Published: December 29, 2020 | Updated: December 22, 2020

Hayden Chamber: 'Reflections of the year'

Kandi Johnson

Kandi Johnson

As we bring this year to a close, we take a moment to pause and review what a year it has been.

Our monthly Business & Breakfast meetings, when we had the opportunity to hold them in person, were very popular, and still remain a feature benefit to our members — whether in person or virtual!

Almost 100 members joined us at our January breakfast, which was also our Annual Members Meeting. Our February breakfast featured our wonderful mayor, Steve Griffitts, who shared with us the "State of the City." Almost 120 members joined us for that meeting — what fun we had!

Then we entered the new and uncharted territory of Virtual Breakfast meetings for April and May (sadly we weren't able to host a March breakfast). Thankfully, we were able to return to near-normal with June, July, August and September breakfasts being held in person again.

After many years of hosting our breakfast at the Salvation Army Kroc Center (big round of applause to them!), we moved our breakfast to the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn beginning in October 2020. With the recent announcement to take Idaho back to Stage 2, we returned to Virtual Breakfast for November and December.

While we weren't able to host our Annual Banquet & Culinary Competition that is a local favorite event, we did kick off a new event with "3 Clubs & A Putter" 9-Hole Golf Tournament at Capone's Ponderosa Springs Golf Course.

Other events we were able to host or participate in were Sip, Sample & Savor in February; Chamber After Hours held at Kilted Growler (January) and Avondale Golf Course (March); several Grand Opening events and 30 Ribbon Cutting Events (thanks to our wonderful Ambassador Team led by Kim Brown!). We also partnered with Dreams are Forever Events for Spooktacular, as well as hosting a booth at the city of Hayden Trunk or Treat in October.

We don't know where 2021 will take us — but we do know this. As your Chamber of Commerce, we stand ready to assist you in ways to increase your business, leverage your marketing assets, offer you ways to meet others for future clients and referrals, and develop important connections and friendships from other leaders in our community.

Your chamber is in GOOD HANDS and together we will move forward into the new year with the knowledge that we are STRONGER together!

All my best.

• • •

Kandi Johnson is the Hayden Chamber of Commerce executive director. Email: Kandi@haydenchamber.org

photo

Courtesy photo

The Hayden Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting with Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters in Hayden. Pictured are the Hayden Chamber Ambassadors along with the staff of Thomas Hammer, which recently remodeled its Hayden location.