Community Building Renovation Project  - This spring we were happy to report the project is moving forward...good news...it still is.  After some revisions the City Council and the Chamber Board have agreed on a remodeling plan.  Additionally, the Council has approved the commission for the final architectural drawings.  With these drawings we will be in position to seek matching funds.  If funds are awarded, the project would move forward to the bid and selection process late this year, and construction would be completed in 2008.  We’ll give you an update with the winter (December) edition of this newsletter.

Board of Directors Planning Sessions –  Over the past year and a half the make-up of your Board has changed, leading us to be creative in our efforts to meet and communicate.  We have managed to meet seven times in the last nine months.  Oftentimes with one or more board member participating via conference call.  Board member Jared Hopkinson, Sawtooth Adventures, makes his winter home in Salt Lake.  Jeff Clegg, of Redfish Lake Lodge spends the off season in Jerome.  Board member and Treasurer Tom Stuart maintains homes in Boise and Stanley.  Newest member Heather Denning, her husband and son winter in McCall.  Julie Meissner, Tim Cron, and Charlie Thompson      are currently residing throughout the year in Stanley.  As a part of the Chambers work cycle the Board of Directors holds planning sessions each fall.  These sessions are designed to recap the past several months, revisit the Chambers Strategic Plan, and plan for future projects.  It is the Chambers role and responsibility to bring issues and people together in an effort to foster discussion and shape strategy.  It is also the Chambers mission to encourage and support member businesses and enhance their economic opportunities. Beginning in September and culminating in Twin Falls in November your Board of Directors will be working on the 2008 action plan.  The emphasis of the November meeting will be focused on marketing, advertising, and chamber office expansion. 

Chamber BBQ –   When you add food to an event it seems like more people always turn out.  The first annual June 14th Chamber BBQ at the City Park in Stanley took us a little by surprise as approximately 75 people attended.  The evening was highlighted by the opportunity to publicly recognize the efforts of Selma Lamb, Sheldon Hentschke, and Marie Osborn with the Top of The Peak Award.  Their plaques read; “with deepest gratitude for your years of tireless contribution to the Stanley area business community and the Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce”.  Beyond the awards, we shared some food, information, and spent time together at the beginning of the busy season.  Thank you to all the folks who showed up and helped put it together.  Next year will be even better!

Thank You…to Dale and Dee Light, Jack Sullivan, and Jeni McQuay for their hard work and dedication at the Visitor Information Center this past summer.  The center was well organized and once again operated efficiently and effectively.  Overall these individuals did an outstanding job of directing people to lodging, RV space, food, shopping and area attractions.  They also provided a positive attitude with each visitor they encountered.   The center could not operate as effectively as it does without their efforts and we appreciate them for a job well done!  The center will remain open with reduced staffing and hours through the weekend of  October 13th.

2008 Membership Drive –  Membership renewal packets were mailed to all current members and some potential new members the second week in August.  I included one in this mailing just in case you missed it!  Please remember to complete the entire application and check your listing in both the directory and on the web site.  We will make every effort to establish an accurate mail and contact list.  Please include your summer and winter contact information and if you have any questions, or need additional information, don‘t hesitate to call Greg Edson at 1-800-878-7950,  (208) 774-3411, or (208) 733-1921.  Email: gedson@cableone.net.

ITC Grant Award –  In July  the Idaho Travel Council announced their allocated awards to the various organizations submitting applications and presentations.  The Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce was awarded $30,500.00.  This is the largest award the chamber has ever received.  Grant funds are derived from the states “Bed and Booze Tax“.  The monies we received were allocated as follows:  Media Advertising $18,000, Snowmobile Internet Promotions $4,500, Infonet/Website $4,500, Administration/Fulfillment $3,500. Our grant award reflects the chambers effort to direct monies towards all seasons, specific target market groups, and dollars to better fulfill requests for information.  These monies coupled with City Option Tax Funds (which will be approximately $12,000 for `07), special grant funds when available, and membership dues are what make up the total funds available for the chambers budget.  Total budget projection for the 2007/2008 fiscal year is approximately $63,000.00.

Salmon Festival - This years August 25-26 festival was the best we have had in the seven years we have been involved in this event.  We had approximately 1500 people attend Saturday’s day long event, with the evenings Salmon feed drawing over 350.  There were nearly continuous tours, music, dancing, and vendors activity on both days.  Each year it gets a little better! 

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Just a Reminder -
2008 membership dues by December 31, 2007 in order to be listed in the 2008 Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber Directory.