The economy is your job, too

Today we are asking you to make a donation to your local economic development organization, Jobs Plus. If writing that check doesn't make you feel as good as you do when you generously help Press Christmas for All or some other holiday charity, we believe it should.

First, Jobs Plus is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, so check with your tax professional to see what kind of tax deduction you can get. We know, that's not enough reason to hand over some of your hard-earned cash, but it's a start. The finish line is more what we're all after, however.

That finish line is a county that is thriving not just with bustling new businesses, but with longtime companies adding jobs and products. The benefits are abundant: More people working and getting paid better, with stronger benefits; bringing in bright, community-minded newcomers adding depth and breadth to all of us already here, and bolstering the tax base so we have the very best public services at costs we can all readily afford.

Now, before you scoff and keep your checkbook in the drawer or your credit card in the wallet, consider the good your contribution - small, medium or large - can do.

According to Jobs Plus board President Doug Wright, the public-private agency knows that as well as it has functioned since inception in 1987, it can do better. The focus today is bolstering four Jobs Plus themes: Innovation, diversity, collaboration and inclusion.

Because its budget really hasn't changed in all those years, the board is requesting a modest 10 percent increase this year - what amounts to roughly $30,000 or $40,000 on top of the annual $300,000 Steve Griffitts and Jame Davis need for client services, travel and general operating expenses. The return on that investment is staggering - in the tens of millions of dollars in jobs and tax impact. We aren't aware of any contribution you could make that would come close to that ROI for the community at large.

If you're not feeling particularly benevolent (speaking of taxes, they're almost due), consider that your contribution won't just help existing and prospective businesses build the area's economic base; it might have an impact on your family, sooner rather than later. With exciting high-paying and otherwise community-enriching industries like aerospace and new technologies on the verge of potentially explosive local growth, you could be paving the way for great local jobs for your kids or your grandkids. The dream of having our children be able to make a livable wage here at home really is within our reach, and a little bit of effort will bring that dream closer to reality.

Please invest in the organization that's committed to strengthening our local economy. Send your contribution to:

Jobs Plus, Inc.

P.O. Box 1088

Coeur d'Alene, ID. 83816-1088

Your children and grandchildren will be glad you did.