Post Falls chamber gives thanks
<p>Post Falls Chamber of Commerce recognized members who have been with the organization for at least 20 years. The Coeur d'Alene Press was awarded a plaque for its membership of 30 years. From left, Phil Damiano, owner of Coeur d'Alene Garbage Service/Post Falls Sanitation, Brandon Schillinger, owner of Perfection Tire, Jim Thompson, publisher for the Coeur d'Alene Press, Darin Hayes, financial consultant with D.A. Davidson and Company, and Dane Dugan, general manager for the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.</p>
<p>Post Falls Chamber of Commerce recognized members who have been with the organization for at least 20 years. The Coeur d'Alene Press was awarded a plaque for its membership of 30 years. From left, Phil Damiano, owner of Coeur d'Alene Garbage Service/Post Falls Sanitation, Brandon Schillinger, owner of Perfection Tire, Jim Thompson, publisher for the Coeur d'Alene Press, Darin Hayes, financial consultant with D.A. Davidson and Company, and Dane Dugan, general manager for the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.</p>
POST FALLS - The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce has a lot to be thankful for in 2012.
President and CEO Pam Houser highlighted the nonprofit's successes during the annual membership luncheon on Tuesday at Red Lion Templin's Hotel.
"I think most of you believe in our mission," Houser told about 100 attendees. "We want businesses to be successful in order to have a thriving community."
The chamber continues to develop partnerships with organizations such as Jobs Plus, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the North Idaho Tourism Alliance for the goals of helping existing businesses and recruiting others.
"There are no borders between here and Rathdrum and here and Coeur d'Alene," Houser said. "We're one large community, but we do have a culture in the community that sets us apart and that's something to be proud of, too."
The chamber helped play host to community attractions ranging from Idaho's famous giant
potato to Clydesdale horses.
Popular events included the Tapas and Tailgating auction fundraiser in September at the Greyhound Park and Event Center, chili cookoff, golf tournament, reverse job fair with members and local high school students and the free commerce and community fair.
The community fair, set for April 11 next year, attracted 900 guests and 101 vendors.
"We continue to grow that event and sell out booths," Houser said.
Businesses rallied to raise $2,200 in youth scholarships for the reverse job fair. The event featured 230 high school students interviewed by 160 professionals.
"Internships have resulted from this and we discover a lot of local talent with this program," Houser said.
The River City Leadership Academy (RCLA) is in its fifth year. There have been 70 graduates and there will have been 90 at the end of the current program.
The chamber spent $68,000 in marketing efforts this year. A state grant paid for $59,000 and chamber members chipped in $9,000.
"This helps every single business in the community," Houser said.By BRIAN WALKER/Staff writer