Schweitzer CEO to speak at tourism lunch

SANDPOINT — On Thursday, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual tourism luncheon.

The luncheon, which is sponsored by Horizon Credit Union, features a keynote speech by Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s president and chief executive officer Tom Chasse. Chasse is slated to give a talk on the importance of customer service.

Growing up in a skiing family, Chasse became a competitive ski racer, suffering a career-ending injury in 1976 that opened the door for him to work in the ski industry as an instructor. He worked his way through the Professional Ski Instructors of America as a member of the eastern educational staff/examiner team, and then gained a stronger focus on staff development and ski area management with the American Skiing Company, eventually leading to an appointment as president and managing director of Attitash.

Now as president and CEO of Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Chasse’s objectives are to build a strong management team, believing staff development and recognition are key factors in the overall guest experience.

 The luncheon will be held at Panhandle State Bank’s Community Room, located at 414 Church Street in downtown Sandpoint.  The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with networking and business tradeshow booths.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members and includes a lunch catered by Tango Cafe.

 To reserve, contact Greater Sandpoint Chamber officials at (208) 263-2161 or register online at SandpointChamber.com.