Panhandle State Bank shines as a 2010 Brightest Star

BOISE — Extraordinary volunteer service from throughout Idaho was recognized recently as Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter hosted the 9th annual Governor’s Brightest Star Awards Ceremony at Boise State University.

A crowd of 500 was in attendance to honor Idaho volunteers who selflessly provide public service throughout state and beyond its borders.

Panhandle State Bank and its divisions Intermountain Community Bank and Magic Valley Bank, was selected as an Idaho Brightest Star in recognition of its commitment to volunteerism through its “Powered by Community” initiative and its “4-Hour Power” program. 

“Powered by Community” involves all of the bank’s employees, helping to rebuild local economies by encouraging job development, providing “best practices” education services to local businesses, and supporting the missions of vital non-profit agencies.

Panhandle State Bank also offers employees four paid hours each month to volunteer for the charity or cause of their choice. Last year, 6908 volunteer hours were logged with community non-profits through this” 4-Hour Power” project.

A total of 103 individuals and groups were recognized for their extraordinary volunteer efforts in six categories, including Corporation, Small Business, Organization, School, Student and Individual. The Governor and First Lady also announced the First Lady’s Choice and The Governor’s Choice Awards. The Governor’s Brightest Stars are nominated by fellow Idahoans in recognition of outstanding volunteer efforts.

“The value of what volunteers contribute in communities throughout Idaho is immeasurable,” Otter said. “First Lady Lori and I are privileged to be part of this program, and are proud of all the Brightest Stars who selflessly give to others and expect nothing in return.”

Also nominated as an Idaho Brightest Star were:

n Sagle Elementary School, Sagle

At Sagle Elementary, there is special attention given to cultivating a community where neighbors help neighbors to strengthen the whole community. With Penny Power project in April, the students collect pennies for six months and use the funds to shop for items to supply the local food bank. During the holidays the students perform Christmas carols for the local nursing home, the Panhandle Bank and the district central office. School faculty emphasize to their students that each individual has the power to impact the lives of everyone in the community.

n Jackie Gale, Naples

Jackie Gale is the go-to person for the International Gateway Visitors Center in Bonners Ferry. She meets and greets, stocks shelves, helps train new people and meets every visitor with a very big “Welcome to Bonners Ferry” and “How can I help you?” During the Smithsonian’s Journey Stories Exhibit at the local museum Jackie stepped up to two more days a week and brought other volunteers with her. She also works at the Naples Helping Hands Soups On Kitchen every Friday and was instrumental in getting the program started a few years ago when budget cuts caused schools to go to four days a week.

n Carrie Malakowsky, Sandpoint

Carrie Malakowsky was instrumental in reforming Bonner County interagency meetings, which are designed to create a format for agencies that serve citizens to gather together to network and to learn about each others’ programs and services available in Bonner County. She has been the driving force behind creating an online version of the Bonner County Resource Guide. She also acted as president at the startup of the Bonner Renters Advocacy Group, which is focused on providing education, advocacy and other support services for renters and landlords in Bonner County.