WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of The Gathering Place in Bonners Ferry as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2020. The Gathering Place will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

In 2006, Norv and Sharon Skrivseth founded Sharon’s Country Store in the basement of their home in Bonners Ferry. The business didn’t take long to acquire a strong community following, and in 2014 and 2016, Sharon’s County Store added the Bread Basket Bakery and 3-Mile Produce Stand to its operations. As the business grew, customers began referring to the stores as “The Gathering Place,” a nickname and title that the Skrivseths adopted without hesitation.

“With the motto ‘Come, Sit, and Stay Awhile,’ the businesses continues to attract locals and travelers alike with its wide array of homemade products, fresh food, and produce. The Skrivseths’ warm hospitality and a commitment to service translates not only into a superior experience for their customers, but also into strong community engagement,” said Risch.

“Congratulations to Norv, Sharon, and all of the employees of The Gathering Place on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2020,” Risch continued. “You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.”

Background: Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community.

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