Movers and Shakers March 2, 2010

Curves plans food drives at three area locations

Curves is encouraging women in the local area to show their philanthropic strength by participating in the annual Curves Food Drive. And even though donating food to families in need is its own reward, the clubs are offering compelling incentives for both existing and potential members who participate.

All this month, Curves locations in the area will collect nonperishable items and monetary donations for food banks in the local area. The goal, according to Curves Founder Diane Heavin, is for the community to come together to help families in need. "At the core of our business is the message that women are stronger when they rally together, and that is the point we hope to bring home with our food drive," Heavin said. "We want to show our communities just how?powerful the generosity of our members can be."

According to Heavin, members who donate a bag of groceries or make a minimum donation of $30 during the month of March will receive a reusable Curves grocery freezer bag for free. Non-members who do likewise between March 8 and 20 can join Curves for free. Curves will waive the cost to join.

Heavin says that as part of this effort, Curves locations in the area will be participating in a company-wide contest for the most food drive donations collected by Curves locations across the nation. Winners will receive one of several cash prizes to be donated to their local food bank.

Each year, Curves locations collectively donate millions of pounds of food to feed the hungry.

"We hope women in the Coeur d'Alene area will come together and participate in this initiative," Heavin said. "Even if you're not thinking about joining a gym, you can still drop off your donations. There are so many families - right here in our own community - who need our help."

The food drive will be held at Curves of Coeur d'Alene, 610 W. Hubbard St. and 6190 N. Sunshine St., Curves of Hayden, 11313 Government Way and Curves of Rathdrum, 6600 W. Commercial Park Ave.

Dutch Bros. Coffee holds card contest

During the month of March, Dutch Bros. Coffee will unveil three new company-designed gift cards, as well as accept submissions for one customer-generated design. Submissions will only be accepted online, at www.dutchbros.com.

Dutch Bros. recently launched a formal gift card program, replacing its former Coffee Cash system - dollar gift certificates redeemable at any Dutch Bros. location. The gift cards, available in any amount, can be purchased at any Dutch Bros. location.

The contest began Monday and submissions will be accepted online through noon March 31. Designs will be judged by Dutch Bros.' co-founder Travis Boersma and the winner will be announced on April 15. The winner may choose a month of free coffee at Dutch Bros., $100 Dutch Wear gift certificate or a pair of customized Dutch Bros. Nike sneakers.

"We're really excited about our new gift card program, and hope our customers are too," said Adam Cuppy, creative and online media director for Dutch Bros. Coffee. "We have such a loyal customer base, so we thought it would be fun to let our customers determine the next gift card design."

There is no fee to participate. Contest rules can be found at www.dutchbros.com.

Hagadone wins business award

The Small Business Commerce Association named The Hagadone Corp. 2009 Best of Business Award in the Management Services category.

The SBCA Best of Business Award Program recognizes the best of small businesses throughout the country. Using consumer feedback and other research, the SBCA identifies companies it believes have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports .

Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great, the organization said in a press release.

Making their mark

n Lynn M. Hagman, city clerk/treasurer for the city of Hayden Lake, earned the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) in February. The MMC is one of the two professional designations granted by IIMC. To qualify for entrance into the Master Municipal Academy (MMCA), which prepares participants for achieving the MMC status, one must have earned the CMC designation. To earn the CMC designation, a municipal clerk must attend extensive education programs.

The designation also requires pertinent experience in a municipality. The program prepares the participants to meet the challenges of the complex role of the municipal clerk by providing them with quality education in partnership with 47 institutions of higher learning.

The MMCA is an advanced continuing education program that prepares participants to perform more complex municipal duties. The program has an extensive and rigorous educational component, a professional and social contributions component, and a commitment to lifelong learning, said a press release. The academy members must demonstrate that they have actively pursued educational and professional activities and have remained informed of current sociopolitical, cultural and economic issues that affect local governments and municipalities.

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 [email protected].