Tuesday, May 28
'Everything begins with an idea'
“Everything begins with an idea.” Earl Nightingale may not have been talking about starting a business when he dropped this pearl in the 1950s, but the wisdom behind it holds to this day. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, 9,212 small businesses opened their doors in 2023 – but the U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that one in four small businesses fail within their first year of operation.
Training options abound for small businesses
While small businesses may not think they have a lot of options when it comes to training, citing either access, time, or cost, there is a lot more to choose from than they might think. "Start with the basics," Brent Baker, executive director of Pend Oreille Economic Partnership and founder of Elevate Now Consulting. "Know what all the bases are, and cover them, and in the right order. It is very common to see entrepreneurs doing a good job of working on the wrong thing."
Big benefits from small businesses
From brew pubs in Post Falls to boutiques on Sandpoint's historic First Avenue and all the way to the Center of the Universe in Wallace, small businesses reap huge rewards for their communities. "Small businesses are the heartbeat of Sandpoint," said Mickey Quinn, executive director of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.
Toastmasters, NIA and Rotary play part in forging business bonds
Sharpening skills or honing in on specific types of business relationships are hard to foster in a vacuum, but organizations like Toastmasters, the North Idaho Alliance and Rotary Club offer focused opportunities to build community and train outside the workplace.
Summer brings big opportunities for small shops
Staff, inventory key challenges
The busy summer season is almost here and small shops like Bear Paw Cookies are bearing up for brisk business
Cedar Street Bridge connects community, businesses
Over the past 15 years, Shery Meekings, Creations owner, has faced different seasons at Cedar Street Bridge as ownership changed hands six times. While the bridge was at full capacity two years ago, 14 vendors left since then.
Evans Brothers Coffee brewing for 15 years
In the early days of running their business, brothers Rick and Randy Evans were focused on skiing almost as much as they were on coffee
Connect with customers in the Book of Lists
Make sure your business has a place in the 2024 Book of Lists.
Rotary donates book vending machines at Mt. Hall
The Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry donated a book vending machine to Mt. Hall Elementary School, including $600 worth of books in the beginning of May.
Hayden Chamber: 'There is strength in numbers'
It is often said, "there is strength in numbers." This strength is of paramount importance to any association and the Hayden Chamber of Commerce is no different.
Post Falls Chamber: Making an impact
We are nearly halfway through 2024 and life seems to be moving at the speed of light, making those sweet, slow and cherished moments all the more important. Mother’s Day just passed, and it was especially meaningful for me this year because I am now a grandmother. Emma Joyce Peckham is the light of my life and I cherish watching my daughter blossom into a wonderful mother. I hope you all found time for special moments with loved ones over the past few months and that you create many more throughout the rest of the year.
North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: It’s all about communication — right?
The NIA is getting a bit of a reputation. A reputation can be a good thing. A reputation can be a bad thing. Reputations can make or break us. In the long run, our reputations are all we really have.
Greater Sandpoint Chamber: The value of networking
Networking is a vital activity that everyone in business needs to do. It doesn’t matter if you are a W-2 employee, an executive in a company, a small business owner or an entrepreneur. Everyone needs to network. It is often not what you know, but who you know that will help you in just about every situation. No one has achieved great things entirely on their own. The phrase “better together” is true.
'Small Is Beautiful'
In a world of ever-increasing consolidation and concentration into mega-companies, it is interesting that the business of real estate brokerages remains fiercely independent. There are 330 real estate brokerages in North Idaho, with about 3,200 agents working in those offices. This does not include administration personnel and support staff, which is another few hundred people. Some of these brokerages are affiliated with a national brand (like Century 21 or Sothebys) but they are not at all mere branch offices following a corporate line. Each office has its own style and business model and hiring practices, and each office reflects its specific local geography and community.
The financial influence of single-family home construction
The intricate dance between the cost of construction and the revenue it generates is a cornerstone of local development. A glaring example comes from an exploration of the financial contributions single-family housing construction brings to communities, particularly spotlighted in "The Local Impact of Home Building in Kootenai County, Idaho: Income, Jobs and Taxes Generated," as reported by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Business comings and goings
Embellishing merchandise with custom logos, ROJO Ink has opened at 1640 E. Schneidmiller Ave. (viewable from Interstate 90) in Post Falls.
Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho ranks No. 5 in Best Places to Work in Idaho
Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho is ranked No. 5 in the list of the Best Places to Work in Idaho. This recognition comes from the Best Places to Work in Idaho community, a group dedicated to improving the quality of employment across the state. The ranking reflects Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho's commitment to fostering an environment where employees thrive professionally and personally.
Torfin earns Fire Investigation Technician certification
Firefighter and Shift Investigator, Justin Torfin has tested for and earned the designation of FIT (Fire Investigation Technician) from the International Association of Arson Investigators.
Orchard Ridge Senior Living welcomes Clifford to board of directors
Orchard Ridge Senior Living recently welcomed new member Gayne Clifford to its board of directors.
Orchard Ridge Senior Living welcomes Clifford to board of directors
Orchard Ridge Senior Living recently welcomed new member Gayne Clifford to its board of directors.
Hunter joins Kiemle Hagood brokerage division
Kiemle Hagood is pleased to welcome Craig Hunter to its brokerage division.
Winston & Cashatt welcomes new associate Thompson
Winston & Cashatt is proud to announce that Kenneth A. Thompson has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Thompson’s practice focuses on civil litigation and real estate.