Celebrating leadership, community, connection: The Leadership Classic returns
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber is teeing up one of the most anticipated community events of the year — the Leadership Classic Golf Tournament — set for Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at the Highlands Golf Course. With space for 36 teams of four, the Leadership Classic invites golfers to hit the greens for a day that blends friendly competition with leadership, camaraderie and giving back.
A tournament born from leadership
The Leadership Classic began as a bold idea from five graduates of the Chamber’s Leadership Coeur d’Alene program: Michael Armon, Naomi Boutz, Ryan Johnson, Jessica Long and Vanessa Moos. Leadership Coeur d’Alene, now celebrating its 40th year, is one of the longest-running leadership development programs in the region. Since its inception, it has graduated between 25 and 35 participants annually — many now serving as influential business leaders, nonprofit executives and civic champions.
For the class of 2020-2021, the journey was unique. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the program in 2020, extending it into 2021. This created the longest class in program history, allowing members to deepen relationships and envision a lasting legacy project — an event that would unite the community each year while raising funds for the Chamber’s nonprofit work and an underserved nonprofit partner.
Supporting the Chamber — and the community
Proceeds from the Leadership Classic fuel Chamber programs that strengthen local businesses, develop future leaders and promote our region as a vibrant place to live, work and play. Each year, a portion also benefits a local nonprofit serving an underserved population, extending the tournament’s impact far beyond the fairway.
Opportunities for business engagement
For local businesses, the Leadership Classic offers valuable brand exposure in front of business owners, executives and community leaders. Sponsorships are filling up quickly, but open options include hospitality, closest to pin, longest drive, tee to green, keep it clean, putting green, flag and hole sponsorships, prize donations, resulting in branded course experiences.
Sponsoring the Leadership Classic is a win-win. It’s a high-energy environment where you connect with decision-makers and support both the Chamber’s mission and a deserving nonprofit.
A day of connection and fun
The scramble format welcomes players of all skill levels, with contests at select holes, sponsor activations, great food and networking opportunities. The Highlands Golf Course, known for its scenic beauty and challenging layout, provides the perfect backdrop for business conversations and friendly competition.
As Leadership Coeur d’Alene marks its 40th anniversary, the Leadership Classic reflects the program’s spirit — visionary thinking, community leadership and lasting impact.
“The Leadership Classic creates an experience where people can step away from the daily grind, enjoy each other’s company and strengthen the relationships that keep our community thriving,” says Ryan Johnson, event founder and CDA Regional Chamber board member.
For Naomi Boutz, another founder and CDA Executive Committee board member, the event captures the heart of Leadership Coeur d’Alene. “This tournament blends everything we value — collaboration, giving back and having fun. It’s incredible to see something we dreamed up as classmates grow into a community tradition that supports causes we care deeply about.”
Join us on the sreen
The tournament tees off Friday, Sept. 19, at the Highlands Golf Course. Team registrations are open now and expected to fill quickly, with sponsorship, donation and volunteer opportunities also available.
For details, visit cdachamber.com or call 208-664-3194. On Sept. 19, the fairways will be full, the community will come together and the spirit of leadership will be in full swing.
Together, we’re building a business community that’s not only growing — but leading with vision and purpose. Contact us: www.cdachamber.com or email: [email protected]
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Linda Coppess is the CEO and president of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber.
Coppess