OCT NIBJ: Leading the way into North Idaho's future

Whether it's Demi Lovato's "Confident" or "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" by the legend that is Aretha Franklin, the airwaves are filled with songs of female empowerment, drive and ambition.

It's hard not to have respect for the women at the center of this month’s North Idaho Business Journal, which celebrates Women's History Month by giving a shout out to a few of their many achievements.

They are smart. They are savvy. They are making their communities better places through their businesses and actions.

Among them is Heather Duff, a third-generation member of the Thorco family who became president and part-owner of Thorco Electrical Construction in 2019.

Like many women in construction, Duff has faced challenges in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Initial questions about whether she could handle the job or understand the business have given way to respect as her experience and leadership speak volumes.

She considers organization, structure and planning among her strengths. She thrives on creating an environment where employees have what they need to perform at a high level.

There is Joyceta Chacon, now 20, who knew after watching her aunt work in her nail salon that she wanted to do the same thing.

She graduated from cosmetology school in Post Falls with her license a year ago and now runs her own business within the Inkish Body Art and Beauty salon in Post Falls.

She is building a clientele, and her versatility is in demand with clients of all ages. She is ambitious and plans to open her own salon someday, providing a space for others to work and pursue their dreams like she has.

For Beth Rich, longtime owner of downtown Coeur d’Alene retail shops Mix It Up Gift and Mix It Up Home, kindness matters and philanthropy is the name of the game.

Whether it's through fundraisers like these or community events, Rich supports about a dozen organizations, foundations and community efforts that are near and dear to her heart, she said. This includes Kootenai Health Foundation’s Festival of Trees, Salvation Army Kroc Center, Hospice of North Idaho, Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County, Canopy Village, Women’s Gift Alliance and more.

Like Rich, Debbie Love is about helping others. As the executive director of Sandpoint-based Bonner Community Food Bank, Love helps a team of volunteers provide food assistance for more than 5,000 people, a reality she didn’t fully understand until she joined the nonprofit more than a decade ago.

One of the most rewarding parts of her work, Love said, is seeing previous clients who no longer need assistance from the food bank return as donors, giving back to support others in need.

"It's just really gratifying to see that," said Love. "The look in their eyes, to be able to give back to their community the way their community supported them, gives me chills.”

What should give us all chills? The accomplishments of this region's amazing women and all that they accomplish.

Caroline Lobsinger

Editor, North Idaho Business Journal