Thank you for visiting the Coeur d'Alene Chamber's newest online source for information about our local business community. We hope that this resource can be used as a daily reminder of what is happening in the Coeur d'Alene area.

To submit an event or news story to be published, please click HERE. Be sure to include the event description, date, time, cost and contact information.


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

FTA National Award Honors Citylink

The Citylink Bus System, a vibrant and thriving transportation service for Idaho’s Kootenai and Benewah counties, is in massive demand from riders on every route. That demand and its growth over time are now bringing national recognition.

The Federal Transit Administration will honor Citylink in Seattle on Monday, May 4th with its national award for ridership gains and innovation to boost ridership. The award comes as a significant milestone for Citylink, which began full operations in November, 2006. But Citylink is already unique in its conception, the brainchild of efforts by the Kootenai County Commission and the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council. Citylink remains the first and only transit system in the United States to come about as a result of cooperative effort between local and tribal governments.

In its first year of operation, Citylink averaged about 4,000 riders per month. It now averages some 35,000 per month, with annual ridership exceeding 500,000. It serves Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden in the northern loop; the southern loop serves Worley, Plummer, Tensed and DeSmet. The rides are free. Buses are equipped to carry bicycles and wheelchairs.

“Citylink’s success certainly deserves national recognition,” said Chief Allan, Coeur d’Alene Tribe Chairman. “We’re showing not only a successful transportation system. We’re showing that cooperation between governments brings a better quality of life to everyone in our region. “

Planned to bring people to medical facilities, businesses, schools, public buildings and even recreational facilities, Citylink operates almost 24/7. The tribe provided $1.1 million in matching funds for an FTA grant to Kootenai County and the Kootenai Metropolitan Transit Authority. The KMPO is made up of elected officials from the county, cities and highway districts.

The awards ceremony will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. during the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bus and Paratransit Conference at the Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue in Seattle, Washington.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

New CEO Joins Inland Northwest Blood Center

From the Midwest to the Northwest: the nation-wide search for the new President and CEO for the Inland Northwest Blood Center (INBC) has come to a successful conclusion.

Jeff Bryant, the former Vice President of Administration for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) in Davenport, Iowa has been selected as INBC’s next President and CEO.

Bryant has a Master's degree in Business Administration plus a Masters of Science in Computer Science. He has been in leadership positions at MVRBC since 1998 and is well respected in the industry for his leadership and organizational skills.

Bryant will replace INBC’s current President and CEO, Dr. Judi Young, who has served in this position for the past 10 years.

"INBC has a long history of success in providing blood products and services throughout the Inland Northwest. It is an honor and a privilege to be offered the opportunity to follow in Dr Young's footsteps. I will work diligently to carry on the tradition of excellence she has established. I'm truly excited to begin working with the outstanding staff and management team at INBC,” Bryant said.

Dr. Young will remain the President and CEO until early April, working alongside Bryant to transition him into his new role for future leader for INBC.

“My belief is that it is essential for us to focus our services on community, customers, staff, quality and sound business practices,’ Bryant said. “These things are the cornerstone of our service.”

The Inland Northwest Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to more than 35 area hospitals and medical centers and as served a population of 1 million people in this region for nearly 65 years. For more information on INBC you can visit www.inbc2.org.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Art Contest to Celebrate Women's History Month


Soroptimist International of Coeur d’Alene invites Coeur d'Alene students to participate in a special art contest that celebrates women and their accomplishments.

March is Women’s History Month and March 8 is International Women’s Day - events have been designed to honor women and their contributions to the world. In honor of these days, Soroptimist encourages students, from kindergarten to 12th grade, to participate in the Live Your Dream Art Contest.

The contest asks students to draw a special woman, and to convey through art why she inspires them. The women can be from history, someone in the student’s personal life, or even a fictional character. Winners in each category will also be eligible for cash prizes. Contest entries are due March 23, 2009.

Click on www.YouNeverStopLearning.com/live_your_dream.asp for entry details AND an invitation to a local Live Your Dream “learn how’ event on March 29, 2009. If you have questions, please contact Christine Johnson at 208-762-1322 or cjohnson@ald-inc.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Sizzle'n Cuisine Masquerade Party

Kobrick-Chandler Productions Presents the Sizzle'n Cuisine Masquerade Party on Saturday, February 7th at the Downtown Cd'A Eagles, 209 Sherman Ave. Enjoy a fabulous menu by award-winning chef, Troy Louis Chandler, including:

  • Cajun Gator Fritters
  • Creole Shrimp Etouffee
  • Bayou Gumbo
  • Jambalaya
  • Soft-Shell Crabs
  • Acme Oysters
  • Red Beans and Rice
  • Jumbo Prawns
  • Muddbugs (crawfish)
  • ALL YOU CAN EAT!!
The cost is $75 per person. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and dinner is served from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Party ends with the last person leaves! Live music all night from Bluepoint and Crosstown. For tickets, call (208) 661-9335 or visit www.SizzlenCuisine.com

Friday, January 23, 2009

The Wine Cellar Wine Dinner

Januik and Novelty Hill -with Winemaker Mike Januik
Join us- We’re bringing wine dinner back to the cellar.
R.S.V.P 664-9463, reservation only as space is limited

Monday, January 26th, 6 p.m.
Wine Cellar
313 Sherman Ave.
6 Course Winemaker’s Dinner

$65 per person, includes wine and gratuity.
Januik and Novelty Hill Wineries with Winemaker-Mike Januik

Wine Maker’s Dinner Menu

2007 Novelty Hill Rousanne
Warmed goat cheese with pine nuts and arugala.

2006 Novelty Hill Chardonnay
Celery Root Puree

2006 Novelty Hill Chardonnay
Spring Greens with Champagne vinaigrette, pears, candied walnuts and gorgonzola.

2005 Novelty Hill Merlot Sorbet

2006 Januik Red Wine and 2005 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon
Lamb Chops crusted with pistachios, Yukon Gold fritters, caramelized onions and a Cabernet demi-glaze.

2006 Novelty Hill Syrah
Flourless chocolate espresso cake

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Coeur d'Alene Tractor Earns National Recognition

Coeur d’Alene Tractor, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has been designated a Power ProSM dealer by the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA).

The dealership earned accreditation by meeting industry standards related to operational performance and customer commitment. “Coeur d’Alene Tractor’s commitment to sales and service is exactly what we look for in a Power Pro dealership,” says Joe Dykes, director of OPE programs for NAEDA.

“Power Pro is the mark of exceptional dealers,” adds Dykes. “The program brands a dealership as a business where consumers can expect exceptional product knowledge, premium products, full service and complete satisfaction.”

Coeur d’Alene Tractor (www.cdatractor.com) carries New Holland, Kubota, Land Pride, Toro and Ariens equipment. The dealership, which is owned by John Adams, Bruce Schuh, Cal Russell and Wally Adams, has been in business for more than 60 years.

Coeur d’Alene Tractor is a member of the Pacific Northwest Association, one of 18 state, regional and provincial associations affiliated with NAEDA.

NAEDA is based in Fenton, Mo. It provides educational, finance, manufacturer and government relations services, and legal assistance to more than 5,000 retail agricultural, industrial and outdoor power equipment dealers in the United States and Canada.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Camp Fire Candy Supporting Local Youth

Are you wondering what to give your loyal and new clients or employees this holiday season?

What could be more meaningful than purchasing a gift that supports programs, which treats boys and girls, ages 3 to 18, concrete, common sense, positive skills and qualities essential for healthy youth development?

Well, we have the answer...give the unique gift of Camp Fire candy - delicious Almond Roca, Almond Caramel Clusters or Creamy Smooth Mint Patties - yum! Each gift will be wrapped in winter-themed paper WITH A PERSONALIZED GIFT CARD!

We will even deliver your gifts for you - what could be easier?!

All of this for the low price of only $9.95 per package (plus shipping if we ship for you). This price includes FREE gift-wrapping, plus a personalized gift card and envelope.

For more information and to order this great gift, please contact Valerie Coffey at 509-747-6191, ext. 20 or send her an email, vcoffey@campfireinc.org.

Camp Fire USA Inland Northwest Council
524 North Mullan Rd
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
509-747-6191 or 800-386-2324

Monday, December 1, 2008

Santa’s Pantry: Food for Fines at Cd’A library

You can help your neighbors and help yourself at the same time by participating in Santa’s Pantry: Food for Fines, Dec. 8-27, at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. Donate nonperishable food for people or pets and overdue fines on your library card will be forgiven. Food for Fines cannot be applied to charges for lost or damaged items.

“During this season – and especially this year – there are people who have can use some extra help,” said Library Director Bette Ammon. “So this is an excellent time to come back to the library, get those overdue items returned, and have your late fees cleared by giving the gift of food.”

Library patrons are welcome to donate to the food drive even if they don’t have any overdue fines. The collected donations will be given the Community Action Partnership Food Bank in Coeur d’Alene and the Kootenai County Humane Society. More news and information about the Coeur d’Alene Public Library is available online at www.cdalibrary.org.

Monday, November 24, 2008

League of Women Voters sponsors land-use panel at Cd’A library

“Both Sides of the Fence – Balancing Land Use Issues” – a panel discussion examining property rights and land-use in North Idaho – will be presented Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.

The panel is being sponsored by the Kootenai County League of Women Voters in conjunction with “Between Fences,” a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution at the library through Dec. 20. Refreshments for the evening will be provided by the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The panel will be moderated by Coeur d’Alene Press Managing Editor Mike Patrick and participants will include Art Macomber, land use attorney; Kootenai County Commissioner Rich Piazza; developer Steve Meyer; Collin Coles, Senior Planner for the City of Post Falls; Lee Shellman, neighborhood action advocate; Gerry House, chairman of an electric utility board and Wes Hanson, community/environmental activist.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

“Between Fences” deals with the history of fence building in the United States and the issues of property ownership and land use. The free exhibit is open to the public on the upper level of the library during regular library hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Related local exhibits are on display in the Parkside Gallery on the lower level.

“Between Fences” has been made possible in Coeur d’Alene by the Idaho Humanities Council, the Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation and the Avista Foundation. Local projects are also supported by the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.

People who need accommodations to attend in library programs are asked to contact the staff prior to the event at 208/769-2315. More news and information about the library is available online at www.cdalibrary.org.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

PHD Celebrates Home Health Month with Food Drive

Panhandle Health District (PHD) is honoring National Home Health Month this November with a month-long non-perishable food drive for area food banks. The drive will culminate Nov. 21 with an open house and chili feed at PHD for the public.

"Panhandle Health District's Home Health program earns national honors year after year for its exceptional patient care," says PHD Director Jeanne Bock. "Collecting food is a great way for us to engage the community in that caring spirit."

Employees in each area of PHD are collecting food, cash, cleaning products and pet food for one of four local food banks. PHD is encouraging the public to add to the donations that began on Halloween with a staff potluck. The food will go to the Rathdrum Food Bank, Athol and Spirit Lake Food Bank, Post Falls Food Bank and the Coeur d'Alene Community Action Partnership.

The drive will end Nov. 21 with an open house at PHD headquarters, 8500 N. Atlas Rd. in Hayden, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to bring non-perishable items for the food banks and celebrate National Home Health Month with free flu shots for the first 30 visitors and chili for all.

At the open house, Panhandle Home Health will demonstrate its Telehealth monitors. Telehealth is cutting edge equipment that enables homebound patients to record their vitals and transmit them to Home Health staff for frequent monitoring. The equipment "talks" patients through the process.

Boxes for food bank donations will be in the PHD lobby through Nov. 21.