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Cd'A CHAMBER: 110th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet

by LINDA COPPESS
| December 18, 2022 1:00 AM

Members of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber gathered together Thursday to celebrate an amazing year at our 110th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.

It was a very special evening. We had the honor of installing new chamber officers, giving thanks to our outgoing officers, board members and committee chairs, and celebrating an exciting year full of transformation, growth and new beginnings.

One of my favorite parts of the evening is the presentation of our annual awards to individuals, committees and organizations who demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to our community. The past year’s winners had the privilege of presenting these notable, member-nominated awards to the following.

The Ed Abbot Volunteer of the Year winner: Lindsay Allen, Living CDA Realty Group

Inspired by former chamber board member Ed Abbot, this award was initiated in 1987 as an annual award to recognize the chamber volunteer who best exemplifies those qualities of infectious enthusiasm and confident leadership. Allen expressed her gratitude for the influence the leadership committee has had on her personal and professional life.

“I love the leadership community and the role that it plays in the chamber," Allen said. "I love what the chamber does for the larger community. It’s important and amazing and it has such an impact on the culture of Coeur d’Alene and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Citizen of the Year winner: Tony Berns, ignite cda

The purpose of the Citizen of the Year award is to recognize the volunteer efforts of a chamber member or other deserving individual who has exhibited generosity and service beyond the call of duty through their actions on behalf of the community. Berns was touched by the communal support showcased at the event.

"I didn’t realize that the chamber was such an amazing family that is here to support you and have your back at every corner,” he said. "Hearing from all the other chamber members about what they’ve experienced throughout the years makes me want to be a chamber member forever.”

The following awards are designed to recognize outstanding dedication, innovation, leadership, community service, achievements and entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by businesses and organizations within our community. Listed below are the awards and the winners of each award.

• Committee of the Year winner: Leadership Committee

• Nonprofit of the Year winner: Orchard Ridge Assisted Living

• Small Business of the Year winner: The Village Bakery

• Large Business of the Year winner: Numerica Credit Union

Winners, chosen by a committee of chamber members, were recognized during the banquet and received a permanent award to display at their places of business.

The Annual Banquet is an important occasion for celebrating our members and the impactful things they are doing in the region. North Idaho is a special place because of the people who live and work here. It is our privilege as the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber to recognize and honor those outstanding citizens.

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Linda Coppess is the president and CEO of the Cd'A Regional Chamber of Commerce.