Movers and Shakers March 19, 2010
Panhandle State Bank cuts employees, restructures; Poppy moves to suite 104 in Sherman Arms building; Edward Jones rep holds seminar; Wine distributor moves
Panhandle State Bank cuts employees, restructures
Panhandle State Bank said Thursday that it has concluded a restructuring necessary to meet its strategic plan goals, including making adjustments to staffing levels throughout its branch system and central operations.
Bank-wide, 32 positions were eliminated. This includes staff from all levels of the bank, over a 19-branch system. Twelve jobs were eliminated in the operations areas and branches of Panhandle State Bank in North Idaho. Four positions were cut from Spokane's Intermountain Community Bank branches and central services, and the rest were made in central and southern Idaho and eastern Oregon.
"Generally it was pretty evenly distributed," Curt Hecker, chief executive officer of Panhandle State Bank, told The Press. Some of the cuts were made through attrition, he said.
At the beginning of 2009 the bank employed 418 people.
PSB said the staff reduction is the final step in right-sizing the bank for future opportunities. Over the past couple of years, the bank has invested in significant technology enhancements to streamline operations and improve service levels and security, adjusted its credit portfolio, and implemented other reductions in operating costs.
"We are committed to insuring highly customized, outstanding services for the communities that rely on us," Hecker said in a press release. "As the economic situation evolves, we expect to see new prospects for the future, which may include new employment opportunities."
Poppy moves to suite 104 in Sherman Arms building
The by-now annual pilgrimage of downtown shops continues.
Papillon Paper Emporium finished the move to the front corner of The Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops this week and now occupies the window spot at Third and Sherman.
Wendy Harris relocated Poppy to a different suite in the Sherman Arms building at 412 Fourth St., and is now in suite 104, directly behind her former store.
"Everybody else is moving, I didn't want to feel left out," she said.
The slightly smaller space is, she said, "nice and cozy, more like a living room. I think it's cute."
Shop hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with seasonal hours to be extended as the weather improves.
The new phone number is 806-1235
Around April 1, Coeur d'Alene Chocolates will open a store in the former Poppy space.
Edward Jones rep holds seminar
Eric Soles, Edward Jones financial adviser in Coeur d'Alene, will hold an educational seminar titled "How to Raise a Money-Smart Child" at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 6 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 7 at 211 E. Coeur d'Alene Ave., Suite 104 in Coeur d'Alene.
The seminar is designed as a collaboration between Edward Jones and the Money Savvy Generation, an organization devoted to children's financial literacy. The centerpiece of the program is the Money Savvy Pig Piggy Bank with four chambers, one each for saving, investing, donating and spending.
Soles said the seminar is a great way to provide parents and grandparents the tools to teach children the basics of handling money, an essential lifetime skill that will become more important as they get older.
"As business leaders, we share the collective responsibility to help our youth avoid the pitfalls that financial illiteracy brings," Soles said. "Parents and grandparents teach children the skills of basic personal finance so they are empowered to take control of their financial lives and, in turn, their futures."
This seminar is free, but space is limited. To make a reservation, call Edward Jones Branch Office Administrator Julie Bailey at 667-1539. Edward Jones is sponsoring the event.
Wine distributor moves
Idaho Wine Merchants will be moving to 3846 Schreiber Way. It is at 1602 Sherman Ave. and expects to be in its new home Monday.
The 30-year-old wine wholesaler works with restaurants and grocery stores. Victoria Peterson is the sales manager.
The business is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Information: 664-3651
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.