Know anything about Sandpoint, Idaho?

[tjkamper]

So Cold Water Creek is recruiting me to as a business analyst and after several phone interviews, is flying both my wife and I out in a couple of weeks for interviews and to look at possible relocation options.

Has anyone ever been to Sandpoint, Idaho? Or even heard of it?

What do you know about it other than: cold, small and on a lake?

Anyone know anything intersting about Cold Water Creek?

I'm not completely thrilled with the idea of leaving Utah, but if the pay is right... and in this economy...

I've already done my research and I know a lot, but I just wanted the inside scoope if you've got it.


Thank you,

[JeffM]

We almost moved there prior to moving to Utah. However, I havent been there for about 12+ years

Jeff

[ckholloway]

Way up north in the pan handle. I haven't been there in years. I remember in being above coeur d'lane. I know it's roughly about 380 miles away from me. Thats about it.

Sorry I got nothin.

[JeffM]

TJ - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandpoint,_Idaho

jeff

[noche_caliente]

I can tell you that coldwater creek sells frumpy women's clothes, mostly targeted at the 40+ crowd that are really expensive... There's one here in the middle of nowhere which doesn't seem like a very good business decision for a company that is mostly catalog-based....
Can't help you with Idaho at all, but since you asked about the company a bit, that's what I can give you on them... my mom and her peers (50+) seem very happy with the clothes they sell, most of my peers (not quite 30...) don't much care for them

[Sailariel]

I used to live in Bonners Ferry, which is close to Sandpoint. This was in 1970, so things have changed, I am sure. It is a nice town, small, friendly people. Winters are long and cold---great if you are into skiing and snowmobiles. Summers are great. Pend Orielle lake is great for boating and fishing. Hunting is also great if you are into that. There is not a lot of city cultural stuff there. The nearest "Big City" is Spokane WA. I would take a drive up and check it out. It is not terribly far from Utah. Stay a few days and get a feel for the place. I liked it. The only reason I went East was because in 1970, there was no work there.

[tjkamper]

I just got back from Sandpoint.

Coldwater flew both my wife and myself out to visit the area and tour the facility. All expenses paid.

It was nice to see the area. It is small, and the size of the houses was a little bit of a shock. (I've gotten used to the enourmous mansion size homes here in Utah).

The company seems good and the job is deffinately up my alley. My interviews went really well. It should be a week before they make an official offer. Then I can make my decision.

In the mean time I'm still looking for more money with my current company and hopping that something will turn up to keep me in Utah. That is ideal because it keeps ups close to friends and family.

[greg737]

Sandpoint..... In the winter I call it Sandpoint, Idaho. But in the summer time I call it Sandpoint, California.

In the winter you can't find an ex-Californian there, but in the summer they're everywhere. It was a better place before the Californians "discovered" it.

[Sailariel]

Originally Posted by greg737

Sandpoint..... In the winter I call it Sandpoint, Idaho. But in the summer time I call it Sandpoint, California.

In the winter you can't find an ex-Californian there, but in the summer they're everywhere. It was a better place before the Californians "discovered" it.

Greg, That was true back in the late 60`s. Some things never change. We have the same problem here in Maine. People come here from NY and NJ, buy houses, and then try to make the place a NY and NJ. I like Maine because it is Maine and would not change a thing--except the Governor. Greg, I still have fond memories flying my Cessena 172 to Spokane to do a city for a change. Spokane is a nice place.

[tjkamper]

Well Cold Water made an offer, with a start date of August 2, 2010 and full Relocation Costs Covered up to $8,000. I have a phone call scheduled for Friday to verbaly accept or decline.

I still have a few options here in Utah and I have a second interview scheduled for a promotion within my current company but in Park City, Utah.

I'm pretty sure I will accept the offer, but if a better offer comes through before August, then I will tell Cold Water, that I got a better oportunity.

Fortunately my current boss is a good guy and I have been able to be completely open and honest with him about looking for other jobs to this point. My boss is a good enough guy that he wants to see me move up in the company. Maybe this offer will be the kick in the shorts that is needed for me to get promoted here.

If not, I really liked the job and Sandpoint seemed like a nice area. The only concern I have is that my wife will have to get used to a small town and a long winter.

As always, any advise or information is very much appreciated.

[RaceBikeRentals]

You should feel good about being coveted for a great job. Congrats!

I spend a lot of time in Montana, and I can tell you the problem is not really the cold in the winter. You can always turn on the heat. The issue (for me at least) is the extremely short days in the winter. For 5 or so months, the farther north you are, the shorter the days are. In Sandpoint, it gets dark at 3:30 in the afternoon and stays dark until close to 9 AM. To me, that is just ridiculous. I personally can't deal with it, and spend as much as the winter as possible in SoCal. Just something to think about.

[tjkamper]

Thank you for the input Richard.

[tjkamper]

Well the job in Park City, was eliminated due to budget constraints.

I have accepted the job with Coldwater Creek. My background check and references checked out quickly and they want me to start as soon as possible. We have agreed on a new start date of 06/28/2010. They will pay for temporary housing until I find a place to live. We will go up on Fathersday to spend a week looking for houses before I start.

[drowe531]

Congrats on the new job

[JeffM]

Congratulations Travis. You know, our merry band of Utah riders will miss you. I fully expect ride reports from Idaho.

[tjkamper]

Well I'm going up to Sandpoint on Sunday. We worked out that my employer will put me and my family in a hotel for a few weeks or until we find a place to live. My last day working here in Utah is Friday. I will tow my bike up. I had planned to ride up, but since they are putting us up in a hotel and reimbursing my travel costs, I might as well tow it up now.

After I find a place to live, I will send my wife back to Utah to handle the move. Fortunately the moving company will perform a pack and move, so there is little my wife will have to do.

I'm excited. I can't wait to get up there and start the next chapter in our life. Once I'm comfortable I'll be sending plenty of ride reports your way.

If anyone is ever going to Sandpoint, look me up.

[JeffM]

Best regards. Safe travels.

Jeff

[tjkamper]

Well we made it safe to Sandpoint. Now it is time to look for a place to live.

[tjkamper]

Well I found a place and have a week on the job. All of my junk should be here come the end of July. I have the ninja and a mattress. That is all I need.

[JeffM]

Travis, sounds just like college days all over again.

All you need is one of these and you'll be all set



Well and maybe a lava lamp.

[Sailariel]

And a boom box playing Grateful Dead music----