Movers and Shakers February 12, 2011

Candy O'Brien's relocates at Plaza Shops

Candy O'Brien's Boutique, which sells sporty chic and special occasion women's clothing, has moved to a new location within the Plaza Shops across from The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Owner Atsuko Schlesinger, of Coeur d'Alene, said the new spot has more than 2,000 square feet and is in the southeast corner of the shopping plaza.

Her previous location in the plaza looked out on Sherman Avenue. She said the plaza has a different plan for that larger space.

She has owned the shop for more than 3 years and currently has two employees.

Smalley joins Pinnacle

Physical therapist Lisa Smalley has joined the Pinnacle Physical Therapy team in Post Falls.

Smalley has a 12-year background of out-patient physical therapy experience.

She has a bachelor's degree in life sciences from Kansas State University, and a master's degree in physical therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Her main focus is on providing high-quality, individualized physical therapy care to each one of her patients.

Smalley is available to treat patients from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pinnacle is located at 1590 E. Polston.

Info: (208) 777-4242

Record year for Idaho exports

Idaho exports reached $5.15 billion in 2010, making it a record year for Idaho companies, according to the Idaho Department of Commerce.

Exports increased by more than 32 percent compared with 2009 and outpaced the U.S. export recovery by nearly 12 percent, the department said in a press release.

A majority of Idaho's major export sectors experienced an increase indicating that portions of the economy are starting to recover and exports are leading the way to increased private sector spending and job creation.

Idaho exports account for roughly 10 percent of Idaho's gross domestic product and support more than 25,000 jobs throughout the state.

Key Idaho export sectors include: semiconductors, computer hardware, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, farm machinery and food processing equipment, precious and semi-precious metals, paper and forest products, agricultural commodities and processed food and transportation equipment.

Demand for Idaho products continues to be strongest from countries in North America and the Asia Pacific. Nine out of 10 of Idaho's top export destinations are from these regions and include: Canada, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Mexico, France, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Ninety five percent of the world's population lives outside the United States and these are the customers of the future. Exporting helps Idaho companies diversify their customer base and hedge against economic downturn in the domestic economy, the department said.

Zephyr Cleaning receives award

Local company Zephyr Cleaning Services LLC has been awarded the residential cleaning seal of excellence by the Association of Residential Cleaning Services, International.

In addition to adhering to a strict code of ethics, cleaning services that receive the seal of excellence must also provide documentation that they are insured and bonded, conduct background checks for employees as part of their hiring process, participate in ongoing industry continuing education programs, and proof the company has been in business for at least two years.

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 [email protected].