Looking forward to 2014- Sandpoint Business Improvement District

Good afternoon, Sandpoint Business Improvement District members:
My name is Kim Queen, and I am the recently hired Business Improvement District (now B.I.D., formerly DSBA) Manager for Sandpoint.  I am writing to you today to introduce myself, and also to supply some information on how the B.I.D. functions, and what you can expect from us in the coming year.
Unlike the former DSBA, the B.I.D. is no longer a ‘stand-alone’ agency.  The B.I.D. has an oversight Council with representatives from the 9 identified sectors of the District: Restaurants, Education, Real Estate, Professional/Banking/Law, Health Care, Retail, Arts/Entertainment, Lodging, and At Large/Miscellaneous.  This Council also has 4 Ad Hoc members representing the City of Sandpoint, Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, and a member of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. 

The B.I.D. is now managed by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, utilizing the talents of a well-trained team committed to promoting all Sandpoint has to offer, to locals and visitors alike.  This large team has recently completed a 2014 Strategic Plan for the B.I.D., with time-specific deliverables. To view the deliverables document, please click here

The B.I.D. Manager and Chamber team are currently streamlining administrative tasks involved in running the District with 400+ active members (as in, creating a member database, and designing a new, user-friendly and up-to-date website), as well as promoting the entire District through multi-media advertisement opportunities and numerous events aimed at drawing potential customers to the B.I.D. – and keeping them there!
In celebration of 40 years of the Winter Carnival, the B.I.D. will be promoting Sandpoint by reprising the Winter Carnival Parade of Lights on Friday evening, February 21^st.  We are working with numerous community partners to provide more than a week of family-friendly events to showcase our amazing town during a time that is historically ‘slow’, as far as business/income opportunities go.  This is one of several public events your B.I.D. dollars support, to further the vision a vibrant downtown benefits EVERYONE.
More information will be coming your way soon on how you can get involved in upcoming events, quarterly financial reporting on how the B.I.D. is utilizing funds,  as well as communications regarding some of the different items on the agenda at City Council potentially effecting your business (such as sign codes, parking issues, etc.).  Please keep an eye out for e-mails with FROM THE B.I.D. DESK in the subject line – it’s not SPAM!  
Thank you, I look forward to working with you all.

Kim Queen, Manager
Sandpoint Business Improvement District
Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce

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 Allen McClelland

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honored Allen McClelland as December’s Volunteer of the Month. Allen’s contributions to the community are very influential for many organizations. He lends in a hand in a variety of ways and undertakes a leadership position when he can.

 Allen’s impact in our community is extremely large. Currently, Allen is the Race Director for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Scenic Half Marathon, which he has held since 2010. Also, he is the Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 117 and he has been involved with them since 1991. He’s a Board Member of the Bonner Community Foodbank and volunteers his time with Jacey’s Race and the Long Bridge Swim. He has also been a Ponderay since 2005 and was president in 2010 and 2011.

“I love, Love, Love Sandpoint!” exclaimed Allen. He added, “ [I] count my blessings every day to live in this wonderful place with wonderful people.”

When he’s not involved with community service, he can be found supporting his kid’s activities (cross country, dance, soccer, basketball, volleyball, piano, choir, etc.) or enjoying the local mountains. In the past, he was a Sandpoint Leadership Grad in 2006, Chamber Ambassador 2005-2007, former Board Member for the Ponderay Bay Trail in 2010-2011 and Board Member for the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation in 2010-2011.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Matt Mire 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 of Commerce, as well as the whole community, Thank You! 

Photo: left to right, Kate McAlister and Allen McClelland.