Coeur d'Alene Chamber recognizes leadership

Nearly 250 members gathered at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn recently to celebrate another awesome year of the Coeur d’Alene Chamber, and to thank the chamber’s volunteer leadership. It was a chance to acknowledge some very special people in our community, and to recognize the hundreds of engaged members who participate in our committees. We also got a sneak peek at the Chamber’s 2019 Leadership Team.

2018 Chairman, Mike Ward, of Coldwell Banker Sneedville Realty, thanked last year’s leadership and said goodbye to board retiree David Bobbitt. Mike stated, “If you look up community in the dictionary, you might notice concepts such as “a group of people who interact with one another” or “members who often share common values, beliefs, or behaviors.” When you look at Coeur d’Alene, you see these concepts come to life through the man vibrant people who care about this place that we call home.”

After acknowledging all seven of last year’s committee chairs, Mike presented the Committee of the Year award to the Chamber’s Natural Resource Committee and was accepted by chairperson, David White. They received the award primarily for their efforts in creating awareness of our area Natural Resource efforts with programs like the annual Osprey Tour, Forestry panels and the participation with interactive educational booths at the July COEURfest event.

Passing the gavel is a symbolic action that ends one year of intense volunteer service, one that causes for reflection and earns great thanks. Mr. Ward gracefully passed on his Chairmanship duties to the 2019 Chair, Brent Lyles, of Elk Point Enterprises.

Brent left the membership with this message: “Our role as a chamber is, and will continue to be, one of collaboration and connectivity. The collaboration that brings us together in a shared vision and connectivity that allows for, and in fact, strongly promotes our reliance on each other for the benefit of all.” He continued, “I believe that in the coming year, we will see a continuation of the dedication and determination that speaks of the reputation of our chamber. To that end, we have worked hard to provide events and programs that are available to all members.”

Two key community awards are presented at each year’s annual meeting. The Ed Abbott Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Citizen of the Year Award. Vicki Isakson, last year’s Volunteer of the Year recipient, presented the 2018 award to Brenda Bookholtz, of Pita Pit USA. Chef Allen and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe were last year’s Citizens of the Year. Chef Allen announced the recipient of this year’s prestigious award to Jim and Dianne Parker, of Parker Toyota. Congratulations to Jim and Dianne, well deserved!

Up next: Governor Butch Otter will give his farewell address to the North Idaho Business Community on Dec. 4 for a luncheon. The 2019 Economic Forecast by Dr. John Mitchell is Dec. 7. Coeur d’Alene Chamber monthly general membership meeting, Upbeat Breakfast, is Dec. 11, and finally a holiday open house to celebrate member appreciation is Dec. 13 at the Chamber Building. For more details on these events and Coeur d’Alene Chamber membership, visit www.cdachamber.com.

Happy Holidays from the Coeur d’Alene Chamber board and staff!

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Marilee Wallace is the vice president of membership for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce.