2020
ANNUAL REPORT
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THE CHAIR
A MESSAGE FROM
Year of the “Footnote” Together, the board of directors and I say Thank You for an amazing year! These are extraordinary times and Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber members are definitely extraordinary! Cultivating growth, relationships and prosperity in our region requires us as business leaders to be visionary and nimble. As Chairman of the Board for the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, I am so proud to partner alongside you during the pandemic and successful reopening. We rose together to face the challenges in our community and continue to be involved in creating a strong future. This Annual Report highlights how our organization was a champion for our region’s economic prosperity and probusiness environment. A special shout out goes to Derrell Hartwick, the Chamber staff, volunteers, committees and affiliates and our Visionary and Diamond members. Your dedication and focus to support Northern Idaho businesses and keep the heart
of economic growth a priority is much appreciated. It takes real courage to break through and lead with eyes on the future. Racial equality, community engagement and developing leadership are common threads that we are connecting and changing momentum for positive change. Personally, I also want to thank all of you for allowing me to be a part of the Chamber’s ripple effect of inspiring others in our community. I have been deeply touched by this experience and the hardworking members who make up the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber. It gave me an internal view and respect on a wide range of leadership traits and management styles. It also confirmed my view and appreciation for what a treasure it is to live and work in Coeur d’Alene. Thank you so much for this extraordinary opportunity! Cheers!
*Due to COVID-19 all statistics of 2020 will not be used to compare to any other year.
Heidi B. Rogers 2020 Chair 2
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Executive Committee HEIDI ROGERS Chair Northwest Council for Computer Education
ANN THOMAS Chair Elect Mountain West Bank
B R E N T LY L E S Past Chair Elk Point
TROY TYMESEN Vice Chair City of Coeur d’Alene
ALIVIA METTS Vice Chair The Metts Group Fortus Realty
RICK RASMUSSEN Vice Chair Northwest Specialty Hospital
B R E N D A B O O K H O LT Z Treasurer Intermax Networks
DERRELL HARTWICK President/CEO Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber
DUSTIN AINSWORTH Kootenai Title
JIMMY MCANDREW Mountain West Bank
TYREL STEVENSON Coeur d’Alene Tribe
Advisory Board
TYLER ALVARADO Continuous Composites
RANDY MCINTIRE Super1 Foods
PASTOR CRAIG SUMEY First Presbyterian Church
JODY AZEVEDO Numerica
MARK ROBITAILLE Coeur d’Alene Convention and Visitors Bureau
ALI TAYLOR Coeur d’Alene Association of Realtors
LAURA RUMPLER North Idaho College
MARIE WIDMYER Marmalade, Fort Ground Grill
Board of Directors
DOUG ELLIOTT Kootenai Electric Cooperative KATIE HUNT OmniaHR a division of Advanced Benefits
TODD KIESBUY Avista
CLINT SCHROEDER Coeur d’Alene Press, Hagadone Media Group
CHRIS FILLIOS Kootenai County Commissioner LUKE MALEK Smith+Malek
LEA WILLIAMS Tomlinson Sotheby’s International
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A MESSAGE FROM THE INCOMING CHAIR I am extremely honored and humbled to be the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber incoming Chairman. I follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest leaders in this community—and the bar has been set very high. Heidi has been a strong and tireless leader, guiding the Chamber through a truly unprecedented year. I am lucky to be following such a determined and wise predecessor. Thank you, Heidi, for your leadership. We are fortunate to have you in this community. This past year has brought with it many challenges none of us could have predicted. We have all faced obstacles we have never seen in our lifetime, in many different aspects of life. We have all been forced to take a step back and reevaluate the way we look at the world, the way we do business, and the way we want to live our lives.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that the Chamber and local businesses partner to remain strong as we navigate uncharted territory. Ann Thomas 2021 Chair 4
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that the Chamber and local businesses partner to remain strong as we navigate uncharted territory. As a community, we have an incredible opportunity to create and move toward a vision of what we want the future to look like. The Chamber is dedicated to Coeur d’Alene and the success of our business community. With that also comes our responsibility to
support employers, K-12 educators, and working families who have had to learn a whole new way to run businesses and households. We have experienced and will continue to experience growth and change. It is important to navigate such growth thoughtfully and effectively to maintain the beauty, richness, and sense of community we have here in the Coeur d’Alene area. The CDA Regional Chamber cannot help unless we know what the needs are. I encourage you to get involved, reach out, and share your thoughts, desires, and concerns. Please tell us what you see in the future of your business and the community, and tell us how the Chamber can support you. My passion is to continue to make Coeur d’Alene one of the most outstanding communities in the country to live, work, and play. Coeur d’Alene, and the surrounding area, are indeed a treasure and I feel blessed every day that I get to wake up here. I appreciate your involvement and membership and look forward to learning more about you and how the Chamber can help your business grow and prosper. Sincerely,
Our Grand Vision To be a credible and valuable business and community organization creating essential B2B marketing and growth opportunities, while providing visionary community leadership, helping to create a synergistic environment where business can thrive and the economy grow.
Our Mission To promote, support, and advocate for our members to help build the best possible climate for growing successful businesses, thus assuring profitability today and prosperity tomorrow.
Our Values
Future Focused:
Member & Community Centric:
Excellence Driven:
To provide catalytic leadership by looking at the long-term economic well-being of the community and our membership. Implementing programs and initiatives that have lasting results, and responding to issues mindful of future implications.
Maintain a flexible, transparent, and responsive organization that is inclusive of our diverse membership. Engage our members and community stakeholders on focused issues and initiatives, collaboratively serving business and community needs.
Commit to producing quality and valuable products, events and programming, and measuring our affairs by what is right, honest, ethical and fiscally esponsible.
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2020 HIGHLIGHTS
THE YEAR OF THE “FOOTNOTE” *Membership
*Community Engagement To benefit the most vulnerable members of our community hit hardest by the pandemic, we developed the CDA COVID-19 Relief Fund in partnership with the City of Coeur d’Alene, Panhandle Health District, and United Way of North Idaho. Together we raised over $100,000 in a few months for our community.
An examination of our membership revealed 32% of members were businesses outside Coeur d’Alene city limits. This prompted our rebranding efforts to become the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber. Our fall membership drive was the most successful drive of the last 5+ years.
*Leadership CDA The Leadership Coeur d’Alene Program, in its 36th year, was postponed due to safety concerns about in-person meetings. Some classes were held virtually, but it was determined that the value and integrity of the program deserved a pause. The program will begin again in January 2021, combining the 2020 and 2021 class participants.
*Connectivity This year, digital communication became more important than ever. Our weekly newsletter and eblasts offered updates on COVID-19 guidelines and mandates, PPP loans, grant information, and employer/employee protocol. With an emphasis on online communication, our social media presence hit the 5000 followers milestone. In addition, our new bi-monthly digital Member Magazine is providing a new format to help members get the word out about their services, events and special offerings.
*Due to COVID-19 all statistics of 2020 will not be used to compare to any other year. 6
*Fiscal Responsibility *Events The Chamber had planned two of Coeur d’Alene’s largest community events that would have had an economic impact on our city. Unfortunately, both events were cancelled due to the pandemic.
2021
Special thanks should be given to all the terrific program and event sponsors, as well as our major member investors, for their solid financial support which helped the Chamber navigate through these turbulent times. Proactive efforts to take advantage of record low interest rates may assit the Chamber in successfully reducing monthly operative costs.
*Networking in the New Normal
IRONMAN 70.3 and the 4th of July Festival. In 2021, the full IRONMAN will be facilitated by the North Idaho Sports Commission, instead of the Chamber. Plans are already underway to make the 2021 4th of July Festival better than ever.
The Chamber’s premier monthly networking event, Upbeat Breakfast, made the successful transition to a virtual program in April and resumed live in August to a smaller and socially distanced group of attendees.
Our Annual Business Fair held in February went off without a hitch. It featured 125 member trade booths and was attended by roughly 3000 individuals ready to network.
Some live events were cancelled or postponed to a later date. The Annual Women’s Conference was rescheduled to August and guided us on Finding Joy in the New Normal.
The First Annual Public Safety Awards, held in August, was a live event honoring outstanding individuals from eight public safety agencies that gave us the opportunity to thank those who serve and protect our community.
The Business Development Committee offered free Zoom e-commerce seminars to help businesses tackle online marketing.
*Advocacy Advocacy and tracking efforts, some of which may have contributed to changing Idaho State policies include:
① Communication with locally elected state and federal
officials were enhanced by meeting in person and virtually once a month without interruption and twice monthly during the legislative session. Several representatives of the CDA Regional Chamber attended Chamber Days in Boise. Public policy topics tracked included Medicaid expansion impact, transportation funding, Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, spread, health/financial impact, and the freezing/capping of property taxes, which we opposed. The legislation ultimately failed.
② Research is ongoing about impact fees being, in part, directed to the building of schools through edits and additions to Section 33.
③ The CDA Regional Chamber publicly advocated for
increased investment in our transportation infrastructure by increasing vehicle license fees and the leverage for federal funds that will result.
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Strategic Direction The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber Strategic Direction capitalizes on our region’s strengths, assets and opportunities, allowing us to prioritize efforts to achieve long-term objectives. Take an active role in planning and promoting quality economic growth and community development by engaging our city and county leadership, while playing an active role in CDA 2030. By embracing all segments of our membership, we will create and operate numerous programs that actively engage members, allowing for the promotion of their products and services through business-tobusiness marketing opportunities. Operate and/or promote programs that provide educational information of value to our members, provide leadership opportunities, connect members to the community, and assist in analysis of key community issues.
Develop and voice public policy positions that advocate for the business interests of our members and enhance the quality of life for all. Support our Coeur d’Alene Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in tourism marketing, promotion, and provide visitor services at our visitor centers. Actively extol the positive ramifications of a vibrant and growing economy driven by local diversified business interests. To assist organizations that are involved with job generation and economic growth, such as: CDA EDC, the Department of Commerce and Labor, ignite cda, PAC, the Innovation Collective, Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium, North Idaho Building Contractors Association, and others.
Take an active role in enhancing all educational opportunities in our community. Advocate for the development and sustainability of a quality appropriately skilled workforce that meet the needs of our members today and into the future. To be a catalyst for collaboration, striving to achieve consensus on shared community values and visions. Engage in programs, events and activities that create financial gains for the Chamber, helping to keep member dues investment to a minimum. Incorporate the importance of global markets in our programming and activities.
Proactively communicate with our membership regularly, openly and often regarding all programs, activities and positions. Thus, providing community connectivity. Provide administrative and management assistance to organizations whose missions complement ours. Manage with fiscal responsibility to ensure stability of the organization and the cost effective delivery of services. Intentionally seek new members and engage current members who represent the population shifts and cultural diversity of our growing and changing community. Continue to expand our digital footprint.
Through 2021 8
Committees Impact Our Community Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber members add their voices to the conversations that shape business and impact our community. The Chamber encourages participation and, in fact, relies on the expertise of members to guide the actions of the organization. Serving on a committee offers the opportunity to play a relevant leadership role, increase the value of membership and increase visibility among member businesses.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
EXECUTIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE
Sheri Dickinson, Chair • Staff, Brenda Young Developing programs to create a positive business climate.
Heidi Rogers, Chair • Staff, Derrell Hartwick The governing committee of the Chamber is comprised of the past chair, current chair, chair elect, treasurer and three vice chairs.
EDUCATION Rocky Owens, Chair Serving as a link between the business and education communities in support of quality education in the Coeur d’Alene area.
NATURAL RESOURCES Jim Ekins, Chair • Staff, Derrell Hartwick Promoting and protecting our area’s natural resources, as well as furthering the interest of the natural resource-based industries: Timber, Mining and Agriculture.
MEMBERSHIP OUTREACH Larry Frisbie, Chair • Staff, Linda Coppess Recruits new members, assists with new member orientations and develops membership retention strategies and programs.
PUBLIC POLICY Linda Davis, Chair • Staff, Derrell Hartwick Monitors local, state and federal government issues and provides input to the Chamber’s Board of Directors regarding recommended positions and strategies.
LEADERSHIP COEUR D’ALENE
Ben Drake, Chair • Staff, Brenda Young Acquaint and equip potential Coeur d’Alene leaders with tools for leadership. Board meets 2nd Thursday of each month, 12:30pm at the Chamber. Class sessions are held 4th Thursday of each month, March (of the current year) through February of the following year. Participation is by application.
“The Chamber’s success in 2020 could not have been possible without our dedicated committees. They may be behind the scenes but their impact is tremendous and we value their time and commitment.” - Derrell Hartwick
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MEMBERSHIP SECTORS Professional Services
17%
Real Estate Professionals & Related Services 12%
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Health Services, Health Providers
10%
Restaurants, Food & Beverage
9%
Associations, Organizations, Nonprofits
8%
Entertainment & Recreation
8%
Financial Institutions
6%
Retailers, Wholesalers
5%
Construction
4%
Advertising, Printing, Publications, Media
3%
Government & Education
3%
Hospitality
3%
Manufacturing & Natural Resources
3%
Communications, IT Services
2%
Individuals
2%
Insurance
2%
Transportation & Automotive Services
2%
Art Galleries & Artists
1%
171 NEW MEMBERS
Visitors Center Guests* 2019 January . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168 February. . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368 April. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603 May. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,183 June . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2,472 July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,133 August . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,985 September. . . . . . . . . . 2,276 MONTH
*Visitors at 105 N. 1st. Street, Coeur d’Alene
2020 184 188 142 closed closed 542 840 773 791
2020 Revenues & Expenses Your Chamber investment at work Reflects October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 2%
2020 Revenues 38%
General Revenues Building Revenues International Travel Program Revenues Committee Revenues Event Revenues Grants & Contracts Revenues Visitors Center
36%
4% 4%
3%
12%
3% %
*International Travel - 1%
$495,778 $61,076 $17,278 $167,704 $38,111 $47,514 $511,623 $27,025
Total Revenues
$1,366,109
3%
2020 Expenses Admin/Employee Expenses Building Expenses Program Expenses Committee Expenses Event Expenses Grants & Contracts Expenses Visitors Center Total Revenues
$605,075 $124,336 $64,353 $52,974 $23,510 $482,678 $36,147 $1,389,073
34%
44%
2%
4%
4%
9%
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Engaging Our Members Through Programs & Events The CDA Regional Chamber’s numerous programs and events are designed around 4 basic tenets:
B2B MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES & MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
Chamber members are promoted on CdAChamber.com, the annual Community Profile and Business Directory, Visitors Center, the Chamber’s ‘This Week’ digital newsletter, the bi-monthly digital Member Magazine, social media, event sponsorships and more. The Visitors Center provides members a place to display collateral materials about their businesses and services.
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ADVOCACY FOR BUSINESS-FRIENDLY POLICY
The CDA Regional Chamber works on your behalf at the city, county, state and federal levels as a pro-business policy advocate. Part of that advocacy occurs through input to our government leaders, and support of a regulatory environment that provides opportunities for growth, jobs creation, and profitability that strengthens the economic vitality of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and the surrounding region.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY
The overall success of the community around you can have a deep impact on your business. Community involvement is crucial for businesses to network and meet new clients. Events that bring your brand and business face to face with citizens assist in building your brands presence. The CDA Regional Chamber helps spread the word about your business through making connections.
EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Educational programs, events and workshops are designed to provide members an educational experience to develop an enhanced understanding of community issues, organizations and economic drivers. The programs facilitate a platform that enhances members professional network, promotes the exchange of ideas, and inspires members to seek out new service opportunities in the community.
• Member & Community Promotions • Legislative Affairs • Public Policy Events • Leadership Programs • Women’s Conference • Workshops & Seminars • Annual Meeting Awards Banquet • 4th of July Festival and Parade • Upbeat Breakfast • Business After Hours • Executive Roundtable • Aw$um Raffle • Business Industry Tour • Public Safety Awards • Meet a Farmer Tour & Dinner • Golf Tournaments • Brews & Biz Tour • Event Sponsorships
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Affiliate Organizations The Chamber provides management services for five other organizations whose missions complement ours. These services are provided under contract with the Board of Directors of these organizations. The Chamber has also established a Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board to assist in implementing tourism marketing funds.
COEUR D’ALENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
COEUR D’ALENE ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE
COEUR D’ALENE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
NORTH IDAHO CENTENNIAL TRAIL FOUNDATION
The mission of the Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is to bring more visitors to the Coeur d’Alene area. It seeks to encourage repeat visits, to extend the stays of visitors, and to connect these visitors with CVB members.
The Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance exists to educate area residents and visitors about the arts and cultural activities available in our community, and to assist artists and arts entities to successfully achieve their goals.
Our vision of Downtown Coeur d’Alene is to remain the heart of our community, preserve our heritage, and provide a prosperous and livable environment.
The NICTF strives to connect the people of North Idaho with an expanding trail system. We work to preserve and develop the North Idaho Centennial Trail system while promoting non-motorized trail connectivity throughout the region.
208.664.3194 CoeurdAlene.org
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208.292.1629 artsandculturecda.org
208.667.5986 CdADowntown.com
208.292.1634 nictf.org
CDA 2030 CDA 2030 is the project of an alliance of citizen volunteers representing key public, private, civic, and communitybased organizations, working in partnership to sponsor a ‘visioning’ process for our community. We are an independent, nonpartisan, nonaligned effort with one overriding goal: a bright future for greater Coeur d’Alene. 208.415.0112 cda2030.org
Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber and Affiliate Staff DERRELL HARTWICK
T E R E E TAY L O R
Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber President/CEO
Director of Communications
BRENDA YOUNG
Communications Designer
Vice President of Programs
LINDA COPPESS
Vice President Member Relations
J O A N B. F O R D
Visitors Center Coordinator
J O N AT H A N P I E T L I C K I
Huetter Visitors Center Information Specialist
MARCELLA GLENN
TA B I T H A K R A A K
Executive Director North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation
E M I LY B O Y D
NICOLE KAHLER
CDA 2030 Executive Director
ALI SHUTE
Arts & Culture Alliance Executive Director
M A R K R O B I TA I L L E
Coeur d’Alene Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director
Executive Director Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association
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Thank you to Century Publishing for their continued support and sponsoring the printing of our 2020 Annual Report.
Century Publishing Company E. 5710 Seltice Way Post Falls, Idaho 83854 208.765.6300 800.824.1806 toll-free www.CenturyPublishing.com
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Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber 105 N. First Street • Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 208.664.3194 • www.CdAChamber.com