Cd'A CHAMBER: North Idaho College needs your support this November

Since 1933, North Idaho College has played a central role in driving the health of our region’s economy. In addition to educating our future workforce (87% of NIC students are Idaho residents), NIC fuels the overall success of our community by providing thousands of jobs and millions in local revenue. They’ve also given $1,700,000 in NIC Foundation scholarships and student aid to students.

Despite these invaluable contributions, North Idaho College continues to face the threat of loss of accreditation, an issue to date, primarily due to board governance. This outcome would be devastating as financial aid, scholarship money and the Idaho dual credit programming opportunities all require accreditation. Making an already tumultuous position even more challenging, NIC has experienced a substantial decline in financial support, legacy gifts, annual donations and enrollments since the 2020 board elections. Our business community relies heavily on this invaluable institution. We are asking voters to support our students and teachers. Use your voice to elect a professional, respectful and productive board of trustees.

“It is time for the leaders in our community to step up and take a stand for education and North Idaho College. We can no longer afford to remain silent on this important business issue, as it impacts our workforce as well as economic development. Get to know the candidates and where they stand on important issues, then cast an informed vote.” -Rick Rasmussen, CEO, Northwest Specialty Hospital and Board Chairman, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber

YOU CAN HELP: Every Vote Matters!

This November, show your support for NIC through the selection of trustees in Zones 1, 2, and 5.

Recently, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, along with the Post Falls, Rathdrum and Hayden Chambers of Commerce, hosted an in-person Candidate Forum so the voters in our community could hear directly from these candidates. Tarie Zimmerman, Brad Corkill and Pete Broschet participated. Ronald W. Hartman, Diana L. Sheridan, and Mike Waggoner declined.

If you were not able to attend, please take the opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their positions regarding NIC on the CDA Chamber website. The joint chambers of commerce are asking the business community, residents, and all voters to show their support for North Idaho College by making informed decisions in this year’s November election.

Our mission is truly our members. As the voice of business, we thank you in advance for your participation in our local elections. As always, please join us at all of our upcoming events:

NAVIGATING THE GROWTH OF KOOTENAI COUNTY — Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

The Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, 8-11 a.m.

We are proud to present this event in partnership with Coeur d’Alene Regional REALTORS! Register at https://business.cdachamber.com/events.

WOMEN’S LUNCHEON - Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon! Register at https://directory.cdachamber.com/events.