Development Group’s Future On The Rocks

A lack of interest from the business community and dwindling financial support may force Sandpoint’s 10-year-old economic development group to fold.

“I can’t say right now if we will keep going or not,” said Will Menghini, chairman of the Sandpoint Unlimited board.

“We are checking the pulse of our members to see what Sandpoint Unlimited should be doing in the future.”

The group’s executive director, Ann Kritzeck, already announced she is leaving her post Dec. 13. She is taking a job with a Sandpoint company after serving a year and a half as the director.

It’s doubtful Kritzeck will be replaced because Sandpoint Unlimited lacks the cash to hire another director for the $30,000-plus post.

The group is funded by duespaying members who initially were asked to pay $1,000 a year to join. The group now has about 44 members, only a couple more than it had a year ago. That is a minute membership compared to the 700 members of the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

Sandpoint Unlimited had a membership drive earlier this year offering reduced dues of only $250, but didn’t attract many newcomers.

Sandpoint Unlimited was formed in 1986 to help attract new businesses to Bonner County and create jobs. It also focuses on diversifying the local timber economy and helping retain existing businesses.

The non-profit group has had limited success, however, in drawing new companies. A few years ago it managed to land Weaving Industry System, a German company that employed about 100 people and built a large office complex east of town. The company lasted only a few years before closing.

The complex later was purchased by Coldwater Creek, a successful mail-order company. Sandpoint Unlimited officials helped wrangle a deal for Coldwater to buy the complex and keep the company and more than 400 jobs in Sandpoint.

More recently, Sandpoint Unlimited has fought to improve the schools and helped pass a school levy. It also is working to revitalize Sandpoint’s downtown and build a boardwalk along Sand Creek.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: JOB SEEKERS Sandpoint Unlimited was formed in 1986 to help attract new businesses to Bonner County and create jobs.