COEUR d'ALENE - There's change at the top of one of the region's biggest economic teams.

Steve Griffitts, president of Jobs Plus, Inc. - North Idaho's economic development organization - is leaving after 12 years overseeing the public-private agency.

"Every 12 years, every team needs a new head coach," a smiling Griffitts said Monday afternoon. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished over the past 12 years here, and we're ready for leadership to take it to the next level."

Griffitts said after a lot of thought and discussions with his wife, Marilyn, he concluded he had taken Jobs Plus as far as he could and was ready for the next chapter in his life. He then submitted his resignation to new Jobs Plus board chair Patty Shea, who said she accepted it reluctantly on behalf of the organization's executive board.

"Steve did an extraordinary job not just for Jobs Plus, but for the community at large," she said. "I feel Bob Potter left a heck of a legacy and Steve built on that legacy. He's leaving his own legacy now, and we're indebted to him for that."

Shea, regional business manager for Avista Utilities, said the search will begin promptly for Griffitts' replacement. Serving on the search committee will be Shea, former Jobs Plus board chair Doug Wright, Kootenai Health CEO Jon Ness, Eve Knudtsen from Knudtsen Chevrolet, and Bruce Cyr of Jacklin Land Company. Shea said the board will also take this time to examine its operations, from the way it's funded to the scope of its efforts to create jobs in North Idaho.

"We want to build on what we already are - a catalyst both for existing businesses and for bringing new businesses in," Shea said. "We've been around a long time. We've had a lot of success. So now what? It's an exciting time to explore that question."

While Griffitts is available through the search and organizational transition, Shea said Jobs Plus will continue to rely heavily on Jame Davis, an economic development specialist who, along with Griffitts, is the only other paid Jobs Plus staff member.

The short- and longer-term future looks bright for Jobs Plus, Shea said.

"We want to do a good job of taking care of our own existing businesses," she said. "We're already doing that but we want to do it even better. Jame can be instrumental in that, while technology and fostering entrepreneurship are going to be bigger focuses."

Davis agreed, saying the name of the game still remains the same: It's all about jobs.

"As part of our strategic initiatives, we will be expanding our focus to offer support to local companies looking to expand their operations in Kootenai County," she said. "At the end of the day, our charge at Jobs Plus, Inc. is job creation. We are seeing more growth from startups and local expansions; we need to dedicate focus to those efforts. We are committed to providing excellent support to not only recruiting companies to our area, but also to those who already call Northern Idaho their home."

Griffitts said his intention is to remain in the area, although he doesn't have another job yet. He looked back on the past 12 years with pride.

"I am most proud of the fact that Jobs Plus did not lose a step in the transition from Bob Potter to myself," he said. "I'm grateful for the unconditional support of the Jobs Plus board and the support and trust of our community. Over the past 12 years we have helped to bring 45 companies to our area who employ almost 3,100 people. The fact that 3,100 families has been positively affected by Jobs Plus is the greatest legacy I can ever ask for. These companies have been diverse in their respective industries, which has allowed for a strong economic balance to be established.

"I'm going to do something for the next 10 years," he added. "There's more to do in my life and opportunities to find another mountain."