Citizens of the Year nominees a standout group
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 week, 5 days AGO
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s list of nominees for its recent Citizen of the Year was, in a word, impressive.
Consider this lineup:
Pepper Smock of Windermere/Coeur d’Alene Realty
Eve Knudtsen of Knudtsen Chevrolet
Ryan Nipp of Parkwood Business Properties
Tom Greif, Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief
Allie Schumacker of HomeTown Family Chiropractic
Talk about a nearly impossible selection.
What makes them stand out is not so much that they are successful, bright and are leaders in their fields.
What sets them apart is heart. Commitment. Generosity. Vision. Kindness.
Each of the nominees has contributed to what makes Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai County and all of North Idaho special. They are the people who see beyond what’s best for their own interests, but rather, the interests of all who call the area home. They make this a wonderful place to live.
That Fire Chief Tom Greif was selected as Citizen of the Year from such a group says mountains about the person he is, the job he has done and the manner in which he led his department through the tragedy that unfolded on June 29 at Canfield Mountain. While we are disappointed he is retiring, we understand and wish Tom the best. He deserves it.
We also understand that not everyone will appreciate who these nominees are or what they do. Some will argue that these are the wealthy and elite of Coeur d’Alene who don’t need or deserve any more attention or accolades when so many are struggling.
We would argue otherwise.
In a time when so many are quick to blame, criticize, attack and belittle others to make a point, we prefer to highlight those who do good, who give without being asked, who build and who encourage.
The Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber under the leadership of Linda Coppess is a great example of an organization that is centered on positive, and it makes a difference. It's why they have nearly 1,000 members. It's part of the reason why so many are moving here.
We have one suggestion for the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber.
Rather than one Citizen of the Year, have many. The Press will be happy to write about all of them.