Idaho Youth Ranch to Relocate Coeur d’Alene Thrift Store This Winter as Part of Statewide Thrift Store Expansion Plan Revenue from Coeur d’Alene Thrift Store funds programs for at-risk teenage boys at Anchor House
As part of a store expansion plan in North Idaho, The Idaho Youth Ranch is relocating its thrift store at 811 North 4th Street to a site on the same block at 845 N. 4th Street. Formerly the Ponderosa Motors site—which is 25 percent larger than the existing thrift store—the new building will be remodeled to house over 7,600 square feet of new and gently used clothing, furniture and other household items.
According to Neal Jones, vice president of Retail Operations for the Idaho Youth Ranch, relocation and expansion of the thrift store is part of a larger plan to increase both the footprint and store locations, which increases funding for programs serving at-risk youth at Anchor House in Coeur d’Alene—one of six Idaho Youth Ranch residential treatment programs in Idaho. “Our justification for the move is fourfold. Because the economy is motivating more people to shop at thrift stores, we are expanding our locations throughout Idaho, but particularly in North Idaho, where we currently have only one location. The thrift store in Coeur d’Alene is housed in an aging building with poor parking. Our new location will offer shoppers convenient public parking in two lots located at 4th Street and 3rd Street; and the new store will be much larger to accommodate a greater selection of clothing, furniture and household items. From a community perspective, revenue from the new Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Store will continue to support Anchor House programs for at-risk teenage boys in Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding areas.”
Improvements are slated for August and grand opening of the Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Store is tentatively scheduled for mid-December. The current thrift store will remain open until the grand opening of the new location, alleviating any interruptions in store service. Donations of gently used clothing, books, household goods and furniture will continue to be accepted without interruption as well.
Ranch Changes May 2008
Ranch Changes Fact Sheet May 2008
New Store Opens Dec 2007 Nagel Open House Oct 2007 New Store Opens Sept 2007
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The Idaho Youth Ranch announced the appointment of Ron Sargent as chairman of its board of directors. Sargent previously held the position of board vice chairman, and served on the Idaho Youth Ranch Foundation Board. In this new role, Sargent will drive three key initiatives for the Idaho Youth Ranch: expand the services and programs for at-risk youth and their families throughout Idaho; enhance the quality of services and programs; increase funding for services and programs by expanding the donor base and the thrift store network; and educate Idahoans about the overall value that the Idaho Youth Ranch brings to families and communities throughout Idaho. Sargent currently owns and operates several residential and commercial development companies in Idaho. Previously, Sargent managed infrastructure development, marketing, banking and cash management for Bank of America. Sargent also coached the Women’s U.S. Olympic team during their pursuit and consequent success at winning gold and bronze medals during the 1972 Winter Olympics in Japan.
Chris ReitenThe Idaho Youth Ranch announced the nomination of Chris Reiten to its board of directors. Reiten was relocated to the Boise area from Seattle by BMC West (BMHC), where he is vice president of marketing and purchasing. Previously, Reiten was director of Business Development and Fleet Operations for BMC West. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and earned an MBA from Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management. While living in Portland, Reiten served on the board for the Salvation Army’s Greenhouse School for at-risk youth. As a newcomer to Idaho, Reiten wanted to get involved in the community by joining a great charitable organization that would benefit from his experience and out-of-state perspective.
Jim EchardtThe Idaho Youth Ranch announced the nomination of Jim Eckhardt to its board of directors. A resident of Weiser, Eckhardt currently owns and operates a 12,000-acre ranch and manages real estate investments, including convenience stores. Previously, Eckhardt owned and operated Nampa-based companies with operations in construction, warehousing, and industrial piping. He plans to bring his skills in entrepreneurism to the organization, assisting with thrift store development and expansion. A long-time financial supporter of the Idaho Youth Ranch, Eckhardt believes in the organization’s mission to help troubled kids and their families secure a second chance in life.
Bob MeekThe Idaho Youth Ranch announced the nomination of Bob Meek to its board of directors. Meek serves as the chief executive officer for Wada Farms Marketing Group in Idaho Falls and has an extensive career history in agriculture and the food industry. Meek plans to bring his expertise in finance, distribution, customer communications and business management to the Idaho Youth Ranch. While serving on the board, Meek will continue to build on the organization’s financial strength, services to citizens and networking opportunities. Emphasizing what endures him to the Idaho Youth Ranch, Meeks says the thrift stores are particularly impressive because they empower entire communities to contribute to the well-being of kids and families in Idaho.
New board members are assuming their roles at a time when the Idaho Youth Ranch is experiencing both growth and change. Idaho Youth Ranch opened three new Thrift Stores in 2007, expanding its statewide stores to 24. The Ranch in Rupert—the original residential home conceived over 50 years ago to treat at-risk boys—is adapting its programs and services to provide care to a younger age group of children who are currently underserved in Idaho.
BEST LOCAL SECONDHAND STORE Idaho Youth RanchA new winner has emerged in the secondhand store category, and that winner has a larger mission. The Idaho Youth Ranch uses proceeds from the stores all over the state to fund residential treatment for at-risk youth, family counseling, education scholarships, community transition programs, adoptions and foster care services. IYR receives loads of donations, making it a little slice of heaven for secondhand shoppers who live to pick through discarded treasures. The stores are clean, well-organized and staffed by friendly clerks. Various locations, youthranch.org. Second Place: Lux Third Place: Savers
BEST LOCAL CD/RECORD STORE Record ExchangeThis downtown institution would probably take first place honors if there were 10 local CD stores. The RX carries an amazing selection of music including plenty of stuff from local musicians. The coolest thing about the store—besides the fact that it shares square footage with The Edge, the place to find the hippest, trendiest jewelry, T-shirts, posters, rock 'n' roll merchandise and vinyl toys—is that, like the name indicates, you can actually buy records there, too. Plus, owners Mike Bunnell and Jill Sevy keep a constant flow of in-store performances, and some bands make it their only Boise stop. The Record Exchange has been serving local music lovers for three decades. Here's hoping Bunnell and Sevy's kids want to take over the family business someday so we'll be taken care of musically for another 30 years. 1105 W. Idaho St., 208-344-8010, therecordexchange.com. Second place tie: CD Merchant and the Idaho Youth Ranch