Recession busters unite

When it comes to pulling out of the great recession, Idahoans are ready to get down to business.

Serious business.

Gov. Butch Otter has been paying attention, and notes:

n Time magazine recently placed Idaho among the top five most solvent states.

n Global Insight's latest forecast ranks Idaho first in the nation in projected employment growth through 2012.

n The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank forecasts that Idaho will rank seventh in the nation over the next six months for growth in economic output.

n The American Legislative Exchange Council's Economic Competitive Outlook also ranks Idaho seventh in the nation.

n Moody's Economy ranks Idaho very high in its latest forecast of economic performance.

No wonder many believe Idaho will help lead this country out of the recession. And thanks to the seventh annual Legislative Policy Summit, coming to Coeur d'Alene next Thursday, some of the steps that could add up to just such a leadership role will be discussed.

From noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, a three-pronged business summit will take place at the Coeur d'Alene Inn.

Lt. Gov. Brad Little will kick things off as lunch keynote speaker, followed by North Idaho chambers of commerce presenting their key legislative issues and priorities.

Next up will be a legislative panel focusing on Idaho tax policy - something that sounds dull but is a cornerstone to attracting and keeping businesses. Panelists including Sen. John Goedde, Sen. Jim Hammond, Rep. Frank Henderson and Rep. John Rusche.

Finally, business leaders will be front and center, discussing what Idaho can do to strengthen the business environment and encourage business development. It's an all-star lineup of panelists including Joe Morris, CEO of Kootenai Medical Center; Tim Komberec, CEO of Empire Air; former state legislator Dean Haagenson, CEO of Contractors Northwest; CJ Buck, CEO of Buck Knives; Matt Van Vleet of Clearwater Paper Corporation, and J.J. Jaeger of The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Not only will important autumn seeds be planted for the 2011 legislative session, but we expect dynamic ideas to surface that day. If you register, cost is $30 for members of any North Idaho Chamber of Commerce, and $40 for non-members.

To register, go to 2010legislativesummit.eventbrite.com or contact Brenda Young for more information. Brenda's number is 415-0110; e-mail Brenda@cdachamber.com.

Area chambers pitching in include Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden, Sandpoint, Moscow and Lewiston. We applaud the Coeur d'Alene Chamber's leadership role in this summit and encourage you to attend. Let Idaho show the nation how, and let North Idaho point the way for the rest of the state.