Special Reports
Four big mistakes local businesses make over and over again
At North Idaho’s Small Business Development Center, we coach and teach hundreds of business owners and leaders every year. Time and time again, we see them struggle with the same four pitfalls, failures, and challenges. What are these pitfalls and what can you do to overcome them?
North Idaho: Economic activity
Labor demand in northern Idaho remains robust, with elevated levels of unfilled jobs.
U.S. Department of Commerce approves nuclear energy tech hub
The University of Idaho College of Engineering and a consortium of Idaho leaders in advanced nuclear energy innovation have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for their ability to strengthen workforce development and the region's capacity to manufacture, commercialize and deploy technology.
Commercial lease basics for small business owners
For most new small businesses, it’s hard enough to raise the capital needed to pay for inventory, tools, initial wages, equipment and cash flow through break-even, let alone the funds to build a facility from scratch or to re-purpose an existing building to meet your needs. And so most new businesses start out in leased facilities.
Farm and Ranch Conference in January
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced the Idaho Farm and Ranch Conference will take place Jan. 4-5 in Boise.
Hecla Mining's 3rd quarter results
Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) announced on Nov. 6 the company's third quarter 2023 operating and financial results — for the period ended Sept. 30.
Albertsons-Kroger merger could provide the competition we need
Before you head over to the produce department and grab a few tomatoes to hurl in my direction, hear me out: The Albertsons-Kroger merger could be a very good thing for consumers.
North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: November is Idaho’s nonprofit awareness month
Do you support one?
Did you know Idaho has a dedicated nonprofit center that offers a plethora of resources for starting a not-for-profit business, maintaining and running a successful not-for-profit and detailed volunteer recruitment with opportunities for you to be engaged with a local nonprofit? The Idaho Nonprofit Center is based in Boise and it’s been around since 2001. According to their website, “The Center represents the interests of our state’s 9,000+ registered nonprofit organizations and serves as a broker of information and a bridge between the nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors. They are an association of forward-looking nonprofit leaders who come together to share knowledge, solve problems, pursue common interests with a mission to educate, advocate, and collaborate in support of stronger nonprofit organizations.”
Post Falls Chamber: A time to be thankful
I am thankful for the time spent with our Amalfi Coast travelers. It was a dream come true for me and the birthday of a lifetime for RaeAnne. There is something magical that happens when you travel together. We strengthened ties with old friends and made new friends that I might never have known without this trip. The relationships, the laughter and the memories will forever be a part of my story.
Hayden Chamber: Adventures in Alaska
Writing my column this month knowing it is for November is very surreal. I can’t believe we are already in November as the previous months this year seem to have just whipped passed us!
Inland Northwest AGC wins Chapter of The Year Award
The Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors is the recipient of a national construction award which honors organizations for their outstanding contributions to the local and national construction industries. The NWAGC earned the AGC Chapter of the Year Award for 2023, which recognizes chapters for outstanding programming, tangible accomplishments and overall excellence throughout 2022 and 2023.
'If not now, when?'
I have been active in the real estate industry as a developer and as a broker, for many years. I cannot recall a time when headlines advised buyers to stay on the sidelines, and sellers to tread water.
Cash flow: Is it really that important?
Business owners, did you know you could generate healthy revenue and run out of cash? You could also have great margin and profit and still run out of cash! When you run out of cash you are out of business.
North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: 64 not nearly enough
The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded on Oct. 9 to Claudia Goldin, a Harvard professor, for advancing the world’s understanding of women’s progress in the workforce.
Post Falls Chamber: Chamber trips and much more
Warm greetings readers! By the time this story publishes our first Chamber trip will be arriving in the Amalfi Coast to experience an Italian coastal fall and we are excited! There are 36 people joining RaeAnne, “Flat Daisy” and I on the trip. We are looking forward to the cultural experiences, memories and relationships that will come from our time together. Next month’s Lunch and Learn will be a full slide show presentation of our travels. Just kidding; but we will share a few photos along the way.