Special Reports

North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: In their words: What does a healthy community mean to you?

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What does a healthy community mean to you? This was a question asked at the Onward & Upward Women’s conference.

  • By MARILEE WALLACE/NIBJ Contributor
  • June 25, 2024

The financial landscape of community development

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Community development is a fascinating journey, one that's both intricate and immensely rewarding. It's a process that demands significant financial foresight and meticulous planning. Let's dive into the nuts and bolts of what makes these projects tick, and why every dollar invested is a step toward a thriving community.

  • By DALE CARGILE/NIBJ Contributer
  • June 25, 2024

Post Falls Chamber: Making the most of summer

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Summer is an extra special time in North Idaho. It is our shortest yet most celebrated season. Summer means celebrations, family time and memory-making. It brings beautiful weather and an extra dose of energy and enthusiasm throughout the community.

  • By CHRISTINA PETIT/NIBJ Contributor
  • June 25, 2024

Economic development in North Idaho

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As the Federal Reserve has pursued its high interest rate policies over the past eighteen months, there have been many economists predicting a recession. We have not seen any evidence of a slow-down in the five counties of North Idaho however, as in-migration, job growth, and regional GDP numbers have stayed strong. The regional economy has continued transitioning from a traditionally resource-based economy to one that is more diversified and resilient. Several factors have contributed to this economic transformation, including population growth, investment in infrastructure, diversification of industries, and strategic economic initiatives.

  • By RAPHAEL BARTA/NIBJ Contributor
  • June 25, 2024

Greater Sandpoint Chamber: Solving the problem of turnover

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Turnover has always been a challenge in the service industry, but lately it has become a major issue in all types of industries. The strategies and methods that were successful in the past are no longer the right ones to use today. Today's environment requires something different, a new strategy and a new method. Here are some key tips on how you can build an environment where employees want to stay.

  • By MICKEY QUINN/NIBJ Contributor
  • June 25, 2024

Hayden Chamber: 'There is strength in numbers'

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It is often said, "there is strength in numbers." This strength is of paramount importance to any association and the Hayden Chamber of Commerce is no different.

  • By ANDREA FULKS/NIBJ Contributor
  • May 28, 2024

Post Falls Chamber: Making an impact

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We are nearly halfway through 2024 and life seems to be moving at the speed of light, making those sweet, slow and cherished moments all the more important. Mother’s Day just passed, and it was especially meaningful for me this year because I am now a grandmother. Emma Joyce Peckham is the light of my life and I cherish watching my daughter blossom into a wonderful mother. I hope you all found time for special moments with loved ones over the past few months and that you create many more throughout the rest of the year.

  • By CHRISTINA PETIT/NIBJ Contributor
  • May 28, 2024

North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: It’s all about communication — right?

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The NIA is getting a bit of a reputation. A reputation can be a good thing. A reputation can be a bad thing. Reputations can make or break us. In the long run, our reputations are all we really have.

  • By MARILEE WALLACE/NIBJ Contributor
  • May 28, 2024

Greater Sandpoint Chamber: The value of networking

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Networking is a vital activity that everyone in business needs to do. It doesn’t matter if you are a W-2 employee, an executive in a company, a small business owner or an entrepreneur. Everyone needs to network. It is often not what you know, but who you know that will help you in just about every situation. No one has achieved great things entirely on their own. The phrase “better together” is true.

  • By MICKEY QUINN/NIBJ Contributor
  • May 28, 2024

'Small Is Beautiful'

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In a world of ever-increasing consolidation and concentration into mega-companies, it is interesting that the business of real estate brokerages remains fiercely independent. There are 330 real estate brokerages in North Idaho, with about 3,200 agents working in those offices. This does not include administration personnel and support staff, which is another few hundred people. Some of these brokerages are affiliated with a national brand (like Century 21 or Sothebys) but they are not at all mere branch offices following a corporate line. Each office has its own style and business model and hiring practices, and each office reflects its specific local geography and community.

  • By RAPHAEL BARTA/NIBJ Contributor
  • May 28, 2024

The financial influence of single-family home construction

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The intricate dance between the cost of construction and the revenue it generates is a cornerstone of local development. A glaring example comes from an exploration of the financial contributions single-family housing construction brings to communities, particularly spotlighted in "The Local Impact of Home Building in Kootenai County, Idaho: Income, Jobs and Taxes Generated," as reported by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

  • By DALE CARGILE/NIBJ Contributing Writer
  • May 28, 2024

Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho ranks No. 5 in Best Places to Work in Idaho

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Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho is ranked No. 5 in the list of the Best Places to Work in Idaho. This recognition comes from the Best Places to Work in Idaho community, a group dedicated to improving the quality of employment across the state. The ranking reflects Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho's commitment to fostering an environment where employees thrive professionally and personally.

  • May 28, 2024

Hayden Chamber: Sewing business seeds for success

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It always seems like April is that time of year that I start getting outside to see what winter left behind. I start plotting and planning my vegetable garden and make plans for getting the yard to look bright and cheery again.

  • By ANDREA FULKS/NIBJ Contributor
  • April 30, 2024

North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: Leadership Roundtable lands on 'D' for diversity

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The Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable met for the final series of its nine-month program in April landing on the “D” in our I.M.P.A.C.T.E.D year.

  • By MARILEE WALLACE/NIBJ Contributor
  • April 30, 2024

Post Falls Chamber: Chambers play a vital role

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I love the work we do. Chambers of Commerce are essential for businesses in several key ways. We foster networking and partnerships by creating opportunities for businesses to connect. We advocate for local businesses by speaking up on local, regional and national levels, ensuring their concerns are heard by policymakers and helping to shape favorable business conditions. We provide a hub of valuable resources, such as information, training and mentorship programs, to help businesses thrive and grow. We actively promote local businesses and the community, attracting customers, investors and tourists through our marketing efforts. We support initiatives that improve the area's quality of life and infrastructure, making it more attractive to residents and businesses alike. Our work plays a vital role in supporting the economic vitality of our community, and it is an honor to do this work.

  • By CHRISTINA PETIT/NIBJ Contributor
  • April 30, 2024

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