Leadership Classic Golf Tournament returns Sept. 18

COEUR D'ALENE — What began as an idea from one Leadership Coeur d'Alene class determined to leave a lasting mark on the community has grown into an annual tradition that invests in future leaders while giving back to North Idaho.

The Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber invites golfers, businesses, and community leaders to participate in the 2026 Leadership Classic Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 18, at The Highlands Golf Course in Post Falls. The tournament begins with a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start and raises funds to strengthen Leadership Coeur d'Alene while supporting a deserving local nonprofit.

The tournament's story began with the Leadership Coeur d'Alene Class of 2020–2021, affectionately known as "The Longest Class Ever." The class launched its leadership journey just as the COVID-19 pandemic brought businesses, schools, and community programs to a standstill. After months of uncertainty, participants reunited the following year to complete the program.

Like every Leadership Coeur d'Alene class, they completed a community project, partnering with Canopy Village in 2021. But they also wanted to create something that would continue serving Leadership Coeur d'Alene — and the community — for years to come.

"COVID reminded us that nothing should ever be taken for granted — not our businesses, not our relationships, and not programs like Leadership Coeur d'Alene that help shape future community leaders," said Naomi Boutz, proprietor of Vine & Olive Wine Bar and Eatery, and member of CDA Regional Chamber Executive Committee and the Leadership Coeur d'Alene Class of 2020–2021.

"Our class wanted to create a legacy project that would continue making a difference long after we graduated," she said. "The Leadership Classic was our way of investing in the future of Leadership Coeur d'Alene while also blessing an underserved demographic in our community every single year. Watching that vision continue to grow has been incredibly rewarding."

That vision became the Leadership Classic Golf Tournament.

Today, proceeds from the tournament help support Leadership Coeur d'Alene, one of North Idaho's longest-running leadership development programs. Since 1986, the program has graduated more than 1,000 alumni who now serve throughout the region in business, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit organizations, and civic leadership.

The tournament also continues another tradition established by its founders: each year, a portion of the proceeds are donated to an underserved local nonprofit organization. The Leadership Committee of Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber is proud to announce Safe Start as the recipient of $5,000 from this year’s tournament.

Safe Start works to prevent childhood injuries and deaths by providing families and professionals with evidence-based safety education, resources, and support. Through programs including child passenger safety and safe infant sleep, Safe Start helps families access the knowledge and tools they need to keep children safe.

"The Leadership Classic represents everything we hope Leadership Coeur d'Alene inspires," said Linda Coppess, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber. "It began with a class that wanted to leave something meaningful behind, and today that vision continues to invest in leadership development while supporting organizations that are transforming lives in our community. Every golfer, sponsor and volunteer helps carry that legacy forward."

“We are incredibly grateful to the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber and everyone who makes the Leadership Classic possible,” said Liz Montgomery, executive director of Safe Start. “This $5,000 gift will help us continue providing families in our community with lifesaving education and safety resources. Prevention is at the heart of our work, and support like this allows us to reach more families with the information and tools they need to keep their children safe.”

As the tournament's presenting sponsor, Kootenai Health is proud to support an event that strengthens both leadership and community.

“Communities thrive when we invest in people,” said Coppess. “The Leadership Classic is a perfect example of that philosophy in action. It develops emerging leaders, supports an organization making a profound difference for local families, and brings our business community together around a shared purpose. We’re incredibly grateful for the vision of the tournament’s founders—Naomi Boutz, Ryan Johnson, Michael Armon, Vanessa Moos, and Jessica Long—and proud to carry forward the legacy they created.”

The Leadership Classic welcomes golfers of all skill levels for a day of friendly competition, networking, contests, prizes, and camaraderie. Businesses are also invited to participate through sponsorship opportunities that demonstrate their commitment to leadership development and community impact while connecting with fellow business leaders from across the Inland Northwest.

Registration: bit.ly/4x8R5j3