The Press asked several people attending Thursday's annual Jobs Plus meeting to answer this question: What do you think of the direction Jobs Plus is heading? Here's a sampling of the enthusiastic reaction from the leaders of their respective businesses and organizations.

It is apparent the new president, Gynii Abracosa Gilliam, is very capable of carrying on the tradition of success that has been established, and has a strategic plan in place to accomplish continued success. The main ingredient of this success seems to be very simple in that it requires common sense and cooperation from the stakeholders - those being government, education and the business community. All of the stakeholders are not only on board but are enthusiastic, which will provide the support to move the effort as a whole in a positive direction.

RUSS PORTER

Mountain West Bank

Jobs Plus annual meeting and luncheon at The Resort was a full house with lots of enthusiasm and energy. It is a reminder of how successful and important Jobs Plus is to our community. The successorship, with the new president Gynii Gilliam following in the footsteps of Bob Potter and Steve Griffitts, ensures we will continue in the right direction.

JOHN BEUTLER

Century 21 Beutler & Associates

This was my first introduction to Gynii Abracosa Gilliam and I was impressed. Gynii has great energy and brings a bold vision of the future. Gynii also has some powerful allies about the state and isn't afraid to use the "Bat Phone" when necessary. There is no doubt her team will accomplish great things for North Idaho!

BRAD DUGDALE

Dugdale/Hayes Investment Group

Following the close of the meeting, I said to Anne [Hagman] that I was very encouraged by what I heard. It was clear to me that the board moved quickly and effectively in finding Gynii Abracosa Gilliam to lead the North Idaho economic development front. She is knowledgeable, well-connected and full of positive energy. The data shared by her and by Lt. Gov. Little confirms that the community and the state are going the right direction and coming out of the recession with a strong forward trajectory. STCU has been operating in North Idaho for more than a decade and we are excited to continue and expand our involvement as an investor and a partner in the region.

TOM JOHNSON

Jobs Plus has done an excellent job for our county, attracting new businesses and jobs, which is vital to our economic health. They played an important role when US Bank was deciding where to locate our service center. The US Bank Coeur d'Alene service center now employs 550 people.

Jobs Plus has a very dynamic and active board of directors, which is evident in their selection of Gynii Abracosa Gilliam as the new president. With continued community and business support, I am confident they will continue to achieve great success and have a positive impact in our area.

RICK MURRAY

U.S. Bank

Great energy with Gynii and Patty [Shea] at the helm. The new strategic direction of Jobs Plus is certainly aligned well the Chamber's - an intentionally collaborative approach in helping foster a vibrant local economy. It is good to hear that a focused effort will be placed on specific industry sectors.

STEVE WILSON

Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce