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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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 Welcomes Northwest Auto Body in Ponderay

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Northwest Auto Body in Ponderay, their second location, to the Chamber. With more than 35 years’ experience in Sandpoint, Northwest Auto Body has branched out with a new second location in Ponderay and some new amenities to go along with it.

“We are very excited to announce the opening of a second location in Ponderay, located at 1202 Triangle Drive,” said Eric Donenfeld. “Both locations have computer networking systems for online claim filing, providing faster and more efficient insurance claim settling. Our new Ponderay Branch offers 2 new paint booths from Italy and all the newest technology making the repair process even more seamless.”

In 1976, at the age of 26, Mel Donenfeld opened Northwest Autobody in Sandpoint on a premise of providing top quality work and customer service on all vehicles, as well as 24-hour towing in North Idaho. During those 36 years, Northwest Auto Body has created deep ties to the region through volunteering and superior customer service. The business is still family owned and operated with Mel's two sons, Eric and Cory, positioned to continue the tradition of excellence in collision repair and caring for the greater Sandpoint and Ponderay community.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Northwest Auto Body to their second location in Ponderay, 1202 Triangle Drive, and wishing them continued success in our community. For more information, give them a call in Ponderay at 265-9999 or visit them online at www.northwestautobody.com. 

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 Gives First Legacy Award for Volunteerism to the late Mayor Marsha Ogilvie

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce created a Legacy Award for Volunteerism and honored Marsha Ogilvie at the February General Membership Luncheon.

Marsha Ogilvie honored and recognized non-profits and volunteers once a month when she was Mayor of Sandpoint. She herself was a volunteer and founder of the local non-profit Kinderhaven. She loved children and her office was filled with children’s art. She was also a founder of Women Honoring Women, a local organization whose continuing mission is to recognize women in our community who have contributed to the betterment of the Sandpoint through volunteerism, leadership, the arts and education.

“Marsha’s selection for the first legacy volunteer award is a wonderful honor. It speaks much of what she was all about – extending kindness and a nurturing hand to those around her. Her compassionate nature took the form of volunteerism and community service. And I believe the countless projects that she was involved with were each enhanced by her presence,” said Francis Ogilvie, husband of Marsha.  

“Marsha taught me that leadership above all is about people. It’s about caring about people and understanding people. That is what a leader is, somebody you want to follow,” said Chamber President Kate McAlister.

“For those of you who did not have a chance to work with Marsha, I can tell you it was a relentless theme for her to both celebrate those who volunteer and make our community what it is and the small business owners. She was a small business owner in Sandpoint. Beyond being an amazing volunteer, she was also somebody who just cared tremendously about our downtown, city and our community here,” said Jeremy Grimm, City Planner.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in honoring Marsha Ogilvie, Legacy Award for Volunteerism winner, for her contributions and dedication to our community, much of which will live on because of her work. From the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Chamber Welcomes AXIA Home Loans

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome AXIA Home Loans. With over 9 years in finance and mortgage lending, Teresa Lunde, Senior Mortgage Loan Specialist with AXIA Home Loans has opened a branch in Ponderay.

Axia Home Loans, a division of Axia Financial LLC, is a residential home mortgage banking company. Headquartered in Washington State, Axia is one of the fastest growing, independently owned mortgage companies in the Northwest and located in states throughout the West and Southwest.

“We want to help anyone looking to refinance or purchase a home or investment home, whether it’s a condo, duplex or single family residence, we have programs to best suit you,” said Teresa.

AXIA originates processes, underwrites and funds their loans in house, giving the customer special care and attention. Communication with their customers is tantamount, from the personal touch of the originator, to the updates as your loan passes each milestone. Through calls from your originator and email updates, they assure you’ll never wonder what stage your purchase or refinance has reached.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes AXIA Home Loan continued success in our community. They are located at 476394 Highway 95 in Ponderay, their office is inside the Pend Oreille Insurance office. For more information, contact Teresa with your mortgage needs at 208-263-1182, email at teresa.lunde@axiahomeloans.com.

New Director Hired for DayBreak Center in Sandpoint

Care taking adults with memory impairments is an arduous task; a labor of love that takes a very special kind of person.  Its demands are endless, so re-fueling and re-energizing are priority.  In a nutshell, that’s what the DayBreak Center in Sandpoint does; it gives Caregivers time for a mental reprieve.

The DayBreak Center, an adult daycare program operated by Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. is excited to announce a new member to their team.  Liz DeWolfe, CNA, a seasoned professional in the adult daycare business has accepted the position as the Director of Daybreak Services.

Ms. DeWolfe is no stranger to adult daycare.  She comes to the DayBreak Center with 18 years of adult daycare management experience, especially with seniors with memory impairments like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  She designed and implemented an advocacy and daycare program for the Skagit, WA Adult Daycare Center and oversaw the creation of a second site in 2009.  “Ms. DeWolfe’s experience is a blessing for our Daybreak Center,” said KC Rokstad, DayBreak Committee Chair.  “She has the experience and expertise to promote and manage this essential service for our community.  We are excited to see how the program will evolve under her direction.”

When asked what her future plans for the program hold, Ms. DeWolfe commented, “Building the program so that we can offer more days and expanded hours will be my first priority.  It’s a matter of finding the right volunteers and staff to continue to create an environment that supports our high standards of care as well as the warmth and understanding of the special needs of this population.  I look forward to networking with area agencies and businesses to build a program that is vital and flourishing and ready to meet the needs of the families of our community.”

For more information about DayBreak Services or volunteering please call Liz at 208-265-8127.  

Pictured from Left to Right: Julie Rowland, DayBreak Activities Assistant, program participant George, New DayBreak Director, Liz De Wolfe, program participant, Lela and volunteer Carol Keller.  

Chamber Welcomes Cathy Gibson Home Staging

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Cathy Gibson Home Staging. After spending 28 years as a physical therapist and doing remodels on the side, Cathy received certifications as a Certified Staging Specialist (CSS) and a True Color Expert. Cathy has been in business for 2 years and provides home staging, color consultation and redesign for the Sandpoint area.

Home staging means to put the very best face on a house before or when it is listed for sale. Each home and situation is different, which can mean anything from painting the front door to decluttering rooms and removing and re-arranging furniture to moving and re-hanging art. 

“I often do a consultation and provide the homeowner with a detailed priority list, and other times I do some or the entire list for the owner,” explained Cathy. “I also have collected quite a supply of staging accessories, and can use them to add to what the owner has to help make a home look fresh.”

If you have questions like “what color furniture should I buy?”, “what color should I select for my floors, countertops, backsplash, sink, cabinets?”,  “what paint color do I choose if I want to use just one?”, or “if I want to have green walls and white trim, which fireplace stone should I choose?” Cathy is your go-to contact. The color consulting part of Cathy’s business has expanded from specifying interior and exterior paint colors to assisting clients with all things color related.

“A renovation always includes a long list of color choices, each one affecting the next, and I love helping people navigate through that,” said Cathy.

Redesign is “home staging” for when you are staying! 

“Many times people have rooms that aren’t being used because they aren’t comfortable, or they are downsizing, or they want a new look and need advice regarding what to get rid of, what to re-use, what to buy, and how to arrange it all. Again, sometimes that means just a consultation and other times I spend half a day with the client and get it all done.”

If you’re thinking of selling, repainting, building, remodeling, renovating or need a hand creating a room or rooms that will make you happy, Cathy is excited to meet you and loves meeting clients at their home.

“I think it is often thought that it is extravagant and expensive to get help from an expert when it comes to staging, color and design- but it is amazing how many decisions can be made and problems solved in just a few hours.”

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes Cathy Gibson Home Staging continued success in our community. For more information, contact Cathy at 509-481-3142 or by email at cgibsonhs@gmail.com. Like her on Facebook and view her work, www.facebook.com/Cathygibsonhomestaging.  

Photo: Left to right Corrie Greene, Cathy Gibson and Kate McAlister cut the ribbon with Gibson’s staging supplies in the background.