A year of impact, partnership and community leadership

As we close the chapter on another remarkable year at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, we are filled with gratitude for what we have accomplished — together. This year reaffirmed the power of connection, collaboration and shared purpose. Through every challenge and celebration, our business community continued to show up with generosity, leadership and heart.

At its core, the Chamber serves as a convener, advocate and catalyst for positive impact. In 2025, that mission came to life through the dedication of our members, volunteers, Board, committees, and community partners who believe deeply in investing in North Idaho’s future. Through leadership development, workforce initiatives, advocacy, and simply showing up for one another, this year reaffirmed a truth our board chair, Tyrel Stevenson, often shares: when businesses take care of their community, their community takes care of their businesses.

One of the most meaningful ways we celebrate this collective impact is through our Annual Awards Celebration — an evening dedicated to honoring those who go above and beyond in service, leadership and community commitment. We are proud to congratulate our 2025 Award Recipients, each of whom exemplifies excellence in their own unique way.

We are honored to recognize Charity Reimagined as our Nonprofit of the Year for their innovative, heart-centered approach to service and their tireless work strengthening the social fabric of our community. Our Small Business of the Year, ROJO Ink, represents entrepreneurial spirit at its finest — combining creativity, growth and community impact. StanCraft Construction Group, our Large Business of the Year, continues to set the standard for leadership, craftsmanship and long-term investment in North Idaho.

We also proudly celebrate our Committee of the Year, the Nonprofit Committee, whose collaboration and advocacy continue to elevate the nonprofit sector across our region. Our Ed Abbott Volunteer of the Year, Jennifer Smock of Windermere/CDA Realty, exemplifies selfless service and leadership through her unwavering commitment to the Chamber and our community. And we are deeply honored to recognize Chief Tom Greif of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department as our Citizen of the Year, acknowledging decades of dedicated service, steady leadership, and profound impact on public safety and community well-being.

Our deepest gratitude extends to the sponsors whose generosity made our Annual Awards Celebration possible. Thank you to Northwest Specialty Hospital, Parkwood Business Properties, The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Hagadone Media Group, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, ICCU, Regatta Strategy Group, Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance, Architect’s West, Buck Knives, Hagadone Marine Group, Hecla Mining Company, Knudtsen Chevrolet, Kootenai Health, Maggie & Marc Lyons, Mountain West Bank, Northwest Dental Benefits, Numerica Credit Union, StanCraft Construction Group, STCU, St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, Gesa Credit Union and Victory Media. Your partnership allows us to celebrate excellence, leadership and service in a way that truly reflects the spirit of our community.

As we look ahead, we do so with optimism and excitement. We are energized by evolving leadership and a growing focus on building leaders who will shape the future of North Idaho. Through Leadership Coeur d’Alene, NEXT GEN, Executive Roundtable, workforce development efforts, advocacy and committee engagement, we remain committed to strengthening our region.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for your trust, your investment and your belief in the power of community. Together, we are building something truly special — and we look forward to all that lies ahead in the year to come. In this beautiful holiday season, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

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