Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Chamber Update for October 2011

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Chamber President Derek Preece

Fall is in the air, and that means we are about to experience some big changes.  The first noticeable one will be the weather, but so far we've been pretty lucky with what we've got.

Another change that will take place later this year is the Chamber Board of Directors.  I'm not sure if you know, but these people donate their time and resources to help the Chamber and it's members be successful.  They are voted in by a majority vote of the Chamber membership, and then they serve for what seems like an eternity, but it's really only three years!  The first year is spent learning and becoming acquainted with the members, and the next two are really spent helping the Chamber with events and activities, finding opportunities to help businesses be successful so they can stay in Blackfoot, and networking with other organizations to build on the solid foundation and successes the Chamber has already achieved.

This year there will be three open spots that need to be filled with individuals who can be committed to this position - much like those who currently fill those seats.  It's a great way to serve and learn more about the business atmosphere and community we live in.  I know you're thinking, "Hey I could do it, but I just don't have the time," but being on the Board of Directors is really not time consuming.  The Board meets once a month during the lunch hour, and then all of the activities are scheduled in advance and you're probably going to them anyway - at least you better be!  The time you spend is well worth the value you receive as a community member and business leader.

So I'm putting the charge out there for anyone who is interested in serving on the Chamber Board of Directors to come forward and get your name on the ballot.  The nominations are open until Friday, October 14th.  I have really enjoyed being the President of the Chamber, and I've had the opportunity to work with some fascinating people that I really admire and have built long-lasting friendships with.

Until next month...!


Executive Director Leah Rigby

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

I hope everyone enjoyed the month of September as much as I did!  Near perfect weather really helped it shape up to be a great month.

We started out with the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and I have to admit, I really enjoyed the fair this year.  I didn’t grow up in Blackfoot as a kid, so I didn’t receive the proper “fair-rat” training that most local kids get and thoroughly develop through adulthood.  In fact, I’ve always tried to avoid the north end of town during fair week, and since my kids became old enough to go on their own, my husband and I haven’t even stepped through the fair gates for over five years.  This year it all changed, and we had fun!  Fair food always grossed me out a little to think about eating something cooked in a portable shack, but if you deep fry it or cover it in plenty of chocolate sauce, it’s really good!  Now back to the diet plan because the holidays are just around the corner.

The Chamber was really busy this month, and we had some great events that if you weren’t there you really missed out.  We held our luncheon at Bingham Memorial Hospital, and this will go down in the book as one of my favorites.  The meal was absolutely delicious, and it was like eating in a fancy restaurant.  Hospital food has always had a bad rap for being bland and the reason people want to get out of the hospital, but at Bingham Memorial the food is just one more high quality service you’ll experience there.  If you ever break your leg and have to go there, ask for a piece of that cheesecake.  We also had the honor of meeting two new members of the Bingham staff, doctors Gill and Shah.  I was so impressed with what they bring to Bingham, and I loved their humorous and down-to-earth style.  I hope I never get sick, but if I do, I know I’m in good hands at Bingham Memorial Hospital.

We also had a spectacular After Hours event at the Idaho National Guard Armory with the Idaho Department of Labor and special guest Brigadier General Alan Gayhart from Boise.  Again, I was totally impressed with Army Sgt. Roy Breshears and Dax Broadhead of the Department of Labor with all the effort and thought they put into planning this event and making our guests feel welcome.  I’m so proud to be an American, and I hope we never forget the citizen soldiers who have sacrificed such a big part of their lives to ensure our freedoms so we can continue to live the American dream.  The focus of this event was to bring attention to the need of employment for returning soldiers, so I hope local employers will be able to offer these soldiers jobs and get them back in the workforce.

Football season has been so exciting already!  I couldn’t be more proud of my Blackfoot and Boise Broncos!  Keep it up, boys – we’re going all the way this year!  Be good to us, October!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
Super 8

Super 8 Motel opened for business ten years ago in the summer of 2001. It is owned by Jerry and Chris Gregersen as part of Gregersen Properties, LLC. The general manager is Randy Payne who has been there from the beginning. Randy has a strong background in motel management, and ensures his guests feel welcome and enjoy their experience while visiting Blackfoot.

Super 8 Motel is proud to offer an array of amenities to their guests including a complimentary SuperStart breakfast with hot, fresh-made waffles in a clean and comfortable atmosphere.  Guests also receive complimentary wi-fi internet access in all guest rooms, and for those traveling without a computer, there is one available to guests in the lobby with internet access.  Super 8 Motel also offers their guests complimentary use of the Anytime Fitness Gym which is just across the parking lot from the motel.  There they will have access to a full range of athletic equipment including treadmills, eliptical gliders, stationary bikes, and free weights.

Super 8 Motel is conveniently located between Idaho Falls and Pocatello which makes it the perfect place for visitors to stop without having to contend with congested streets and excessive noise.  It is also within walking distance of grocery stores, convenience stores, and multiple restaurants.

Super 8 Motel is proud to offer services and amenities to both the community and those who come to visit our community throughout the year.  We appreciate the business we receive from the citizens of Blackfoot, and we can accommodate for things such as birthday parties, graduations, high school reunions, family reunions, funerals, etc.  We are also a great resource for those needing temporary living space during those times that their home is not able to be occupied due to damage or remodeling.  Check us out next time you or someone you know needs a clean, comfortable place to stay!



BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – RADIO SHACK

When it comes to cell phones, satellite TV, computers, electronics, accessories, and customer service, Vern's RadioShack of Blackfoot is the place to get it all.  Vern Murray has been the “Shack Man” for over fourteen years in Blackfoot.  Vern started out with the smallest RadioShack franchise in the U.S. in 1997 when he opened up on South Broadway with only 200 square feet of retail space.  It was here that he operated the first CommNet Cellular retail cell store in Blackfoot.  What some may remember as the “brick phone”, this device cost around $500.00 just for the phone, and a plan was $30.00 a month for just 15 minutes of airtime. Things have changed considerably since those early days of cellular technology and communications.

Vern has now expanded RadioShack to over 2,000 square feet of retail space located at 1215 Parkway Drive in the retail strip next to Burger King.  He has added three full-time and two part-time employees who ensure their customers will have a great experience when they visit the store.  Vern carries a vast inventory of accessories and equipment so that customers will have what they need when they need it, and if for some reason he doesn’t have it on hand, he can order in almost anything anyone would need for their electronic and communications needs.

RadioShack carries all name brand products for cell phones and accessories, and specializes in satellite TV dishes and plans.  They also carry computers and computer products along with a large selection of other electronic devices and accessories ranging from power cords to headphones to memory cards.  Chances are you’ll find what you need on your first stop at RadioShack, and you’ll have the pleasure of being served by an experienced and knowledgeable sales associate that can answer your questions and quickly get you on your way.

Vern also offers a great service to businesses and individuals who want a unique way to advertise their company or publicize an event on digital marquee signs.  One sign is located on the back of the RadioShack building overlooking a high-traffic area, and the other is at the busy intersection of South Broadway and Judicial Streets.  Anyone interested in putting a message on these signs can contact Vern or one of his staff members.  It’s a fun, creative, and economical way to advertise a business or event.

Vern and his staff enjoy serving the Blackfoot community and appreciate the support they have received from their customers.  They look forward to serving you and welcome you to come in and meet the “Shack Man”.  You can also follow them on Facebook by searching Vern's RadioShack of Blackfoot.


MEMBER NEWS
Doris Dinsmore (left) & Daughter (right)

Idaho Potato Museum

In the Summer of 2008, Doris Dinsmore, of Capser Wyoming, contacted the staff at the Idaho Potato Museum. She wanted to donate her collection of close to 350 potato mashers.  Doris had been collecting potato mashers for 30 plus years and had decided it was time to donate her collection to a museum.

The Potato Museum Board met and discussed the collection and its possibilities.
The Board felt like Doris's potato masher collection would be a great addition to the Idaho Potato Museum. Randy Gardner volunteered to travel 4 hours out of his way to pick up Doris's potato masher collection and deliver it to the museum.

Three years later, for the first time Doris Dinsmore, her daughter, and a family friend traveled to the Idaho Potato Museum to see her potato masher collection on display for the first time.  It was a real treat to get to meet the person responsible for all of those potato mashers.  Doris Dinsmore had tagged and labeled each individual masher with information about when and where they were acquired. She spent a few minutes reminiscing and sharing stories of how she came across a few of these mashers.  To Doris's daughter, these mashers were a part of her childhood; she remembers the house being full of them. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the Idaho Potato Museum, please stop in to take a look at this wonderful collection!  It's also a great activity for clubs, school, church, and scout troops, and we can accommodate large groups who call ahead.

Idaho Potato Museum
Winter hours begin October 1
Open 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday
(208) 785-2517


Blackfoot Performing Arts Center
Season Schedule   

October 15 - Gary Morris
October 21, 22, 24 - BHS Drama Production
October 26 - BHS Marching Band Concert (free)
October 29 - Afterglow
November 3 - Tim Behrens "A Fine & Pleasant Misery"
November 16 - BHS Band & Choir Concert (free)
November 30 - Marvin Goldstein & Vanessa Joy
December 16 - Community Christmas Concert "The Messiah"
January 28 - BYU Ballroom Dance Company
February 14 - Bar J Wranglers
March 7 - Backstage Event:  Men of Worth
March 10 - The Four Freshmen



Bingham Welcomes New OB/GYN Doctor

Bingham Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome RenĂ©e Volny, D.O., M.B.A. to its medical staff as part of the Bingham Memorial Women’s Center.

Dr. Volny received her bachelor of science in Biology from Pace University in NY and her osteopathic medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She also received a Masters in Business Administration in Health Care Leadership from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Volny was chosen not just because of her stellar background, but because of her passion for women’s health and her desire to make a difference in whatever community she finds herself. That’s the kind of physician we know you want looking after your health.

Growing up in Brookyln, New York, Dr. Volny developed a love for science and working with people. She has worked as a high school science teacher as well as working for a non-profit association helping mentally challenged adults.

Her life experiences and exposure to different cultures and  give her the opportunity to look at each patient and each situation with a fresh perspective and an open mind.

Dr. Volny has been all around the world providing medical care to women in need. In February 2010, she participated in a medical mission to Haiti as part of the earthquake relief.

She also participated in a medical mission to Ghana in August 2011, where she provided training in cervical cancer screening.  In her spare time, she enjoys writing, and regularly contributes to a health care blog called Policy Prescriptions.

Dr. Volny is now welcoming patients at the Bingham Women’s Center in Blackfoot. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 785-3900.


IDAHO CENTRAL CREDIT UNION

Idaho Central Credit Union has reached 100,000 in membership! To celebrate, they are giving away a 2011 Ford Fiesta*. Stop by the branch today at 498 N. Meridian in Blackfoot to find out how you can enter! Hurry – promotion ends 10/31/11. Plus, ICCU is the sponsor of ISU’s BengalFest this year! Visit us two hours before kickoff of each home game on the west side of the Holt Arena.


BLACKFOOT TRANSMISSIONS

A new transmission repair shop has arrrived in Blackfoot opening for business on Monday September 26th!  The owner, Robert E. Lee, is an A.S.E. Certified
Transmissions Repair Specialist out of Layton, Utah with over 17 years of experience in the transmissions repair industry.

Robert is the loving father of 3 beautiful little girls, and with growing concerns in Utah
has decided to raise his children in the perfect little town of Blackfoot. Robert comments on the friendliness of the people of Blackfoot and says he feels like so many have already given him such a warm welcome. "We've heard that Blackfoot needed a good transmission repair shop, and with the love that we have for this place, it just made sense to start my business here."

With over 17 years of experience in the transmission repair industry and over 7 years of experience as a Manager at AAMCO Transimissions (another well known transmission repair shop), Robert is able to give you a professional (and free) diagnosis when your check engine light comes on with a free 72-point inspection of your vehicle using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. There is no transmissions repair job that Robert is not capable of doing in a proficient and timely manner.

If you have any questions or would just like to have your vehicle checked out for free with a fair and accurate computer diagnostic, you can call Robert at (208) 346-3199 or
bring your vehicle down to the shop located at 715 West Pacific, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm.  Mention this article and receive a 10% discount on any service!

UNITED WAY

Lights, Camera, Action!  United Way of Southeastern Idaho's 2011-12 Community Giving Campaign begins this Fall.  Last year your contributions helped secure a better future for 77,702 Southeast Idahoans; 28,063 in Bingham County. 

Our theme this year is "Every One Counts" – with a little dramatic twist; we are calling for all stars in our community to direct their efforts to work together to produce resources and talents that serve the people who need assistance in our seven county region. Please help us reach our goal of raising $675,000 over the next three months.

United Way currently supports 36 of the most effective nonprofit organizations in our region, working on solutions to our community’s most challenging issues.  These issues affect your businesses and your bottom lines – healthy employees miss less work time; employees with safe, reliable child care are better able to concentrate on the task at hand during work hours; a better educated community thrives and energizes the local economy.  United Way works with community partners to ensure the strength of your employees, neighbors, businesses and family all year round.

Come and be inspired by what your local United Way is doing in your region.  Join us for the After Hours event on October 19th, and hear about how your investment is at work right now, strengthening the community and laying the foundation for an even better tomorrow.

Please join us at the SEICAA offices, 206 South Spruce Street on Wednesday, October 19th from 5 – 7pm.  Contact the United Way at 232-1389 or visit us at www.unitedwaysei.org.


David Taylor
DOO DOO KING
208-252-5022
doodookings@gmail.com
www.doodooking.com
Pet Waste Removal Service Now Available For Pet Owners
Blackfoot, Idaho – Pet owners love their animals but are active, busy people. The time they have to spend with their pets is valuable and should be quality time, uninterrupted by the toils of pet ownership. That is where DOO DOO KING comes in.
DOO DOO KING is a pet waste removal company offering service in Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello.  DOO DOO KING allows pet owners freedom from cleaning up after their pets while maintaining a clean, healthy yard. DOO DOO KING cleans up pet waste on the owner’s property, bags it, sprays it to remove the odor, and disposes of it.
This service gives pet owners the freedom to live their lives without having to deal with the uglier side of pet ownership. DOO DOO KING offers twice-weekly, weekly, and bi-weekly services or one-time clean up for both residential and commercial properties.
We service all kinds of pets.  We also carry insurance to protect your property and pets.
DOO DOO KING “We pick up where your pet left off!”
For more information contact:

David Taylor
DOO DOO KING
208-252-5022
doodookings@gmail.com
www.doodooking.com


BINGHAM COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

Hello all of Bingham County - have you noticed the new paint job at the Blackfoot Animal Shelter?  This was done by a wonderful student on college break for the summer.  It now shows you all where the Shelter is.  Please drive by and take a gander.

At the Chamber Luncheon on September 14, held at the BMH Garden Cafe (wonderful) Marcia Williams, our Vice-President, gave an update on the happenings with the BCHS.  She mentioned we have been able to move lots of animals from the shelter, either by highway transport or through the air.

Would like to elaborate a little more on that update.  In cooperation with the Animal Shelter, the BCHS has been able to move literally groups of dogs and cats to rescues, foster homes, and adopters.  This is not an easy task, it takes lots of work and time.  The BCHS works 24/7.  We have transported animals by car, truck, van, and even by airplane.  There is a group of pilots in our area and across the country that fly animals wherever they need to go in order to be saved.  These magnificent folks are part of an organization entitled "Pilots for Paws".  There are possibly other group names out there too, but we are pleased to have a number of pilots in our area that help us out.  There are other dedicated volunteers from here to Wyoming to Washington, Utah to Montana and throughout the northwest that are willing to transport four-leggeds to wherever they will be safe and find new homes.  It is totally amazing to think that while we are all safe in our little homes, these dedicated persons are driving unwanted animals to where they will be wanted.

Transport coordinators throughout the region are tirelessly dedicated to making these events go smoothly and without a hitch.  There are also OTR (over the road truckers) that will help out when needed and are of valuable service to the animal community.

To keep you all informed that your Bingham County Humane Society is just a small cog in the big scheme of things but we are an important cog, for without us fighting in the trenches to save the throwaways of Bingham County and the Blackfoot community, the number of animals killed monthly in our shelter would be astronomical.  In the past 1 1/2 months, there has been not one healthy animal killed, thanks to the BCHS and animal shelter's hard and thankless job.  We can be satisfied in our hearts and souls that we are doing the best job we can do to save these worthwhile creatures.

If you would like to participate in this wonderful opportunity to help out your fellow four-leggeds, please be assured we always need volunteers, foster homes, drivers to transport and we are always in need of dog and cat food donations, as well as litter.  Our address is P. O. Box 385, Blackfoot, Idaho, 83221.  Our phone number is 208-680-3881.

And again...thanks to our wonderful supporters, for without you, this would not be a possibility.

Marguerite Hartman
681-4314


BRICK HOUSE BALLOONS

Brick House Balloons is an owner-operated home based business, specializing in custom balloon decor, bouquets and delivery. Owner, Lisa Tornabene, moved from the east coast to Blackfoot after visiting the area in January. Lisa, a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA), is trained in balloon design and will create custom balloon arches, garlands, swags and columns to make your next celebration unforgettable!

Also available are balloon bouquets for every occasion and price range.  So whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation or the birth of a baby, Brick House Balloons will deliver a smile of happiness with every bouquet!

Invite Brick House Balloons to bring a smile to your next special occasion!

Brick House Balloons
Toll Free: (855) 208-4800
www.brickhouseballoons.com


ALSCO is Generous With Chamber Cash Prize

The Chamber draws for a cash prize winner at each monthly luncheon.  The pot continues to grow if the winner is not present, but in September, ALSCO was present and won the $325.00 prize! 
Christian Utley, ALSCO General Manager in Blackfoot, generously donated half of the cash prize to the SEICAA Stone Soup fundraiser.  The other half of the prize will be used by ALSCO to purchase Chamber Gift Certificates that can be redeemed at multiple Chamber businesses who are enrolled in the Gift Certificate Program.

ALSCO is a strong supporter of the community and Blackfoot Chamber.  We appreciate their generosity, and if you haven’t done business with ALSCO before, you might be surprised that they offer more than just rugs, coveralls, and paper products.  Check them out for all kinds of services that can promote and help you with your business – and you’ll love working with Christian and his professional staff!  They are located at 542 E. Dewey Street, and can be contacted at 785-3000.

For more information about the Chamber Gift Certificate Program, contact the Chamber at 785-0510. 


RENEWING  MEMBERS
(All addresses are Blackfoot unless listed otherwise)

Scott Axline Attorney
401 N. Oak
P. O. Box 100

Best Western Blackfoot Inn
Dawn Walker
750 Jensen Grove Dr.

Bingham Co-op
Mike Jensen
P. O. Box 887

Development Workshop, Inc.
555 W. 25th St.
Idaho Falls, ID  83402

Eastern Idaho State Fair
Brandon Bird
P. O. Box 250

Family Dental Center
Dr. Paul L. Hansen
P. O. Box 458

KIFI-TV 8
Monte Young
1915 N. Yellowstone Hwy
Idaho Falls, ID  83401

KPVI-TV
Bill Fouch
902 E. Sherman
Pocatello, ID  83201

Southeast Financial Services, Inc.
Tami Parris
1010 W. Bridge Ste H

Vocational Rehabilitation
Sheila Jackson


New Members

Blackfoot Transmissions
DooDoo King
Brick House Balloons


October After Hours
Sponsored by: United Way of Eastern Idaho
Wednesday, October 19th
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Held at  SEICAA offices, 206 S. Spruce
Public Invited
For more information, call 785-0510


Thank you to all of the teams and sponsors who supported the 2011 Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Sorry for the delay!

1st Place Team:  On The Spot Cleaning & Restoration
2nd Place Team:  White Eagle/Chad's Place
3rd Place Team:  Rupe's

Sponsored by:

Bingham Memorial Hospital                  The Morning News
On The Spot Cleaning & Restoration    Les Schwab
Downtown Bread Co.                          FastCare/Portneuf Medical
ALSCO                                               First American Title
Perfect Day Alterations                         Idaho Central Credit Union
State Farm Insurance                            5 Buck Pizza
Blackfoot Golf Course                          Rich Broadcasting
Rupe's                                                  Eastern Idaho State Fair
Bingham Co-op                                    Gold's Gym
Costco                                                 Power Lube
CAL Ranch                                         Homestead Restaurant
Idaho Potato Museum                         Alliance Title
Anytime Fitness                                   Radio Shack
Advanced Eyecare                              American Legion
Baker & Harris Law                            Dennis Hatch, DDS
Fairchild Construction                          Flower Shoppe, Etc.
Wear It Out Apparel/GAP Solutions    Heartland Real Estate
Herricks Floor Covering                      Hoffman & Son Quality Concrete
Home Helpers                                     Jiffy Lube
Kathy & Co.                                      Meridian Center
The Wine Garden                               Millcreek Metals
Mr. Appliance                                    Mr. Rooter
Pro Rentals                                        Valley Medical Shoppe
Wash a Go-Go                                   XII Stones
Conquest Insurance                           Pendleton Flour Mills
ISU Federal Credit Union