April NIBJ: Movers & Shakers

Groundbreaking celebrates Heritage Health project

Heritage Health recently celebrated  at a groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of its Center for Healthy Living, located at 3700 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls.

The Feb. 5 event kicked off construction of the facility's second phase will expand access to Heritage Health's primary care, pediatric, dental and pharmacy services. 

"Once completed, all of our services — behavioral health, medical, dental, and pharmacy — will be housed under one roof, making it even easier for our patients to receive comprehensive, coordinated care in one convenient location," Heritage Health officials said in a social media post celebrating the groundbreaking.

In addition to  center provides medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services ,the center will feature a patient gym, and a dietitian kitchen. 

"The center aims to offer comprehensive, whole-person care, including services like psychiatric services, therapy, recovery services, and shared medical appointments, all designed to be accessible regardless of insurance status," Heritage Health officials said.

Axis Spine Center opens new, expanded facility

Northwest Specialty Hospital is celebrating the opening of a new, expanded Axis Spine Center, designed to support a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to spine and pain care.

Center officials said the new building at 1651 E. Polston Ave., Post Falls, allows for increased capacity, improved care coordination, and faster access to services ensuring more patients can be treated efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Axis Spine Center provides a full spectrum of spine and pain solutions, including advanced diagnostics, interventional pain procedures, minimally invasive and surgical spine treatments, and coordinated rehabilitation services. As part of Northwest Specialty Hospital, center officials said patients also benefit from seamless access to Northwest Physical Therapy and 20-plus additional service lines creating a streamlined, all-in-one approach to care from diagnosis through recovery.

“We’re able to walk down the hall and collaborate on cases in real time,” said Dr. Jessica Jameson at Axis Spine Center. Whether it’s surgical consultation, pain management, or obesity treatment (a key factor in spine health), Axis Spine Center patients benefit from coordinated, personalized plans designed to meet them where they are.” “We’re about giving patients options,” Jameson said. “Some want surgery, some don’t. Some respond to physical therapy; others need advanced interventions. We listen to them and tailor a plan.” 

For more information, go to axisspinecenter.com.

Chamber, Acrisure Coeur d'Alene hold ribbon cutting

A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony celerated Acrisure-Legacy-Haddock, Acrisure-Legacy-Dickinson, Acrisure-Legacy-Murray, and Acrisure Northwest as they officially came together under one roof as Acrisure Coeur d’Alene.

The office is located at 6525 N. Mineral Drive, Coeur d'Alene.

The unification brings together decades of trusted local experience, strengthening their ability to serve clients while continuing the relationships the community knows and values, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce officials said in a social media post.

"Congratulations to the entire Acrisure Coeur d’Alene team on this incredible milestone. We are excited to watch your continued growth and impact in our region," chamber officials said.

PF Chamber, Aria Dental Studio hold ribbon-cutting ceremony

Aria Dental Studio recently celebrated at the opening of its new facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.

The dental practice is located at 129 E. Early Dawn Ave, BLDG A, Suite 101, Post Falls.

Post Falls Chamber Ambassadors and chamber officials welcomed Aria Dental Studio to the Post Falls business community.

"We are excited to see you grow and serve our community," chamber officials said. "A big thank you to our incredible Chamber Ambassadors for showing up, supporting, and helping make the celebration so special."

Young Family's Foundation notes first anniversary

Young Family's Foundation celebrated its first anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. The foundation is located at 424 E. Sherman Ave., Suite 105, Coeur d'Alene.

"Congratulations to their team on one incredible year of impact, and on their beautiful new office space," Post Falls Chamber of Commerce officials said in a social media post congratulating the foundation on the milestone. "It’s inspiring to see a growing organization so dedicated to serving our community and making a difference for families."

Chamber officials thanks the Post Falls Chamber Ambassadors for helping celebrate the milestone.

"We are proud to stand alongside organizations doing great things for a great cause," they added. "Here’s to many more years of impact."

Bax joins Mountain West as mortgage loan originator

Mountain West Bank is pleased to announce that Caylor Bax is joining the bank as a Mortgage Loan Originator serving clients from its Sandpoint, Idaho, location beginning the first week of February.

Bax has been training with Mountain West Bank’s Real Estate Lending team since July and will officially begin working directly with borrowers in his new role starting next week. As a Mortgage Loan Originator, he will help individuals and families navigate the home financing process with clarity, confidence and local support.

Bax will be part of the bank’s experienced Real Estate Lending team, focused on helping clients achieve homeownership and build long-term financial stability. His approach emphasizes education, transparency and personal guidance throughout each stage of the mortgage journey.

“Caylor’s commitment to serving local families makes him a strong addition to our Sandpoint team,” said Scott Anderson, President and CEO of Mountain West Bank. “We’re proud to 

Bax said he is grateful for the opportunity to continue building his career in mortgage lending with a community-focused bank.

“Homeownership is one of the most meaningful steps many families take, and I believe the mortgage process should feel approachable and well understood,” Bax said. “My goal is to provide borrowers with clear guidance, honest communication and support that’s tailored to their Needs.”

Bax joined Mountain West Bank’s Real Estate Lending team with a clear purpose: to help individuals and families build long-term wealth and stability through homeownership. In 2022, Bax and his wife, Cathryn, returned to the Inland Northwest to reestablish strong roots for their family, including their young daughter and son. That decision reinforced his commitment to working locally and serving the community he calls home.

Spacepoint names trio to advisory board

Spacepoint has announced the formation of an advisory board. The trio are visionaries and experts in their field, dedicated to accelerating permanent human presence on the Moon, Mars and beyond, Kyle and Rox Averill, founders of the nonprofit, said.

Named to the advisory board were Dr. Steve Swanson, Dr. Ben Weiss and Matt Dethlefsen.

From commanding the International Space Station to conducting five spacewalks, Swanson's three missions to space account for over 197 days orbiting Earth. His career embodies the human spirit pushing beyond the bounds of Earth. 

"Steve's focus on the mission, the team and human exploration ensures we never lose sight of the human potential at the heart of space exploration," the Averills said.

An internationally recognized leader in planetary science, Dr. Ben Weiss serves as a key leader and team member of multiple NASA missions driving robotic exploration from the Moon to Mars and beyond. 

"His tireless work not only advances our knowledge of space, but also inspires the next generation of explorers ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of discovery," the Averills said.

A lifelong passion for mechanical engineering and a track record of innovation in rocket technology, Dethlefsen is instrumental in driving industry-leading technological advances in space exploration.

"His work is pushing the boundaries of the possible in rocket technology from materials, to fuel, to reuse and downmass," the Averills said. "Matt's work will revolutionize how we look at exploration."

For more information about Spacepoint, go to spacepoint.org.

Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho gives to Idaho's RFPAs

For the third consecutive year, Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho has donated $45,000 to support Idaho’s Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs), reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to protecting rural communities and agricultural lands from wildfire.

With this year’s contribution, the company has committed a total of $130,000 over the past three years to Idaho’s volunteer wildfire response network.

The $45,000 donation—representing support for nine RFPAs across the state—was presented Tuesday, Feb. 17, as the associations prepared for the upcoming fire season. Each RFPA will receive $5,000 to assist with equipment, training and operational readiness.

“Over the past three years, we’ve committed $130,000 to Idaho’s RFPAs because wildfire preparedness requires consistency and partnership,” said Dana May, director of customer experience and marketing at Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho. “As our state continues to grow and evolve, we remain focused on supporting the selfless volunteers who work every day to safeguard Idaho’s land, homes and livelihoods.”

RFPAs serve as a critical first-response network across Idaho’s rangelands. Comprised primarily of farmers and ranchers, these volunteer associations are often the first on the scene in remote areas, providing early intervention that can prevent small fires from becoming larger incidents.

“Idaho’s RFPAs are an essential part of our wildfire response system,” said Alex Cox, South Idaho fire liaison with the Idaho Department of Lands. “Their ability to respond quickly in remote areas helps protect lives, property and natural resources. Partnerships like this one with Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho provide meaningful support that helps keep our volunteers equipped, trained and ready to serve their communities.”

The nine RFPAs supported through the 2026 donation include the Black Canyon, Camas Creek, Henry’s Creek, Notch Butte, Owyhee Creek, Saylor Creek, Shoshone Basin, Three Creek and Weiser River RFPAs.

Rangeland Fire Protection Associations are nonprofit, volunteer-based organizations that help protect more than 9 million acres of rangeland across Idaho. These associations respond to hundreds of fires each year and work alongside state, federal and local agencies to suppress wildfires, conduct training and promote fire prevention. Their mission reflects a long-standing tradition of neighbors helping neighbors in Idaho’s rural communities.

Founded by Idaho farmers and ranchers in 1947, Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho has grown into the largest property-casualty insurer headquartered in the state.

    Representatives from Northwest Specialty Hospital, Axis Spine Center and Post Falls Chamber of Commerce officials celebrate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center's new, expanded facility.
  

    Dana May (second from right), director of Customer Experience and Marketing at Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho, presents a $45,000 donation on behalf of the company to representatives of Idaho’s Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in Twin Falls in mid-February.
  

    Young's Family Foundation officials celebrate its first anniversary at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late February. Helping celebrate were Post Falls Chambe of Commerce officials and community members.
  

    Aria Dental Studio recently celebrated at the opening of its new facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.
  

    Acrisure-Legacy-Haddock, Acrisure-Legacy-Dickinson, Acrisure-Legacy-Murray, and Acrisure Northwest hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate officially combining under one roof as Acrisure Coeur d’Alene.
  

    Weiss
  

    Swanson
  

    Dethlefsen

Send your submissions for Movers & Shakers to celebrate business news, events and people in the five northern counties to Caroline Lobsinger at [email protected] or Bob Kirkpatrick at [email protected].