COEUR d'ALENE — “You’re the future of North Idaho,” Coeur d'Alene Press Publisher Clint Schroeder said to the North Idaho Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 cohort. 

Implementing innovations, building community support systems and growing North Idaho infrastructure are just a few of the accomplishments the group has achieved so far.

Out of the group, 10 are under the age of 30.

Looking at the 210 nominations to choose the finalists was overwhelming, Schroeder said to the award winners and their guests at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn on Tuesday.

“Business in North Idaho is growing, it’s vibrant, it’s helping, it’s innovative,” Schroeder said. “You’re responsible for how those decisions get made."

Perseverance eventually overcoming barriers along the way or setbacks was a story repeated over and over throughout the nominations, with passion acting as a driving force to help folks pick up and carry on to the next goal.

“You guys have a long-range future of making sure that North Idaho is a good place to raise our families, a good place to attract business and economic growth and a good place where our infrastructure has been considered and our growth plans have been built. That's up to us. That’s up to all of us in this room,” Schroeder said.

And with a young group fighting to make positive changes to serve the community they will have a long time to carry that torch, he said.

“We’re just stewards in these communities, it isn’t just a job,” Schroeder said.

The winners were urged to remember to connect with one another for guidance, support and collaboration to lay the foundation for the next chapter in the region.

Schroeder implored the group to make sure the world is better when we leave it than when we found it and take the time to celebrate all of the successes that make a company, agency or community thrive. 

“When you love what you do, it isn’t work, it’s a part of what you are, of your identity,” Schroeder said.

    

 

    Coeur 'd'Alene Press publisher Clint Schroeder addresses the room during the presentation of the North Idaho Business Journal 40 Under 40 awards.
  

    Kari Packer of Hagadone Media introduces Clint Schroeder during the North Idaho Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 awards.