Bird Museum Receives Business of the Month

A museum celebrating inventors and aviators, the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center received the May Business of the Month award by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Founded by Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird, the 16,000 sq. foot museum educates visitors about the historic contributions of aviators and inventors who helped create modern technology and who forever changed the way of life. Since their grand opening in 2007, they’ve hosted multiple historical events, inviting well-known aviators and inventors to meet and greet the community of the Greater Sandpoint area. Their next event on July 17th will honor Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who flew over 60 million miles during WW II.

The museum also hosts Camp Invention, scheduled for June 28 through July 2 of 2010. The camp is a weeklong summer enrichment program for children entering grades 1 through 6 and teaches life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun.

From May 17 through October 8, 2010 the museum is open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Their café is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm and is available for private catering events.

The Chamber thanks the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center for their tremendous contributions to foster education, enrichment, and innovation for the Greater Sandpoint area.

For more information, call (208) 255-4321 or visit www.BirdAviationMuseum.com.

Photo Caption: Pictured is Chamber Ambassador Clem Hackworthy (on right) presenting the Business of the Month award to Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird, founders of the Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center.

Jim Zuberbuhler Receives Rookie of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recognized Edward Jones Financial Advisor Jim Zuberbuhler with the Rookie of the Month Award for his involvement with the Chamber.

As the Chamber’s education chairman, Zuberbuhler became heavily involved with Bonner County Communiversity after meeting with Sandpoint High School’s Connie Kimble who came up with the idea. With a background in higher education, strategic planning, and passion for education, Jim became a key leader in forming the organization. He along with Connie Kimble and Karl Dye of Bonner County Economic Development Corporation became the steering committee; and they galvanized the support of a consortium of colleges and universities, financial institutions, businesses, and organizations to launch Communiversity.

“I can't sing Jim's praises enough,” said Kimble. “He jumped into the Communiversity project with his whole heart and mind, with passion, humor and an expertise that kept us focused and invigorated. He's been a first rate moderator, cheerleader, and idea man. The Bonner County Communiversity is a reality in large part due to the genuine care and commitment of Jim Zuberbuhler.”

The Bonner County Communiversity, a nonprofit organization serving to publicize the existing educational opportunities and launch new opportunies, is in the process of providing a Business Management Certificate in partnership with Lewis-Clark State College with classes beginning in the fall of 2010. According to Kimble, other classes are in the works and all are steered by instructors and community interests.

The Chamber sincerely thanks Zuberbuhler for his dedication to bring Bonner County Communiversity to the area, strengthening our workforce and our business community.

For more information about Communiversity, email BCCommuniversity@gmail.com.

Photo Caption: Pictured is Jim Zuberbuhler receiving the award of Rookie of the Month by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s former CEO & President Amy Little.

Chamber Yard Sale Supports Satellite Visitor Center

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce plans to open a summer Satellite Visitor Center in their former location at 1202 Highway 95. The location, in addition to the Visitor Center headquarters in the PSB Community Plaza, will provide information to visitors and those relocating to the area.

In order to gain support to operate the additional Visitor Center, the Chamber is selling sponsorships for businesses to gain added exposure, an optimum opportunity considering the high traffic volumes of 100 to 150 visitors per day.

The Chamber will also host a yard sale on Friday, May 21st from 9 am to 12 noon to raise funds to operate the center. With office and party supplies, brochure racks, filing racks and cabinets, vintage posters, books, and assortment of items, the community is welcome to find a “treasure” and in return support the business community of the Greater Sandpoint area.

For additional information, call (208) 263-2161 or visit SandpointChamber.com.