COEUR d'ALENE — There will always be ribbing between brothers, but for the Jacklins, economic development has been no joke.

Brothers Don, Doyle and Duane Jacklin, partners in Riverbend Commerce Park in Post Falls and whose family has deep agricultural roots in the region, received the Bob Potter Legacy Award during Thursday's Jobs Plus annual meeting at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

"Their generosity and community support are legendary," said Hayden Mayor Steve Griffitts, who presented the award. "They are quiet in what they do. They avoid

recognition. But they are always there to contribute and invest in our community because it is the right thing to do."

Potter was Jobs Plus' first president and served in that role for 16 years. He died last year at 87.

The Jacklin brothers graduated from Washington State University, served in the Navy, in executive leadership roles with Jacklin Seed Co. and as partners in land and investment companies. They have also participated on several community boards.

"Can you see a pattern of service, hard work and dedication?" Griffitts said.

In 1987 they comprised one of the seven original investors in Jobs Plus, the Coeur d'Alene area economic development corporation.

"They have continued that (original $60,000) commitment by investing more than $460,000 over the past 30 years to the benefit of all of Kootenai County," Griffitts said.

Doyle said he and his brothers are proud to give back to the community.

"This is not only a great place to live, but it's a place to grow businesses," he said.

Buck Knives, Ednetics, the University of Idaho Research Park, North Idaho College Workforce Training Center and LCF Enterprises are among the tenants of Riverbend Commerce Park.

The park is credited for having 1.2 million square feet of buildings, 1,300 jobs created by companies that have relocated or expanded, $50 million in annual payroll and $4 million in annual property taxes.

"Before anyone had heard of urban renewal, these brothers partnered with the city of Post Falls and invested their own monies in land and infrastructure while forming Riverbend Commerce Park," Griffitts said. "They knew that commercial growth would be the catalyst for economic success."

Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little said when he thinks of the Jacklins, innovation, leadership and philanthropy come to mind.

"They are an anchor family in the state that has made a big difference," he said.