2008 Emerging Housing Trends Program "Workforce and Student Housing"

On Wednesday, March 5th from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., ULI (Urban Land Institute) Idaho is presenting this program, focusing on approaches in Idaho and other area to respond to the need for workforce and student housing. Attendees will receive a free copy of ULI's publication, "Ten Principles for Developing Affordable Housing".

The program will be held at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. The cost is $25 for ULI Members and $35 for non-ULI Members. YLG Members and students are $15. The event is free for elected officials and the media. A buffet breakfast is included in the cost of registration.

This event is sponsored by Washington Trust Bank, Lake City Development Corporation, U.S. Bank, and SRM Development.

To register online, click HERE.
For more information, call 1-800-321-5011 (program #8149-0809)
Complimentary registrations, 208-433-9352

Registration closes March 1st.

Idaho Ranks Second for "Best States for Jobs"

According to a recent article published on MSN Careers, Idaho ranks number 2 in the nation for employment, based off of the current unemployment rate in the state. As stated in the article, Idaho's unemployment rate sits at 3%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 5%, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To read the entire article, click HERE.

Coeur d'Alene Tractor Works to Repair Roof Collapse

This year's snow storm has caused major problems for long-time business owner, John Adams, of Coeur d'Alene Tractor. The large engine shop collapsed due to snow on the roof in early February. As you can see the damage is immense. Three Kubota tractors were in the large engine shop; two being serviced and a brand new Kubota being prepared for delivery to a new owner. Fortunately, all the employees were out of the building and not one was injured.
Both owners, John and Bruce, are working to repair the mess.

Coeur d'Alene Tractor has been a member of the Chamber since 1948 and Mr. Adams has been president of the business since 1967.

The address of Coeur d'Alene Tractor is 1112 W.Appleway, Coeur d'Alene. Their phone number is 208-765-2315.

Help Prevent ID Theft with Free Shredding

ISU Haddock & Associates, in conjunction with United Data Security, is hosting a free shredding day on Friday, February 15th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Community members are welcome to bring any papers and put them in secured bins that will be emptied at 5:00 p.m. United Data Security is based out of Spokane, WA. All employees are fingerprinted and drug screened to ensure your safety and confidentiality. Help protect yourself, family, and friends from identity theft by taking advantage of this opportunity. For more information about United Data Security, call 866-855-0821.

ISU Haddock & Associates
1311 Northwood Center Court
Located just off Ironwood near Outback
Call 664-9873 for more information

Mardi Gras Jazz and Blues Festival

Don't miss these big events this weekend in Downtown Coeur d'Alene:

February 16th - Kids' Carnival from 10:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. in the Plaza Shops. Art on the Edge and the Arts and Culture Alliance have teamed up to host a fun-filled day of art and imagination for children of all ages! The carnival will offer kids' art workshops in music, pottery, painting, clowns, theater, and much more! The cost is $5 per child (includes lunch), with scholarships available. For more information, contact Ami Manning at 676-0917 or Tami Wahl at 292-1629.

February 16th - Cajun Cookoff and Street Festival from 6:00 p.m. - midnight. Street musicians, performers, ice sculptures, blues, jazz and tantalizing treats prepared by local chefs. This year's Cajun Cookoff and Street festival will be held in conjunction with the Mardi Gras Jazz and Blues Festival. All proceeds go to support Art on the Edge, St. Vincent de Paul's children's art program. Tickets can be purchased at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on 108 E. Walnut, the Coeur d'Alene Resort, or at www.artontheedge.org/marti. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information, contact Ami Manning at 676-0917 or aoedirector@gmail.com.

STCU Presents Financial Workshop

Mark your calendar for February 26th, 2008 when STCU will be presenting "Financial Fitness 2008". This is a free financial workshop where you will learn tips and ideas to turn around your financial future. Sponsored by STCU Post Falls Branch. Refreshments at 5:00 p.m., workshop from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. For more information, email Anne Hagman at anneh@stcu.org or by calling 208-619-4027.

Winter Celebrations Going on this Weekend

With the record snowfalls this winter season, take advantage of some of the winter festivals going on this weekend:

Kootenai County Fairgrounds will be having its Winter Festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The hours are Friday, Noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The festival features many activities, including sleigh rides, an indoor skating rink, climbing wall, live music, and snowboard exhibitions. Visit www.northidahowinterfestival.com for more details.

Lookout Pass is also hosting The Winter Games of Idaho this weekend. On Saturday, the event is "Big Air" and on Sunday, "Slopstyle". Both are open to snowboarders and skiiers. Register on the menu option at www.skilookout.com.

Haddock & Associates Announce Staff Additions

Haddock & Associate's Financial Services division welcomes the addition of two new agents. Corey Anderson joined us in December, and specializes in Group Health coverage. Robert Nazemi joined our team in January and brings with him over 10 years experience in Life services. Our Coeur d'Alene office is located at 1311 Northwood Center Court (near the Outback Steakhouse). Please stop by or give us a call at (208) 664-9783.

Lake City Playhouse Announces February Shows

Lake City Playhouse is please to offer a double dose of Nostalgia! Starting February 8th and 9th with those lovable "Projector Sectors" singers from "Forever Plaid" and finishing up with "An Evening of Vaudeville" featuring Michael McGiveney, America's Foremost Quick Change Artist on February 15th and 16th.

Back by popular demand a fresh off a command performance at Centerstage, Lake City's very own Fab Four returns to the Playhouse for what might be the very last time. Awarded the AACT 2007 "Best Community Theatre Production in Idaho", Plaid has played to standing ovations throughout the Northwest. Join Sparky, Smudge, Frankie, and Jinx one last time for an evening of unforgettable music and heart-warming humor.

Both shows start at 7:30 pm with ticket prices being $16 for adults and $13 for seniors, students and military. Call 208-667-1323 for reservations and visit our website www.lakecityplayhouse.org for more information.

Garage Town USA Makes the NY Times

On February 1st, The New York Times featured Garage Town USA in an article that highlighted the company's unique business concept. Garage Town sells self-storage units that often become its own destination for owners. The units are bought and sold like homes and often come with many of the amenities that we have in our homes, like cable, internet and clubhouses. The article interviews Coeur d'Alene residents who have more than a few good things to say about their "home away from home". To read the article, click HERE.