Chamber makes big hire with new executive director

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director.

"We are excited to welcome Amy Little as our executive director for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce," said Colleen Spickelmire, vice president of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and chair of the selection committee."She brings with her experience working with the Boise Chamber of Commerce and over six years of marketing experience as well. Amy will be a great addition to our staff."

Amy Little has been working as marketing manager for Coldwater Creek for the last year. She has an extensive background in not only marketing but working for companies that provide community-focused programs.

From 2002-2004 she managed the Newspapers in Education program which provides newspapers to classrooms in the Statesman's delivery area. In her role as business and community liaison for Centennial Job Corps, she managed a community relations council and industry advisory council and built partnerships with local and out-of-area employers to provide internship opportunities, mentors, and work-based learning opportunities for students as well as assist those employers in hiring qualified, trained workers.

With a large chamber member base of small businesses, the selection committee was especially pleased with her accomplishments as Small Business Services and programs manager for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. She established a member-to-member discount program, organized an annual small business award program, and supervised the Small Business Council and Small Business Recognition Committee as well as other programs and events.

Little said she applied for the job because she wanted to get involved in the community and work with chamber membership "to consistently over-deliver programs and services that provide a big return on their membership investment."

"I love that the chamber is an organization of business members who are extremely passionate about their community, their business and care about the overall health and quality of our economic environment," she said.

As new executive director, chamber officials are ecstatic to have her enthusiasm and leadership to provide opportunities for members to grow their businesses, equip them with tools for success, and give them a voice in issues that affect them.