Features

Advice from 40 Under 40 honorees

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As the North Idaho Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 celebrates the latest group of the most impressive younger members of region’s business community, three past honorees share lessons and advice from their own career journeys.

  • By KAYE THORNBRUGH/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • April 29, 2025

Go for the great

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Brandon Toews took a big risk to “go for the great,” a few years ago when he founded Delvepro, a Silver Valley-based construction company that specializes in excavation construction.

  • By JOSH McDONALD/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • April 29, 2025

E-commerce adds options for North Idaho businesses

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Mountain Madness Soap Company receives online orders from customers in every single state in the United States. Owner Jennifer Morsell said online sales have been a gamechanger for the business. “It’s evolved so much, from being just an add-on to our business to becoming a major part of how we connect with customers, tell our brand story, and grow beyond our local reach,” Morsell said.

  • By CAROLYN BOSTICK/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • April 29, 2025

NIC Workforce initiatives include new logging apprenticeship program, expansion to northern counties

As the Idaho Department of Education emphasizes career and technical education across the state, institutions like North Idaho College Workforce Training Center are introducing new programs and expanding existing offerings to meet needs in local industries.

  • By ERIC WELCH/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • April 29, 2025

Baby steps toward the future

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Changing with the times isn’t always the top priority in smaller communities like those that dot Interstate 90 through the Silver Valley. While many of these communities have resisted change as much as possible, some have managed to grab ahold of small concepts and implement them slowly.

  • By JOSH McDONALD/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Area farmers' markets gearing up ahead of spring openings

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Area farmers’ markets are already gearing up to welcome back vendors and their customers ahead of the markets' reopening in May.

  • By HAILEY HILL/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Former naval training base a forested wonder on Lake Pend Oreille

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An expanse of conifers and sandy beaches hugs the shoreline. The frigid fresh air stings the cheeks when snow caps the mountains in the distance. Cool breezes soothe sunburned skin on hot summer days when the waters of Lake Pend Oreille offer swimmers salvation from the sun's beating rays. From campers and disc golfers to Boy Scouts and sailors, countless visitors to Farragut State Park have frolicked in its majesty and enjoyed the natural environment where numerous activities and adventures can be found.

  • By DEVIN WEEKS/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Summer's magic abounds in North Idaho

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From hidden gems to popular favorites, North Idaho is filled with places to go and events to get lost in.

  • March 25, 2025

North Idaho shines with summer fun

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Summer in North Idaho is packed with events that celebrate the region’s growing community and unique culture.

  • By CHLOE COCHRAN/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Playing to escape the world (and the room) in Post Falls

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Home-grown puzzles abound at 59: Escape Adventures. Owners Alicia and Eric Zaas began with over 4000 square feet of space cement floors and have created their own brainteasers to help families, friends and even coworkers bond of solving mysteries in an immersive experience.

  • By CAROLYN BOSTICK/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Lake cruises help drive North Idaho tourism

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Tourism remains Idaho’s third largest industry, behind agriculture and technology, with more than 100,000 Idahoans employed in related industries. Much of this growing sector is based on the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by land, rivers and lakes throughout the Gem State.

  • By KAYE THORNBRUGH/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Pine Street Woods strengthens Sandpoint's outdoor legacy, economy

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For decades, Sandpoint, Idaho has been known for its world-class outdoor recreation, with Schweitzer Mountain drawing winter sports enthusiasts and Lake Pend Oreille offering summer adventures. But in recent years, a new destination has emerged as a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike — Pine Street Woods.

  • By MARCY TIMBLIN/Contributing Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Boundary County blends luxury camping with small-town spirit

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Tourism in Boundary County has grown in recent years, but Munro Murdock, co-owner of North Haven Campground near Bonners Ferry, says the area’s small-town charm remains strong.

  • By NED NEWTON/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • March 25, 2025

Projections show shift toward STEM careers regionally, nationally

America’s workforce appears to be in a transitional state as technological advancements and demographic shifts contribute to rapidly changing economic conditions.

  • By HAILEY HILL/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • February 25, 2025

Apprentices learn trades firsthand

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Apprenticeship programs at North Idaho College have been trending up in recent years.

  • By CAROLYN BOSTICK/NIBJ Staff Writer
  • February 25, 2025