NOV NIBJ: Investing in community pays dividends across region

"I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it." - Kristin Armstrong

Some may know Kristin Armstrong for her years running track for the Vandals. Some may have followed her career as a young swimmer who earned recognition as a junior Olympian. Others may have watched her race to glory in one of her four Olympics. She would claim gold in the women's individual time trial in Beijing in 2008, in London in 2012 and in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

She had retired in 2012, planning to start a family. She told herself that if things went smoothly with the birth of her son, she would consider racing again. In April 2015, she announced she would be coming out of retirement, having been selected to race at the Pan American Road Championships. However, two days later, the decision was rescinded.

The following month, Armstrong won the U.S. National Time Trial Championship. In 2016, she would win her third gold medal.

Much like Armstrong's focus on gratitude and helping others, business leaders and residents of North Idaho have a giving heart.

Take Alliant Insurance Services in Coeur d'Alene, where serving the community is part of the company's culture. The company was one of several organizations that took part in United Way of North Idaho's annual Day of Action, a one-day initiative that brings together businesses and nonprofit organizations for a day of service.

Alliant is just one name in a long list of groups and businesses that have a heart for giving and want to express their gratitude by helping others.

From sponsoring local events and fundraisers to donating to local youth and school groups, the region's businesses not only donate financially, but their employees and owners also volunteer for local charities, coach local sports teams and sit on the boards of the region's nonprofits.

"When businesses support nonprofit organizations financially and with volunteerism, the ripple effect is substantial," said Rachel Peterson, executive director of United Way of North Idaho. The nonprofit works in collaboration with other nonprofits and local partners to improve multiple aspects of community members' lives — education, finance, health and more — with a special focus on those in the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

The cynics of the world may say helping others is good business. The region's businesses have a different outlook. Their philanthropic efforts are simply the right thing to do. Helping friends and neighbors is the North Idaho way.

"When we think of philanthropy, we think of donating money to an organization," Peterson said. "Monetary donations are essential; nonprofits rely on financial support to keep their doors open. But philanthropy can be so much more than this. When businesses look at what they specialize in and ask, 'How can we use this skill to help our neighbors in need?' that is when the magic happens."

Caroline Lobsinger

 NIBJ Editor