SANDPOINT — As a member of the Sandpoint community for 27 years, Bob Witte has become an integral part of the community. A Chamber Ambassador, Witte attends virtually every ribbon-cutting and Business After Hours event.

“His willingness to step up and volunteer for committees, boards and events is certainly something to be celebrated and recognized,” said Chamber Ambassador and Board Member Patty Hutchens.

Witte was recognized recently as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce volunteer of the month for April.

Witte’s volunteer activities extend far beyond the chamber — he also is a volunteer for the Pend Oreille Bay Trail Run, a long-time member and officer of the Elks, served on the Festival at Sandpoint Board for over 20 years and has been a member of the Bulldog Bench for over 25 years. His two-year term as president of the Bulldog Bench ended up lasting 13 years.

An avid sports fan, Witte has been the voice of the SHS Bulldog football radio broadcasts since 1990 as well as both the boys and girls basketball. With his work at Blue Sky Broadcasting and his countless hours of volunteering, it is amazing that Witte has any spare time, chamber officials said. When he does, he enjoys competing in handball and is an avid golfer as well.

His ties to Sandpoint date back to the late 1970s when he first visited relatives in the area. He moved to Sandpoint in 1990 and raised his five children here. He is now the proud grandfather of two and has hosted several foreign exchange students throughout the years.

Witte’s passion for the people, the schools, the activities and charities are what he says makes giving back an absolute joy, Hutchens said. “I think we would all agree that we are blessed to have him as part of our community,” she added. “On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Bob for all he does to make Sandpoint a better place.”