SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Daily Bee is pleased to welcome Patty Kneip as its newest marketing specialist.

Kneip joins The Daily Bee after moving to Sandpoint last year, where she worked as marketing events coordinator for the Dover Bay Resort. Prior to that, she worked as a marketing specialist for the Westin Maui Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii.

While she loved Hawaii, Kneip moved to the community in search of a four-season lifestyle, where she could enjoy everything from summer sports to winter activities in a friendly community. She found that, she added, in Bonner County.

“The aloha spirit is alive and well in Sandpoint,” Kneip said. “I’m looking forward to meeting all kinds of people.”

Kneip grew up in Fort Lauderdale, following her brother west to Los Angeles and worked for the Los Angeles Weekly for a period. While she grew up in Florida, she is no stranger to Idaho — her dad was from the Gem State, growing up in Blackfoot. Each summer, the family would get an RV and camp out along the Snake River.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Idaho,” Kneip said.

She is excited, she said, to return to the world of newspapers.

“I missed it,” she said. “I love deadlines, love the social part of it and meeting people.

After moving to Maui, Kneip worked at a real estate weekly newspaper for 5 years. After a downturn in the real estate market, Kneip worked as an advertising specialist at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa.

As a marketing specialist for the Daily Bee, Kneip will specialize in real estate but will help a wide variety of customers and retail businesses. A self-described listener, she said her goal is to create a customized plan for each customer based on their business, goals and plans.

“I’m interested in helping people grow their business with a more collaborative approach,” Kneip said.

In her spare time, Kneip enjoys stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and hiking, and is looking forward to learning wintertime activities.

“I hope to learn to ski this year, that would be my dream,” Kneip said with a smile. “If not, then definitely cross country skiing.”

Bonner County Daily Bee Advertising Director and General Manager Alsy Brinkmeyer welcomed Knapp to the newspaper, adding her experience and dedication to her customers make her the perfect fit to the Daily Bee team.

“One of the single most important decisions that I make at The Bee is a hiring decision,” Brinkmeyer said. “The folks that we invite to join our team will have a direct impact on our customers’ success. Not only does Patty have a wealth of marketing and advertising sales experience, she is genuine in her desire to help others succeed in our local market. I couldn’t be more pleased to have her join our family at the Bee.”

Kneip can be reached at 208-263-9534, ext. 253 or pkneip@bonnercountydailybee.com.