By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — With a name like Chief, Chief Allan said the bar must've been set high for him since Day 1.

The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce recognized the leadership efforts of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's chairman on Tuesday, naming him Citizen of the Year during the nonprofit's 105th annual meeting.

"When I was elected 15 years ago I wanted to open the doors between the Tribe and our neighbors," Allan said after receiving the award at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn before 250 attendees.

"I said to come down, meet me and make your own opinion (because there were a lot of rumors)."

Allan said he's surrounded himself with a strong team that has accomplished a lot, including advancing educational efforts.

"We don't do things to pat ourselves on the back," he said. "We do things because we care."

Allan said education has been a top priority.

"Anything that comes across my desk that has to do with kids, I will generally sign my name," he said.

Realtor Gary Schneidmiller, Citizen of the Year last year, said Allan has worked to diversify the tribal economy beyond gaming and hospitality.

"During his time as chairman, both the casino and Benewah Medical Center have grown and expanded operations several times," Schneidmiller said. "The Tribe has grown to be the second-largest employer in North Idaho, providing jobs for thousands of Kootenai and Benewah county residents, native and non-native alike."

Human rights has been another focus under Allan's leadership. The Tribe recently was awarded the Kootenai Task Force on Human Relations Award in recognition of its work.

The Tribe has donated to the Kroc Center, Boys and Girls Club, Kootenai Technical Education Campus, North Idaho College, Sting Soccer Club, local chambers of commerce and the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

The Tribe has also helped clean up Lake Coeur d'Alene to protect recreation and tourism.

Dave Bobbitt, the chamber of commerce's outgoing chairman, told Allan: "You received (the award) the old-fashioned way — you earned it."

The Ed Abbott Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Vicki Isakson, regional manager for the Idaho Department of Labor.

"She is a mentor, an outdoorsman and a true community leader," said Karen Lunch, last year's recipient. "She is highly respected, a downright good lady and fun to be around."

Isakson is a member of the chamber of commerce board, a committee co-chairperson and attends most of the nonprofit's functions.

"I have so much fun doing what I do, that's why I continue doing them," a teary-eyed Isakson said after receiving the award.

The Commodores, recognized by their blue jackets and who organize the annual Aw$um Auction fundraiser, were recognized as the Committee of the Year.

"Their hard work and dedication to this year's Aw$um Auction was truly awesome," Bobbitt said.