Introducing Hayden Chamber's new leader, Andrea Fulks

As the new Executive Director for the Hayden Chamber of Commerce, I wanted to introduce myself and share some of my plans for the future of the Chamber in 2021, as we take one step at a time.

I grew up in Hayden, moving to this area in 1979. My parents wanted to move from the big city to a place where they could raise myself and my sister and brother in a more rural atmosphere. I graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School and have stayed around this area ever since.

Currently my husband Mike and I are empty nesters and live with our two fur babies in Post Falls as my son Nick moved out to the "Big Apple" of New York City almost two years ago. My bonus son Casey, his wife and our grandchildren live in the Coeur d'Alene area.

I have been involved with the area chambers for over 35 years by first volunteering to help out when I was in the banking industry. We were the checkout team/bank for the Post Falls Chamber's Annual Auction fundraiser. Loving the connections I made, with the business people I met, I joined the Ambassadors then years later became the Chair of that group. I was voted Volunteer of the Year in 2007 then was elected to the Board of Directors for a five year term.

I have helped set up auctions, business fairs, after hours events, ribbon cuttings and grand openings of local businesses. In 2018/2019 I was able to graduate from the River City Leadership Academy serving as Class President. Last January I received an award for the Spirit of Post Falls along with my other co-volunteers, for our Triple C-VIP Community, Check Out for Charity group.

My work experience has been in banking, mortgage lending, and online sales as well as area non-profits and sales assistant positions.

My goal is to work to support and commit to the Chamber members, volunteers and committees to help improve their quality of life during these bizarre circumstances. In order to have a strong economic environment, we must have a strong community.

I look forward to engaging our members with putting on events throughout the year, following all safety guidelines, that will help support the community and give everyone a chance to safely get back out and network and promote their businesses. I hope to also continue to serve as a resource of information for the Hayden businesses and the surrounding area. I can't wait to see people again thrive in this type of environment.

I am honored to work with our dedicated Board who share the same beliefs and vision to create a healthy backdrop for business growth during one of the most unpredictable times in history.

I am looking ahead to our Breakfast Annual Meeting on Jan. 28, which will be held virtually and then Feb. 25 brings our Breakfast State of the City with our Mayor.

Keep a close watch as we will be bringing some previous and new events back for the 2021 year, as long as our state stays strong and continues to move forward! I think we need to look at it as "Focusing on the steps in front of us and not the whole staircase!"

On behalf of the Hayden Chamber of Commerce, we wish your future to be bright and beautiful. Work Hard and Make it Happen!

— Andrea Fulks