Jacklin family named Hometown Heroes
Giving our area a boost
The Jacklins are hometown heroes in Inland Northwest Partners' book.
The Liberty Lake-based Inland Northwest economic development nonprofit recently honored the Jacklin family with its Hometown Hero Award. The award recognizes individuals or families that have played a key role in the economic development efforts of a community or region.
"Their generosity has touched all parts of the Inland Northwest through numerous donations to the arts, education and veterans," said Sharon Matthews, INP executive director.
Brothers Duane and Don Jacklin accepted the award on behalf of the family during the nonprofit's annual meeting.
For more than 50 years, the Jacklin name was synonymous with the grass fields across North Idaho. The Jacklins grew the family business, started in 1935, into one of the largest grass-growing businesses in the nation, with international markets and as many as 200 employees.
"The Jacklins' influence over the years has gone beyond their family business," an INP press release states.
The family was recognized not only for its support of the city of Post Falls and Kootenai County, but the entire Inland Northwest.
The Jacklin family donated 9.8 acres in Post Falls for a future state veterans home on the east side of their Riverbend Commerce Park. Brothers Don, Doyle and Duane are all veterans. They also donated land in the park to area colleges and universities in the past.
The family was also instrumental in the restoration of the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls, among other community development efforts.
Gene Merrell, associate vice president for economic development and chief technology transfer officer at the University of Idaho, earned the Hall of Fame Award.
In his collaborative role at the university, Merrell made contributions to local economies. He oversees the Office of Technology Transfer and serves on the Clearwater Economic Development Association board. He is also the university's representative on the American Manufacturers Network board.
The Hometown Awards are voted on by INP board members.