Chamber Honors Kathy Hubbard

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honors Kathy Hubbard as June’s Volunteer of the Month for her service to our community.

“Our volunteer of the month has always been very giving of her time and is a true champion for our community,” said presenting Chamber Board Member, Amy Whalen.

Her former position was working with the Bonner County Daily Bee as the Advertising Director and now that she has retired, she is a super Sandpoint volunteer. Her volunteer record includes being a former Chair of the Board of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors for the Bonner General Hospital Foundation, Pend Oreille Arts Council and Women Honoring Women.

If that is not enough to keep her busy, her dedication to the Chamber’s cause is still very relevant. She emcee’s the Summer Sampler and volunteers a generous amount of her time to assist with the many Chamber events. She also is an avid volunteer at the Festival of Sandpoint.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Kathy in being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking her for all of her contributions to our community. Her hard work has done a lot for so many causes in our community. Thank you Kathy!

Photo: Kathy Hubbard is honored with the Volunteer of the Month award by Chamber Board Member Amy Whalen.

Greater Sandpoint area Chamber of Commerce Plans Building Renovation, Move to Scenic Sand Creek Location

Greater Sandpoint area Chamber of Commerce Plans Building Renovation, Move to Scenic Sand Creek Location

Renovation returns operation to long-time home with help from Panhandle Building Contractors Association

In support of its long term mission and to plan for the future, the Greater Sandpoint Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a capital campaign and renovation project to return Chamber operations the former Sand Creek location on Hwy 95. The project culminates months of planning by the Chamber’s Capital and Infrastructure team, tasked with finding a permanent home for the Chamber. After extensive and thoughtful deliberation, the Chamber Board of Directors enthusiastically approved the construction project and upcoming return.

“Countless volunteer hours have been put in to plan for this move and many factors were examined. Our original move from the Sand Creek property in 2009 was necessary due to structural issues with the building – it was not a choice, but a necessity at the time.  We’ve spent the time since planning for our eventual return by creating a funding and renovation plan that will create a facility to forward our mission of business development and tourism growth,” noted Clif Warren, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.

During the planning process, the new Capital & Infrastructure team, led by mortgage loan originator for Loan Star Mortgage and board member Jim Lovell, determined, along with architectural and contracting experts, the building had great ‘bones’ and the decision was made to go forward with prioritizing what was needed to make it functional again.

The strategic team talked to several contractors and explored many different options. Being a non-profit, non-governmental organization, fiscally responsible renovation was the first priority.  Panhandle Building Contractors Association (PBCA), are contributing their time, resources and expertise towards the project and other local business partners such as Schweitzer Mountain Resort are making significant financial investments.

A piece of historical value has surfaced which was lost through the years -- the Highway 95 location was known as Monument Park. Additional research on the history of Monument Park is ongoing - if anyone has any information on Monument Park, please contact the Chamber.

The Chamber’s Visitor Center serves 10,000 visitors annually and the staff is looking forward to being back at the location to better serve the region and businesses. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 263-2161 and keep up on the construction on the Chamber’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/Chamber7B.

Sandpoint Summer Sampler Kicking Us Off For Summer

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the public and its members to the 7^th Annual Sandpoint Summer Sampler at Farmin Park Thursday, June 28^th, from 5-7:30PM. This event is regarded as the local’s unofficial 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.

New this year, the food and beer and wine garden are all together this year so you can eat and drink all in the same place. 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 $2-7.

This year’s attendees include but are not limited to: Bistro Rouge Café, Chimney Rock Grill, Eichardt’s Pub, Grill & Coffee House, Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak, Laughing Dog Brewing Co., MickDuff’s Brewing Co., Pend d’Oreille Winery, Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine, Trinity at City Beach, Pine Street Bakery and Sugar Girl Creations.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at the Sandpoint Summer Sampler this Thursday, June 28, from 5-7:30PM, 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