Holstein named Hayden Chamber Volunteer of the Year

2022 was a great year for the Hayden Chamber of Commerce, said CEO Andrea Fulks at an annual awards breakfast Thursday.

Roughly 45 people met at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn to network and mingle over food and coffee, while Fulks lauded the chamber’s accomplishments through 2022 and presented awards to exemplary members.

Fulks teared up on occasion as she announced winners of the Hayden Chamber's Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year and President’s Award winner for 2022.

“The 2022 Volunteer of the Year is someone who doesn’t belong to the Hayden Chamber with their business,” Fulks said.

Volunteer of the Year was given to Kathleen Holstein, who dedicates her time and effort to the chamber, and with a deep humility she fights against being recognized for her dedication.

“You give your time, even though you are retired,” Fulks said. “You share your heart with generous passion. For all that you do and all that you’ve done, a big heartfelt thank you.”

Holstein has shoveled snow, served hot chocolate in the Hayden Christmas Market and marched tirelessly in Hayden parades, Fulks said. And, in her remaining free time, Holstein volunteers with her granddaughter's Girl Scout troop.

Following her award, Holstein’s son-in-law, Matt Alexander, owner of the Findlay Stadium Stateline Speedway, was presented with the Business of the Year award.

“Just because they are at Stateline doesn’t mean they don’t cater to all of Kootenai County, North Idaho and the surrounding areas,” Fulks said. “They have an active presence in bringing tourism to help support the businesses in this area.”

The President’s Award went to married couple J. Edler, owner of DoTerra Essential Oils, and Pancho Edler, owner of Dixon Golf.

“(The Edlers) have been involved from the moment they signed up to belong to the chamber,” Fulks said. “They believe in what they do and it shows in how involved they have been in the Hayden Chamber.”

J. Edler was surprised to be honored by the award.

“Halfway through, I thought ‘I’d like to meet these people, they sound great,’” she said.

Pancho Edler was effusive and excited, and enthusiastically talked to friends in the chamber as they offered congratulations.

“She says she isn’t much of a people person, but he talks to anyone and everyone he meets,” Fulks said.

The chamber event also celebrated having a record-breaking number of new members for the year.

“There’s a spirit of excellence,” said chamber board chair Josh Urbick. “We’re not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, But I think we’re pretty excellent.”

Fulks also presented the annual report, noting some of the chamber’s major accomplishments in 2022.

“Our local economy has continued to fare well overall and many of our businesses have experienced increased sales,” she said.