EDITORIAL: State spotlight will soon shine on N. Idaho

No matter who wins in the Nov. 5 election, a wave of political goodwill will wash up on Coeur d’Alene’s welcoming shores the following week.

All 35 state senators and 70 representatives have been invited to our fair region for a three-day legislative tour Nov. 11-13.

Safe prediction: They’ll be impressed.

The tour, says Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber president and CEO Linda Coppess, will expose lawmakers from near and far to what makes our communities shine and areas where their understanding and support would be most helpful. 

She listed education, workforce development, health care, housing, child care, economic development, public safety, forestry and natural resources, taxes and infrastructure among areas of focus.

“This tour is not only a platform to showcase the strength and potential of North Idaho’s industries but also a crucial opportunity to build relationships with state decision-makers and highlight the legislative support needed to help our communities thrive,” Coppess said.

This is a rare and exceedingly valuable opportunity for locals on a number of levels. Community-wide there’s much to show off. Chamber members and other business leaders also can take advantage of limited chances to personally show leaders of state government what they're about. 

The next such tour isn’t headed this way until 2028, when Post Falls will host.

Hagadone Corp. founder Duane B. Hagadone used to say, “A good life starts with a good job.” Many of the region’s best jobs can be found under the regional Chamber’s umbrella. The combined power and influence of our area’s cooperative chambers can’t be overstated.

Let’s make the most of this important opportunity. If interested, you may purchase tickets to:

• Attend the full legislative tour

• Attend the welcome reception and dinner

• Attend the Governor’s Banquet

For tickets, sponsorship or advertising opportunities, visit www.cdachamber.com or contact Katierose@cdachamber.com or bethany@cdachamber.com. 

And if you have no interest at all in participating, that’s OK, too.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits the 2024 Idaho State Legislative Tour will bring to North Idaho.