Cda Chamber Of Commerce Launches Computer Recycling Program

Businesses with old computer equipment lying around might think twice before chucking it in the Dumpster. Thanks to a new program sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, businesses can write off the equipment as donations to the Coeur d’Alene School District in a computer recycling program that starts today.

Chamber members Dave Longtin of the Panhandle Area Council Business Center and Bob Smith of Back in Action Massage Therapy helped come up with the idea. Roy Cook of Panhandle Data Processing inaugurates the program today by handing over two mini-computers, several terminals, monitors and a printer.

OK, Roy admits, they aren’t exactly state of the art machines. The Alphamicro computer still uses huge 15-inch diskettes for memory storage, where most computers today use those 3-inchers. “But I just couldn’t see throwing them out,” he said. “I figured that someone could get something out of them.”

The computers go to Coeur d’Alene District 217, and the chamber’s education committee is looking for more businesses looking to unload some old machines. Cook said he probably won’t try to take a tax break for giving the machines away, but that won’t stop other businesses if they want to, Longtin said.

Businesses interested can call Longtin at 772-0584 for more information.

Jimmy D’s has new owners, but don’t lose heart. It still can be your favorite classy but reasonable restaurant.

Seller Jim Duncan established Jimmy D’s as a special Coeur d’Alene restaurant when he moved a short-run business to downtown seven years ago. The place has been very popular, especially with the pre-yuppie set.

Then, to add the enticements of live music and dancing, Duncan added Jimmy D’s Wine Cellar a few years ago.

Both establishments have been pleasingly successful for Duncan - so much so that he had little personal life.

“I’m going to work less than 70 hours a week,” Duncan said Monday, although he’s going to ease out of Jimmy D’s for the month of March while easing in the new manager. “I’m going to slow down, enjoy life, do some traveling.”

For a start, the facility across the street is now just The Wine Cellar. And for a second, Jimmy D’s will remain named Jimmy D’s and will retain its current staff, lately remodeled decor (including the intriguing French art in the men’s restroom), menu and wine list.

However, Duncan raved about specials that new manager and chef Chip Thomas prepared this past weekend. Eventually revamping the menu, Thomas was educated at the California Culinary Institute and was with The Brooklyn Cafe in Seattle. He is a Spokane native and also worked at Hills Resort in Priest Lake.

The new owners are his parents, Chuck and Ann Thomas of Spokane. They also own Gattos Pizza in Cheney. Don and Midge Smock and Pat Krug retain ownership of the building, which was built in 1904 as the Coeur d’Alene Lunch Counter. It changed ownership and emphasis many times, including a 20-year stint as a Coast-to-Coast hardware store. In the 1980s it was home to a succession of unsuccessful restaurants.

A Wyoming native via Denver, Duncan changed that fate in 1988. He did the same with The Wine Cellar, which was host to a long series of less-than-successfuls. Duncan definitely did his part of padding the perks of downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Some think the real estate business is at its peak, but Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty of Coeur d’Alene is showing continued optimism.

This month the 80-employee firm will begin a 4,000-square-foot addition to their 11-year-old 9,200-square-foot building.

Included in the spaces to be expanded are conference room areas, a public reception area and staff facilities.

The Coeur d’Alene firm is ranked 17th nationally among Coldwell Banker offices. The expansion project will take about three months.

Specializing in mechanical and body repair of classic cars, Grand Prix Auto has moved to a new Fourth Street location just behind Motor Tech at Borah Avenue, Coeur d’Alene. The 2-year-old business was located behind the old Black Sheep store a block away.

Steve Cobb owns the business, with his son Jason as the prime helper. They offer 25 years of experience in domestic and foreign auto repair. They moved from Grass Valley, Calif., after finding North Idaho through a friend’s recommendation.