RATHDRUM — Angela Henderson is the new executive director of the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce. She assumed the position last week, replacing former executive director Ashley Cameron, who stepped down after six years at the end of March.  

Henderson was born and raised in Portland, Ore., and has been in North Idaho for the last 12 years. Her background is in insurance. She’s also served as the chief culture officer at JA Bertsch Heating and Cooling and as a representative at Servpro of Coeur d'Alene. 

“I think that there’s a lot of opportunity,” Henderson said. “The majority of the friends I’ve made over the last 12 years have been through business and networking relationships. It is essential to build trust in relationships. That is what really makes a community strong.”  

She described the business community of Rathdrum as closeknit.

“Everybody knows everybody,” Henderson said.  

Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce serves about 200 businesses. Henderson hopes to help take their success to the next level. 

“People really enjoy living here in this area. They want more opportunity and want to grow," she said. "There's a lot of commercial businesses that are coming up and it’s a booming place for residential housing and commercial businesses that are right off of the main highway.”  

Henderson's mission as chamber leader is to help Rathdrum businesses thrive and grow the chamber and local economy by deepening local business connections.  

“I plan to be a huge support to our Rathdrum businesses, making it a place where they’re really thriving and people are working together like never before,” she said.