New business networking group forms in Coeur d'Alene

The Business Network Alliance - Coeur d'Alene Chapter (BNA-CDA) is a new networking group formed in Coeur d'Alene.

The BNA-CDA networking group is comprised of professionals, large and small business owners, sales people, executives, managers and nonprofit representatives who desire to increase the size of their business in North Idaho and the surrounding areas by creating networking opportunities, sources of customer referral business, education and information sharing and social and charitable opportunities.

BNA membership is free; exchanging leads is encouraged, but not required; members can control up to two business categories; and members are not excluded from joining other networking groups.

Weekly meetings are held at Caruso's Deli, 202 Ironwood Drive. Networking begins at 8 a.m., the meeting is from 8:30-9:30 and there will be additional networking opportunity afterward. Members are encouraged to support the host business.

For more information, contact charter members: Sally Meyerholtz 664-0454, Lydia Benson 818-4789, Barbara Yeager 819-1973 or on the Web at www.thebna.net.

Film grants available

The deadline is approaching for the Idaho Film Office grant program. The goal of the program is to provide hands-on production experience on an eligible project - documentaries, narrative or animated productions, Internet or device game design, smart phone application design or completion of a work-in-progress.

Applications, due Aug. 1, will be reviewed by a panel of professionals, who will make their recommendations to the funding organization's advisory board, the Idaho Travel Council. Funding per project is limited to $5000 with 20 percent matching funds required. Projects must be filmed in Idaho by Idaho residents and be completed within the 14-month grant period.

For further information or to download an application and other forms, visit www.filmidaho.com/workshops.aspx or call (208) 334-2470.

Coeur earns safety award

Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp. reported Tuesday its flagship Rochester mine and employees were recognized with major 2010 safety awards presented for outstanding achievement by the Nevada Mining Association (NVMA). Rochester remains on track to further extend its mine operations later this year, with additional silver and gold recovery beginning in 2011.

The NVMA presented Coeur Rochester its 2010 1st Place Safety Achievement Award for the Open Pit - Small Mine category. In June, the mine passed a significant safety milestone by operating three years without a lost time accident or reportable incident.

In addition, Coeur Rochester employee Richard Wagner received the NVMA Individual Safety Award given to a safety professional. Rich directs the mine's safety and loss control efforts. He has been with Coeur at the Rochester Mine for more than 13 years, the last six years in safety.

Wayne Maita also received the NVMA Individual Safety Award given to a supervisor. Wayne supervises the leach crew. He has been with Rochester for more than 13 years, the last five years as a leadman/supervisor.

Rochester has produced more than 125 million ounces of silver and more than 1 million ounces of gold in 25 years of operations. In 2009, the mine produced 2.2 million ounces of silver and 12,663 ounces of gold. The mine is preparing to mine new ore zones this year which are expected to extend mine life by an additional six years with average additional production of 2.5 million ounces of silver and 33,000 ounces of gold. Silver and gold mineral reserves at the beginning of the year totaled 25.9 million ounces silver and 232,000 ounces gold.

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.