POST FALLS CHAMBER: Community makes a big impact
Christina Petit
I just absolutely LOVE my job! I know some of you have heard me say it before, but as I sit here and reflect on our February events and look forward to what March has in store, I just can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy. I am honored to play a small part in supporting such a giving community.
The Community Recognition Gala held on Feb. 28 was an incredible evening celebrating people who give of their time, talents and treasures with no expectation of recognition. Each award given tells an inspiring story of the work going on behind the scenes to make our community thrive.
We share the stage with the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County and the Post Falls Food Bank so these wonderful nonprofits also have a chance to recognize the people that have made a big impact on their operations. This year the awards went to:
Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County: Volunteer of the Year — Jayden Cornett
Post Falls Food Bank: Business of the Year — P1FCU and Volunteer of the Year — Judy Kline
Post Falls Chamber of Commerce Awards:
Spirit of Post Falls: The Post Falls Education Foundation, for raising more than $750,000 over 30 years and giving 100% of it back to Post Falls teachers to support classroom projects.
Volunteer of the Year: Katie Huff, The Murray Group, for countless volunteer hours as am ambassador, RCLA Vice Chair and mentor for chamber staff.
Small Business of the Year: The Links, for embracing education and collaboration for young athletes and for 24 years of generous support to local nonprofits.
Business of the Year: Findlay Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, for their commitment to community involvement and giving back. In 2022, they gave away more than 3,000 tickets to local events, sponsored many of the special events that make our community a great place to live and they awarded $2,000 a month to area nonprofits.
Heritage Award: The Jacklin Family, for a half of a century of community support. Most recently and a true legacy project was the donation of 7.3 acres for the North Idaho Veterans Home. Some of the other areas of impact include being founding members of Jobs Plus, 28 acres of land donated to University of Idaho for the Research Park, the restoration of the a historical church now known as the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center. In Kerri Thoreson’s eloquent words “This family continues to be an integral part of who we are and who we want to be as a community."
Citizen of the Year: Ron Jacobson, mayor of Post Falls, for four decades of commitment to the betterment of our community. Mayor Ron Jacobson poured hours of volunteer time into the Post Falls Rotary Club, Post Falls Library, Post Falls Education Foundation, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, St. Vincent de Paul, his church and the North Idaho College presidential search committee. In addition to all of that volunteer work, Mayor Ron Jacobson’s incredible influence is celebrated for more than two decades in public service with the Post Falls Park and Recreation Commission, Urban Renewal Agency and now his third term as mayor.
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Christina Petit is the president/CEO for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.
