North Idaho Alliance: Women of Impact Roundtable Series explores local commerce drivers

Let us examine the concept of "commerce." While it may initially seem unremarkable, consider the term "money." This is undoubtedly a more engaging topic. Money encompasses the ways we generate, spend, save, and invest, as well as how it circulates within our communities and on a global scale. It serves as the vital mechanism propelling our world forward.

The Women of IMPACT Leadership Roundtable convenes in January, featuring speakers who are key contributors to the local commerce ecosystem. 

Real Estate: According to the Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors, the median sales price for homes in Kootenai County was reported at $526,500 in December 2024. The number of homes sold increased by 13.2% compared to the previous year. Available inventory rose by 9.1%, with 718 homes this year compared to 658 last year. However, inventory decreased by 20.7% from the previous month, which recorded 905 homes. In December, the average duration from listing to closing in the MLS was 96 days. Our presenter, Kristen Von Till from the Real Estate Academy of Idaho and managing broker for Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty in Coeur d'Alene, provided valuable insights into the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of real estate and its ongoing financial implications in Kootenai County. 

Jobs: The Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Corporation (CDAEDC) fosters economic growth in Kootenai County, supporting both rural and urban areas, including Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Established in 1987 as Jobs Plus, CDAEDC has successfully recruited over 125 companies, generating $722 million in capital investment and $144 million in annual payroll, thereby creating sustainable employment opportunities. Over the past five years, the Coeur d’Alene Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has outpaced the national growth rate, achieving an impressive 11.3% compared to the national average of 3.7%. Despite this remarkable growth, North Idaho remains committed to its small-town values of integrity, hard work, trustworthiness and community spirit. Under the leadership of President Gynni Gilliam, CDAEDC focuses on supporting existing businesses, seizing emerging opportunities and attracting new industries to North Idaho — a strategy that is evidently effective. 

Outreach: A Chamber of Commerce is a vital nonprofit organization prevalent in many cities, operating on a membership-driven model. Businesses join chambers by paying an annual fee to access a variety of benefits, tools and programs. The goal of Chambers of Commerce is to support and promote their member businesses within the community. Having served as vice president of a chamber for more than two decades, I am frequently asked about the relevance of chamber membership. My unwavering response is to view it as an essential component of your annual business plan, to be evaluated alongside other strategic initiatives. When leveraged effectively, chamber membership can significantly influence your success. Fellow U.S. Chamber Institute graduate Christina Petit returned as our presenter for the January discussion.

NIA Women of Impact is organizing upcoming events, including "WOW: Words of Wisdom from Wise Women" on March 7 at the Lake City Playhouse, and the annual "Onward & Upward" Women’s Conference in May. For more information, please visit our website at nia.impact.com.

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Marilee Wallace, IOM, president/CEO of the North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact. The Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable meets once a month for a nine-month series, and we base our monthly agenda on the word IMPACTED. She can be reached at marilee@theniallaince.com.