Special Reports
Metal America launches Post Falls facility
Shawn and Justin Sternberg, have launched their own metal coiling and forming facility and trim shop in Post Falls, Metal America.
Hayden Chamber: Christkindlemarket returns Dec. 6
November! I can’t believe it is already here and almost gone but what an odd month it seems to be.
North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: Serving on a nonprofit board makes a huge impact
Nonprofits provide a way for people to work together for the common good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action. They give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals and noblest causes. America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten and nurture people of every age, gender, race and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond. They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of our communities. (In Idaho alone, there are more than 9,000 registered nonprofits.)
Sandpoint Chamber: Are you growing or dying?
Entering into the final few weeks of the calendar year, it is a good time to reflect on how you are doing in your journey of personal and professional development. It is important to be a life-long learner. When you develop a feeling that you are an expert, it can cause you to stop the learning process. Or if you rely too heavily on your experience and base your decision making on a “been there, done that” attitude, you are missing out on new and innovative ideas.
'Have you been pwned?'
Data breaches and cybersecurity attacks are a daily occurrence. The threat landscape is very wide, deep, and growing. This is big business for all kinds of criminal groups, who have the resources to go up against the best cyber security protections. This is true for all business sectors and for all individuals. Real estate practitioners are especially targeted because property transactions involve significant amounts of money. There are many variations of hacking and scam attempts.
Does your business have a future in world commerce?
Congratulations! Your Idaho-based business is thriving. You’ve created a product or service that fills a real need for loyal domestic consumers, developed a way to market and deliver your product, and created an advertising presence that works. Sales are increasing, and the future looks bright.
The lean canvas: A tool for business clarity
The North Idaho Small Business Development Center coaches hundreds of existing and aspiring business owners every year. Oftentimes, an entrepreneur client has only an idea on the back of a napkin or an established business owner needs to get “unstuck” and redefine their entire business. In either case, there is a tool, without fail, that helps Business leaders we coach move forward with confidence.
Hayden Chamber: Fall, October and new business owners
As I said last month fall is my favorite season, October is one of my favorite months. I guess I could say that about almost every month!
Sandpoint Chamber: Finish strong
And suddenly, it is truly fall. Seems like a minute ago we were enjoying a lingering summer season but we are now staring down the remainder of the final quarter of the calendar year. How are you doing on those annual goals you set back at the start of the year? If you haven't made as much progress as you would have liked or hoped, there is still time to make them happen! I have 4 tips that if you start using right now, you will start seeing results immediately and can achieve those goals you set at the start of the year.
The politics of growth
I recently attended a candidates forum where county commissioner seats and state legislature seats were on the agenda. Every candidate addressed the issue of growth in multiple questions, from different perspectives like quality of life, budgetary impacts, and cultural concerns. Growth issues dominated the event. For the past several years, Idaho has been the fastest-growing state in the U.S. In 2024, Florida took first place with Idaho second, but after the recent weather calamities the Sunshine State has gone through, that trend has become dampened. Hurricanes Helene and Milton were two of the most expensive hurricanes on record. The Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program, often the biggest source of federal disaster recovery funds for individual survivors, is on the brink of insolvency, and FEMA will face a funding crunch by the end of this year. The White House has petitioned Congress for more funds. Private insurance companies are abandoning high risk areas like coastal floodplains and places prone to large-scale fires.
A vibrant fall at the Post Falls Chamber: Celebrating milestones and embracing change
As October unfolds, the autumn season is truly upon us. The vibrant hues of the changing leaves, the crispness in the air, and the sense of togetherness that fall brings serve as reminders of the beauty that surrounds us here in Post Falls. At the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, this season has been particularly busy, filled with significant events, celebrations and important transitions within our team.
North Idaho Alliance: 'M' is for Mentors. Do we all need them?
Women of Impact in their words
NIA’s Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable October discussion was all about mentorships. More specifically who and why are they important and when in life do you need one.
Greater Sandpoint Chamber: Creating a compelling customer experience — BLOOM
In today's competitive business landscape, especially with the personalization and customization consumers experience online, how do small, local businesses compete? The secret lies in your people.
North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: Slow down — this is not a racetrack!
To get home my drive takes me past some residential neighborhoods and lately I noticed yard signs popping up. Not “vote for” signs you’d expect nearing an election date but instead bright yellow “Slow Down. This is not a racetrack!” signs scattered along curb sides and grassy swales. At first, I was cautious as the signs ask, then as more and more sprung up, a bit irritated. I’ve lived in my home for years and I know how to drive in my neighborhood and am well aware of the speed limit. I did that “new people” under my breath. Then I laughed at myself. Clearly, I was over-reacting driving along my route.
North Idaho momentum
It is a testimony to resilience and fundamentals that the North Idaho real estate market — for all property types — remained intact over the past nine months. Roller coasters are fun at amusement parks, not in real estate.
Previous Next