Winter fun no matter the weather

With average winter temperatures of about 25 above zero, North Idaho's not the frozen North when it comes to ice skating on smaller lakes. Triple Play Family Fun Park has added a new feature to their attraction with an outdoor skating rink, the Polar Bear Pond. The non-greasy EZ Glide 350 floating panels are the same used in some traveling ice shows and Disney on Ice. Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. 762-7529 Story HERE.

Tourism and Our Town

North Idaho Tourism Summit is set for January 27 at Red Lion Templin's Hotel. "A 2005 analysis by Global Insight estimated tourism accounted for 5 percent of Idaho's gross state product and provided jobs for more than 47,000 workers. More than 12,000 of those workers were in the five Panhandle counties -- more than 13 percent of North Idaho's employment. Tourists spent more than $444 million in the region during 2004." Additional information HERE.

Buck Knives Bucks Trends

Interesting read about Buck Knives, whose corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant are located in Post Falls, Idaho. HERE.

Mentoring

Post Falls Chamber board member Adam Johnson featured in a Spokesman Review story about Big Brothers/Sisters program HERE.

Red Lion Templin's donates marina space

Kudos to Red Lion Templin's for their generous donation of a boat house at their marina for the Kootenai County Sheriff's Marine division to store a rescue boat and one of the Kootenai Fire and Rescue boats. The location up river will provide faster response time by both agencies. Additional information HERE.

Legislative Send-Off

The annual Legislative Send-Off Luncheon took place Dec. 2 at RedLion Templin's. Len Crosby of Community 1st Bank moderated the discussion with Representatives George Saylor and Marge Chadderdon, Senators John Goedde and Jim Hammond and Representatives Frank Henderson and Bob Nonini (not pictured) Business leaders from the Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene Chambers were briefed on what the legislators are anticipating as the major issues during the upcoming 2010 session in Boise. In a word ... budget.

Construction Countdown Week 8

The bricklayers have been hard at it, placing the brick and rock on the building exterior this past week. The windows will arrive any day and once those are installed the remaining brick around the sills will be completed.

Construction Countdown Week 7

As week 7 comes to an end, the exterior walls have been covered in protective plastic and the masons have begun the exterior brick work. To see photos of the project progress since Oct. 1 see album HERE.

A Groundbreaking Ribbon-Cutting

On Saturday crowds joined Post Falls Chamber representatives in cutting the riboon on Kootenai Health's new Kootenai Cancer Center on Mullan Avenue in Post Falls. The 21,000-square-foot, $14.5 million center includes a research department where more than 40 patients with cancer that has not responded to prior treatment will be undergoing clinical tests. One of the most impressive areas is the radiology department, where a new $2.7 million linear accelerator is enclosed in concrete walls more than nine feet thick. Press story by Rick Thomas HERE.

Full Circle

Over a quarter century ago when Dave Bobbitt first came to Post Falls as a bank manager, Hilde Kellogg paid him a visit. She told him he would be president of the Chamber and that they were building a new office the next year. That was the beginning of Dave's involvement with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Now all these years later Dave, as chairman-elect of the organization, is poised to again provide leadership. Ironically, the Chamber has a new building under construction to open in 2010. Click HERE to see photos of who joined the duo on November 4.

Congratulations Bill!

North Idaho College Idaho Small Business Development Center Regional Director Bill Jhung was recently selected as the 2009 State Star for the Idaho SBDC. Jhung was chosen by the Idaho SBDC for the award based on the criteria of being an exemplary performer, making a significant contribution to the Idaho SBDC program and delivering significant impact on business growth in north Idaho. The Idaho SBDC provides business coaching and training to Idaho’s small businesses and entrepreneurs under a U.S. Small Business Administration grant matched by state funds. The purpose of the Idaho SBDC is to help businesses in Idaho thrive and grow via no-cost, confidential coaching, low-cost workshops and free resources. Nationally, as in Idaho, 70-80 percent of net new jobs are being created by the small business sector. The Idaho SBDC is a network of business coaches and trainers that operates from the Idaho’s colleges and universities.

Construction Countdown - End of First Month

At the end of a rainy/snowy last week of October, the second floor subfloor trusses are placed. *photo of east side of building.

Construction Countdown Week 4

With the weather cooperating the first floor walls have been placed and work is progressing at a steady pace. Photo taken from 4th Street looking towards the north east.

Greyhound Park/Clubhouse Bingo

The Greene Idaho Foundation, which operates Clubhouse Bingo at the Greyhound Park Events Center, donated $6,011 to TESH. TESH provides opportunities, training and jobs for the disabled in our communities. Pictured at the Pathways to Independence Benefit Breakfast at the Coeur d'Alene Resort are (l-r) Russ Doumas- TESH CEO, Sen. Mike Jorgenson, Doug Okuniewicz -Greene Idaho Foundation, Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin, Lt. Governor Brad Little, Mike Patrick -TESH Chairman of the Board.

Construction Countdown Week 3

The first floor walls have been delivered ...

Construction Countdown Week 3

The foundation slab has been poured and the walls will go up any day now.

Celebrate!

North Idaho College Workforce Training Center at Riverbend Commerce Park celebrated their 15th anniversary at the Post Falls Chamber After Hours. Cecil Cardinal, Sherry Wallis, Dr. Robert Ketchum and Pam Houser welcomed people to the event.

Construction Countdown

Two weeks after the groundbreaking on the new Chamber building the foundation is poured and trenches dug for the plumbing pipes to be placed. View of the site to the southwest.

It's Official!

At 10 a.m. this morning the dirt was turned to begin construction on the new Chamber office and visitor center on 4th Street next to Post Falls City Hall. Dignitaries, Chamber chairs - past and present, volunteers, local business leaders and more were on hand to put the ceremonial shovels to use.

Wild Rose Cuts the Ribbon..

Wild Rose Salon and Spa held a ribbon cutting and grand opening on 9/22/2009. Wild Rose is located at 724 North Highway 41 Suite D in Post Falls.

THANKS!

To everyone who donated auction items, sponsored, bought tickets and volunteered! The annual Northwest Gala was an incredible evening. Click HERE to see John Chambers and more of your friends getting their "cowboy" on.

Home Town Heroes

Congratulations to Knudtsen Chevrolet! The company was recognized by Kootenai County Fire and Rescue for having an Automatic External Defibrillator at their business. The device played a key role in saving the life of an employee who suffered a heart attack in August. Eve and Eric Knudtsen also received the Mayors Award from the City of Post Falls. Pictured l-r: Mayor Clay Larkin, Eric Knudtsen, Eve Knudtsen, KCFR Chief Ron Sampert and PFPD Chief Scot Haug.

St Johns Reception Hall Opening

Congratulations to St. Johns Reception Hall on their ribbon cutting and grand opening. St Johns can be rented out for weddings, corporate retreats, birthday parties, and much more.. St Johns is located at 4718 Horsehaven Drive.

Summer BBQ

Each year at the Post Falls Chamber Auction, Scott and Sharon offer up for bids a summer party at their Spokane River home. This year's party was a fun time! See more photos of the festivities HERE.

Block Party #15

The Body by Scotty Block Party was a rousing success for owners Scott Shawver and Sharon Sorenson last Friday night. A few thousand of their closest friends and customers enjoyed dinner, drinks, and the music of the Rythmn Dawgs. For 15 years, this Post Falls business has hosted the free block party to say "thank you" to the community. We say, "Thanks Scott and Sharon for all you do for the community and the Chamber!"

July Businesses of the Month...

Congratulations to Little Caesar's and Horizon Credit Union for being selected as July's Businesses of the Month.

Little Caesar's is located at 1790 East Seltice Way and Horizon Credit Union is located 565 Vest Street. Stop by and congratulate this month's businesses!

July's Volunteer of the Month is...

Alison McArthur

Alison co-chaired this years Post Falls Open Golf Tournament. Alison helped find teams, procure raffle donations and sponsors, assign volunteers, and emceed the awards dinner. The Post Falls Chamber thanks Alison for her hardwork and dedication to make this years tournament a success!

Ribbon Cutting for Rosa's

Congratulations to Rosa's Italian Market and Deli! Picture to left is owner Tina Marie Schultz, her staff, and Chamber ambassadors. The Deli is located at 120 East 4th Street (across from City Hall)

To see more picture from the night click here.

Come visit Post Falls!

Enter To Win!

One night's lodging at Sleep Inn, four Silverwood passes and four Stateline Speedway passes for an All Access Post Falls Getaway Package! Contest ends July 31st. http://www.visitpostfalls.org/

ACE Hardware Donates...

A HUGE Thank you to Nancy and Sandy Seright from ACE Hardware for donating $3000 to the New Post Falls Chamber Building Campaign. If you would like to donate please contact the Chamber office at 208-773-5016 for available sponsorship opportunities.

On the map

Post Falls is featured in this week's Road Trip in the Missoula, Montana newspaper, The Missoulian.

Celebrate!

For the second consecutive year, Post Falls will hold a free fireworks show and concert at Q'emiln Park on the Spokane River on the 4th of July. The Post Falls Community Volunteers are spearheading the event and Tuxedo Junction will play "big band" music. The show and concert are open to the public. Shuttle busses will take people to and from the park. Plan to attend and bring the family! SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE: free shuttle busses will be available every 15 minutes from City Hall, RedLion Templins and Black Bay Park from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

June's Volunteer of the Month...

June's Volunteer of the Month Craig Hampton from Idaho Commerce and Labor.

Craig put in over 80 hours on a project that touched the lives of over 220 local high school students for the Reverse Job Fair. Craig’s work with the Dept of Labor revolves around his helping businesses with their recruitment efforts and helping individual job seekers to find employment.

Greater Post Falls Open 2009

The annual Post Falls Chamber golf tournament was a great success thanks to our sponsors and players. Even rain and wind for most of the day didn't dampen the enthusiasm of everyone. Click here to see the day's action and team photos.

NIC Student Designs Logo

Ron Nilson and Paul Anderson of the Kootenai Technical Education Campus congratulate North Idaho College student Grant Hoki (center) on his winning design of the KTEC logo. The students in the NIC graphic design program were invited to submit logo designs for the organization, which is a consortium that supports the development of a professional-technical high school campus.

Hungarian House Guests

Chamber President/CEO Pam Houser and her husband, Rich are hosting two elite/pro Ironman athletes from Hungary. Csoke Balazs (#31), on left and Nagy Gergely (#39), on right, visited with the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County on Thursday. The athletes answered questions, demonstrated their special racing bikes and signed autographs for nearly 100 young fans.

Community Star

Congratulations to Randy Oaks of Dickinson Insurance for receiving Panhandle State Bank's annual Community Star award! Randy is a tireless volunteer whose ongoing efforts on the Chamber's capital building fund are making a difference. Randy serves on the Chamber's executive board. He's designated the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County to receive the $1,000. From left to right: PSB staffers Heather Kinsey, Barb McCarley, Jack Reiswig (Branch Manager), Kacie LaMastus, Randy Oaks, Jerry Smith (President of PSB), Chanelle Bligh

Thanks Ambassadors!

The Ambassadors met over lunch time to help put together player packets for the Chamber golf tourney on June 19. Still time to put a team together and sign up for the fun!

Party at Panhandle State Bank

The annual summer After Hours in the parking lot is Thursday, June 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.. Jack and the Panhandle Bank staff are great hosts and add music by Kelly Hughes, give aways and the announcement of the Community Star Award and it's all good. 3235 E. Mullan Avenue, Post Falls

Congratulations Megan & James!

Our Administrative Assistant Megan Hunt married James Ownbey on Saturday and will be out of the office on her honeymoon this week. We'll try to get by without her. :)

Post Falls on Parade!

Post Falls was showcased in the annual parade on Saturday, June 6. The business community stepped up and stepped out. Parade sponsors Community 1st Bank, Dickinson Insurance and Ground Force Mfg. pleased the crowd with their parade entries, too! See more photos of the parade and the spectators here and here.

Community 1st Bank

Dave Bobbitt and the outstanding staff of Community 1st Bank hosted their 2nd Annual Anniversary BBQ on June 4. Here are photos in case you missed the fun!

Holiday Inn Express After Hours

There was a great turnout for this month's After Hours at the Holiday Inn Express. GM Mike O'Brien and his staff prepared a bbq dinner and provided tours of the hotel. Door prizes of a night in a deluxe suite and dinner for two were won by Betty Ann Henderson, Bert Thoreson and Butch Peacock. Pictured are Frank and Betty Ann Henderson and Mike O'Brien after viewing the "Betty Suite."

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the first ever RCLA graduating class.

Pictured(left to right): Alan Wolfe-STCU, Ed Santos- Center Target Sports, Jack Reiswig-Panhandle State Bank, Lisa Key-City of Hayden, Pam Houser-Post Falls Chamber, Eric Keck-City of Post Falls, Jan Lindquist-Kootenai County Assessors Office, Jodi Lizotte-Kimball Office, Jim Tippett-BayShore Systems, Ron Brekhus-Cabelas, and Nicole Heimbigner-Idaho Veneer. Not Pictured: Ron Nilson-Ground Force

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2009/2010 CLASS Deadline: July 1

For application email: RCLA@POSTFALLSCHAMBER.COM

Student of The Month is...

Matt "Junior" was named the

Post Falls Chamber's

Student of the Month.

Pictured: Jodi McKenzie - Progressive Printing,

Junior and Dena Naccaroto-PFHS Principal.

Congratulations "Junior!"

Volunteer of the Month Is...

May's Volunteer of the Month is...

Cindy Jordan ~ Community 1st Bank!

Cindy was awarded the Volunteer of the Month for chairing the successful Commerce and Community Fair in April. Cindy also sits on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, serves on NIBCA membership committee, and plays on a woman's golf league at Highlands.

Stop and congratulate Cindy at 707 North Post Street.

TCB / RCLA Graduation

The Takin Care of Business Luncheon is tomorrow! It's a kickoff to tourism season, River City Leadership Graduation, and the Business Fair Booth winners will be announced! Call 773-5016 now to make your reservations.

Pictured - River City Leaderships Graduating Class.

DECA students support Commerce Fair

President Pam Houser and Commerce and Community Fair Chair Cindy Jordan presented the Post Falls High School DECA Students a $100 check for volunteering at the Business Fair. Thanks to Ryan Vordahl and all the DECA kids for their excellent help!

Welcome Back Legislators

The Welcome Back Reception was held May 14 at Moon Dollars for local legislators returning from Boise. Pictured(LtoR): Representative Frank Henderson, Senator Jim Hammond, Post Falls School Superintendant Jerry Keane, and Representative Bob Nonini.

Businesses of the Month

Congratulations to Alliance Title and Coeur d'Alene Cellars for being the Businesses of the Month.

Food Drive was a HUGE success!

The Post Falls Spring Food Drive

ran April 1 to May 2 and the numbers were record-breaking!

"Prairie Pig" Spirit Week - 4,407

School Challenge - 15,509

Hayden Academy - 1,246

Friday Super One Site - 1,768

Saturday - Trading Co Site - 18,860

Corporate Challenge - 2,338

Sysco Food Show - 13,000

The total was 57,128 pounds of food and $2961.37 financial donations!

Thank you to everyone who helped in this record-breaking year!

Surfing In Sun Valley

Check out this video of Dani Zibell-Wolfe (Coeur d'Alene Chamber), Amy Little (Sandpoint Chamber), and Pam Houser (Post Falls Chamber) promoting tourism for North Idaho.

Parade Applications are HERE!

Post Falls Days Parade Applications are HERE!

June 6th at 11am

Thank you to this years sponsors for covering the non-profit fees.

JD Dickinson - Dickinson Insurance

David Bobbitt - Community 1st Bank

Ron Nilson - Ground Force Mfg

Kerri Thoreson - Parade Committee Chair

Download the application at

www.postfallschamber.com