A Resource for Prosperity

Group Reinvigorates As Pend Oreille Economic Partnership

by Trish Gannon

Early this year, Brent Baker was hired to man the helm at the Pend Oreille Economic Partnership. Formerly the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, the nonprofit entity rebranded itself in order to expand its mission to more broadly provide resources and support for the Lake Pend Oreille region and its economic community.

Baker, a retired builder and developer, is no stranger to serving his community, having been a school board chairman and fire commissioner. He has also served on the Lakes Commission since inception, co-founded Sandpoint High School’s residential carpentry program, and helped design and implement an experimental youth job skills training program for the county’s juvenile detention center.

After “retiring,” Baker began Elevate Now Consulting, LLC, which focused on helping small and medium businesses develop strong leadership skills and company cultures, and developed and delivered consulting, training, and education programs to custom homebuilders and remodelers.

Now Baker is excited to work with PEP and its partners to address the challenges that face the economic future of the county. “Our focus is on quality of life,” he said. “We want a sustainable prosperity for the whole community; that requires healthy businesses, affordable housing, and a strong educational system.”

Baker said the area is challenged by an influx of growth that remains tilted toward an older demographic, while younger workers struggle to find affordable housing and livable-wage work with opportunities for advancement. “There are a lot of people doing good work to overcome those challenges.”

Baker sees his role as being a support hub to various efforts to do just that. “PEP is a single, coordinating force. We offer businesses educational programs, mentorships, access to the data they need when making decisions, access to funding options, and more.” That type of help can make a big difference. “The area has been able to attract a lot of clean manufacturing—these are long-term jobs for the future—and we want to continue to help with that,” he added.

As this issue goes to press Baker will preside over the group’s Economic Summit, an annual event that provides a snapshot of the economic factors that impact our community. PEP counts a number of area businesses as partners—Litehouse, Bonner General Health, Washington Trust Bank, and Ting, among others—along with county and city governments, and organizations like Innovia Foundation. “We have participation options for everybody,” Baker said.

To get involved, or learn more about PEP, visit their website at www.pepidaho.org, or call 208-290-7752.