Special Reports
What are impact fees and how do they benefit the community?
Impact fees are a crucial tool used by local governments to finance necessary infrastructure and services resulting from growth. These fees are imposed on new developments, including commercial, industrial, and residential properties.
North Idaho Alliance’s Women of Impact spotlights local women of commerce
North Idaho Alliance’s Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable met in January to discuss Commerce. More specifically, how it plays out in our community and who are some of the women influencing it.
Post Falls Chamber: Growing in 2024
“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.” — Rainer Maria Rilke. What are you doing to grow in 2024?
Should government contracting be part of your long-term vision?
There are multiple factors to consider when preparing to expand your business. Ultimately, will the estimated increased revenue offset the current cost of expansion? How long will it take to see a return on that investment, and what are the long and short-term complications? How can earnings increase if you have met the current market demand?
Hayden Chamber's Sip, Sample & Savor event Feb. 13
Join the Hayden Chamber of Commerce for its 4th annual Sip, Sample & Savor, hosted by Uncorked with Friends, for a unique wine networking event Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 5-8 p.m.
Discover the solution: Local workforce housing
The Coeur d'Alene region is facing an urgent challenge — the search for attainable housing. Employers are struggling to attract and retain employees due to the shortages. Potential businesses considering a move to the area are deterred by the high cost of housing. Long-time residents are also feeling the squeeze, leading to an unfortunate exodus to nearby counties.
OPINION: End of year roundup
2023 will go down in real estate history as the Year of Reckoning. Sales of single-family homes dipped to 25-year lows. Mortgage rates hit the highest levels in 25 years. There were fewer buyers and fewer sellers as each group sat on the sidelines waiting for some clear direction. The homes that were actually listed were no bargain, as prices stayed stubbornly stuck, and the affordability gap widened. A class action lawsuit was successful in challenging the commission-based business model of conventional real estate brokerages, which will have significant repercussions going forward for how sellers and buyers are represented. Commercial office buildings remained half-full as the work-from-home revolution continued even after the pandemic quarantine that spawned it in the first place. Downtowns that were feeding off the daily influx of office workers became ghost towns. There really wasn’t much good news in any sector of the real estate economy.
OPINION: Three keys to making sure regulations don’t suffocate citizens and the economy
Like it or not, regulations play a role in our everyday lives. Some dictate where and how we can eat. Others place restrictions on what we can sell or how we can operate a business.
Charter approved for new trust company
Patricia Perkins, director of the Idaho Department of Finance, announced the approval of a new trust charter for Idaho Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Idaho Trust Bancorp. Idaho Trust Bancorp will convert the Trust Department of Idaho Trust Bank, also a wholly owned subsidiary, into Idaho Trust Company. The organizers will capitalize the trust company with $2.25 million consisting of paid-in capital, surplus and retained earnings. Idaho Trust Company will operate where current Idaho Trust Bank Trust Departments are located: Boise and Coeur d’Alene, and Las Vegas, Nev.
North Idaho Alliance: Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable New Year thoughts
Here we are again. Heading into another year in this, the 21st Century. It’s been quite a century so far starting with the Y2K scare, moving into rapid growth of social media, information sharing, and technology that can navigate our world — weather we like it or not. And because of this, it has been labeled the age of information technology. Historians forecast this the most pivotal turning points for humans on planet Earth.
Post Falls Chamber: Reflecting on 2023 and looking toward the future
The new year stands before us, a time to reflect on the past and write a new future. 2023 has been a fantastic year and I am thrilled for what 2024 will bring.
Hayden Chamber: 'Soak up the joy of the season'
Christmas always seems to come and go so quickly; it would be nice to be able to slow down time a little and let the good times linger just a bit… Just long enough to breath in the smells of fresh evergreen, spices and cookies. Just long enough to soak up the twinkling lights and the sounds of Christmas carols. Just long enough to let the sight of all the little ones sparkling eyes and happy faces soaking in the magic of the season. And just long enough to remember Christmases of the past and loved ones that are missed and forever in our hearts.
Four big mistakes local businesses make over and over again
At North Idaho’s Small Business Development Center, we coach and teach hundreds of business owners and leaders every year. Time and time again, we see them struggle with the same four pitfalls, failures, and challenges. What are these pitfalls and what can you do to overcome them?
North Idaho: Economic activity
Labor demand in northern Idaho remains robust, with elevated levels of unfilled jobs.