2022 was a wonderful success

“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.” — Rainer Maria Rilke.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending my second year of the Institute of Organizational Management program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Tucson, Ariz. It is a four-year commitment of intensive learning, one week a year, where we learn how to be better leaders and how to effectively and successfully serve our members.

Last year, I came back home with lots of energy and ideas to improve our process and we implemented many of them. We updated our mission and vision statements, created a 3-year strategic plan, launched the new Visit Post Falls website and branding package, redesigned the Post Falls Chamber Logo, and added to our team; just to name a few of the things.

This year I took classes on law, accounting, governmental affairs and foundation management. I learned so much and look forward to further enhancing the membership experience and value. We are already working on the launch of the new Post Falls Chamber of Commerce website with a better user experience and a fresh new look and there is so much more in the works. One big thing we have planned for this year is creating a 501c3 Foundation under the Post Falls Chamber to be an even greater benefit to our members and the community.

Though we look to improve even more this year, I have to say 2022 was a wonderful success and that success is because of our members, and the amazing volunteers that we had throughout the year. Some of the highlights include: welcoming 75 new members, the River City Market and Music growing by 69% in year two and 46 events that provided networking and education for our members. We held three voter education forums and advocated for our business community through the Joint Chamber Public Policy Committee while the legislators were in session in Boise. We hosted a very successful Reverse Job Fair for Post Falls High School seniors and added 19 new alumni to the River City Leadership Academy. Those leaders now have a full understanding of how North Idaho works and they will go out and help make this an even better place to live, work and play.

You hear me say this often and I truly mean it, “It takes a village and we have a great one!”

Please join us for one or all of the events we have coming up, especially the Annual Recognition Gala on Feb. 28 at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn. It is such a special evening of celebrating the individuals and businesses that made significant contributions to the community. We are now accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Small Business of the Year under 50 employees, Big Business of the Year over 50 employees and Spirit of Post Falls, the nominations are due by Feb. 10. Please send them to jamie@postfallschamber.com.

On Jan. 25, a Zoom and in-person informational event was held about the Chamber Trip to the Amalfi Coast this fall. What better way to build relationships than to travel together while experiencing food and culture across the world?

Cheers to a successful and joyful 2023!

For more information and to register for our events, visit our website at www.postfallschamber.com.

Our graduation count for the River City Leadership Academy grew to 264 alumni with a large amount of knowledge and passion to serve the community in new ways. The first year of the Educator Thank You was so rewarding, we did it again. We brought four inspirational CEO’s to share their personal journeys with you, held a well-attended Business Fair in a new location, and with the help of our business partners we gave away more than $23,000 in scholarships to Post Falls seniors at the Reverse Job Fair. We recognized incredible businesses and citizens at the Annual Recognition Gala and then paraded with them during Post Falls Days. Our Joint Chamber Public Policy committee stepped up in a big way to support NIC and Kootenai Health with forums and information sessions to help inform our community and encourage people to vote in an educated manor.

Our annual meeting was full of heartwarming connections and recognition with the sounds of members coming together in song and laughter.

2022 was a good year and I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store for us!

Join us this month for a Connect 4 Lunch, Lunch and Learn, and Coffee Connections and build stronger connections for a strong economy and then celebrate with us at our Annual Recognition Gala on Thursday, Feb. 9. Nominations are open now, we have so many people and businesses to celebrate. The Post Falls Food Bank and Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County will be joining us to give their awards away and we are excited to announce that Newby Ginnings will be giving their awards away too. It is truly a spectacular evening celebrating the heart of Post Falls.

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Christina Petit is the president/CEO for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.