Post Falls Chamber: Busy summer with ribbon cuttings, market nights
Christina Petit
Hello fabulous readers, I hope you are enjoying summer. It’s been beautifully busy for the Post Falls Chamber team with ribbon cuttings, market nights and much more.
We had a lot of great feedback during the River City Market and Music. People loved having a family friendly place to gather and listen to live music while shopping local. They also loved the views on the river. Vendors really loved how kind and joyful market attendees were. Things like that make me proud of our Post Falls community.
A few weeks ago, we conducted the River City Leadership Academy interviews. One of the things we ask in the interview is “What is the biggest challenge that you see facing our community today?” We had a variety of answers that came from what the applicants were personally passionate about, but the most common answer was growth; not a surprise I am sure.
What was interesting is that we have about 50% of the applicants that are newcomers to the area within the last five years. They shared that this is such a great place to be and that is why they came here. They find it really hard to get connected. It’s hard to get to know neighbors or find resources. Locals often don’t share information willingly and the applicants are looking to RCLA as a way to connect.
About 40% of the applicants were born and raised here or have lived in the area for at least 15 years. From this group, I heard things like: “Our community doesn’t smile like it used too” and “People are so divided” or “People are so unkind to one another.” It was so sad to hear; we must work together to fix this.
In a small way, I believe the Class of 2024 has an incredible opportunity to come together and solve some of these concerns within their sphere of influence. As they get to know one another, they will gain new perspectives and learn how to create positive change in our community. They will do great things!
Help me welcome the River City Leadership Academy Class of 2024: Ashley Adams, Jessica Bonar, Jenny Buatte, Grace Cooper, Mitchell Copstead, Shelby Crane, Brett Cummings, Makenzy Darnton, Guiliann Faver, Eric Ferguson, Kirsten Furr, Greta Gissel, Brenda Hamilton, Brad Johnson, Jeanette Laster, Samantha Layson, Tim Martin, Sheri Meidinger, Jamie Morgan, Jillian Morton, James Mulcahy, Ethan Porter, Chelsea Pursley and Amanda Wood.
Join us on Sept. 19 for Connect 4 Lunch at Prairie Falls Golf Club. Sam Wolkenhauer will be giving insight for 4th quarter economy and into 2024.
On Sept. 12, we are looking forward to hearing Dallas Low from Golden Rule break tell his story of how he continues the legacy of the family business as a third-generation owner at the CEO Speaker Series. This is an intimate lunch event and seating is limited. Be sure to register early at www.postfallschamber.org.
Enjoy the dog days of summer!
• • •
Christina Petit is the president/CEO for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.
