Movers & Shakers Feb. 25, 2010

Downtown shops Daisy J's, Sweet Pea consolidate

Jennifer Rea, owner of Daisy J's and Sweet Pea in the Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops, completed the consolidation of the two stores and opened in the former Anna Leigh's space on the west end of the plaza on Wednesday.

Given a brilliant coat of yellow paint that once selected turned out to be appropriately named daisy yellow, and trimmed in a shiny, contrasting red, the store is now named Daisy J's Trading Company, but is still home of Sweet Pea.

"It looks like sunshine," Rea said.

The store now uses both the inside entrance and the sidewalk entry that had been locked under the prior occupancy.

Combining the two allowed her to mix and match what were, in some cases, some staples of the two stores that did not mesh well, Rea said.

"It is a work in progress," she said. "Merging the two stores has been a challenge."

Reclaimed barn-wood on the counter and enameled doors on the walls are among the decor changes.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday.

Papillon Paper Emporium is set to take over the space at the east end of the shops where Daisy J's had been. Painting is in progress and hardwood floors are to be installed, said John Barlow, president of Hagadone Real Estate Holding Co., which owns the building. No tenants have been signed for the other vacant stores, he said.

Chili feed at Plaza Shops

The stores at the Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops will hold a chili cookoff from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday in conjunction with their Cabin Fever sale.

For $5, visitors to the shops on Sherman Avenue between Second and Third streets can get in out of the returning wintry weather and try at least 10 varieties of chili, said Deb Mote, owner of Louie Permelia.

Each purchase in the shop will also get one free beverage from Tito Macaroni's and a prize-drawing entry for a night at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

"It is a competition between the shops," Mote said. "Every one will be different, from chicken to Cincinnati chili."

Country music will be piped in and many contestants will offer a variety of side items to enhance their chili.

Thrift store now open

Renee and Jimmy Wolf have opened New 2 You Thrift Store at 1034 N. Third St., just north of Jo-Ann Fabrics in the former Harmony Yarn space.

The small store sells "the usual thrift store items," she said in a note sent to The Press.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

Information: 665-2010

Dahlstrom elected to CUNA board

Steve Dahlstrom, president and chief executive officer of STCU, was elected to the board of directors for CUNA (Credit Union National Association).

As District 6 director, Dahlstrom will represent 45 large credit unions with more than 7 million member-owners in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, California, Alaska and Hawaii. His term runs through 2012.

"In our industry, being elected to the CUNA Board of Directors is one of the highest honors your peers can bestow upon you," said Debie Keesee, chairwoman of the Washington Credit Union League and president/CEO of Spokane Media Federal Credit Union. "As a CUNA director, Steve will be involved with decisions impacting the future of all credit unions."

With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, CUNA is the largest credit union trade group, serving 90 percent of America's 8,000 credit unions, which are owned by more than 92 million members.

"We congratulate Steve on his election and look forward to benefiting from his insight and service on the CUNA board," said Daniel A. Mica, president and CEO of CUNA.

Among other local commitments, Dahlstrom chairs the Eastern Washington University Foundation, is on the board for Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and is a member of the Spokane Workforce Development Council. He came to STCU as a vice president in 1980, and was named president and CEO in 1990.

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.