Coeur d'Alene Chamber: 'An investment that matters'

Growing up in Idaho, Nick Swayne learned “a certain degree of tenacity and grit.” 

“When you grow up here, you don’t have access to a lot of things you have in big cities, so you figure out how to make them yourself and do it yourself,” Swayne said during The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s 112th annual awards celebration at The Coeur d’Alene Resort on Wednesday. “That builds a certain self-reliance and pride.” 

Resolve and strength of spirit helped Swayne throughout his career, particularly during his 24 years with the military that saw him serve in Iraq and Bosnia. 

“You can’t go to the store to just get something. You had to figure it out. Amazingly, that also came into play here,” he said as the crowd laughed. 

Swayne, president of North Idaho College, received a standing ovation from the crowd of about 200 people when he was named the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year. 

He fought back tears in a short but emotional speech. 

“I am honored to be the president of your college,” he said. 

Swayne said the past few years at NIC have been challenging, with its accreditation in question, but he never wavered in his beliefs and commitment to see things through and to put the college back on solid footing. 

He said he always felt he was part of a great team, both at NIC and in the community. 

“I knew I had a community behind me, which made being the point man so much easier," he said. “I knew I had friends that had my back."

A number of awards were presented during the event that in part spotlighted the Chamber’s growth and influence in the community.

Through scholarships, candidate forums, a legislative tour and tackling subjects like the fentanyl crisis, the Chamber sought to have a bigger impact with businesses and beyond.

Tyrel Stevenson, legislative director with The Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Chamber’s 2025 chairman, said a thriving community fosters thriving businesses, and vice versa.  

“Make no mistake, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber recognizes that,” Stevenson said. “The mission of what we do at the Chamber is an extraordinary thing to see.” 

He said that’s why the Tribe invests in the Chamber, which rolls into education, the environment, the economy and more. 

“It’s more than just a marketing ploy,” Stevenson said. “It really pays back. Thriving businesses are benefited by thriving communities. It’s an investment that matters.” 

Doug Elliott, outgoing chair, said the Chamber’s membership grew to 945 this year, a 10% increase. He said through restructured membership levels and benefit offerings, the Chamber is in tune with its members and the community. 

"It's really something to be proud of,” Elliott said. 

Several awards were presented during the pride-filled program, including: 

Ed Abbott Volunteer of the Year Award: Jody Azevedo of Numerica Credit Union. 

Azevedo was described as “a remarkable leader, a dedicated team player, and a constant source of encouragement. Her heart for our business community and her love for Coeur d’Alene inspires us all.” 

“Winning this award is important because serving the community is a gift to me,” Azevedo said. “I just love our Coeur d’Alene area and the people.” 

Chamber Champion Award: Israel Herrera. 

This new recognition was presented by Chamber staff “to an individual whose unwavering dedication and exceptional support have been instrumental in the Chamber’s success.” 

Herrera was honored as someone “who embodies the very heart of our chamber’s mission and values.” 

“Whether it’s attending committee meetings, recruiting new members or volunteering to set up and tear down at the majority of our events, he is always there,” said Linda Coppess, Chamber president and CEO. 

Large Business of the Year: Hagadone Hospitality. 

Hagadone Hospitality was described as an organization that provides “high caliber staff that takes great care of us, to stunning venues for our events and elevated experiences for our attendees.” 

“Their unwavering partnership helps us showcase the best of North Idaho. Their creativity, passion and generosity inspire us all, making every experience they touch, better,” Stevenson said.  

Bill Reagan, president of The Coeur d’Alene Resort, was honored. 

“It’s a great award on behalf of all the team members that make up The Coeur d’Alene Resort and Hagadone Hospitality. It really recognizes the job they do," he said.

Small Business of the Year: Parkwood Business Properties. 

“They present what’s best about Coeur d’Alene: Hard work, generosity and a commitment to making this community stronger,” said Debbie Bravo with Architects West. “They aren’t just part of Coeur d’Alene’s success, they helped build it, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.” 

Nonprofit of the Year: St. Vincent de Paul of North Idaho. 

Presenter Vanessa Moos, CEO of Canopy Village, said St. Vincent’s serves thousands of individuals and families each year, offering critical services such as food distribution, clothing programs and even showers and laundry services for those experiencing homelessness. 

“Their work is all-encompassing, providing not just the essential, but a pathway for people to get back on their feet,” Moos said.  

The Chamber’s Committee of the Year was shared by its Education Committee and its Legislative Tour Planning Committee. 

    Doug Elliott, outgoing chair of The Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber, hands the gavel to incoming chair Tyrel Stevenson on Wednesday.