Booth Registration and Sponsorships Available for 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Fair

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s health and wellness committee in partnership with Bonner General Hospital and Association of Bonner County Employees announce the 3rd annual Community Health and Wellness Fair. The event will be held on Saturday, September 18th at the Bonner County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is an excellent opportunity to learn about the variety of health and wellness options available in northern Idaho at no or low cost, say event organizers. Free health screenings, product and service samplings, live demonstrations, and expert advice will be provided by area practitioners, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other businesses offering health-related products and services. Participating exhibitors represent a full spectrum of the health industry including traditional and alternative medicine, recreation and fitness, insurance, skin care, mental wellness, financial fitness, and more.

“Individuals can learn about the multitude of health care options available in our area, and all ages will appreciate our family-friendly activities,” says Jodie Corless of Pend Oreille Insurance & Financial Services and chairman of the health and wellness committee. Once again, the Association of Bonner County Employees has arranged for free infant car seat checks made available through the City of Sandpoint Fire Department. Idaho State Police will provide beer goggle demonstrations and Bonner General Hospital will provide blood sugar screenings, a drawing for a free digital mammogram, and other activities currently in the works.

“Financial Fitness” tests will be provided by STCU, Pend Oreille Surgery Center will be available to answer questions about sports health, along with other services and activities for all ages. Aaging In-Home care will provide free blood pressure checks and in-home care assessments. Additionally, kids will enjoy climbing aboard the fire truck, ambulance, and marine patrol boat while meeting local firemen, police officers and emergency medical personnel. Kids can also participate in the bike “rodeo” and learn about bike safety techniques.

OB/Gyn information from Sandpoint Women’s Health, mini stress-relief acupuncture treatments from Green Mountain Medicine, free blood pressure and blood sugar checks from Luther Park @ Sandpoint, and information on safer products for the home environment from Melaleuca are among the free service offerings to be found at the Health & Wellness Fair. There will also be low cost and free medical care information from Bonner Partners in Care Clinic, online degree options from EWU, and outpatient surgery information from Pend Oreille Surgery Center.

The event is supported by partnering sponsors Association of Bonner County Employees and Bonner General Hospital and major sponsors AAging Better In-Home Care, STCU, Pend Oreille Health Care, North Idaho Spine Clinic, Bonner County Daily Bee, and K102.

To register for a booth or become a sponsor for this upcoming event, contact the Chamber at (208) 263-2161 or visit SandpointChamber.com.

McAlister Announced as Chamber President

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officially announces and welcomes, Kate McAlister, to the chamber staff effective Aug 9, 2010. McAlister will serve as President and CEO and brings over 20 years of corporate program development and marketing experience to the team.

Kate received her Community Investment education from Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, Caroll School of Business and participated in an international leadership committee to develop standards for the Community Investment Program.

Prior to joining the chamber, Kate acquired valuable experience and education in her position as Corporate Community Investment Manager at Itron, Inc. in Spokane, WA. Over a span of 15 years she was instrumental in developing an award winning national…and later international…Community Investment program which included partnerships with local universities, non-profits and corporations.

Kate also took the initiative to establish and manage the Itron Employee Foundation. Only 30 such foundations exist in the United States today.

“After driving to Spokane for over 14 years, I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity in Sandpoint to come along and this is it!” says Kate. “I’m excited about my new position and can’t wait to get out into the community to begin meeting the business owners. And….I can’t wait to walk into my office.”

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber in welcoming Kate to her new position as President and CEO.

For additional information, contact the Chamber at (208) 263-2161.

Roxie Lowther Awarded Volunteer of the Month

At the July 8th Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Power Luncheon, Roxie Lowther, Director of Marketing Media at Litehouse Foods, received the Volunteer of the Month Award for her active involvement in the community.

Roxie took the initiative by coordinating the food and equipment for the cooking contest during the Summer Sampler and was instrumental in the event’s huge success. She took responsibility for the “secret” ingredients and made sure the chefs had everything they needed for their pantry items. Roxie and her team provided the cook stoves and strategically placed mirrors so the audience could watch the chefs as they prepared their mouth-watering fare.

"The Chamber couldn't have put on this popular event if it weren't for Roxie and the Litehouse team," Kathy Hubbard, chairman of the board of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce said. "Roxie pulled rabbits out of the hat, and made it look easy. Her can-do attitude and great sense of humor makes her a pleasure to work with."

Roxie and her team were there from start to finish. They set everything up, tore everything down, tallied votes, and basically made it all happen!

The Chamber is pleased to honor Roxie Lowther for her contributions to make the Greater Sandpoint area a better place to live and work.