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 Honors SHS Key Club with Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored the Sandpoint High School Key Club as March’s Volunteer of the Month. Key Club is very involved in our community and the work these students do is amazing.

“This year we fund-raised for The Eliminate Project, which aims to eliminate Maternal Neonatal Tetanus from the world, mainly focusing on third world countries. We earned enough money to provide for 1,000 vaccinations by selling cotton candy at SHS football games. We also donated a superhero themed tree for The Festival of Trees which sponsors Kinderhaven. In addition, our club partnered up with the local Kiwanis Club and participated in bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Key Club has also sponsored Head Start's parent meeting dinners. Our latest project was a school-wide diaper drive in which we teamed up with the SHS Interact Club. We collected diapers, wipes, and money for the food bank,” said Alicia Walker, SHS Key Club President.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating SHS Key Club for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking them for all of their contributions and dedication to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

In photo left to right: Austin Diercks and Alicia Walker

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 Welcomes Carousel Emporium

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome its newest member, Carousel Emporium!  Carousel Emporium was ppened in 2011 by Lynda Gillham who has lived in Sandpoint for the last 34 years and practiced physical therapy for the majority of that time. She always had a secret love of fashion and color and decided to act on her dream to have her own shop. Carousel Emporium offers an array of merchandise that appeals to everyone regardless of age or gender. It's often described as "Disneyland for women" where you'll find everything from fashion, toys, home decor and gifts.

Lynda decided on the name Carousel because of the imagery the word invokes: a twirling array of fun and whimsy. You'll lose track of time when you come to visit us.

"It’s like a party when you come into Carousel," says Lynda.  "Everyone remarks on how beautiful it is and how much they enjoy being here.  Many people come in for their Color Therapy Fix."

Along with its array of merchandise, Carousel also offers patrons the services of a friendly, knowledgeable staff.  Carousel employees are very experienced and enjoy helping customers put together outfits that are both flattering and unique. You can call (208) 263-4140 and make a personal appointment with any of our Fashion Experts.

Carousel Emporium is located upstairs on the Cedar Street Bridge.  Shop our Valentine's Day Sale and receive 25% off Jewelry from February 7th - 14th. (Excludes Consignment and Sale Items). We also have 20% to 70% off selected merchandise throughout the store. Hey Guys, mention this article and get free beer and pretzels while you shop.  So hurry up, get in here and buy something!

Photo: left to right Bala Bishop, Corrie Greene, Krissy Rosedale, Mindy Peterson, Lynda Gillham, Kim Queen, Kate McAlister, Carol Warren.

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 Clint Gunter

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Clint Gunter as January’s Volunteer of the Month. Clint’s hard work and willingness to get involved in the community is one to be honored.

“When I spoke to people about this month’s nomination for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the month, one word came up over and over again. That word was DEDICATED,” explained Ken Wood. “People told me that he was DEDICATED to his family, DEDICATED to his career, DEDICATED to his friends, DEDICATED to whatever cause he gets involved with.  And this dedication shines through on his commitment to our community.  This DEDICATED individual and this month’s Volunteer of the Month is Clint Gunter of Sandpoint Furniture.”

Clint is involved in the Bulldog Financial Fair, a one-day event held for local high school seniors to understand the in and outs of finances and life after high school. In addition, Clint volunteers a great deal of time to Bulldog Bench, an organization geared at helping our local school athletic departments. Due to his ongoing dedication to our community, Clint has been asked to be on several local organizations Board of Directors and is recognized as a leader in our community. Clint has been involved in all of this, while at the same time serving as the youngest President ever of the Pacific Furniture Dealers. 

“Having grown up in Sandpoint, many of the opportunities that were available to me when I was young came from volunteers who love this community as much as I do,” explained Clint Gunter. “Like most folks in the greater Sandpoint area, my passion for helping with local programs is not driven by recognition, but to pass along opportunities that were afforded to me. While our community needs change from year to year, all of us here at Sandpoint Furniture Carpet One are committed to an active role in keeping this a wonderful place to work, live, and play for future generations.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Clint Gunter for being honored as the 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! 

Left to right: Ken Wood presents Clint Gunter with Volunteer of the Month Award. 

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 Allen McClelland

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Allen McClelland as December’s Volunteer of the Month. Allen’s contributions to the community are very influential for many organizations. He lends in a hand in a variety of ways and undertakes a leadership position when he can.

 Allen’s impact in our community is extremely large. Currently, Allen is the Race Director for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Scenic Half Marathon, which he has held since 2010. Also, he is the Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 117 and he has been involved with them since 1991. He’s a Board Member of the Bonner Community Foodbank and volunteers his time with Jacey’s Race and the Long Bridge Swim. He has also been a Ponderay since 2005 and was president in 2010 and 2011.

“I love, Love, Love Sandpoint!” exclaimed Allen. He added, “ [I] count my blessings every day to live in this wonderful place with wonderful people.”

When he’s not involved with community service, he can be found supporting his kid’s activities (cross country, dance, soccer, basketball, volleyball, piano, choir, etc.) or enjoying the local mountains. In the past, he was a Sandpoint Leadership Grad in 2006, Chamber Ambassador 2005-2007, former Board Member for the Ponderay Bay Trail in 2010-2011 and Board Member for the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation in 2010-2011.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Matt Mire for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Photo: left to right, Kate McAlister and Allen McClelland.

Chamber Honors Matt Mire as Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Matt Mire as November's Volunteer of the Month. Matt's contributions to the community are very influential for many organizations. He lends in a hand in a variety of ways and undertakes a leadership position when he can.

Giving back to the community is clearly a large value of Matt's. He volunteers his time to teach Junior Achievement in the schools, assists the Upward Basketball program and coaches youth t-ball and basketball. He organizes and participates in community projects through Mountain West Bank such as their recent annual Day of Caring. This year, they painted a house and completed various projects for Head Start. As of the moment, he is currently the Bulldog Bench's Treasurer and the Hospital Foundation Board of Director's Treasurer. 

“Sandpoint is where I was raised and where I call home, I suppose those are the primary reasons why I enjoy volunteering and giving back as I’m forever grateful to the many teachers, coaches, and community members who played important roles during my youth," explained Matt. He continued with, "now that I have young kids I feel even more vested in our community.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Matt Mire for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Photo: left to right, Matt Mire and Barbara Schriber.

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 Chris Bessler as Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Chris Bessler as September’s Volunteer of the Month. Chris’ volunteering in our community is vast and his impact has been tremendous.

Watch Chris accept his award here >>

From 2008-2012, Chris served on the DSBA Board of Directors 2008-2012. He even was the president and vice-president during his time with the DSBA. He is a long time Tourism Sandpoint Council member, formerly Visit Sandpoint. Other Boards that are happy to have him include the Panhandle Alliance for Education and the Advisory Council for Friends of Ponderay Bay Trail. In his past, he has served on the Panida Theater Board of Directors, Sandpoint Planning Commission, Selkirk-Priest Basin Association and Chaired Sandpoint Forward committee.

“I’ve known Chris for a while, the big thing about volunteers is making a difference in the community, this young man [Chris] makes a difference,” explained Jim Lovell.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Chris Bessler for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community and Chamber. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Photo: Chis Bessler accepts the award from Chamber Board Chairman, Jim Lovell.

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 Barb Schriber as Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Barb Schriber as August’s Volunteer of the Month. In addition to raising two young boys and running a family construction business with her husband, she commits an enormous amount of hours to the Chamber.

Click here to watch Barb accept her award>>

“Although she is not pink, our volunteer of the month bares a striking resemblance to the Energizer Bunny at times,” explained Chamber Board Member, Amy Whalen.

Barb’s role in the Chamber is large. Currently, she is the chair of the Business Development Committee, a board member and actively chairs the board’s fundraising committee. Through the Business Development Committee, she’s implemented a number of new and innovative programs that help our local business community both learn and grow so they can contribute and be strong prosperous businesses. Barb was the driving force behind the success of the Chamber’s Ultimate Raffle.

“Her force of will often time was the catalyst that kept us moving forward and to a successful conclusion,” enlightened Amy.

Barb brings a lot to any organization she involves herself with. She always has a positive attitude, never shies away from a challenge and is first to raise her hand when something needs to get done. The only flaw her peers can pin on her is the inability to say no, but no one plans to try to correct her inability to do so. Barb and Selle Valley Construction also support and contribute to Panhandle Building Contractors Association, Head Start, Kinderhaven, Angels over Sandpoint, Bonner County Rodeo and Bonner County Fair.

“She makes me want to work harder and contribute more,” commended Amy.

Upon receiving the award, Barb told the crowd at the luncheon that, “this is one of my favorite parts about Sandpoint, we’re big enough to have great events and organizations yet small enough anyone with a little time and inability to say no can be a part of our community and make a difference.” Barb then added, “I’m humbled and honored, thank you very much.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Barb Schriber for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking her for all of her contributions to our community and Chamber. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You Barb! 

Photo: Barb Schriber accepts the award from Chamber President, Kate McAlister.

Chamber Honors Paul Graves

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Paul Graves as July Volunteer of the Month. Paul moved to Sandpoint 25 years ago to become the pastor of Sandpoint United Methodist Church and later decided to make it his family’s special life-long home. After retiring from the parish ministry, he has refocused his purpose.

Watch Paul accept his award, click here>>

Since 1996, he has written a faith-and-values column for the Spokesman-Review. He later started writing two age related columns contributing to the Bonner County Daily Bee with the, Dear Geezer, and United Methodist Conference newsletter, Nurturing Elders, since 2009. In January of 2012, Paul started hosting biweekly Geezer Forums which explore and discuss aging issues. In 2006, Paul helped develop the Bonner County Circles Initiative, a relationship-based strategy for getting people out of poverty. For the last six and a half years they have held weekly dinner meetings with people in poverty who have the intent to develop their inner and community resources so they can become more economically, socially and emotionally self-sufficient. The other part of their mission is to reach out to community groups to advocate for changes that will eventually eliminate the complex barriers to keep people in poverty.

‘Service in the community has always been part of who I am, from my teen years until now,’ said Paul. He added, ‘I count it a high privilege to be in community with other persons and we have so much to learn from each other and to honor each other with our caring for one another.’

Paul’s efforts are large and his roles are vast. He is also a founder of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, and served as a volunteer chaplain for Bonner Community Hospice for 22 years and a City Councilman and Mayor of Sandpoint. He is currently part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on elder abuse and domestic violence.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Paul Graves for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Photo: Paul Graves accepts the award from Chamber President Kate McAlister.

Chamber Honors Jon Sayler as June 2013 Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Jon Sayler as June’s Volunteer of the Month for his service to our community and many of our non-profit organizations. Jon brings his passion for a project into everything he does, whether it's designing someone's dream home, assisting in the design and building a medical facility in Swaziland, raising funds for exchange student programs, installing lighting and advising on building issues at his church or making the dream of community access to a lakeside trail a reality.

Watch Jon accept his award, click here>>

‘Jon's passion is like a force of nature and his joy in the project sweeps his friends and colleagues along with him. Before you realize it, you've rolled up your sleeves alongside him and are in the middle of something wonderful.  He doesn't coerce, wheedle or bribe, his enthusiasm invites you to be a part of something and you find yourself as enthusiastic participant. Case in point, this woman standing before you refuses to apply anything to her car that requires a razor blade to remove and yet my car proudly displays a "Friends of Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail" sticker on the back window.  I guess you could call Jon Sayler the Pied Piper of volunteerism,’ said Anita Aurit.

Jon's community mind set is a gift to Sandpoint. He's that rare form of volunteer, a servant leader. He’s someone who's motivated by a passion for the cause and determined to put project above ego and self-promotion, rolls up his sleeves and invites others into the opportunity to serve. 

Jon's vision and passion has moved a dream of many to make the scenic Pend Oreille Bay Trail accessible to all into a reality. His ability to bring the right people together to make the project happen has resulted in a $75,000.00 grant, a $12,000.00 recent trail fundraiser and the momentum continues. Recently, they were awarded a large influx of grant funds totaling more than $650,000 and the dream of a community lake access trail is far closer than ever before.  

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Jon Sayler for being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking him for all of his contributions to our community. Jon’s hard work has done a lot for many organizations in our community. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber, as well as the whole community, Thank You!

Photo: Jon Sayler accepts her award from Anita Aurit.

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.