The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber is the second-largest chamber in Idaho after Boise. It has nearly 1,000 members representing about 50,000 employees. 

And as far as Linda Coppess is concerned, it’s the best deal around when it comes to connecting with businesses, nonprofits and those who run them. 

“We have unparalleled access to incredible community leaders,” said the chamber’s president and CEO on Tuesday. 

In the chamber’s first “Breakfast Connection,” formerly Upbeat Breakfast, Coppess outlined ways for members to “unlock the full potential” of their membership in a 40-minute talk before about 100 people at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. 

From an annual $299 for an individual membership to $999 for an Associate one to $7,999 for Visionary, Coppess stressed the value of not just belonging to the chamber but being involved. 

“There are so many things we need to tackle in our community, but we can’t do it without you,” she said.  

Those who join the 113-year-old chamber will have plenty of meetings, social functions and mixers to attend, as well as marketing opportunities and the opportunity to hear from an array of guest speakers. 

There will be about 25 chamber-sponsored events this year. 

“My hope is at the end of the year you feel like your investment that you made in the chamber is the best investment you made in our community,” Coppess said. 

New this year for the chamber will be a Next Gen program, a learning management system, an improved database, Member Mixers and a variety of engagement options. 

Community Conversations, which focus on key issues impacting the community’s overall health, will return so people can “help be part of the solution.” 

The annual scholarship breakfast in April will be back. Last year’s saw 115 high school students receive $1,000 scholarships. 

Tyrel Stevenson, legislative director with The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, is the chamber’s chairman. 

Flagship events include Gov. Brad Little’s address Feb. 4, an economic forecast Feb. 25, a career and business expo, the Fourth of July parade, a Leadership Classic Golf Tournament, a new educators’ reception and an annual women’s luncheon. 

Coppess said the No. 1 reason people join the chamber is to connect, build relationships and grow their network. 

Memberships provide access to large events and the opportunity to meet “engaged and active” people. 

Member Mixers will have themes like March Madness in March, Cinco De Mayo in May, Beers and Brats in October and Bourbon Bar and Bubbles in November. They will be held at the chamber’s renovated home with a view of Lake Coeur d’Alene. 

But in those gatherings, Coppess urged members to avoid friends and sit with strangers.

“If you want to maximize your membership, you’ve got to do your work. You've got to make sure you’re sitting next to people you don’t know,” she said.

Coppess is confident this will be a great year. 

"Let’s build something extravagant and awesome and wonderful and let’s do it together,” she said.