Her business is the people of Kootenai County

Thought number one upon learning that Eve Knudtsen is the 2022 Post Falls Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year: Perfect choice.

Thought number two upon learning same: What took so long?

That’s not a slam on anyone, just the truth when considering what Eve has meant not just to The River City, but to the region as a whole.

Eve is a chip off the ol’ block, and that is indeed a compliment when considering her father’s business acumen and community dedication. Her smile is disarming and downright charming, but make no mistake: Eve Knudtsen’s backbone is made of steel.

You may know her as the region’s most powerful business woman, leading Knudtsen Chevrolet through some of the industry’s toughest times to a level today that’s breathtaking.

You’ve seen her giving away cars to outstanding high school students, pitching in on basically every worthwhile community event, helping direct regional economic development efforts, and even stepping up to stand against extremist politics in Kootenai County without tarnishing her conservative credentials one whit.

While all of that is true, here’s the Eve we’ve come to know over the past couple decades:

Fiercely determined, unwaveringly loyal, and generous beyond measure when it comes to helping people help themselves.

Quick story: When the auto industry was struggling during the Great Recession, Eve sought out advice from Duane Hagadone.

Duane’s rise as a business titan was tethered in no small part to Eve’s father, Wayne. As young men, Duane got perhaps his biggest break selling advertising when Wayne Knudtsen bought into his idea of featuring in The Press a used car with a big photo and a special price. Through the ensuing decades, Duane and Wayne remained not just loyal business partners, but close friends.

We’ve seen the same with Wayne’s daughter, but she’s taken it to a new level. Having benefited from the wisdom and know-how of her father and Duane Hagadone, Eve works passionately with young women, mentoring them as they shatter glass ceilings and succeed beyond what some of them might have thought possible.

Which now brings us to thought number three: Perhaps it's time for Eve to share her talents, her wisdom, her business savvy and community dedication in an even larger public arena. If the desire to serve in elected office is there, Post Falls’ 2022 Citizen of the Year would shine like a brand new Chevy.