Post Falls Chamber: Focusing on the positive
Petit
November is National Gratitude Month and a perfect reminder to focus on what is positive in our lives. Research has shown that gratitude can enhance our moods and improve our overall well-being. On average, grateful people tend to have fewer stress-related illnesses and they are more physically fit, happier, have a higher income, and more satisfying personal and professional relationships. Grateful kids are even more likely to get A’s in school. If everyone practiced daily gratitude, we could change ourselves and the planet for the better. As Karl Barth stated "Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.”
So it is my joy to share some wonderful community stories and places to connect where we can show gratitude to one another. Julie Holt, president of the Kootenai Health Foundation, spoke at the Connect 4 Lunch in September on “A Spirit of Giving” and it inspired a new member to suggest that we take time at each luncheon to share stories of giving to keep the momentum going. At the October Connect for Lunch, we heard the inspirational story of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and how they supported the Tribe during the pandemic while managing to keep business going strong.
A friend shared a story with me when she heard I was with the Chamber. She was dining alone at the Oval Office and it was clear she was having a rough day. A longstanding Chamber member took notice. He stopped at her table to share words of encouragement, a prayer and the gift of a special prayer coin. Her heart was filled with gratitude.
At the Public Safety Awards luncheon, a heroic lineup of first responders were recognized for the critical work they do for our community. Each and every one of the award recipients shared how honored they are to live in a place where they feel supported by the community and they truly appreciated that they were being recognized in such a positive way.
At the same event, the CEO of Girl Scouts Council of Eastern Washington, Brian Newberry, shared that Mikayla Butler sold an incredible 23,535 boxes of girl-scout cookies by sitting outside Post Falls businesses and thanking each customer personally. The average per scout is 200 boxes per year. This historic feat earned her the national record and a No. 1 Entrepreneur award. Mikayla is a Post Falls High School graduate and a freshman at the University of Idaho, and she is deeply grateful to the community of Post Falls for the tremendous support.
We are thankful that we get to work for such a giving and supportive community, and look forward to connecting with you during the following events:
• Tuesday, Nov. 17 Post Falls Mayor, Ron Jacobson will present the State of the City at the Connect 4 Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Lion Templin’s Hotel on the River. This is a great opportunity to hear a summary of our year and where we are headed for 2021.
• The fifth annual Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival is Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at Red Lion Templin’s Hotel on the River. A lovely holiday brunch with more than two dozen beautifully decorated tiny trees that you can bid on and take home.
• On Tuesday, Dec. 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. we will finish out the year strong with Mark Fisher of Advanced Benefits at our CEO Speaker Series at Red Lion Templin’s Hotel on the River.
For more information on our events and programs, visit our website — www.postfallschamber.com.
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Christina Petit is president/CEO of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Email: Christina@postfallschamber.com
