Tony Berns named chamber's Citizen of the Year

COEUR d’ALENE — Before the 2022 Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber's Citizen of the Year was announced Thursday night, a few clues were offered as to his identity.

This person was born and raised in Ohio, is a graduate of the University of Idaho, spent a few decades in the industrial forest products industry and belongs to the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club.

His influence extends to key projects through the city, including the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, McEuen Park, Memorial Field, the Kroc Center, Riverstone, Miller River and Atlas Waterfront Park.

“The 2022 Citizen of the Year plays a key role ensuring that our community provides healthier neighborhoods, more attractive public spaces, a strong local economy, quality jobs and housing opportunities,” City Administrator Troy Tymesen said to the crowd of about 125 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. “This individual is a key leader in public and private development projects to help make sure those things happen, which improves our overall quality of life here in North Idaho.”

By then, everyone in the room knew who it was: Tony Berns, executive director of ignite cda.

Berns was honored, but downplayed his role.

“When you really think about it, I guess I equate myself to a bus driver,” he said.

He credited visionary community leaders and board members for his success in leading the city’s urban renewal agency.

“It makes it easy to achieve things,” Berns said.

The Chamber’s annual meeting and awards banquet was marked by passionate speeches and accolades for individuals and organizations, followed by applause and standing ovations.

The Chamber’s Committee of the Year award went to the Leadership Committee, chaired by Lindsay Allen.

She said they took the committee to the foundation and rebuilt it.

“This is for everyone that put work in this year,” Allen said.

Nonprofit of the Year went to Orchard Ridge Senior Living.

“Tonight is all about community,” said Ann Johnson, executive director.

Small Business of the Year award went to The Village Bakery, owned by Todd and Dana Bellefeuille.

“We couldn’t be here without all of you,” Dana Bellefeuille said.

Large Business of the Year went to Numerica Credit Union.

Carla Cicero, president and CEO, said their core purpose is to enhance lives, fulfill dreams and build communities in North Idaho.

"Tonight's recognition is a signal we are living out what we stand for,” she said in a video message.

The Ed Abbott Volunteer of the Year award went to Lindsay Allen, president of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors.

She said it was a surprise and a huge honor.

"I’m so proud of our community. I guess I don’t feel like I deserve this because I have so much fun doing what I do," she said.

Berns said before the meeting, he spoke with Coeur d’Alene resident and businessman Charlie Nipp.

“He was the guy that hired me 20 years ago,” Berns said.

Nipp told him the key word to remember is "team."

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with a great team over 20 years and I look forward to continuing that,” Berns said.

Chamber President and CEO Linda Coppess said hearing the stories of all those doing amazing things for the community "just makes my heart sing. It makes me feel like I'm in exactly the right place and that these are the leaders of our community.”

Coppess said if anyone was wondering how to get involved and how to make a difference, “look at these people and follow what it is they do.”