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 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 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.

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 Welcomes Evergreen Home Loans

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Evergreen Home Loans to our community. Founded in 1987, Evergreen Home Loans is proud to have more than 26 years serving customers in the business. Cathy Pizzini (MLO #205704) and Kimberly Terry (MLO #205713), jointly known as Team Evergreen, have been with Evergreen Home Loans for 11 and 25 years respectively. Cathy and her husband moved to Sandpoint about 2 ½ years ago to escape city life and open up a new branch office for Evergreen.

“We learned a long time ago if you take care of your customers, communicate throughout the process, and deliver on all your promises, your business will take care of itself,” explained Cathy Pizzini. “This certainly has been true for our team. Our core team has been together for 11 years and we recently added a 5^th member, Carol Sommerfeld when we opened our office in Sandpoint.” 

Evergreen Home Loans is a local, direct lender and provides a complete solution for home financing. They are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and are agency approved with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae. Evergreen offers a full range of affordable home loan products for purchase or refinancing: FHA and VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo, Cash-out refinance, or First-time homebuyer programs. Whether you’re in the buying or refinancing stages of the mortgage process or you’re a real estate professional or builder, they want to be a resource for you.

“We originate, fund, and service home loans,” said Cathy. “Our service mantra is all about delivering On Time and As Promised®.”

For more than two decades, they’ve helped buyers meet their home financing goals and sometimes they do what other lenders can’t. Evergreen has an entire team pulling for the customer. From the beginning of the process to loan funding and closing, the company offers a smooth process for customers.  If problems arise, in most cases, they have the resources to quickly resolve or restructure the customer’s loan if necessary and still close on time.

Evergreen Home Loans is in your neighborhood and ready to get you home before the holidays with their Ready.Set.Home.™ program. This program offers consumers a suite of benefits that help prepare them for purchase while helping them negotiate their purchase offer. Qualified buyers receive a smartphone loan calculator application to determine their home buying affordability, a Security Plus Seller Guarantee™* which provides a fully-approved loan amount with a written guarantee, and a low down loan program to make home buying more affordable (a range of low down programs are available).

*Evergreen guarantees the loan approval or the seller receives $1,000. Applies to purchase loans only. To qualify, buyer’s Security Plus Approval/Seller Guarantee Addendum must have been issued by Evergreen and the Seller shall have executed the addendum with their signature at the time they execute the Purchase And Sale Agreement on subject property. Certain loan types do not qualify for this offer. Restrictions apply. Visit evergreenhomeloans.com for details.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome Evergreen Home Loans to the Chamber and wish them success. For more information, visit them at their office located in Sandpoint at 105 Pine Street, Suite #109 (branch NMLS #1049576), send them an email at Teamevergreen@evergreenhomeloans.com, call them at 263-5300, or check out their company website at www.evergreenhomeloans.com.  

Photo: Carol Warren, Paralee Gates, Kimberly Terry, Christine Tolmich, Cathy Pizzini, Don Burton (owner of Evergreen), Angie Elliott, Carol Sommerfeld, David Floan and Clif Warren. 

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 Celebrates Exercise Institute’s New Location

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the Exercise Institute new location. Recently relocated inside of the Old Power House Building, 102 E. Lake Street, Suite 206, the Exercise Institute now offers 1-on-1 private personal training sessions in a clinical setting. Their program is ideal for busy professionals and is even specialized for those over 40 years old who want great results, more safely, in less time.

 “We are still offering a complimentary consultation and 2 free training sessions,” explained Spirit Marley, personal trainer.

Their new location has allowed them to expand their offerings. They recently added the PrimeDesign, customized nutrition program, to help meet individual goals. With over 400 available food plans, everyone’s preferences can be catered to. This program is accessible online through their website or any Apple or Android device.

What sets them apart from the competition? It is a total body, zero momentum high-intensity, resistance workout that takes about 15 minutes, one or two times per week. This workout method couples the latest in engineering technology of equipment design and the most recent, up-to-date research involving exercise physiology. All movements are performed under a controlled zero-momentum tension. It is a technique that is safer and more effective. With more than 500,000 personal training sessions of experience, they have refined their programs and services for more than 15 years now.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes the Exercise Institute success in our community. Their hours are their new location of 120 E Lake St, Suite 206, is Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. Visit www.exerciseinstitute.com for more information about the Exercise Institute’s services, call them at 208-263-4093 or email them at sandpointinfo@exerciseinstitute.com. Like them on Facebook.

In Photo: Spirit Marley, Exercise Institute Instructor, cuts the ribbon with the Chamber Ambassadors.

Chamber Welcomes Northridge Property Management

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Northridge Property Management. This Sandpoint family owned and operated business started in 2003 by two lifetime and third generation Sandpoint locals, Mike Robinson and Jeremy Brown. They offer vacation and long-term rental management, HOA (Home Owners Association) management and vacation home watch and property protection services, serving all of Bonner County including Schweitzer, Dover, Sagle and Hope.

‘We offer a high level of personal service and go above and beyond to make sure our homeowners real estate investments are well cared for,’ explained Jeremy. ‘We are available 24/7 for emergencies from our home owners and vacation guests.’

Northridge Property Management offers a wide range of services for vacation home and investment home owners that can be customized to fit every need at a fair price (rental management fees are 100% performance based). They are dedicated to protecting their client’s real estate investments.  Proudly, they stand as Sandpoint's only VRMA - Vacation Rental Managers Association affiliated professional vacation rental management company.

“What we always try to think of is if we owned the property, how would we want it managed,” said Jeremy. “We manage several homeowners associations that we also manage vacation rentals within so, we obviously have to do a great job to keep the owner of the vacation rental property happy, and we also have to make sure that all the other home owners in the HOA are happy and not disturbed by the rental.  We definitely have a lot to lose if we did a poor job.”

Currently, they are offering commission discounts for the 1st year for any new vacation rental and 1 free Month of Home watch inspections with a 12 month service agreement.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome Northridge Property Management to the Chamber and wish them continued success. For more information, call Jeremy at 208-290-6847 or Mike at 208-290-6531, email info@northridgepropertymanagement.com, visit www.northridgepropertymanagement.com or connect www.facebook.com/NorthridgeVacationRentals.

In photo, left to right: Carol Warren, Jeremy Brown, Representative George Eskridge, Kate McAlister, Mike Robinson, Tyler Tennison and Peggy Shadel. 

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 Welcomes Cornerstone Physical Therapy

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Cornerstone Physical Therapy & Aquatic Center. Christina Rust-Hefley, better known as Tina, is a hometown girl who was raised right here in Sandpoint, Idaho and the owner of Cornerstone Physical Therapy.  Cornerstone is an outpatient physical therapy and aquatic center. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, injury prevention and management, rehabilitative pain management, medically supervised exercise for weight management.

Cornerstone offers preventative care for athletes, as well as rehabilitation. They specialize in advanced orthotics with our Foot Maxx Gait Analysis software. They are also a direct access provider so please feel free to call to set up an evaluation. They feel their aquatic center sets them far apart from the competition.

‘We have a 22’ x 32’ warm water therapy pool,’ explained Tina. She added, ‘the aquatic environment allows patients with ambulatory issues greater range of motion, less pain and various resistance levels due to the unweighting effect of the pool. This is exceptionally helpful for patient’s post-surgery, managing obesity or managing constant pain.’

Tina graduated from Sandpoint High School and played on the 1985-86 State Championship Volleyball teams. She attended Carroll College, in Helena, where she played volleyball and completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree. In 1993, she was accepted to graduate school at Creighton University in Omaha, NE and successfully finished in the top 5% of her class, proudly achieving one of the first Doctorate of Physical Therapy degrees in the United States.

She then moved quickly back to the Pacific Northwest and worked for several years in the Coeur d'Alene area.  Professionally, Tina helped pioneer the introduction of Aquatic Therapy to the rehabilitation community and developed the Inland Neuroscience and Spine Center in Spokane, WA with Sacred Heart and St. Luke's Rehabilitation Hospitals. In 2001, Tina moved home to Sandpoint with her four children.  She is proud to announce that along with her husband, Sean, they have successfully rehabilitated the warm water therapy and re-opened Cornerstone Physical Therapy on North Division. Tina continues to specialize in client education and intervention decisions for all orthopedic diagnoses and injuries.  Her expertise remains in Aquatic Therapy and Spine rehabilitation. Tina is also a certified Functional Capacity Examiner (FCE).

Cornerstone is a preferred provider for many insurance companies and accepts all of them. Also, they offer a cash pay discount for those who do not have coverage.

‘If you are in need of therapy do not feel intimidated. We can find a way to help.’

Right now, take advantage of free screens and/or assessments for sports related injury or injury prevention. Sports may include anything from baseball to golf and all ages welcome.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome Cornerstone Physical Therapy to the Chamber and wish them success. Please stop by 1301 N Division to meet Tina in person, say "Hi" or check out their beautiful, full-size warm water therapy pool, as well as the gym and private treatment rooms For more information, call 208-265-0610, email cornerstoneaquatics@gmail.com, visit www.sandpointpt.com, or connect www.facebook.com/sandpointpt.

Photo: left to right Peggy Shadel, Mike Davis, Seamus and Nicole Buratto, Angie Reynolds, Christina Hefley, Sean Hefley, Jen Stevens, Johnny cook, Stefan Buratto and Carol Warren. 

The Word is….Networking

by Kate McAlister, President/CEO

Networking (n) – The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions.

Whenever the Chamber puts out a survey asking our membership what they would like to see more of, we always hear ‘Networking’.  Which we offer at least three opportunities a month with the Women In Business lunch the first Tuesday of the month, our General Membership Luncheon the second Thursday of the month,  and our 5:01 Business After Hours the last Wednesday of every month, hosted each month by a different Chamber member business. In addition to these regularly scheduled opportunities we also have events throughout the year also offering networking opportunities through volunteering and attendance.

Beyond the items identified above, there are a multitude of FREE opportunities throughout your day and week to informally network with others.  Every time you are anywhere, it’s an opportunity to tell people about your business. Informal networking includes friends from a former job, people you meet when recreating, volunteering and community events.

You can also join networking groups online like LinkedIn, where you can connect or link your business and personal contacts as well as join a group specific to your business and interests. In writing this article I went to Google search and typed in “online networking groups”, the Google machine came back with, and I’m not kidding, 129 million results. Now that’s a lot of networking.  Some groups required a fee to join, but most were free and out of 129 million results I’m sure there is something for everyone.

If you don’t know where to start, or you are a little shy, you can follow Dale Carnegie’s basic rules for networking:

• Smile – be approachable.  If you walk round always looking serious and scowling, no one will want to talk to you.  Be friendly, people like to talk to friendly people.  Say ‘good morning’ when you meet someone on the street or at a restaurant or  while attending a community event.

• Ask a question – Think of a question of interest and pose it to the group. It will start a conversation and you never know what the outcome will be.

• Listen - This is often the most difficult lesson since we all like to hear ourselves talk about what we want to talk about.  If you can actively listen and get others to discuss their experiences and opinions you will be amazed at what you might learn about business and even yourself.

• Business Cards – Always, always, always carry your business cards.  You never know when you might need them.  Have your 30 second commercial ready to go.  How do you expect others to understand what you do if you can’t articulate it in a concise manner?  See yourself.

• Remember and say the person’s name – People like to hear their own name.  When you meet someone, use their name, maybe several times during the conversation.  It makes the other person feel more comfortable and willing to share information if you attempt to get to know them.

With all these opportunities available to Network, you will make strong connections wherever you go. 

See you at Farmin Park on June 27^th for Sandpoint’s kickoff to summer, the Summer Sampler.  Let’s Network!  

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 Welcomes Caribou Chiropractic and Massage

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Caribou Chiropractic and Massage. Dr. Todd Richards and his wife Kimberly Richards opened Caribou Chiropractic and Massage in February at 513 N Fourth Avenue in Sandpoint, next to the K2 Inn. They offer chiropractic adjustments through various methods including electric stimulation, ultrasound, drop table and diversified techniques and massage therapy.

After traveling through North Idaho going to rodeos as a young adult, Dr. Richards longed to settle down and call this area home. Last fall, the Richards’ visited Sandpoint and returned two months later with all of their belongings. Their focus was to bring affordable care to the area so locals could enjoy their services. The outdoors allows them to do all the things they love: camping, biking, fishing and hunting.

‘Everyone in Sandpoint is so welcoming and friendly,’ said Kimberly. ‘We have enjoyed meeting community members, getting involved in the Chamber, and I’ve joined the Chamber’s Women In Business and Sandpoint Rotary.’

Caribou Chiropractic and Massage’s philosophy is to start slow by analyzing the patients’ pain, explaining their body and customizing a treatment plan. They use gentle adjustments and empathize with patients during the treatment. They promote their emphasis on working with doctors and other health care professionals when developing a patient’s treatment plan to maximize the patient’s success.

First time visits to Dr. Richards cost $60 and all subsequent visits are only $40. They do not require x-rays and do not bill or accept health insurance to keep it more affordable for their patients. Their staff will happily deal directly with your auto insurance company in the case of auto accident claims. Massage therapy includes full body, sport and deep tissue massage and brief clinical massages which focus on certain areas of pain or tension which Dr. Richards will work on. The cost for massages is very affordable: $25 half hr. They make it easy to add them onto your adjustment to focus on the treatment area.

Dr. Richards started his own practice in 2010 in Lockhart, Texas after graduating from Parker Chiropractic College in Dallas, Texas. Kimberly left the banking world as an auditor and joined her husband in the office. She’s recently completed her schooling and received her license and certification for massage therapy. She’s also nationally certified in equine massage, since 2011, which made massage therapy a natural fit.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome Caribou Chiropractic and Massage to the Chamber and wish them success. Their office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9am-noon and 2pm-5pm, Tuesdays from 9am-noon and Saturday by appointment only. For more information, visit them at their office 513 N Fourth Avenue, at their website www.caribouchiropractic.com or call them at 877-633-2695.

Photo: left to right Unknown Community Member, Carol Warren, Clem Hackworthy, Dr. Todd Richards, Kimberly Richards, Kate McAlister, Peggy Shadel, Clif Warren, Tyler Tennison. 

Sandpoint Summer Sampler Kicking Us Off For Summer

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the community to the 8^th Annual Sandpoint Summer Sampler at Farmin Park Thursday, June 27^th, from 5:30-8PM. This event is regarded as the local’s kick-off to summer by dishing up Sandpoint’s favorite restaurants and featuring our award winning breweries and winery. The Summer Sampler is your chance to sample many of Sandpoint’s best eateries and check out the Litehouse Foods Cooking Competition with local chefs battling for the ‘Best Of’ title.

Since the positive feedback of last year, once again the food and beer and wine garden will be all together so you can eat and drink all in the same place with family and friends. Wear your Sandpoint Suit; flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt because dress is casual at this outdoor event. As always, the event is free to attend and you should bring the whole family. Food tickets are on sale at the event for $1 each. Food and beverage samples range from $3-7.

This year’s attendees include but are not limited to: Chimney Rock Grill, Connie’s Café, Eichardt’s Pub, Grill & Coffee House, Forty One South, Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak, Jupiter Jane Traveling Café, Laughing Dog Brewing Co., MickDuff’s Brewing Co., Pend d’Oreille Winery, Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine, Sweet Lou’s, Trinity at City Beach, and Skeyes the Limit Catering.

Show up early for the Farmin Park Bandshell dedication with the Sandpoint Rotary, Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and the City of Sandpoint. The keys are being passed to the City of Sandpoint at 5:15PM since construction is complete and project was a success. After the dedication, the Litehouse Foods Chef Cook-Off will take place under the bandshell!

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at the Sandpoint Summer Sampler this Thursday, June 27, from 5:30-8PM, at Farmin Park in downtown Sandpoint. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors Litehouse Foods, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Bonner County Daily Bee & KPND 95.3. Farmin Park is between 3^rd and 4^th Avenue on Oak and Main Street. For more information, call or the Chamber at (208) 263-2161 or visit www.sandpointchamber.com

Chamber Welcomes Talus Rock Retreat

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Talus Rock Retreat and owners, Heather and Bruce Pedersen. The ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber, commissioners and local friends, neighbors and family members on Monday, June 10^th, marked the official opening of their bed and breakfast, Talus Rock Retreat

Primarily catering to couples’ luxurious romantic escapes, small & intimate wedding gatherings, and unconventional corporate retreats, the new meeting space/B&B will offer a refined option for Sandpoint sojourners - a posh escape one mile from downtown Sandpoint eloquently nestled into a forested 18-acre playground with stunning views of the Cabinet Mountains. Guests will enjoy the experience of staying close to the many amenities and advantages of downtown Sandpoint, while still connecting with nature. Unique features of Talus Rock Retreat include striking mosaics, copper tin ceilings, Parisian balconies, and a tree shower, home theater, hot tub, pool, waterfall, and fish-stocked pond. Each of the six, exclusive, bed/bath suites are uniquely decorated in the warm, rich colors of an earth palette and are furnished with a blend of antique and collected treasures from around the world. Great care has been taken in the details to make Talus Rock Retreat a one-of-a-kind architectural gem, and a fantastic lodging and meeting space morphing function with elegance.

“We hope our guests will feel they’ve discovered an oasis of tranquility. Their relaxation and rejuvenation are our ultimate goals,” says Heather Pedersen. “Talus Rock guests will spend generously downtown which is great for the local economy; when they’re ready to explore, we’ll make sure they know about all the great options available in Sandpoint and the surrounding areas. We are thrilled to share Sandpoint and steward this place,” she adds.

When Bruce and Heather built Talus Rock Retreat in 2008, their essential vision was to raise their 3 children (now teenagers) and share their abundance with family, friends, and others seeking a place of solace, refuge, and reprieve from life’s hardships or fast-paced, energy draining occupations; they sought to build a place and share it with people who need to rejuvenate and renew themselves; they opened their home accordingly. When the nest started emptying compounded with the economic downturn, they pursued a bed and breakfast as a natural sequence. Bruce Pedersen figured, “After all, the infrastructure was in place; why not make the asset work to pay for itself?  We can still share, and, at the same time provide discerning Sandpoint tourists with a unique lodging option.” Bruce continues, “Heather and I discovered we thoroughly enjoyed hosting, serving, and meeting new people.”

The Pedersen’s have not forgotten their core vision of ‘serving those who serve others’, and in keeping with it, they continue to do both - give open-handedly and play host to tourists. Part of the dollars spent at Talus Rock Retreat goes to local and international humanitarian efforts.  As an unconventional social venture, Talus Rock allows guests to become extraordinary patrons of work in India, Uganda, Swaziland, Peru and the Philippines. “We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to serve our guests, our community, and destitute children overseas.” says Heather Pedersen (who also happens to be the Asia Director for International Children’s Network, the mission behind the Matsiko World Orphan Choir).  

Private, chic, and eclectically elegant with six, bed-bath suites, this Tuscan-style, timber frame lodge is described as a “hidden treasure” and “rare find” evidenced by rave reviews on Trip Advisor. Talus Rock Retreat can be enjoyed by the room for a couple’s secluded refuge, or reserve the entire retreat to enjoy the peaceful paradise exclusively for a memorable friends-and-family or business gathering. The Retreat is a total of 18 rooms including living rooms, lofts and other ancillary spaces great for futons, pull-outs, bunks, etc. to comfortably sleep a maximum of 24 guests, one mile from downtown Sandpoint. Rates range $185-$350.

Please join the Chamber and welcome Talus Rock Retreat to the Chamber and celebrate their grand opening. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.sandpointretreat.com or call 208-255-8458.

In photo: The Pederson’s cut the ribbon with community members.  

Chamber Welcomes Woodlands Family Medicine

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Woodlands Family Medicine (WFM). Their same day appointments, experience working with everyone from infants to geriatrics and onsite resources makes WFM a great choice as a medical office.

Dr. Joan Bloom has been practicing in Sandpoint since 2002.  She was previously with North Idaho Medical Care Center and started Woodlands Family Medicine in 2011.  In May of 2012, they welcomed Dr. Volney Willett to their practice.  Both doctors are Board Certified and have many years experience treating patients.  At the doctors disposal is their on-site laboratory, on-site x-ray, on-site orthopedic practice and nutritional therapy.

‘You will enjoy outstanding care for the entire family at Woodlands Family Medicine,’ explained Katie Fisher, Practice Manager. ‘Our wonderfully trained and compassionate team of physicians, nurses and family-oriented support staff have dedicated themselves to providing you with the finest health care available.’

They specialties and coverage area is extensive. They offer women’s health and pediatric care, as well as management for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and musculoskeletal disorders. Also, they provide general proactive healthcare such as well-child exams, sports physicals, annual physicals, employment physicals, holistic nutrition programs, diet and exercise counseling, cancer screening, geriatric exams.

‘We have Board certified doctors with specialties in Family Medicine and complementing areas of expertise assure a full range of care for injuries, illnesses, preventative care and routine checkups,’ added Fisher.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome The Woodlands Family Medicine to the Chamber and wish them continued success. For more information, visit them at their location on in Ponderay at 30544 Hwy 200, Suite 101, across from the Bonner Mall, call them at 208-263-6300, online at www.woodlandsfamilymed.com, and connect with them on Facebook www.facebook.com/woodlands.familymedicine.

Photo:  Woodlands Family Medicine Employees cut the ribbon with Chamber Ambassadors. 

Chamber Welcomes Jupiter Jane Traveling Café

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Laura Calvert-Peitz. Laura, the original Dish Home Cooking, is now pursuing her latest cooking passion with Jupiter Jane Traveling Café, since 2011. Their motto is ‘curbside cooking at its finest.’

Jupiter Jane Traveling Café is currently curbside at 513 Oak St next to the Eureka Institute for the summer season and is open Monday through Saturday, 10am-4ish. They are happy to stay open for parties of 6 or more and open for other reservations in the evening. Also, the café is mobile and ready to cater your business, event, party or reunion at any time!

Customer service and hospitality are Laura’s background and it is also what brought her to Sandpoint from San Francisco. She managed the Coit House Bed & Breakfast and the K2 Inn. Her goal is to serve and feed people. Her easy access, very relaxed atmosphere, and affordable, healthy food options make Jupiter Jane Traveling Café a good option for lunch or dinner. Patrons can enjoy outside dining and eat while they watch their kids play, or dine inside with seating for more than ten people.

There are food options for everyone and every age group, including Gluten Free options. They have a wonderful kale salad and a Jersey sandwich which is grilled chicken, onions, peppers, provolone and basil pesto.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome Jupiter Jane Traveling Café to the Chamber and wish them success. Get the good food while you can because they are seasonal! See them at the Saturday Market! For more information, find them on Facebook, visit the website at www.jupiterjane.com, email at jupiterjanecafe@yahoo.com, or call 408-759-2033.

In the Photo: Laura Calvert-Peitz and Chamber Ambassadors.