COEUR d'ALENE - Marliee Wallace says every time the bell rings this week, that's good for the economy.

This week, in particular, it means another company, firm, store or shop, has joined the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We can change the economy here locally, as long as we roll up sleeves, and do things the old-fashioned way, business to business," said Wallace, sales and marketing director for the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce.

The last few years have been hard for North Idaho businesses, she said Wednesday.

"I'm hearing people say, 'I want to do something about it,'" Wallace said.

What she hopes they do is become part of the Coeur d'Alene chamber, which is running its annual membership drive this week.

Teams will be calling through Friday to try and recruit new members, or talk old ones into joining again.

A call center of sorts has been set up at the chamber building. When callers succeed, they'll happily ring a bell. Wallace hopes to hear that bell ring at least 100 times.

Wallace quickly lists the benefits of belonging to the chamber, ranging from website exposure, networking opportunities such as Business After Hours, being in the directory and having the chamber advocate for business rights through its many committees.

"Our voice is definitely heard," Wallace said.

All this, she notes, is just $295 a year. And, as with most specials, this week those signing up save $30 on the membership fee and get a free trade table at the Upbeat Breakfast.

She added that more than 30,000 people visit the chamber building each year and members can leave brochures in the lobby.

"Why wouldn't you want to be a member?" Wallace said. "You get so much."

The chamber has about 1,130 members, down from more than 1,200 a few years ago. Many let their membership expire to save money in the face of slow sales.

Wallace believes that with the annual drive, the chamber will increase its count by at least 100 by week's end.

"It is effective," she said.

May the bell ring loud and often.