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 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.

Business Showcase Highlights Local Businesses

Looking to promote your business? Meet hundreds of potential customers at the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce "Business Showcase" --- the premier event for bringing consumers and businesses together under one roof. This annual event promotes area businesses and brings valuable exposure. Whether you're in retail, food service, sell products online or provide professional services --- this event will connect exhibitors with the public and other business professionals.

Booth space is available now but is filling up quickly. Businesses are encouraged to register early for optimum booth location. Taking place at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 31, the Showcase will run from 11am to 3pm. There are sponsor levels for everyone’s budget, ranging from $250-$1000. For those interested in participating, you can sign up for a booth at $80 for Chamber Members and $100 for Non-Chamber Members.

"How many people visit your business in a day? Here's an opportunity for hundreds to learn about your products and services and make connections that you may reap the benefits from for years to come," said Barbara Schriber, Chair of the Business Development Committee. She added, "part business fair, part market place, part networking event, the Business Showcase is a great marketing opportunity for area businesses."

The Chamber listened to last year’s suggestions and has stepped up their game! DJ and Master of Ceremonies KT from the radio station will be on hand to talk up the exhibitors that provide a raffle prize for the event. They are going to include a larger amount of food and drink vendors. To top it all off, the Grand Prize Raffle item is going to be a Kindle Fire.

Exhibitors can take advantage of the free WiFi on site to demonstrate their products and services, sell products or take orders, distribute samples, network with business peers and build customer relationships. KPND 95.3 will be broadcasting live from the event with updates and interviews with vendors.

Join the action at this year's Business Showcase and kick off spring by highlighting your business and developing customer relationships. For more information, visit: http://members.sandpointchamber.org/Events/details/business-showcase