Todd Christensen shares what he has learned since coming to Cd'A

COEUR d'ALENE - The new top executive of the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce wants to know what is working, what isn't, and how to improve the effectiveness of the second-largest chamber in Idaho.

Todd Christensen, who took on the job at the beginning of the year, has since been getting to know the city, and on Tuesday morning shared what he has learned and what he wants to do with several hundred who attended the monthly Upbeat Breakfast at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

The presentation, he said, included "What Todd learned in 30 days."

Among the lessons are: "You can't get fries at Hudson's," and "Winters in Coeur d'Alene are extremely mild."

After commending and recognizing the numerous chamber committees for their efforts, Christensen concluded that they and the membership make up the "brush strokes of our community" that create that art that is the city of Coeur d'Alene.

He left the podium to join the group, walking among the tables as he asked members present to fill out a 32-question survey that ranged from how they would like to get chamber information to how the chamber could better improve its effectiveness.

Partnerships are critical, he said, and the Coeur d'Alene chamber has been especially successful in that respect.

The volunteers who help with chamber functions and the business members who contribute time and money have helped make the Coeur d'Alene brand real, with a vibrant and diverse business community, he said.

Christensen asked the participants to rank the chamber in its value, and to offer their input into what could be improved.

The survey was discussed during his selection process in taking over as the new chamber executive who replaced Jonathan Coe. It was based on a national model designed to capture information from members, he said.

For some who attended, it was their first time meeting him. But Christensen has spent more than a month getting to know many of the movers and shakers of the city.

"He made an effort to get out and meet as many people as he could in a short time," said Darren Hayes, a financial planner.

Tim Stoddard, who owns a spa in the city, was impressed with Christensen.

"He made the point the chamber does a lot of things right," Stoddard said. "He understands the importance of momentum."