Tawnie Sleep receives Take Pride in Idaho Award

SANDPOINT —Described as a “tireless promoter of our community, Tawnie Sleep was recognized by the state of Idaho at the recent Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism. 

The owner of Sleep’s Cabins, Sleep received the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award, a Take Pride in Idaho Award presented annually honoring an individual who goes above and beyond their responsibilities to make a significant contribution for developing, managing, or conserving Idaho’s recreation resources.

Tawnie Sleep exemplified these qualities through her efforts to preserve the annual Winter Carnival event this past winter.

“When the announcement went out that there would be no Winter Carnival this year, Tawnie rode the upwelling of disappointment and helped turn that emotion into one of the most positive and memorable Winter Carnivals of recent years,” said Pend d’Oreille Winery owner Stephen Meyer.

“She inspired the entire Winter Carnival committee to pitch in and create events that would be sure crowd-pleasers,” he added.

In addition to the Winter Carnival, Tawnie is an active member of the chamber’s Recreation & Tourism Council serving the Visit Sandpoint members of the organization. Recently she and her husband were awarded Tourism Partner of the Year at the 2008 Chamber Choice Awards. Through her involvement with the council, she consistently provides complimentary lodging to promote our business community. 

She exemplifies a team spirit by partnering and helping other businesses, noted Chamber officials. “She encourages her guests to visit the many outstanding restaurants, retail stores and outdoor activities this area has to offer,” said chamber executive director Amy Little.  “When her lodging facilities are full, she will go the extra mile and find places for guests to stay elsewhere in the community,” she continued. 

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Tawnie Sleep for her tireless efforts to serve our businesses.  “We are blessed to have Tawnie in our community, and she is well deserving of this prestigious award,” said Little.