We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Heather DePriest presents a plaque to Chris Carpenter celebrating his first year in business. He hosted the April Business After Hours gathering. The business offers new tires and tire repairs, vehicle servicing, alignments, brakes, u-joints and general mechanical work. The other part of the business is devoted to hunting and fishing gear, most recently adding lines of wearing apparel.
Guests at Chinook Tire, Lube and Sporting Goods line up for a barbeque dinner during the April Business After Hours hosted by owner Chris Carpenter. Door prizes and a demonstration of a new hunting product were also part of the evening's events.
Intermittent rains didn't deter guests from attending the April Business Hours event hosted by Chinook Tire, Lube and Sporting Goods. Owner Chris Carpenter said, "Mid-afternoon I was afraid the weather would keep people away." Heather DePriest, President of the Chinook Area Chamber, which sponsors the monthly showcase for local chamber members, added, "It seems when the weather is bad the turnout is better. Maybe people have fewer distractions when they can't work or play outside."
Carpenter had set tables inside the garage area of his business with a food table in an adjacent bay. Celebrating his first year in business, he said, "I saw a need for some services and products not readily available in town. It's been a very good first year and I wanted to host the Business After Hours to show my appreciation to all the locals who have supported this new business." The chamber recognized him, with a plaque, for his membership in the local organization.
Carpenter's sporting goods line is expanding and he used the event to showcase a new product he now stocks. He introduced Larry Surber and Mike Bryson to demonstrate their new "Montana Shooting Stick." The device is a tubular, collapsible pole with an adjustable rest for steadying a rifle when shooting. It will fold for carrying on a backpack or used as a walking stick.
Bryson, who began developing the idea, said, "I've had several similar products that didn't hold up. This stick is strong and simple." Surber helped build and perfect the design and will also be marketing the new device through his Cross Creek Trading online business.
Visitors had a chance to look around the shop, check out the sporting goods products and visit and catch up on news from their friends and acquaintances. A meal of barbeque sandwiches, with trimmings, was served. Several door prizes were awarded mid-way through the event. Bear Paw Development staffers, who helped Carpenter get his new business going, were on hand for the gathering.
The next Business After Hours will be hosted by Finley's Food Farm on Thursday evening of May 12. Chamber Secretary Sarah Platt posted the June Business After Hours slot is available for a business wishing to host the monthly gathering. Contact Jennifer at 357-4201 for details about the June date. Business After Hours events are open to the public, not just chamber members.
