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 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.

Community Garden Teams up with Food Bank - Sponsors Needed

Please consider sponsoring a Community Garden plot for the Food Bank at $50/each (we have 7 plots).  We need someone to "rent" the plots so that we can give the food, grown by volunteers, to the Food Bank.  The City is not able to give stuff away, no matter how great the cause.  Technically the sponsors are renting the spot and then giving the food away.  We will place a small sign on each box with the name of business sponsor.  It would be really awesome if we could just find one or two folks to cover but as long as we find a home for each of the 7 we're golden.

- Kim Woodruff, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Sandpoint

More information here: https://sites.google.com/site/sandpointcommunitygarden/

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 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 Carousel Emporium

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

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

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

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

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

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

January's BonnerBIZ Article - Sandpoint B.I.D.

By Kim Queen, Manager at Sandpoint Business Improvement District

“I cannot sing, dance or act; what else would I be but a talk show host.” 

-David Letterman

Things are moving quickly for all of us now that 2014 is underway, and in the BID, we are working on several new projects to keep that momentum progressing in the right direction.

In December, the Sandpoint Business Improvement District team launched a new monthly local radio program entitled the Downtown Dialogue. The show airs on 1400AM/KSPT, as well as 1450AM/KBFI, and is hosted by the B.I.D. manager (me) and Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Communications Manager, Mack Deibel.  The show airs at Noon every third Monday, with our next airing slated for Monday, February 17^th.  

Our goal with this program is to create a forum for open discussion on events, issues and general topics-of-interest pertaining to downtown Sandpoint.  We will be working with our constituents in all areas identified and represented in the BID: Restaurants, Education, Real Estate, Professional/Banking/Law, Health Care, Retail, Arts/Entertainment, Lodging, and At Large/Miscellaneous businesses and organizations. We will also host future conversations with our partners at the City of Sandpoint, Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, and many others.

This is where YOU come in! 

We are seeking 2 professionals to interview every month on the Downtown Dialogue. If you are a BID member in good standing, and would like the opportunity to present yourself as an expert of your industry and promote your business and/or services to the audience, then please contact me directly at kim@sandpointchamber.com.  

For future programming, we would also like to have input from our listeners: what business, organization or individual in the BID would you like more information on? Is there an event or project you want to know more about, or get more directly involved with? Again, please contact me at kim@sandpointchamber.com.  

For the February program, we will mostly be focusing on the highly-anticipated 40^th Annual Winter Carnival, taking place this year from Feb. 14 – Feb. 23^rd, with numerous events being hosted around greater Sandpoint and up on Schweitzer.  The BID has been asked to bring back an old favorite, the Parade of Lights, and we just couldn’t say no! The Parade will be held on Friday night, February 21 in the downtown core, and will end its route at Jeff Jones Square. There, we will be announcing the Parade’s award winning floats, and then enjoying a jaw dropping performance by Cirque de Sandpoint.  For an entire list of Winter Carnival events, and to download a registration form for the parade, please visit sandpointwintercarnival.com. 

Did I mention things are moving quickly in the BID? 

Lovin’ Sandpoint is 40th Annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival

The Sandpoint Business Improvement District is honored to announce the 40^th Annual Winter Carnival, and the return of the Parade of Lights at 5:30pm, Friday, February 21 in downtown Sandpoint.  The Winter Carnival celebration starts Friday, February 14 and runs through February 23, offering a jam-packed week of family fun and activities throughout Sandpoint and up on Schweitzer. Theme for this year’s Winter Carnival and Parade is Lovin’ Sandpoint. 

The downtown Parade of Lights, sponsored by the Business Improvement District member businesses, has returned after a 5-year hiatus. The parade offers businesses, organizations and individuals a chance to show off their local pride, creativity and the whimsy. They are seeking themed floats, groups, marching brigades, snowplows and tractors – if you can move it and decorate it, you should register it and show it!  There are four categories which will be awarded honors at the end of the parade: Best Business, Best Civic Organization, Best Youth Organization, and Grand Champion.

Deadline to enter your float is Friday, February 14^th. Cost to enter your float is $25 or free if you are a B.I.D. Member in good standing or a 501c3 non-profit.

Come downtown and line First Avenue and Cedar St, up to 4^th Ave, to watch the parade and all the wonderful floats. The Parade concludes at 3^rd and Oak, where winners will be announced and then the jaw-dropping Cirque de Sandpoint, sponsored by Pend d’Oreille Winery, begins.  Starting at 7:00pm, the Cirque de Sandpoint presentation includes fire dancing and a silk aerial performance, as well as a local dance troupe that will thrill onlookers of all ages.

For a full calendar of Winter Carnival events, and to download a Parade registration form, please visit sandpointwintercarnival.com, or call Kim with the Sandpoint B.I.D. at 263-2161 for more information.

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 Welcomes Sandpoint Optometry

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated Sandpoint Optometry’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Dr. Whitney Henker is excited to provide and keep up with Sandpoint Optometry’s tradition of friendly, excellent service and thorough eye care. After taking over the business from the respected optometric physician, Dr. Thomas Wiley who retired in 2012, she assures the community and patients they will experience the same attention to detail and thorough care they have come to expect from the office since 1991.

Dr. Henker is a graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon. She has been practicing optometry for over 18 years in Washington and British Columbia. Dr. Henker started practicing at Sandpoint Optometry in June of 2012. She joined the Chamber recently and is a member of the Chamber’s Women In Business, as well as a member of Ponderay Rotary Club.

Dr. Henker enjoys the medical aspect of the practice and can diagnose and manage ocular diseases. She has many years of experience treating dry eye conditions and is committed to getting each patient comfortable with various treatment options. She also has years of experience in co-managing cataract surgery as well as laser refractive surgery. One of the areas that she will be expanding the practice is for contact lens fittings. There are so many new options for contact lens patients to experience better comfort, including contact lenses that allow patients to read with their lenses as well as see clearly and comfortable in the distance. Dr. Henker also has many years of experience with new optical lens technology and she is excited to help her patients select a lens that will allows each patient to experience better vision.

With the enthusiastic aid of Nancy Clatworthy, Office Manager, Erin Wiley, Optometric Assistance, there are many exciting modern, stylish frames to choose from. Sandpoint Optometry is committed to providing eye care for every patient and Dr. Henker has expanded the number of insurance plans that are accepted to meet those needs.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce wishes Dr. Whitney Henker and Sandpoint Optometry great success in our community. They are located across from Sandpoint Middle School, at 1333 Superior St, Suite A, and their hours are Monday-Thursday from 9am-5pm, and Friday 9am-noon. For more information, visit www. sandpointoptometry.com, call them at 208-265-4140 or email them at drhenker@sandpointoptometry.com.  Like them on Facebook.

  

In Photo: Paralee Gates, Colleen Spickelmire, Clif Warren, Erin Wiley, Nancy Clatworthy, Dr. Whitney Henker, Peggy Shadel and Carol Warren. 

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.

Promote Deals to Thousands Using Chamber's Hot Deals

The Chamber offers many ways to promote your business and even the free ones can be extremely effective in reaching a large audience of people. By using Hot Deals through Chamber Master, you are able to actually reach visitors before they get here and take advantage of the 70,000 website visits the Chamber gets annually. 

In an effort to help you reach visitors before they even come to town, the Chamber's Visit Sandpoint team created a website we use to distinctively market to our Visit Sandpoint E-news mailing list, greater than 2,000 unique emails strong. Every promotion which is relevant to people coming to our area is taken from our Hot Deals and placed on Sandpoint Loves Canada. This is double promotion and it extremely valuable because you are able to influence their purchase decisions before they are even here. Please, take the time and post a Hot Deal! To post as Hot Deal, login to your Chamber Master portal and load deals there! 

Chamber Honors AmericanWest Bank as Business of the Month

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

Watch them accept their award here>>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Welcomes Longleaf Wilderness Medicine

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Longleaf Wilderness Medicine (LWM). Initially founded due to the need for emergency medical training after Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast of the US, Jason Luthy, LWM’s owner, and Dr. Lynn Yonge collaborated to design LWM to provide usable medical education for the Gulf Coast in times of limited access to medical services. The initial LWM trainings taught a form of medicine called Wilderness Medicine.

Wilderness medicine is the practice of providing medical care first aid in environments with limited resources and access to emergency medical services. The wilderness medicine curriculums taught by LWM provide detailed information about the prevention, assessment, and treatment of injuries and illnesses. All courses teach up to date current evidence-based treatment practices.

Whether you’re an individual who travels or lives in remote environments or a governmental agency, non-profit organizations, medical professionals, humanitarian workers, guiding businesses and schools that provide hikes for their students and scouts. Their courses are all encompassing.

Courses provided include Wilderness First Aid, a two day (16-hour) certification course for individuals who take short trips into remote environments or individuals who are responsible for providing initial medical care for individuals or groups. Wilderness First Responder, nine day (76-hour) certification course, is the standard for individuals working in remote environments like backcountry guides/instructors, governmental agents working in remote environments and individuals traveling long distances from emergency medical services. Medical Electives for Medical School Students,  a four week elective for senior medical school students interested in remote medicine. LWM also offers custom courses ranging from 45 minutes to multiple days designed to meet the specific needs of individuals or organizations.

The goal of LWM from the beginning has been to provide accessible, quality, education to communities and business to better prepare people to respond to emergencies. Jason Luthy studied education and began working in the outdoor education industry.  He’s worked throughout the US teaching individuals aged from young to old for populations from at-risk youth, college students, to veterans. For the past 7 years, he’s worked with Outward Bound throughout the US as a field instructor, course director, trainer, and program developer.

‘I’ve focused my professional interest on providing adult education, and went to graduate school to earn a M.S. in Experiential Education,’ explained Jason. ‘The degree provided me an intimate understanding of how to design educational environments to be highly productive and beneficial for the learner. Throughout my experience leading wilderness expeditions I built my knowledge and skill in providing remote medicine to be prepared to treat injuries and illnesses.’

Jason holds certificates as a WEMT (Wilderness certificate plus the National Registry EMT certificate), Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS), and he is a candidate for the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) from the Wilderness Medicine Society. In addition to running LWM Jason has used his experience and training to work and volunteer with ambulance services, in emergency rooms, and as a volunteer with the local search and rescue.

Please help the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcome Longleaf Wilderness Medicine to the Chamber and wish them continued success. Mention this article and receive 20% off of the September 7-8 Wilderness First Aid course. For more information, call 208-274-3596, visit www.longleafmedical.com, email info@longleafmedical.com, or connect with them at www.facebook.com/longleafmedical. 

Chamber Honors Berg & McLaughlin Chtd.

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

Watch them accept their award, click here>>

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Honors Paul Graves

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

Watch Paul accept his award, click here>>

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

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

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

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

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

Future Management of the Business Improvement District (BID)

By Kate McAlister

With the change in management of the BID, I wanted to take time to start the communication process.

After attending various meetings and hearing comments over the speculation of the BID Management and the Chamber’s role going forward, we put together this FAQ to answer some of the reoccurring questions. The Chamber appreciates how engaged everyone is in the process and welcomes this engagement going forward. After reading this, if there are any other questions or comments you’d like us to include in future communication briefings, you can submit them anonymously through the following link (http://ow.ly/mQ9gs),  or you can email them directly  to Kate at kate@sandpointchamber.com.

The following questions were put forth at the three open forums that were held as well as from emails and phone calls we have received at the Chamber.  Again, if we haven’t answered your question, give us a call or send me an email.

Are the DSBA and Chamber combining?

No.  As of September 30, the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association (DSBA) is dissolved in its entirety. There will be a new name and logo for the new organization through the strategic planning process. It is anticipated on October 1, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce will be awarded the management contract from the City of Sandpoint for the administration and management of the Business Improvement District. A new organization will be put together, with a council of new individuals leading the way. 

Who will make up this new Council?

Members of this new council (similar to a Board of Directors) will be made up of nine business sectors and their representatives.  These sectors include:  Food & Beverage, Education, Real Estate, Professional Services, Health Care, Lodging, Retail, Arts/Entertainment and a Member-at-Large.   Each representative will communicate with the BID members in their sector in regards to strategic planning, input and issues. There will also be four non-voting ad hoc members representing the City of Sandpoint, Chamber of Commerce, Bonner County Economic Development Council and Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency. Once the new council representatives have been identified and confirmed we will publish their names and contact information.

Will I still have to pay the BID fee?

Yes.  Those parameters will not change. The BID fee is an assessment. An assessment is a unique self-imposed fee to benefit a specified area for improvements, economic vitality, revitalization, beautification, and other identified projects.  A new business is given a one year grace period before they are assessed.  It is the business owner who is assessed not the building owner.

Will The Chamber impose the BID Assessment?

No. The Chamber will not impose or collect the assessment fee. The City of Sandpoint will continue to collect the assessments and pay it to the organization who manages the BID. It is anticipated beginning October 1 this will be the Chamber, who in turn will use the funds for identified projects from the new council’s strategic plan.

**You can read the City Council meeting minutes starting with the June 2000 minutes through October of 2000.  The members of the BID elected to form the organization in 2000 with the help of the City of Sandpoint and a vast array of supporters. The BID fees are a self-imposed assessment to help fund downtown projects and enhance economic vitality of the downtown core. 

Will the BID funds go to the Chamber?

The BID Monies will be kept separate from the Chamber accounts.

Similar to what the Chamber already does with a $120,000 grant from the State of Idaho, the Chamber will keep a separate budget specifically for the BID funds and it will not mix it with the Chamber’s General Budget or ITC Grant Budget.  The Chamber will receive an administrative fee, as it does with the ITC grant, for the additional work Chamber staff will be taking on as part of managing the BID. 

Does the Chamber decide how the BID Monies are spent?

No. The BID monies are paid by BID members and they are the ones who ultimately decide how monies will be spent through representation on the above mentioned Council (similar to a Board of Directors). It will be the BID Manager’s responsibility to implement the strategic plan developed by the council. 

Who will the BID Manager report to?

The BID Manager will report to the Chamber President/CEO who will manage this position, and offer support and resources when needed.

Are BID Members automatically Chamber Members?

No.  The BID Members will be members of the BID organization.   In order to receive Chamber benefits and have the ability to support and get involved with the Tourism Sandpoint organization, BID members, as they do now, will need to join the Chamber.  Currently, a little over a quarter of the BID members are also Chamber members and four directors on the Chamber Board of Directors have businesses in the BID.  They are still two separate organizations. 

Will the Chamber President run the BID?

No. The Chamber President’s role is to create transparency so BID members will be able to see where their monies are going, what projects are being worked on, manage the manager, keep the lines of communication open and provide leadership for the organization. They will not have a voting seat on the council but will be involved in the day-to-day operations.

Will the BID continue operating in the same way?

No. Many things will be different and a few will remain. A brand new organization will be created to manage BID funds and new players will be brought into the mix. The goal is to create a strategic plan and evolve the BID into a stronger organization, moving forward with new council members and new ideas to create stronger economic vitality for businesses in the BID.

Will we still have the Flower Baskets?

Yes. This is one of the things remaining the same.  When asked, BID members told us they wanted to keep the flower baskets, the annual Christmas Tree lighting festivities and Winter Carnival.

Is this a new idea, having a Chamber of Commerce manage a BID?

No. BIDs have been created all over the United States and many of them reside within the local Chamber of Commerce’s walls. It allows collaboration, cost savings, leadership and accountability. Coeur d’Alene is the closest example of this organizational structure.

Does the Chamber have skin in the game?

Yes. Our Board of Directors did not take this decision lightly and the support of the City of Sandpoint has made this process go smoothly. Over a quarter of the BID Members are already Chamber Members as well and the Chamber’s role of listening to their members will be enhanced through this process. The Chamber’s main concern will always be the vitality and prosperity for our business owners and the surrounding communities. Through this change in administration of the BID, the Chamber feels it is parallel with this goal.

Does the City of Sandpoint have skin in the game?

Yes. The City of Sandpoint plays an important role in the BID. The Chamber has requested the City of Sandpoint be involved in every step and already identified representatives to take part in the planning. The City has promised to stay engaged and take a leadership role in the development and revitalization efforts of the downtown core. Recently, the City of Sandpoint received a Community Review Grant from the Idaho Rural Partnership. This grant will act as a catalyst for many positive changes to come in the future and has shown positive results for other communities in Idaho.

Will BID Members know where their money is going?

Yes. In an effort to show the BID Members how their assessments are being spent, the budget will be transparent and members will be able to view it at any time. The Chamber requires full transparency and fluency of BID monies. The Chamber will publish the budget for BID Members in an effort to gain trust of the process.

What about the other communities the Chamber represents?

We have served the Greater Sandpoint area for many years and we will continue to support our local businesses in Ponderay, Kootenai and Dover.  Beginning January 2014 the Chamber’s monthly General Membership Luncheon will be held at the Ponderay Events Center every other month.  We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate and support our surrounding communities.

I hope this article will shed some light on what is going to take place in October.  A 3 to 5 year strategic plan will be developed and will be made available for everyone to see.  This will provide a roadmap for the future and accountability for the new council.  Once the planning begins be prepared for to be asked for input on a number of topics.  I highly encourage all of you to participate.  This is your money, it has always been your money and your involvement is critical in going forward. 

See you around town!  Wear sunscreen!

Kate McAlister

Leadership Sandpoint and CAL team up to help Kinerhaven

Kinderhaven has a new base for its play area, thanks to the Leadership Sandpoint Class of 2012-2014 and a generous grant from the Community Assistance League. Leadership Sandpoint, a program of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, has a goal to motivate leaders toward greater involvement in our community and make a direct impact through projects. Assisting Kinderhaven with a much needed upgrade was a proud moment for the current Leadership Sandpoint class.

On July 2, eleven Leadership Sandpoint class members provided over 50 hours of hard labor, on what was the hottest day of the summer. Over 10,000 pounds of rubberized mulch was moved and spread. A forklift donated by Sun Rental of Sandpoint assisted, but each bag then needed to be hoisted over a fence and another 50 feet to the 43 x 22 foot play area. After the site was cleaned of old mulch and prepped with weed-proof fabric and new edging, then the new mulch was spread.

The rubberized playground mulch provides a safe play surface, doesn't decompose and never freezes, which means it will be around for a long time.  Additionally, the 130 feet of new rubberized edging replaced the old decaying wood edging, making the play area safer and keeps the new mulch in place.

“This project is especially meaningful to Kinderhaven because our play area offers the wonderful opportunity for unstructured play, which is extremely therapeutic for the children in our care,” stated Phyllis Horvath, Kinderhaven Executive Director.   “Abuse leaves deep wounds in its aftermath, affecting areas such as brain development, self-concept, and the ability to form healthy attachments.  Play is so essential for the development of all children, and especially so for ours.  It helps them begin to heal and, at the same time, have fun — just getting to be kids!” continued Horvath.

The project was funded by a 2013 grant from the Community Assistance League, which also provided a 2012 grant for the swings, monkey bars, and rings, in the play area.  So the entire play area was funded, built, and finished by community members.  

“This project was a great opportunity for the Leadership Sandpoint Class to work with Kinderhaven to provide an important improvement to their facilities,’ stated the Class President Eric Grace.  “The programs offered by Kinderhaven are vital to our community, so it was great that we could help out in this small way.”

Leadership Sandpoint is a program which identifies leaders in the Greater Sandpoint area and provides them an interactive experience to gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a citizen-leader in our multi-faceted community. Each class selects one service project to be completed during the program and fundraises to benefits their project or a cause the class chooses to support. For more information, contact the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at 263-2161 or leadership@sandpointchamber.com.

Photo: Leadership Sandpoint class and Kinderhaven employees pose for photo at Kinderhaven taken after the project was completed. In photo from left to right; Matt Diel, Daniel Moering, Stacey Darley, Crystal Gunter, Mandy Evans, Geraldine Lewis, Karen Robinson, Phyllis Horvath, Tami Stormo, Darcy Bilbo, Eric Grace and Steve Holt.

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.