Pita Pit ranks in “The Future 50” Listing

Pita Pit Inc. has earned a first ever ranking on the “The Future 50” list in the July 2008 issue of Restaurant Business as one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the nation. Restaurant Business also stressed that Pita Pit is well positioned in the current economy to continue growing, saying “… you just can’t keep a good concept down …”

According to Restaurant Business and a Technomic, Inc. estimate, Pita Pit Inc. system wide sales in 2007 grew by over 18% compared to 2006.

“It’s exciting to see that we are recognized once again for our quality growth as one of the leading quick casual franchises in the United States”, said CEO Jack Riggs. “Our healthy food concept is becoming increasingly popular, and our company mantra of ‘good franchisees in good locations’ is creating a remarkably fertile environment for individual success.”

Pita Pit Inc. opened 37 new restaurants in 2007, an increase from 26 new store openings in the previous calendar year. There are currently 168 Pita Pit locations in 37 states, with another 50+ stores in development.

To view the entire listing, visit www.monkeydish.com.
To view the Pita Pit website, visit www.pitapitusa.com.

Circling Raven Golf Course Receives National Praise

The Golfer's World blog from USA Today recently featured Circling Raven Golf Course in a full-length article, highlighting points from a reporter's visit to Coeur d'Alene this summer. The article also mentions the exceptional hospitality of the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Below is a small piece of the article:

"Where the Circling Raven course excels is value: You would be hard pressed to find more golf for the dollar anywhere in the USA. You can often play the course in season for $65, and greens fees are always less than $100, and you are getting better golf than several courses I could pinpoint on Golf or Golf Digest’s Top 100 list, and better golf than many courses charging two, three or even four times as much. Between the standout Circling Raven course and its value, and the bargain priced luxury and service of Coeur d’Alene Resort and its fine golf course, a golf visit to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is a no brainer."


To read the full article, click HERE.

Coeur d'Alene: 3rd Best City to do Business

In a recent study done by Inc.com and Newgeography.com, Coeur d'Alene ranked number three in the nation for "The Best Cities to do Business." The 2008 rankings show a dramatic change since 2004, depicting the change of momentum in the U.S. and where business is thriving. The study notes that the rankings show both short-term and long-term growth, where jobs are being created, and prime locations for starting or expanding a business. Coeur d'Alene ranked 3rd behind Midland, TX and St. George, UT.

To see the complete list click HERE.

How to Retire in Comfort and Safety

Waddell and Reed offer a retirement seminar on June 25th, How to Retire in Comfort and Safety. A seminar for people who are retired, thinking about retirement, or starting to worry about whether you'll have enough money to retire. Are you wondering if you can make your retirement savings last? Concerned about inflation reducing your purchasing power? Worried about the stock market's violent swings? Then be sure to attend this valuable seminar and address all your questions. 7:00 p.m. at 509 W. Hanley Ave. in Coeur d'Alene. Complimentary seating for RSVP guests or $20 at the door. RSVP at 765-1600. Beverages, chocolate and dessert will be served.

Sponsorship Opportunities for “Smart Women, Smart Money” Conference

Idaho Women’s Financial Conf., Inc. has many sponsorship opportunities for the 2^nd annual “Smart Women, Smart Money” financial conference on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008. Idaho Women’s Financial Conf, Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free financial education to Idaho Women through annual “Smart Women, Smart Money” conferences.

“Smart Women, Smart Money” is an all-day conference that will be held at the Coeur d’Alene Inn. It is a day packed with information on personal finances taught by top national and local speakers. The conference is free to attendees and paid for with sponsor donations. Without sponsor support, this conference would not exist. Women from all ages and backgrounds have been empowered and encouraged from past conferences held in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Eastern Idaho. They leave comments such as, “Thank you so much for an awesome conference that will help me and my family get out of debt and start saving. Thank you!”

Sponsor benefits in Coeur d’Alene include speaking opportunities, exhibit tables, networking with over 300 women, recognition in pre-conference marketing, and others. Businesses or individuals who are interested in financially supporting “Smart Women, Smart Money” should contact Liza Carberry at 208.332.2997 or info@smartwomensmartmoney.com for more information.

Golder Associates Announces Staff Changes

In a recent Press Release, Golder Associates announced additions to their staff:

Tim Martin, PE is a Principal for Golder Associates and is on temporary assignment in Ghana, Africa at a new gold mine for Newmont Gold. He will be performing a geotechnical investigation for new access roads, rock spoil piles, and small earth dams related to surface water management.

Chris Sneider, PE is the acting manager, while Tim Martin is on assignment in Africa, for the Golder offices in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. Golder Associates is a global earth engineering and environmental consulting company, specializing in siting, permitting, environmental compliance and remediation services as well as geotechnical and water resource engineering disciplines. Golder has 6,000 employees in over 130 offices worldwide.

John Monks, PG, LHG was recently hired as a Senior Project Hydrogeologist in the new Golder office in Sandpoint, ID. Mr. Monks is a Licensed Hydrogeologist in Washington and a Registered Professional Geologist in Idaho.

Greenbriar Announces Grand Opening of Restaurant and Martini Bar

MEET ME AT 315!

A new restaurant and martini bar will be opening at the Greenbriar Inn on June 24!

The name of the new restaurant is “315 Martinis and Tapas”. The address is 315 Wallace, and we will open at 3:15 PM. It is located in downtown Coeur d'Alene at the Greenbriar Inn.

The definition of tapas is “small, savory dishes often served as a snack or with other tapas as a meal”. Plated dinners will also be available. 315 will feature fun weekly specials, unique martinis and live music Friday nights. Reservations are not necessary, however, Tuesday night we will offer specials on the menu for groups, so it is suggested that if you plan on coming with more than four in a group, that you call for a table.

Indoor restaurant, lounge, bar and deck seating for as many as 60 people is available. The restaurant will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays are reserved for private parties, weddings, and other group events. The Greenbriar has catered all over North Idaho and Spokane as well as at their facility for 23 years.

Tubbs Hill Book Signing by Scott Reed

You are enthusiastically invited to share in a special event on Thursday, June 19th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Library. Local conservationist and well-known environmental attorney Scott Reed will unveil his newly published book The Treasure Called Tubbs Hill.

Scott will be available to sign purchased copies of the book, which will be available for sale that evening by members of the Tubbs Hill Foundation. All proceeds of book sales will be given to the Foundation to assist them in their goal of preserving the natural and aesthetic qualities of this outstanding city park.

We hope you will join us at this exciting celebration. Refreshments will be provided.

Have a Heart, Help Build a Home

You are invited to join the Children's Village for this special presentation on June 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn. We have exciting news from Children's Village and Children's Village Foundation regarding future goals and fantastic plans for a much needed third home and educational wing. The architectural renderings will be unveiled and we will begin a capital campaign for construction, endowment fund growth, and operational needs. Your involvement is welcomed. Please share with others this invitation and reserve your ticket by calling Children's Village at (208) 667-1189 or emailing tinka@thechildrensvillage.org

Coeur d'Alene Rotary Announces Group Study Exchange

The Rotary District is sponsoring the Group Study Exchange to Central America in January and has extended the deadline for applications until June 14 and the interview to Spokane, June 22.
This is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity that provides travel grants for teams of participants to exchange visits between Rotary districts in different countries. This year’s trip will be Jan. 22-Feb. 24 to Rotary District 4250, encompassing Belize (English speaking country), Honduras, and Guatemala.

Team members will:
• study the host country’s institutions and ways of life,
• observe their own vocations as practiced abroad,
• develop personal and professional relationships, and
• exchange ideas.
Team members can come from corporations, small businesses, community organizations, medical and educational facilities, government offices, and nonprofit agencies.

This program is available to young professionals between the ages of 25 and 40.

For more information, click HERE