The pride of Post Falls
Photo by Kari Packer Eve Knudtsen was honored Thursday as the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's 2022 Citizen of the Year. She is joined on stage by Eric Knudtsen, the chamber's board chairman.
POST FALLS — She's a leader, a business owner, a dedicated community supporter and a role model to young women everywhere.
That's why Eve Knudtsen is the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's 2022 Citizen of the Year.
Knudtsen was honored during the annual Community Recognition Gala at Red Lion Templin's on the River on Thursday evening.
"My sister, Eve Knudtsen is a giver, a mentor, a teacher, an advocate, a leader and a warrior," said Eric Knudtsen, chamber board chairman.
Knudtsen is the third generation to own and operate Knudtsen Chevrolet, which was founded in 1939. In that capacity, she has crashed through the glass ceiling of a male-dominated business that has earned the respect of the industry on a national level. Knudtsen Chevrolet employs 115 people and is celebrating its 20th year in Post Falls.
The selection committee, comprised of past recipients, hails Knudtsen as "a giver, a mentor, a teacher, an advocate, a leader and a warrior." She's also a wife, mother and just recently added the title of grandmother to the list.
The Green Team at Idaho Central Credit Union was awarded Business of the Year. ICCU has been a member of the Post Falls Chamber since 2015. Its employees represent their company at numerous local events, including the business fair, the reverse job fair, the annual golf tournament, Post Fallidays and more. ICCU provides financial education and support to local nonprofits and food banks, showcasing a corporate culture of community involvement and giving back.
The 2022 Volunteer of the Year is Jim Koester. Koester went from student to leader in a short time; as a member of the River City Leadership Class of 2021, he was enthusiastic and active in community projects and fundraising. After graduating, he took the role of vice president of the chamber's leadership committee, leading in the retreat and new student orientation.
Avista Corporation was honored with the Heritage Award. Avista easily exceeds the quarter-century of community impact, having begun its dedicated impact in 1906. Its 40-year chamber membership is notable, as well. Formerly Washington Water Power, with the construction of the Post Falls Dam the company provided power to support the mining and rail operations and the families of Post Falls more than a century ago.
The Avista Foundation supports local education through scholarships in electrical engineering and line construction. Avista remains committed to extending the legacy of its partnership with Post Falls through its economic and cultural vitality program, which has contributed in part to the creation of Post Falls' newest community park and amphitheater east of the dam.
"This year, the number and quality of nominees was exceptional," past Citizen of the Year Kerri Thoreson said.
Other award recipients:
Spirit of Post Falls: Newby-ginnings of North Idaho
Small Business of the Year: Guardian Angel Homes
Board of Directors Significant Impact Award: Scot and Nicole Frazer