Honoring excellence, elevating the future

Every December, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber comes together to honor the people and organizations who make our community shine. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate those who are leading with courage, integrity and heart.

Now in its 113th year, our Annual Awards Celebration & Auction continues one of North Idaho’s most treasured traditions — recognizing the businesses, nonprofits and individuals shaping the bright future of Coeur d’Alene. This year promises to be our most exciting event yet, combining heartfelt recognition with a dynamic new live auction that will have everyone talking.

Each year, the Chamber’s awards shine a spotlight on excellence — acknowledging the vision, leadership and community spirit that fuel our local economy and enrich our shared quality of life. We’ll be honoring recipients in the following categories:

• Large Business of the Year

• Small Business of the Year

• Nonprofit of the Year

• Committee of the Year

• Ed Abbott Volunteer of the Year

• Citizen of the Year

From small business owners who go the extra mile, to volunteers who pour their hearts into service, to nonprofits that uplift our neighbors every single day — these honorees remind us of what’s possible when people care deeply about where they live and work.

We’ll also recognize Chamber member milestone anniversaries, celebrating the businesses who have stood with us for decades, helping build a strong, connected business community across North Idaho.

NEW THIS YEAR: LIVE AND SILENT AUCTIONS WORTH OVER $100K

Adding even more excitement to this year’s celebration, we’re thrilled to introduce a silent and live auction experience featuring over $100,000 in exclusive packages — curated to offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures, luxury getaways and unforgettable local experiences.

From international travel to culinary experiences, family adventures and premium local stays, this auction is truly something special. Highlights include:

• A luxury Coeur d’Alene Resort family holiday package with lakeview rooms, spa treatments, dining, and a festive Lake CDA cruise.

• A Private Chef Dinner for 10–12 hosted in Northwest Specialty Hospital’s Private Dining Room.

• International getaways including Ireland, Iceland, Portugal and the Galápagos Islands.

• Exclusive experiences like PGA golf at Lake Garda, a “Taste of Tuscany” culinary adventure and a VIP Churchill Downs weekend.

And to top it off, our live auction will be hosted by none other than KREM 2’s beloved local celebrity meteorologist, Tom Sherry — bringing his trademark humor, warmth and energy to what’s sure to be an unforgettable evening.

COME CELEBRATE WITH US

Our chamber’s story is one of growth, collaboration and community spirit. As the second-largest Chamber in Idaho, we’ve nearly doubled our membership in just five years, a testament to the incredible businesses and leaders who believe in the power of “we.”

The Annual Awards Celebration & Auction is more than just an event — it’s a reflection of what makes Coeur d’Alene so extraordinary: people who show up for each other, lift others up and continue to dream big for the future of our region.

So mark your calendar for Wednesday, Dec. 3, and join us at the Hagadone Event Center for an evening of recognition, connection and celebration. Whether you’re a Chamber member, community partner or someone who loves Coeur d’Alene — you’re invited to be part of this special night.

Together, let’s celebrate excellence, honor leadership and invest in the next chapter of our community’s success.

Sponsorships and tables are filling quickly. To secure your table, go to bit.ly/4ipPhvO

Join us for a night that celebrates everything we love about Coeur d’Alene — our people, our progress and our shared purpose.

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Linda Coppess is CEO and president of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber.