Movers & Shakers Feb. 11, 2010

CPA firm receives highest rating

Clark Anderson McNelis & Co. is pleased to announce another successful peer review with a rating of "pass," which is the highest rating a CPA firm can achieve under the current peer review system.

A "pass" rating is given only to those firms whose system of quality control for their accounting and auditing practice meets applicable professional stands established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

A peer review is required every three years and is administered by both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants.

This is the Coeur d'Alene firm's seventh successful peer review since 1991.

Keller Williams opens Sandpoint branch

Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene has opened a branch office in Sandpoint.

Terry Gurno, team leader at Keller Williams in Coeur d'Alene, said the company decided to open a second office in North Idaho after some of its agents began selling more homes in Sandpoint.

The company hopes to have 30 to 40 agents working out of Sandpoint.

Real estate veteran Peggy Sawicki is the designated broker at Keller Williams Realty Sandpoint.

Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene opened in 2004 and today has 92 agents.

Both the Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint offices are owned and operated by an investment group including Marie Pickford, Kevin Pickford, T.J. Barnart, Michael Threadgill and Dennis and Pam Ranch.

Information: 667-2399

Lucky Friday Mine hits milestone

The Lucky Friday Mine successfully hoisted and processed its 10 millionth ton of ore for commercial production on Saturday.

"It's a big milestone," General Manager Mike Dexter said.

While the mine's claims were established around 1889, according to the mine's annual report, it was first leased 50 years later by Mullan service station operator John Sekulic for $15,000.

Sekulic then teamed up with Wallace attorney Charles Horning to create the Lucky Friday Silver-Lead Mines Company, assigning the lease and option for stock.

After several years of hard-work and dedication, the report stated, a 25-foot long section of a vein was discovered on the 300 level in 1941.

It was 23 years later the Lucky Friday Silver-Lead Mines Company merged into Hecla Mining Company, which continues to own and operate the property to this date.

"To last this long is quite terrific," Dexter said of the extensive Lucky Friday mine life. "It's a terrific ore body."

Spa dealer nets service award

North Idaho Spas was recognized recently from among 750 dealers of Sundance Spas at a conference in Cancun, Mexico.

The Sandpoint retailer earned an Exceptional Service Award, as well as an International Design Award at the 2010 International Dealer Conference.

The local company was singled out from among 95 entries for the design award, and more than 750 Sundance dealers worldwide strive for the distinction of offering exceptional service, Bill Connolly, who owns North Idaho Spas with his wife, Linda, said.

"This award recognizes North Idaho Spas of Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene as an elite retailer in a select group of dealers around the world," Connolly said.

Since opening in 1995, North Idaho Spas has received 12 Exceptional Service Awards, and six design awards, including three in the last three consecutive years.

Farmer-chef collaborative is March 1

Farmers, ranchers and chefs will have the opportunity to discuss ways to source fresh, local agriculture to local food service venues at the 2010 North Idaho Farmer-Chef Collaborative.

Held in Moscow on Monday, March 1, this interactive event is fashioned after the popular "speed dating," and pairs buyers and sellers to facilitate one-on-one discussions to match buyer needs with available local products.

"Local restaurants are eager to capitalize on the growing 'buy local' trend by offering unique, seasonal menus featuring only the freshest items available," said Kim Peterson of the Idaho State Department Agriculture. "The local food movement has succeeded in driving demand and opportunity for local farmers and the local economy. The Farmer-Chef Collaborative aims to build connections within the community while supporting such movements."

The event will be held at the University Inn Best Western, 1516 Pullman Road, from 9-11:30 a.m. and costs $15 per agribusiness to attend. Pre-registration is required.

Information: Kim Peterson at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture at (208) 332-8532 or kim.peterson@agri.idaho.gov.

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.