Clearwater County Chamber announces variety of activities in area

by Erica Holland, Director Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce

The Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce met at the House of JuJu Orofino on Sept. 6th for the General Membership meeting.

President Malia Erlewine called the meeting to order with a good attendance of about 20 members in person and via Zoom.

Guests were introduced first, with requests for announcements as well. Jen Runia of OJSHS (Orofino Junior/Senior High School) encouraged participation for the upcoming Homecoming to gather community support and raise morale. Guest speaker Rebecca Kosinski, new OJSHS Principal gave an introduction and shared enthusiasm for engagement and leadership goals.

Newest member Felecia McAbee owner of Branch & Vines was welcomed and gave a description of her business located inside the Helgeson on Johnson Ave. Cindy Wines of Earth & Family Wellness was in attendance and shared about her business also.

Announcements included Sept 8th candidate filing deadline for Nov 7th elections, Live Music event at the BW Lodge at River's Edge happening Sept 8th at 6:30 p.m., Hospital Fire Fundraiser hosted by House of JuJu with live music Sept 12th from 6-9 p.m. with 50% of all sales from the day going to the victims, the Mill Taphouse is having 2nd Year in Business Anniversary celebration Sept 29th 5-9 p.m. with live music and special food plates, Big Canyon Acres Fall Fest happens Oct 13-15 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day and vendor sign up is open, CVH is hosting Teen Suicide Prevention "My Ascension" documentary video screening at the Rex on Oct 19 at 6 p.m., and Jen Hill from Dworshak State Park was in need of a place to donate approximately 100 bags of ice that was not used and needed to be moved. Her offer wasn't on the table for long, before it was gladly accepted by OCI (Orofino Celebrations, Inc.) to be used during Lumberjack Days.

Director Erica Holland gave her report on events and other activities including the current account status. She has been very busy the past month with three parades and lots of community involvement at area events. Each of the communities in our county has received a contribution from the chamber toward improvement or beautification projects to be completed during the year. All communities now have updated kiosk bulletin boards with membership represented as well as event lists and space for current activities. Signups are being taken for upcoming chamber events Trick or Treat Rockin the Street and Orofino Old Fashioned Christmas Lighting. The chamber is gearing up for the Chamber Beer Garden Fundraiser at Lumberjack Days and still has a few shifts to fill. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact her. This is a great opportunity to network and meet your neighbors.

Susan Jacobson Director of CCED gave an update, reporting on many projects in the works around the county including Community Forums in each town and continued attention to retention and expansion. Downtown Revitalization of Orofino is still taking comments and requesting community engagement. AARP Community Challenge awarded a grant for 8 benches to be installed on a one-mile loop and Susan requested volunteers to help get them installed. Thanks to Tye Barnett Remodeling, who offered to assist in the technical duties on the project. Weippe has development projects being considered and input is desired regarding Cloninger's Market expansion vs. a Dollar General that wants to come to town. P&Z will be holding a hearing next month for any who wish to attend. Contact Weippe Board Member Robert Meade for more information and petition details.

Legislative reports were not available from Dennis Harper at the meeting time. However, regional staff was in attendance from Senator Crapo, Senator Risch and Congressman Fulcher offices. Government funding is high on all their priorities at this time, followed by fishing forecasts, ARM Bill and expanding cruise line tours to 1.5 hour outside LC Valley. Congressman Fulcher would like to see our community involved with these tours to bring Clearwater County into view. Senator Risch' office held an annual staff meeting recently in Orofino for 3 days and had great feedback regarding the visit.

Be sure to attend the upcoming events Orofino Lumberjack Days and Clearwater County Fair Sept 14-17, Patriot Day 9/11 Remembrance by CVFDA (Clearwater Valley Fire Districts Auxiliary) 10 a.m. at VFW Memorial Little League Baseball Field, and Orofino Rotary Fun Run/Walk Oct 7th.

Thank you to the first responders and C-PTPA (Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association) for efforts fighting the Hospital Fire!

Next meeting will be Oct. 4th at 4 p.m. at Fiesta En Jalisco banquet room. We hope to see you there. Everyone is welcome to attend, need not be a member. For more information or questions contact Erica Holland, Director at 208-476-4335 or email 6cdirector@gmail.com.

Pierce Pool awarded by (right to left) Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce President Malia Erlewine to Brandy Denison, Pierce Recreation District Director with Chamber Director Erica Holland.

Newly installed Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce bulletin board at Weippe Discovery Center. Photo with Terri Summerfield, Director Clearwater County Library & Weippe Discovery Center.

Weippe Community Club award from Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce accepted by board pictured: back row left to right: Colleen Fahy, Clairrene Heywood, Marge Kuchynka, Lloyd Schlader, Paul Hayduk, front: Ed Kuchynka, JoAnne Schlader, Kathy Daniels, Lori McMillen, Norm Steadman, Gary Kleinsmith, and Erica Holland, Chamber Director.

Syringa Club of Elk River accepts award from Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce from Director Erica Holland with Marsha Martin Treasurer and Connie McCartney Board and City Council Member. (Photos courtesy of Erica Holland, Director Clearwater County Chamber of Commerce)