8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

Board of Directors:

President:

Matt Smith

Vice President:

Bob Jones

Secretary:

Brett Seright

Treasurer

Teresa Metz

Directors:

Tristan Hite

Elizabeth Coppess

Membership and Events

Director

Shanie Rountree

We appreciate

all our members!

Gold Sponsors:

Daniels Landscape Supplies

Twin Lakes Golf Course

Golden Spike Estates

Washington Trust Bank

Van Zandt Financial Services

H & R Block

City of Rathdrum

Seright’s Ace Hardware

Diamond Wireless

Rathdrum Trading Post

Hardware

Academy Mortgage

Westwood Brewing Co.

Silver Sponsors:

Joan Genter – Realtor,

Windermere

Debbie Holmes - Edward Jones

Investments

American Eagle Automotive

Coeur d’ Alene Airport

Rob Orth - Realtor, CitiBrokers

Inland Northwest Bank

May 2017 In This Issue

Feature -

Rathdrum Connections - (pg. 1)

Why participate (pgs. 2 & 3)

Welcome New Members - (pg. 4)

Upcoming Events - (pg. 5)

Thanking Members - (pg. 6)

Rathdrum Park & Rec - (pg. 7)

Upcoming Community

Events - (pg. 8)

Member List - (pgs. 9& 10)

RATHDRUM AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dedicated to Supporting our Business Community

FOLLOW US ON

FACEBOOK

Discover the Benefits of Doing Business Locally

The Chamber's annual Business Fair is an opportunity to meet face-to-face with those

companies putting Rathdrum on the map. Whether you're looking to use a local printer,

advertising agency, construction contractor, insurance agent or financial institution – the

Business Fair will showcase local companies, and is your one-stop-shop for learning about

doing business locally – all in one day and all in one place.

The Rathdrum Connections Business and Community Fair: Rathdrum’s business event and

premier opportunity to connect businesses, organizations, and the Rathdrum community

face-to-face. The Fair's two-hour format at the parking lot in front of Stein’s Market gives

Rathdrum a chance to learn about the participating businesses and nonprofit organiza-

tions who introduce their products and services to attendees at this annual event.

AS AN EXHIBITOR, YOU WILL

Increase your company's brand recognition;

Promote/launch your company's products and services;

Tell your story – what's different, unique about your company's offerings;

Demonstrate your product or service in action; and

Build/reinforce business relationships.

Rathdrum Connections is an easy, affordable way to give your company maximum expo-

sure in front of hundreds of people, as well as learn what goods and services are available

for your business, get qualified leads and make quality connections while marketing your

business to hundreds of consumers.

Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to establish new business and valuable

contacts in a fun and creative atmosphere. At the event it's up to you to ensure your

booth and your business gets the attention it deserves. On behalf of the Chamber of

Commerce, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at

the year's expo.

This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase your business to local residents and to

connect with other members of the business community you don't want to miss out.

8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

2

One of the best ways to elevate your businesses image is

by participating as a vendor at an event. The Rathdrum

Area Chamber of Commerce wants to help you be

successful at your next vendor event and here are a few

tips on how to maximize your efforts.

Why participate in vendor events? These should be

your goals:

Reconnecting with current customers and meeting

their friends, colleagues and cohorts

Connecting with new customers or prospects

Increased brand recognition

Networking with fellow vendors and those planning/

hosting the event

Sell products OR

Setting up one-on-ones or consultations

Whether you are a small business owner, represent a

large company or are a direct sales consultant, all these

tips listed below can be useful.

Reconnecting with current customers and meeting

their friends and cohorts

This is a no-brainer if you are investing your time and

energy into a vendor event… invite your current cli-

ents plus colleagues and prospects (and even friends and

family). Tell them, “I’d love to see you there!” and

“Bring a friend!” Not only will the event planners

appreciate the extra attendees but a vendor fair is an

excellent opportunity for your fans to introduce their

people to you. Consider offering a special to your current

customers, too, especially if they introduce you to

someone new via the event.

Bonus Tip! Introduce your customers to other ven-

dors to add even more value to the event.

Connecting with new customers or prospects

Stand at your booth or table. This makes your table more

approachable and encourages interaction. You want them

to feel comfortable perusing your products or services

and asking questions. If you feel awkward, straighten or

rearrange items to busy yourself.

TALK TO PEOPLE!!!! Ask them, “How are you

enjoying the event?” or “What’s been your favorite booth

so far?” Invite them into a conversation and they will

linger.

Bonus Tip! Stand up…and smile!

Have something to DO at your booth

Make sure your display is interactive, and have plenty of

samples. If you sell something wearable, let people try it

on. Again, this encourages lingering and gives you a

better opportunity to connect with people. Having a “spin

the wheel” game is also a great tactic.

Offer a giveaway or raffle prize to collect your prospects’

name, phone number and e-mail so they don’t just walk

off with your information and disappear.

If you aren’t a product-based business, create a fun gift

basket your people would like. Reach out to each person

who entered and offer them a bonus or freebie so

everyone is a winner. Allow people to sign up for more

information or to receive your email newsletter.

Bonus Tip! Have treats, especially chocolate. People

can’t resist candy!

Increased Brand Recognition

Make the most of your space! Have a conversation

piece that reflects your business and causes people to stop

and check it out more closely. Make sure your booth or

table reflects you and your brand. Have promotional

materials ready, get your logo printed on a tablecloth in

your brand colors and have attention-grabbing signage

and decorations. Put products at various heights to add

interest and consider adding large table-top signs or a

plant to add texture.

Use the event to increase positive PR (public relations) Vendors events make for great PR, especially if they

benefit a cause or charity. Put the event info in your email

newsletter and post about it on social media. At the event,

take pictures to post later. You could even do a press

release about it.

By Andrea Maddalone

3

8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

Networking

Schmooze your fellow vendors–they’re some of your

best prospects! Be sure to check out your fellow

vendors beforehand. Look them up on social media and

say “Hello, I look forward to meeting you!” Bring along

a small goody with your information included and give

them out to the other vendors before or after the event.

Sell Your Product

Again, should be no-brainer but you should ask yourself

a question; are you making it easy for someone to shop

at your booth?

Here are a few bonus tips for those of you selling

products:

Allow sampling

Encourage trying on

Have prices clearly marked

Have gift certificates available

Have wish lists available

Offer complimentary gift wrap

Offer specials and discounts (buy one, get one half

price…spend $50 and get a free gift…crack a

plastic egg to receive a discount, “fish” in a pond

to receive a discount, your imagination is the limit,

etc.)

Do you have change ready for the sales transaction?

Obtain a credit card processing systems for easy sales

Setting Up One-On-One Consultations

Why do an event if it doesn’t give you a chance to tell

people more about what you do? Always have your

calendar ready and offer an incentive for them to sched-

ule their consultation or one-on-one with you on the spot.

If you’re a direct sales company, have hostess packets

and team member packets ready to give out.

Last but not least … ALWAYS REMEMBER TO

FOLLOW UP

The real power of vendor events lies in your follow-up.

Take the information you collected and send the email

newsletter, ‘like’ their Facebook page or send them a

quick note in the mail to keep the momentum going.

The Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce’s hopes these tips

help make your next vendor event a smashing success!

Now that you have a few of these tips under your belt,

what not a better way to practice them than by doing so at

the Rathdrum Connections 2017 Business and

Community Fair on Tuesday, June 6. Cost is only $50

for Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce members.

For more information, see attached link for vendor

application form or contact (208) 687-2866.

Final Bonus Tip: Bring LOTS of business cards! Last

year over 300+ attended the Rathdrum Connections

Business and Community Fair event, be prepared!

To print the Exhibitor Agreement and Registration

REGISTER ONLINE

8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

4

Inland Northwest Bank

Spirit Lake Branch

Kelly Hagen, Branch Manager

31845 North 5th Avenue

Spirit Lake, ID

208-623-5700

5

8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

Upcoming Chamber Events

Chamber Networking

Luncheon

To RSVP (by May 15)

office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

May 18, 12pm

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Featured

Matt Jones

Regional Director Public Affairs at BNSF Railway

Chamber Board Meeting

May 15 @ Chamber Office

Rathdrum Days Planning Meeting

May 11, 5:30 pm @ Chamber Office

Rathdrum Adventure Race Planning Meeting

May 24, 5:30 pm @ Chamber Office

UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS

City Spring Clean-up Week May 08, 2017 at 8:00 AM

Rathdrum City Council

May 10, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Rathdrum Planning and Zoning May 17, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Rathdrum Parks and Rec

May 23, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Linux Users Group

May 27, 1p.m. at F1 For Help

F1 For Help

Submit your event by the 25th

of each month to be included in

the next months issue shanie@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

6

Thank you For Renewing your investment in the Rathdrum Area Chamber

Van Zandt Financial Service PLLC

Genter , Joan

Jones, Robert

Rathdrum Trading Post Hardware

Seright's Ace Hardware

Super 1 Foods

Academy Mortgage Corporation

North Idaho Building Contractors

Rathdrum Grange #351

Rathdrum Physical Therapy

Werner,Terry

Bega, Frank and Marge

Lakeland Immediate Care

Rathdrum Animal Clinic

C & K Roofing Inc.

Lakeland Eye Clinic

Lakeland School District

Real Life Ministries

Salvation Army/ KROC Center

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran

Church

Coeur D'Alene Association of

Realtor's

Columbia Bank

Dairy Queen

Daniels Landscape Supplies

Kootenai Humane Society

Perfection Tire

The Furniture Doctors

United Way of Kootenai County

Les Schwab

North Idaho College

Palocsay, Leslie

Kelsey's

Edward Jones

Northern Lakes Fire District

Lake City Church-Rathdrum

Lakeland Family Dental

Friends of Rathdrum Mountain

Napa Auto Parts Rathdrum

Adept Business Solutions

American Eagle Automotive

American Legion Rathdrum Post 154

Avista

Bay Shore Systems

Bell Tower Funeral Home

BNSF

Champion Concrete Pumping, Inc.

Chartwells Dining Services

City of Rathdrum

Edge Home Roofing

Golden Spike Estates

Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho

Heritage Health

Idaho Department of Labor

J & R Electronics Inc.

Knudtsen Chevrolet

Lakeland Physical Therapy & Sports

Injury

McDonald's of Rathdrum

Mountain States Early Head Start

North West Guardian Riders, Inc.

Northwest Building Components

Rathdrum Counseling Center LLC

Rathdrum Lions Club

Redman & Company Insurance

Specialty Gas Service & Fireplace

Center

Stratton Land Services Inc.

The Local Deli

Twin Lakes / Rathdrum Creek Flood

Control Dist. #17

Twin Lakes Realty

Twin Lakes Village Property Assoc. ,

TLV Golf Club

Wah Hing Restaurant

Washington Trust Bank / Rathdrum

Wells Fargo Bank

Better Business Bureau

Community Library Network

Harvest Family Church

North Idaho Fairgrounds & Event

Center

PowerTipps

STCU

Trademarc

Twin Lakes Improvement Assoc.

Rathdrum Power, LLC.

Harvest Family Church

Hospice of North Idaho

Stoltz, Pete

Coeur d' Alene Airport

Human Rights Education Institute

Paul Matthews Architects

Progressive Print

Piper 9 Salon

Twin Lakes Community Schoolhouse

7

8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

8184 W Main St. Rathdrum, ID 83858 Phone: 208-687-2866

Email: office@rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com Website: www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com

8

Academy Mortgage Co.

Adept Business Solutions

American Eagle Automotive

American Legion Rathdrum Post 154

Avalanche Insurance

Avista

Bay Shore Systems

Bega, Frank & Marge

Bell Tower Funeral Home

Belt, Gayle

BNSF

Better Business Bureau

C & K Roofing Inc.

Champion Concrete Pumping Inc.

Chartwells Dining Services

City of Rathdrum

Coeur D’ Alene Airport

Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors

Columbia Bank

Community Library Network at Rathdrum

Dairy Queen

Daniel’s Landscape Supplies

Diamond Wireless (Verizon Store)

Edge Home Roofing

Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Debbie Holmes

F1 For HELP

Five Star Bath Solutions

Friends of Rathdrum Mountain

Golden Spike Estates

Habitat for Humanity

Hagadone Directories Inc.

Hayden Homes

Harvest Church

Heavens Best Carpet Cleaning

Henderson, Frank N.

Heritage Health Center/Rathdrum

Horsley Drilling Inc.

Hospice of North Idaho

Human Rights Education Institute

Idaho Dept. of Labor

J & R Electronics Inc.

Joan Genter, Realtor, Windermere

Jobs Plus

Johnson Ron

Jones, Bob

Kelsey's

Knudtsen Chevrolet

Kootenai County

Kootenai Humane Society

KYMS- The Bridge 89.9fm

Lake City Church/Rathdrum

Lakeland Eye Clinic

Lakeland Family Dental

Lakeland Immediate Care

Lakeland Physical Therapy & Sports Injury

Lakeland School District #272

Les Schwab

McDonald's of Rathdrum

Mountain States Early Head Start

NAPA Auto Parts

North Idaho Building Contractors

North Idaho College

North Idaho Fairgrounds & Event Center

Northern Lakes Fire District

Northwest Building Components Inc.

North West Guardian Riders, Inc.

Orth, Rob -Realtor, Citibrokers

Palocsay, Les Professional Realty Services

Perfection Tire

Pioneer Title Company

Support Your Rathdrum Area Members

Piper9 Salon

Progressive Printing Inc.

Power Tipps

Rathdrum Animal Clinic

Rathdrum Counseling Center LLC

Rathdrum Lions Club

Rathdrum Masonic Lodge No. 41

Rathdrum Power

Rathdrum Physical Therapy

Rathdrum Trading Post Hardware

Rathdrum/Westwood Historical Society

Real Life Ministries

Real Property Management - Coeur d'Alene

Redman & Company Insurance

Salvation Army/ KROC Center

Seright’s Ace Hardware

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Specialty Gas Service & Fireplace Center

St Stanislaus Catholic Church

STCU

Stoltz, Pete

Stratton Land Services Inc.

Super 1 Foods

The Breakfast Nook

The Furniture Doctors

The Local Deli

The Local Pages

Title One

Tradmarc

Twin Lakes Community Schoolhouse

Twin Lakes Improvement Association

Twin Lakes Realty

Twin Lakes / Rathdrum Creek Flood Control

Twin Lakes Village Property Assoc. / TLV Golf

United Way of Kootenai County

Van Zandt Financial Service PLLC

Wah Hing Restaurant

Washington Trust Bank / Rathdrum

Wells Fargo Bank

Werner, Terry

Westwood Brewing Co.

WGG (Stein’s)

Support Your Rathdrum Area Members