Cd'A Chamber of Commerce announces new director

After a multi-month national search process, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced the hiring of its new Chief Executive Officer, Derrell Hartwick.

The board voted unanimously to hire Mr. Hartwick after an extensive interview process that included participation with large and small area business representatives, community leaders and chamber staff.

“It’s in Derrell Hartwick’s DNA to lead a Chamber. He brings a strong background in the chamber world and has tremendous experience in membership and retention,” stated Heidi Rogers, CEO of NCCE, Co-Chair of the Search Committee and Chamber Board Chair-elect.

Derrell’s strong desire to grow and serve Coeur d’Alene’s Chamber members along with his membership experience of serving the 2,100 members of the Little Rock Regional Chamber made him a nationally desired candidate for any chamber.

“As a membership-driven business organization, the board felt a candidate that exhibited strength in the area of membership and service was of key importance,” stated Brent Lyles, CFE of EP Global Inc. and Chair of the Chamber Board.

“Derrell is going to be an outstanding addition to our community. He is very enthusiastic and experienced. His energy along with compelling ideas will help us with our chamber’s mission to be a relevant and valuable resource to our business community,” shared Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital and Search Committee Co-Chair.

Hartwick earned his B.A. in communication while playing football for the Arkansas Razorbacks. After college, Hartwick worked with the North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau as its Tourism Manager. Later, he took a position at the Little Rock Regional Chamber and became the first to hit over six figures in sales. Hartwick was quickly promoted to Director of Sales where he managed the sales team along with a $1.3 million membership and retention budget.

While at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Hartwick earned his IEDC Mid-South Economic Development degree and completed his second year of Institute of Organizational Management. Hartwick has served on the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Next Generation Young Professionals board and is involved in other community volunteer work.

When asked about the value of a chamber of commerce Hartwick shared, “A chamber is the voice of its membership and helps to enrich and grow the local economy.” When asked about his vision for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber Hartwick explained his admiration for the leadership that has come before him and that “the Coeur d’Alene Chamber has a great base and I want to help take it to the next level. Let’s poise the chamber to help strengthen our region’s workforce readiness and I look forward to helping bridge the gap between the solid, longstanding business leader involvement and creating new and fresh engagement with the next generation of business leaders for Coeur d’Alene.”

The board felt fortunate that someone of Derrell’s caliber sought out Coeur d’Alene as a desired community to live in and grow in his professional pursuits. Over 160 professionals from across the country applied for the CEO position.

Chamber members and community leaders will have an opportunity to meet the new CEO at the Chamber’s annual meeting luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 30 Folks will also have the opportunity to provide well-wishes to retiring CEO Steve Wilson.

Hartwick will officially begin his duties as the new CEO on Dec 1.