Special Reports
Navigating Idaho’s tight labor market
7 practical ways for small businesses to attract and keep employees
With Gem State unemployment well under 3%, and in some counties under 2%, finding and keeping employees is a real challenge. In a recent address to the business community, Gov. Little spoke of the urgent need for workforce housing, but for many small businesses struggling with labor shortages that’s a long-term solution for which they can’t wait.
OPINION: American mining needs Gen Z
By 2030, Gen Z will be 30 percent of the American workforce. This tech-savvy generation has strong ideas about the places and cultures in which it wants to work. And one of the reoccurring opinions heard from Gen Zers is the longing to get out from behind the desk, to find a place where collaboration is key and where the work is impactful. Gen Z, here’s an idea for you: American mining.
Idaho Department of Finance creates Financial Innovation Lab
The Idaho Department of Finance announced the creation of its Financial Innovation Lab and Securities Bureau Emerging Technology Advisory Committee comprised of financial and technology experts who will assist the department of finance to better understand and address technological innovations in the financial sector.
Between a rock and a hard place
It has been about 18 months since the Federal Reserve began its war on inflation by raising interest rates. The most sensitive sector of the economy to rate fluctuations is the housing market. The Fed consciously targeted housing as one area it could make the biggest impact
OPINION: Bring the free market back to agriculture
As a self-started, small farmer of alfalfa hay for four years, I know firsthand the problems that are caused by overregulation of agriculture. Agricultural labor laws are one of the most cumbersome for our operation to navigate.
Post Falls Chamber: Reflecting and reaching a new milestone
I can’t believe it’s been three years that I have had the privilege of leading the Post Falls Chamber. So much has happened since September 2020. At that time, I was trying to learn my new role with everything having to be re-invented or modified due to COVID restrictions. It was a challenge to say the least; but it was also an incredible opportunity. It allowed us to dig deep, evaluate everything and support our members in new ways.
Hayden Chamber: Time to jumpstart your focus
While September signals the end of summer and children are returning to school, now is the time to jumpstart your focus on a more regimented schedule that you may have let loose over the past few summer months and reinvigorate the goals you may have ignored. It’s also a time to take a step back and maybe set some new priorities.
North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: 'I' is for inspiration
But does inspiration matter much?
The North Idaho Alliance, AKA NIA, kicked off the Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable discussion with inspiration as our topic.
Northwest Specialty Hospital earns five-star rating
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services again recognizes PF hospital for top quality
Northwest Specialty Hospital in Post Falls has been awarded a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
U of I offers Idaho’s first robotics certificates with industrial focus
Idaho’s first industrial robotics certificates are now available through the University of Idaho College of Engineering.
Four million, give or take
With the housing market stuck in the doldrums, the media and pundits are focused on interest rates as the main culprit. The sharp increase in mortgage payments is for sure a real challenge to homebuyers, but an overarching factor is the shortage of homes for sale.
Post Falls Chamber: Busy summer with ribbon cuttings, market nights
Hello fabulous readers, I hope you are enjoying summer. It’s been beautifully busy for the Post Falls Chamber team with ribbon cuttings, market nights and much more!
Hayden Chamber: Re-set, re-adjust, re-start, re-focus … as many times as you need to
It’s August — the dog days of summer folks. How’s it going for you? Have you had some time to relax and reset? I am of the adage that it is important for us to reset regularly. As a matter of fact, I believe that we should reset daily. What does that really mean? We need to mentally take a step back in order to approach our day, life, family and business in a new and refreshed way — almost from a new and unique perspective.
North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact: Let’s all de-stress
Why did the cowboy get a dachshund? Because someone told him, get a long little doggie. Where do bad rainbows go? Prism. It’s a light sentence and gives them time to reflect.
Empowering Communities: The role of HUBZones in economic development
Did you know that the physical address of your business office may provide you an advantage with government contracting? The federal government spent $705 billion in procurement activities in 2022. In an effort to promote economic development and empower underutilized communities, the United States government introduced the HUBZone program. HUBZones, or Historically Underutilized Business Zones, are designated areas where small businesses receive preferential treatment in government contracting. The HUBZone program serves as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and community development in historically underutilized areas.