Chamber eyes changes in 2025
The Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber's staff, from left, Joan Ford, Briana Francis, Linda Coppess, Kerri Jensen, Ann Wilkey and Bethany Parker. Photo courtesy CDA Chamber
Despite being the second-largest chamber in Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber is making changes for 2025, with eyes on growing even more.
New this year for the chamber will be a Next Gen program, a learning management system, an improved database, Member Mixers and a variety of engagement options. The popular Upbeat Breakfast has become the Breakfast Connection.
"Let’s build something extravagant and awesome and wonderful and let’s do it together,” said Linda Coppess, chamber president and CEO.
Coppess said the No. 1 reason people join the chamber is to connect, build relationships and grow their network. The latest innovations will help the organization do just that.
“There are so many things we need to tackle in our community, but we can’t do it without you,” she said.
The Chamber has nearly 1,000 members representing about 50,000 employees.
Member Mixers will have themes like March Madness in March, Cinco De Mayo in May, Beers and Brats in October and Bourbon Bar and Bubbles in November. They will be held at the chamber’s renovated home with a view of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
But in those gatherings, Coppess urged members to avoid friends and sit with strangers.
“If you want to maximize your membership, you’ve got to do your work. You've got to make sure you’re sitting next to people you don’t know,” she said.
Flagship events include Gov. Brad Little’s address Feb. 4, an economic forecast Feb. 25, a career and business expo, the Fourth of July parade, a Leadership Classic Golf Tournament, a new educators’ reception and an annual women’s luncheon.
Coppess believes the chamber is the best deal around when it comes to connecting with businesses, nonprofits and those who run them. It tries to not rest on what has worked and is constantly looking to improve.
“We have unparalleled access to incredible community leaders,” she said.
In the chamber’s first “Breakfast Connection,” Coppess outlined ways for members to “unlock the full potential” of their membership in a 40-minute talk before about 100 people at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.
There will be about 25 chamber-sponsored events this year.
“My hope is at the end of the year you feel like your investment that you made in the chamber is the best investment you made in our community,” Coppess said.
