COEUR d’ALENE — When Linda Coppess looks at the business community, she sees decades of representation, which she likes.

But the president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber also sees a big gap when it comes to younger people being involved, which she doesn't like.

In one recent chamber meeting of more than 300 people, she asked those in their 20s and 30s to raise their hands. Only a handful went up.

“That's our future workforce,” Coppess said. 

The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber is looking for ways to figure out what inspires the younger generation to engage them in the community through "NextGen," a fledgling program in the development stages.

The goal is to get students excited about the business community and see a place for themselves in it through mentorships, internships and sponsorships.

Coppess said at another recent chamber meeting, 80 students attended, all courtesy of sponsors.

“Who are your next generational leaders? Let's get them involved," she said.

Doug Elliott, chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber board, recently wrote that NextGen "will focus on nurturing the Next Generation Workforce, recognizing the importance of introducing innovation and fresh perspectives to the way we conduct business. 

"By investing in the development of emerging talents, we are not just securing the future of our individual businesses but collectively contributing to the prosperity of our community," he wrote.

Coppess believes a key is understanding the younger generation grew up with technology at their fingertips and is very much a digital audience. That well may be the best and perhaps only way to really connect with them.

“Let's figure out how to get them engaged for the success of the future of our community," she said.

    Doug Elliott