Alpine's sale is a win-win situation for everyone

Happy trails, Alpine Lumber Supply.

It was with a little bit of shock recently when we learned that Alpine Lumber Supply had been sold to Lumbermens.

Alpine, which was founded in Sandpoint by Robert Myers and his wife back in 1978, built a reputation as a great place for contractors to find supplies, advice and equipment.

It is also a great place to work, according to a couple of friends.

The company's customer service is also well known.

Nobody can blame the owners for selling this successful business. It looks like Lumbermens will be great neighbors.

Alpine Lumber Supply has 65 employees in Sandpoint and Post Falls.

Lumbermens is a huge company with historic roots. The company was founded in 1895 and has more than 70 lumberyards, truss plants and millwork facilities in five western states.

While it is always tough to see a born and raised Sandpoint business close or be sold, it looks like Alpine's sale to Lumbermens is a win-win situation for the companies and for the Sandpoint area.

? David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.