The heartbeat of Post Falls

During the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's Annual Recognition Event Thursday evening, the river city's business community came together to honor the people, groups, and organizations that made the town's heartbeat grow stronger in 2020. 

One of those special people was Graydon Stanley, who was awarded the Chamber's 2020 Citizen of the Year. 

"My favorite Bible passage is Luke 6:45 that says a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good," the 2019 award recipient Jerry Lyon said. "Our recipient tonight is that person."

Within the Chamber, Stanley has served as past board chair, a River City Leadership Academy class president and graduate, pioneer of the Super Scholarship Raffle, and volunteer. Outside, Stanley is the Vice President for Student Services at North Idaho College, has worked on the KROC Center and US Bank advisory boards, the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, United Way of North Idaho, and Young Life, to name a few.

"I'm a strong believer in having angels in my life, regarding people that have come into my life at certain times for certain purposes," Stanley said. "As I look out across this audience, I know many of you feel that way. So many of you have come into my life in special ways and mean more to me than you probably realize."

Education was the name of the game for the Chamber's 2020 Organization of the Year Award winner, the Post Falls School District. Serving approximately 6,150 K-12 students daily and employing 850 people in 11 institutions, the district's job in 2020 was no small task. 

Still, the district put their students first. 

Superintendent Dena Naccarato and the district members were thankful for the award but said they couldn't have been successful without the work of the Post Falls School District's full support. The superintendent thanked the board of trustees, employees, school board, maintenance, transportation, child nutrition, business and technology departments, paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators, and most importantly — Naccarato noted — the students and parents. 

"It's impossible for me to highlight all of the adjustments and challenges we have faced in every department," Naccarato said. "Our teachers and paraprofessionals have learned how to support students in a blended or fully online environment. I'm humbled and honored for the recognition of the dedication and hard work of our board and our employees."

Working with the Post Falls School District and many other organizations, the Chamber's 2020 Business of the Year — Cascade Defense — stepped up to the plate of secure access during a work-from-home world. 

Not only did Cascade Defense loan and install a firewall appliance for the Chamber, Stanley explained, but it provided free network security to essential workers in the Post Falls Police Department, Post Falls School District, and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

"When we started this business four years ago, we had no expectations or idea of where it was going to go or what would become of it," Co-founder Eric Foster said. "Our goal was just to do what we're passionate about and use our expertise in cybersecurity to help as many businesses in the area because we're genuinely grateful for the support of the community and appreciate everything."

Another Chamber member recognized for their generosity on behalf of the organization and community was Christi Fleischman of Knock Marketing — the 2020 Volunteer of the Year. 

Previously named Rotarian of the Year and Rotary Area District Governor, Fleishman has been active on the Chamber's board of directors and public policy committee, an Urban Renewal Agency commissioner, and volunteer with River City Leadership Academy. Fleischman explained that her achievements are not done alone but that she is continuously supported by her husband Dave and son, who she thanked. 

"The truth is that I'm very selfish. I do the things that I do because it makes me feel good, and I do it over and over again because it just makes me feel good," Fleischman said. "I hope that we can all be selfish for our community, and I'd like to thank all of you who already are." 

Recognizing the Post Falls Rotary Club's dedication to providing services that benefit the community, the Chamber honored the group with the Spirit of Post Falls Award. Chartered in the city 25 years ago, the international club's Post Falls chapter didn't miss a beat, Stanley said, quickly finding ways to continue servicing the community and achieving goals at a distance. 

From raising $1,000 to provide N95 masks to first responders and Post Falls school employees, weekly Meals on Wheels deliveries, and funding the implementation of two solar-powered crosswalk signals near elementary schools, Stanley said the group continues to strive for supporting the city.

"You know, they say when the going gets tough, the tough get going," Post Falls Rotary Club President Kay Viebrock said. "On behalf of the football rotary, I am honored to accept this award."