Boundary County businesses fight on during pandemic shutdown
Idaho is considered one of the most friendly states to small businesses and has suffered much hardship due to COVID-19 disruptions.
Boundary County was especially hit hard because of the Canadian border closing; this closure caused businesses to lose a lot of tourism in the area, hurting many and even causing some businesses to close.
Many were able to survive the quarantine and border closures by promoting a focus to support local businesses in the county.
A Badgers boosters program saw this concept take form with a discount card that would benefit the sports teams and keep dollars in the county. A few businesses opened right before the lockdown, and many refused to fold.
Jan. 9
Father and son offer expert metal fabrication. Joe and Aaron Stockdale open 9b Industrial Welding and Fabrication.
Feb. 13
Under the Sun basement boutique offers quality consignment items. Redesigning the historic building’s basement to offer a comfortable and pleasant shopping experience.
Feb. 27
Apex Fitness & Martial Arts gym is now open with all brand new equipment and group classes running every day.
March 5
Bonners Ferry Pupuseria opens up downtown and has been serving authentic Salvadoran food such as pupusas.
March 12
Dr. Chad Burt opens his own practice primarily working on large and small animals in Boundary County for things like vaccinations, routine and dental healthcare.
April 2
The long anticipated Grocery Outlet Bargain Market opened it’s doors and has provided 25 jobs to the community.
May 7
Ziply Fiber finalized its acquisition of the Northwest operation of Frontier Communications in a $1.35 billion purchase.
May 14
Coldwell Banker opens 2nd location in Bonners Ferry in downtown.
July 2:
Old West Texas barbecue comes to Boundary County as owner and operator, Johnny Walker opens restaurant at Hemlocks in Moyie Springs.
July 9:
Daniel Seward, the founder of Vigilante Studios, brings a state of the art design facility for creatives pursuing graphic design.
July 30:
Uberleben is a German word, meaning “to survive, or to live,” and the name of Tim Garcia’s bushcraft brand located in Bonners Ferry downtown specializing in fire starters, other outdoor gear.
Aug. 13:
Merle Ansley financial advisor for Edward Jones opened his office in Downtown Bonners Ferry.
Sept. 10:
E.L. Internet Northwest host a customer appreciation event after providing the community with broadband internet and other services for 10 years.
Sept. 24:
Norma Umphress always saw Clover and Co. as her pre-retirement “thing” she could call her own. Now, with retirement right around the corner, she’s made the decision to close down her store.
Dec. 17:
In a recent coloring contest held by North Idaho Collision Repair Center the winning card was announced. The card, however, did not have a name or contact with it. Fortunately, the winner was located.