Ponderay Garden Center receives chamber honors

PONDERAY — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has recognized the Ponderay Garden Center at September’s Business of the Month.

They pride themselves as being an example of what can happen when agricultural space meets city expansion and when vision is combined with a sense of community, said the chamber’s Mack Deibel.

“Their community-centric focus allows them to prosper and help others do the same,” he said.

Last summer, Deibel said Ponderay Garden Center held another successful Concert for a Cause series, in conjunction with Horizon Credit Union. This year, as a result, checks totaling $10,000 were given out to non-profits including Friends of Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, Panida Theater, Kinderhaven, Forrest M. Bird Charter School and more. These free concerts are open to everyone and raise money by donations. Other annual events the Ponderay Garden Center hold are the Garden of Artistry and Easter Egg Hunt.

When general manager Kevin Mansoor was asked why and how is their staff is so good, he answered, “I give my staff free reign to go above and beyond.”

Ponderay Garden Center’s 9.5-acre venue is open to events of all kinds. The business is open through the month of October from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. before closing down for the winter season and preparing for next year.