All aboard the chamber express

If your business or organization isn't a member of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, it's time to reconsider. The chamber has always needed support, but perhaps now more than ever, the chamber deserves support.

As today's front page story details, the Great Recession smacked the chamber as viciously as it did most businesses and families. And like most businesses and families, the chamber has been adjusting. What we see is the region's foremost business leadership organization focusing its energy in the right directions.

The chamber today is perhaps a little less the ol' feel-good networking club and a lot more intent on helping address the region's most pronounced needs: Namely, education and economic development. With Steve Wilson at the helm and a powerful board and executive committee right behind him, the future is overflowing with potential.

One of the most exciting ventures - Wilson somewhat cautiously refers to it as an "exploratory trip" to Edmonton - will take place late next month. The Great White North, you might've noticed, has become the Great Green North to many of us in bordering states. In addition to waves of Canadian tourists and real-estate buyers filling Northwest coffers, medical facilities are enjoying the bounty from patients willing to pay premium U.S. dollars for elective surgery and other procedures. Not all American border businesses are tapping the strong Canadian market, but all the smart ones are.

While ramping up awareness and resources toward local education, the Coeur d'Alene chamber is joining the charge with able allies like Jobs Plus and Panhandle Area Council to strengthen the local economy. Think for a moment about the leadership of those three entities: Wilson, Steve Griffitts of Jobs Plus and Greg Cook of Panhandle Area Council. (For those who don't know him yet, read "Meet Greg Cook, Leader of the PAC" at nibusinessjournal.com.) We can't imagine a region better represented in the ultra-competitive arena of economic development.

On the heels of the Edmonton trek, the chamber is bringing in Gov. Butch Otter to address the local business community on Nov. 7 with a noon speech at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. Tax policy, transportation, the economy and education are all hot potatoes the governor will handle during the 90-minute gathering.

These are strong indications of a chamber of commerce that's determined to grow the business community's tree, rather than fret about seasonal decorations. No offense is intended to previous boards or chamber CEOs, but we heartily approve of the direction this group is headed.

We encourage you to consider how the chamber can help you and, with your support, the broader community. Go to the chamber's website at cdachamber.com or contact Marilee Wallace, (208) 415-0111; Marilee@cdachamber.com.