Sean Fitzpatrick and Jerri Anderson accept the award with Chamber President, Kate McAlister.

Chamber Honors Tango Café

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Tango Café as May’s Business of the Month. Judy Colegrove bought Tango Café three and a half years ago from long time friend and former boss, Barney Ballard. Judy found her passion for the food industry at the young age of 16, working for the Ballard’s at the Beach House, and today her passion thrives as Tango Café provides delicious food for their patrons and many community organizations.

Watch them accept their award, click here>>

Tango Café opened 5 years ago and is known for their fresh, all natural, tasty dishes, as well as their friendly staff. If you’ve attended a Chamber Luncheon or any event catered at the Panhandle State Bank Building, you can attest to their delightful fare. They’re open Monday-Friday from 7AM-5PM and serve breakfast, lunch, dinners to go with daily specials, homemade soups, specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. They are also open to catering of all kinds.

Not only are they a model for every restaurant on their customer service and quality of products level, their community support shines brightly as well. Every year, Tango Café provides meals at cost to numerous organizations including Community Cancer Services with their annual Wine Dinner, Bonner General Hospital’s Heart Ball, Jaycee’s Race, and the Casa Breakfast, just to name a few.

When asked what Tango’s secret to success was, Judy claimed, “my passion for cooking, fantastic staff, specialized location, hard work and positive attitude.” 

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Tango Cafe for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit them in The Panhandle State Bank building, 414 Church Street, visit their website at http://www.tango-cafe-sandpoint.com or call them at (208) 263-9514. Like them on Facebook.

  

In photo: Judy Colegrove receives the award from Chamber Board Member Ken Wood.

Chamber Recognizes Kiwanis Club as April’s Business of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognizes Kiwanis Club as April’s Business of the Month. Kiwanis Clubs motto is “Serving the Children of the World”. This year Kiwanis International won a Blue Ribbon at the Rose Parade for their Float titled, “A Childs Magic Carpet Ride.”

Watch them accept there award, click here.

Kiwanis Club in Sandpoint has been serving youth of our community since their beginning. Things the Kiwanis Club sponsors or supports currently or in the past includes the Key Club at the high school, scholarships, Boy Scouts, Camp Stidwell Bonner County Fair, Kinderhaven and the Backpack Program in the schools.

‘When Boy Scout Troop #111 was in need of a sponsor, Kiwanis stepped up to the plate and to this day sponsors that same troop,’ explained Kiwanis Club Member Dick Vail. ‘Kiwanis owns about 2,000 acres of land around the lower end of Mirror Lake. The facility is called “Camp Stidwell”. The resident, Kiwanian caretaker, stated that last year over 1,600 young people took advantages of the facilities at Camp Stidwell.’

In order to make these items happen, Kiwanis has their own fundraising activities that include selling of Cotton Candy at major events, as well as selling raffle tickets for a pig, selected at the Bonner County Fair, and tickets for other worthwhile causes. When you see someone from Kiwanis selling cotton candy, a raffle ticket for a pig, or an award card to be cashed in at a store of your choice, they hope you look at it as an investment in the youth and young people of Bonner County.

‘It takes a number of various working organizations to make up a whole vital body,’ said Vail. ‘Kiwanis is pleased and proud to be part of the body that makes up a great place to live, work, and raise children.’

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Kiwanis Club in being honored as April’s Business of the Month. For more information or to reach out to them, call 208-255-6645.

Chamber Honors Babs’ Pizzeria

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Babs’ Pizzeria as March’s Business of the Month. Babs and BJ, Babs’ mother, opened Babs' Pizzeria in October of 2007 in the little hut across from Farmin Park. They operated there for one year and then relocated to their current location on Hwy 2 near the Mountain West Financial Center.

Watch them accept their award, click here.

Their pizzeria is very involved in the local Relay for Life. BJ has served on the committee for 5 years and Babette has had a pizzeria team during this time as well. The Pizzeria team has donated over $18,000 to the American Cancer Society in the past 2 years. Babs' has also donated the dinner at the Relay for the cancer survivors.

Another Babs' Pizzeria supports local organizations is through an annual fundraiser for the Sandpoint High School football team to support SHS athletics. BJ is also a member of CAL and volunteers at the Bizarre Bazaar and the kaleidoscope art program for the Sandpoint grade schools.

There is no need to go all the way to New York for awesome and tasty New York style pizza. Babs' Pizzeria brings you delicious, hot and freshly-made pizzas and pastas proven to make your mouth water. If you’re not in a mood for pizza, Babs' also has amazing desserts, salads, heros, calzones and stromboli. Babs' Pizzeria was voted Best Pizzeria in Bonner County in 2010.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Babs’ Pizzeria for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit their website at http://www.babspizzeria.com/, connect with them on Facebook, or call them at (208) 265-7992.

In Photo: The Bab’s Family accept the award with Chamber Ambassador Erin Butler. 

Chamber Honors Sandpoint Lions Club

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Sandpoint Lions Club as December’s Business of the Month. Tom Dabrowski, Vice President, was present at the Chamber’s Annual Holiday Luncheon to accept the award and cheer on the fundraising the Chamber did on their behalf for Toys for Tots. The Chamber raised $645 for Toys for Tots and topped last year’s contribution to the Sandpoint Lions Club initiative to make sure every child had a toy on Christmas.

The Sandpoint Lions Club has been serving the community since 1953. Their legacy is continued and their reach is still great. In the past, the Sandpoint Lions Club built City Beach and donated it to the City of Sandpoint. They also built and installed park benches throughout the City of Sandpoint.

The club has many annual initiatives including the Toys for Tots Drive which goes to help about 1,000 children. Those other initiatives are: providing about 500 food boxes at Christmas time, support and fundraise for the 4^th of July Celebration (parade, games for children at City Beach and fireworks), supply and place 200 American Flags on 8 difference holidays throughout the year, charging the businesses $40 per year, hold an Easter Egg Hunt at Memorial Field for over 500 children, give scholarships, provide hearing aids to those in need,  and sponsor sight programs by giving out eye glasses and contribute to the ‘Leader Dog’ program.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating the Sandpoint Lions Club for their success and thanking them for their commitment to our community. For more information, visit them at the Lion’s Den, 607 S Ella Ave, visit their website at www.sandpointlions.org/  or call them at (208) 263-4118.

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