One week removed from news that Silver Mountain Resort's parent-company JELD-WEN plans to sell the resort in a series of auctions, Kellogg Mayor Mac Pooler and several local businesses are confident the resort will continue to be an economic boon to the city and the rest of Shoshone County.

Pooler said JELD-WEN's plan to auction Silver Mountain is a "sign of the times" of America's economy, although he noted that the resort has continued to make money year after year.

"I think it's certainly a good product. People have asked me if it's making money, why would they sell it?'" Pooler said. "But if it's making money, it's a better product to sell."

Despite his confidence that Silver Mountain will sell, Pooler said the economy of Kellogg and the entire Silver Valley would take a serious hit if it closed. The resort is one of the largest employers in Kellogg, and several businesses across the city thrive on business brought to the area because of Silver Mountain Resort.

"If there's no buyer and it shuts down, it'll be bad for the local economy," Pooler said. "I think it's just a wait-and-see thing. Hopefully, they'll find new buyers and it won't affect a thing. Only time will tell."

Most of the local business owners were just as pragmatic about what will happen with Silver Mountain. Dean Sink, owner of Lookout Ski Shop, echoed Pooler's sentiments, saying he's hoping for the best but he just doesn't know.

"It could be good or bad. If they find a buyer for the ski slopes, it could be great for the community," Sink said. "If it stays open, we'll be fine. If they close it, it could have a huge effect (on Kellogg). I just hope they keep it open."

Wildcat Pizza, located in the plaza at Silver Mountain, is another business that could face a hit if the auction falls through. Manager Marty Dussault said he hasn't really given too much thought as to the impact on Wildcat Pizza, but he's confident they'd be in good shape even if they have to move locations. But he thinks everything will turn out positive.

"I'm not exactly sure what will happen, but I think everything will work out," Dussault said. "We're hoping for the best."