Building a Stronger Business Community Through Advocacy
BY LINDA COPPESS, CEO and President, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce is a steadfast advocate for our local businesses, working to advance policies that promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life in our community. This past week, we participated in Idaho Chamber Alliance’s Capitol Day in Boise, where we had the opportunity to network and build relationships with our legislators, hear from top leaders in our state, and witness legislative sessions in action! As we engage in this year’s legislative season, the Chamber’s leadership is focused on several key areas that will shape the future of our region’s business climate.
This year, our legislative priorities are centered on four pillars: education and workforce development, attainable workforce housing, regulatory reform, and infrastructure investment. These priorities were established through direct feedback from our members, who highlighted these issues as critical for both business sustainability and community well-being. By advocating for thoughtful policies in these areas, the Chamber seeks to create a thriving environment where businesses of all sizes can prosper.
Education and Workforce Development: Preparing for the Future
Education and workforce development remain top priorities for our business community. A skilled and educated workforce is the backbone of a thriving economy, and our local businesses depend on a pipeline of talent to remain competitive. The Chamber is advocating for policies that support career and technical education programs, partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, and initiatives to address the growing workforce shortage. By investing in education today, we are ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to support the evolving needs of our industries.
Attainable Workforce Housing: Addressing a Critical Community Need
Attaining home ownership is a pressing issue that affects both our businesses and our community at large. Many local employers report that the lack of attainable housing options is a significant barrier to attracting and retaining talent. The Chamber, through supporting the leadership of many local organizations and partnerships, is working to promote policies that increase the availability of workforce housing, streamline permitting processes, and encourage public-private partnerships to address this urgent need. Ensuring that housing is within reach for employees at all income levels is not only a social imperative but also an integral component of economic stability.
Regulatory Reform: Creating a Business-Friendly Environment
Navigating the complexities of state and local regulations can be challenging for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. The Chamber is committed to advocating for a regulatory environment that is clear, predictable, and supportive of business growth. This includes reducing unnecessary red tape, promoting policies that provide certainty for business planning, and working to ensure that regulations do not disproportionately impact small businesses. By fostering a business-friendly environment, we are enabling our members to focus on doing what they do best — driving innovation and contributing to the local economy.
Infrastructure Investment: The Foundation of Economic Growth
A robust infrastructure is essential for any business community. As the Coeur d’Alene area continues to grow rapidly, investments in transportation, utilities, and digital connectivity are critical. We are working closely with state and local officials to prioritize funding for projects that will reduce traffic congestion, improve access to commercial areas, and support the expansion of broadband services. Reliable infrastructure not only facilitates business operations but also attracts new investments to our region.
Make Your Voice Count!
The Chamber’s advocacy efforts are most effective when they are guided by the voices of our members. We invite all local businesses to join the CDA Regional Chamber so that all of our community businesses can help us formulate our public policy initiatives. When you join the Chamber and participate in our public policy committees, attend legislative forums, or simply share your views on what matters most to your business, your invaluable input helps steer the direction of our city’s growth. Your engagement not only strengthens the Chamber’s advocacy efforts but also helps build a stronger, more resilient business community.
Let’s continue to build a brighter future for our Coeur d’Alene region — one that benefits not only our businesses but also the families and individuals who call our region home.
Advocacy Shapes the Future Here
- Join the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber today! Contact kerri@cdachamber.com
- Join our Public Policy Committee: Contact: linda@cdachamber.com
Sponsor a Student Scholarship: Contact: ann@cdachamber.com
