Companies making name for the town

When people think of Sandpoint, visions of Schweitzer Mountain or Lake Pend Oreille come to mind: a beautiful town that plays host to those seeking a resort setting.

But Sandpoint is also a place where several internationally known companies have chosen to base their headquarters, including the familiar Coldwater Creek and Litehouse Foods. But there are others, two of which have become instrumental in my life over the past several months. Although I have lived in this community for 12 years, I knew little or nothing about these well-kept secrets until now.

It was about seven months ago when I knew I had to make some changes in my life. I had battled my weight my entire life and with my youngest son about to enter the teenage years, the post-pregnancy weight was no longer an excuse. Besides, at age 46 it was apparent that health concerns could also be an issue in the future. As my athletic 15-year-old son pointed out, I had always eaten fairly healthy, but I needed to add an exercise component to my life. Never having been good at accepting failure, I nervously approached a friend of mine who is a certified personal trainer.

Now, seven months later and with the help and support of my trainer, my friends whom I have met while working out and two Sandpoint based companies, I have been able to achieve goals I never thought possible.

Last November, I began a unique workout program at the Fitness and Sports Training LLC (FAST) Clinic in Sandpoint where my friend, Jen Merwin works. With encouragement and unique technology developed and designed through FAST’s parent company Pneumex, I began to notice the benefits of a regular workout routine. But it was unlike any that I had encountered before.

Pneumex uses vibration therapy to enhance one’s exercise routine as well as to improve rehabilitation. While standing on platforms that vibrate at different levels of intensity, one performs various exercises including weight lifting, resistance and balancing to strengthen one’s core.Known worldwide for its unique equipment and approach to exercise and physical rehabilitation, Pneumex is a well kept secret locally. But word is getting out as more and more people are discovering its benefits.

Another local company has also contributed to my success. Thorne Research develops pure, hypoallergenic dietary supplements that are used by practitioners worldwide for patients who suffer from allergies, sensitivity to certain chemicals or compromised immunity.

The company prides itself on manufacturing natural, plant-based products without the use of preservatives and other ingredients that may produce unwanted side effects or hamper absorption.

I take prescription medication for an anxiety disorder. Eager to not be dependent upon medication, I tried to wean myself off the prescriptionbut it wasn’t until Merwin told me about a product made by Thorne Research that I was successful. I now take two dietary supplements produced right down the street.

According to information provided by Idaho Commerce and Labor, Bonner County, specifically Sandpoint, has been highly successful in not only growing but also expanding its economy to include diverse industries.

In what used to be an area that relied primarily on the timber industry, there is now everything from tourism, manufacturing, retail and services. In a 20-year period the number of payroll jobs in this county jumped an astounding 83 percent.

In addition to these companies, other well-known businesses based in Sandpoint include Unicep Packaging, Encoder Products, Cygnus, Quest Aircraft and Diedrich Roasters.

So while this may seem like a sleepy little resort town, remember just down the road there are companies that are changing lives.