Post Falls Chamber of Commerce celebrates 60 years of service

POST FALLS — 1964 was a busy year. The original "Mary Poppins" film topped the U.S. box office. Unfrosted Pop-Tarts debuted in grocery stores. And in North Idaho, the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce was incorporated.

Seright's Ace Hardware is the chamber's longest-standing member. 

Early meetings were hosted at the Post Cafe before the organization had its own building.

These tidbits set the scene for the chamber's 60th-anniversary celebration Wednesday at Alt's Copperhouse.

Susan Marie and Kirsten Malzahn, dressed as hippies adorned with flowers from Marie's floral design business, embraced the '60s theme.

Marie, who moved from Colorado Springs over 20 years ago, fell in love with the area after seeing just one picture Malzahn showed her.

Though her business, Susan Marie Floral Design, is new to the chamber, Marie hopes future growth won't diminish the area's charm.

"There's been a lot of growth and that can be very good, but I love the small-town feel that we had and I want to retain that and welcome new business at the same time," Marie said.

Then and Now

Today, the chamber boasts over 500 members and has added community events like the River City Market and Music, River City Leadership Academy, a reverse job fair and the Unlock Your Future event.

Chamber President Christina Petit highlighted significant changes in the business landscape, including the arrival of Buck Knives and Cabela's, and the transformation of Idaho Veneer Company into Millworx.

"The landscape in Post Falls has changed dramatically in 60 years," Petit said.

The Millworx development has been particularly impactful. "Going from a manufacturing plant to creating a live, work and play space shaped a downtown corridor that Post Falls has been looking for," Petit said.

The chamber itself has moved several times as its needs evolved. In 1988, a new office building was dedicated at 510 Sixth Ave. In 2010, another building and visitor center was established at 201 East Fourth Ave.

Petit, a 20-year resident, emphasizes the importance of maintaining close community ties. Her vision for the next six decades involves businesses supporting each other, backed by the chamber.

"We have to be intentional about how we grow. Even though we're growing, we're a very, very relational community. That hasn't gone away. It was here in the '60s and it's here today," Petit said.

    Post Falls Parade Committee 2007
  

    Post Falls Chamber of Commerce building, 2000.
  

    Post Falls Chamber President Christina Petit