Movers and Shakers

Avista names Chris Sands

St. Maries manager

Avista has selected Chris Sands, longtime local resident, as the new operations manager for the St. Maries operating district, where he will oversee all electric operations on behalf of Avista.

"It’s great to have someone in the St. Maries office, serving Avista customers, that is from the area, knows the people, and is so involved in the community," said David Howell, Avista’s director of operations.

Sands received his associate’s degree in utility line from Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb., in 1993. After graduating, he moved to the area and accepted a job with Avista as a lineman apprentice.

Sands has more than 24 years of operations experience and has lived in St. Maries with his family for the last 15 years. Sands is involved in the community, including being on the board of Timber Plus, a member of the St. Joe Valley Search and Rescue, and 4-H.

His past experience with Avista includes serving as a serviceman, line school instructor, a lineman and now an operations manager. Sands is married and has three children.

Business Forum Nov. 29 at

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

The Business Forum, sponsored by Real Life Ministries, will be held on Nov. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Ron Nilson, CEO of Ground Force Worldwide a mining equipment manufacturer in Post Falls, will speak on "Living with Struggles, Success and Significance."

Tickets are $30 or $200 for a table of eight. RSVP at bit.ly/tbf1117.

The forum is designed to support local business leaders through promoting sound business practices.

Etherton to become president of fire investigation group

Coeur d’Alene Fire Investigator Craig Etherton will become president of the Idaho Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators on Jan. 1.

Etherton is currently serving as the first vice president of the group. He is one of only 15 certified fire investigators in Idaho and one of just over 2,000 worldwide.

Etherton is also the president of the Kootenai County Fire Prevention Cooperative and is filling in as the treasurer for the North Idaho Code Enforcers.

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If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. Items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street about your movers and shakers, email your information to Maureen Dolan at [email protected].