By today, the yard signs start coming down and the buzz of election week will start to fade. No matter where we landed on the results, one thing remains true: the real work of community happens after Election Day.
That’s when we get back to what really matters — neighbors helping neighbors, businesses serving with heart, volunteers giving their time, and people choosing connection over division.
So, here at the CDA Regional Chamber, we are proud to recommend five ways we can all keep the momentum going right here in Coeur d’Alene.
1) CONGRATULATE, COLLABORATE, AND STAY ENGAGED
Whether your preferred candidates won or lost, our shared goal is the same: a stronger, safer, more prosperous Coeur d’Alene. Reach out to the leaders who will serve us in the months ahead and thank them for stepping up. Ask what they’re focused on first and share one constructive idea from your perspective—maybe it’s workforce development, housing, childcare, transportation, small business growth, or education partnerships.
The ballot box is the starting line, not the finish. True civic engagement shows up in the conversations that follow — the ones that build bridges and spark ideas that make our community stronger.
2) CHOOSE LOCAL-TWICE!
We’re heading into the holiday season, which means your everyday spending carries extra weight. Consider a simple commitment this year —“Local x2.”
- First choice local: If you can buy it here, please buy it here.
- Second choice local: If you can’t find it here, pair it with a local service—maybe a Coeur d’Alene restaurant gift card, a spa visit, or something handmade by a local artisan.
Every local purchase keeps our storefronts full, our employees working, and our downtown vibrant. Choosing local really does multiply good.
3) NOMINATE THE PEOPLE AND THE ORGANIZATIONS SHAPING OUR REGION
Right now, we’re accepting nominations for our Annual Awards Celebration—and there’s no better moment to shine a light on those leading strong and serving generously.
We are accepting nominations for Large Business of the Year (51+ employees), Small Business of the Year (50 or fewer employees), Nonprofit of the Year, Committee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Citizen of the Year (lifetime achievement focus).
We’re looking for those who inspire others, innovate, lead with integrity, and make Coeur d’Alene better in tangible ways. The best nominations include specifics: initiatives launched, jobs created, scholarships funded, partnerships formed, volunteer hours given, and the human stories behind the metrics.
Submit your nomination(s) using the appropriate forms below by Friday, November 14.
- Organization Nomination Form: https://bit.ly/4hU0EvK
- Individual Nomination Form: https://bit.ly/47PCFJv
- Committee Nomination Form: https://bit.ly/47ITLsf
4) GIVE ONE HOUR, START A RIPPLE!
If the idea of volunteering feels overwhelming, start with one hour. One hour to pack food boxes. One hour to read with a child. One hour to mentor a student or help a local nonprofit.
Our community thrives on consistent, small acts of service. One hour becomes a habit. Habits become culture. And culture becomes the story people tell about Coeur d’Alene: “That’s the town where people show up.”
5) INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION
Leadership is one of our greatest legacies. If you’re a seasoned professional, consider mentoring a young person stepping into their first management role. Invite them to coffee. Let them shadow you for a day. Open a door or make an introduction.
And if you’re early in your career, ask someone you admire for a 20-minute conversation. You’ll be surprised how many leaders are eager to help you grow.
If you’d like to become a mentor or a mentee, our chamber is starting a new NEXT GEN program in January, and we can help! Email linda@cdachamber.com if you are interested!
WHY ALL THIS MATTERS
Our Chamber’s core values—Connect Authentically, Listen Intently, Respond Generously, and Lead Courageously—aren’t just words on a wall. They guide how we do everything.
In a season that can easily divide, these values remind us to look for common ground and build something better —together.
So, as the signs come down and the air turns crisp, let’s choose action over apathy. Congratulate a newly elected official. Make that second local purchase. Submit a nomination for someone quietly doing extraordinary work. Give a focused hour of service. Share your experience with a young professional who’s hungry to learn.
And then, come celebrate with us!
🎉 JOIN US FOR OUR 113th ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATION AND HOLIDAY AUCTION 🎉
Wednesday, December 3 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Hagadone Event Center
This is one of my favorite events of the year! We’ll raise a toast to an extraordinary year of growth, leadership, and community spirit—and recognize the individuals and organizations who make Coeur d’Alene shine.
New this year: we’re introducing both a Silent Auction and a Live Auction, designed to help the Chamber finish 2025 in a strong financial position — so we can continue expanding programs, supporting local business, and driving our mission forward.
Highlights include:
- International Getaways including Ireland’s Celtic Journey, Costa Rica, Iceland, Portugal, and the spectacular Galápagos Islands.
- Experience Packages such as PGA golf at Lake Garda, a “Taste of Tuscany” culinary adventure, trips to Ireland, England, Croatia, and even a VIP Churchill Downs weekend.
- A luxury Coeur d’Alene Resort Family Holiday Package with lakeview rooms, spa treatments, dining, and a festive cruise on Lake CDA.
- Exclusive Silverwood Family Adventure and Private Access Party packages.
- A Private Chef Dinner for 10–12 hosted in the Northwest Specialty Hospital Private Dining Room.
It’s going to be an afternoon filled with celebration, gratitude, and a few surprises. I hope you’ll join us as we honor those who are leading strong, serving generously, and shaping Coeur d’Alene’s future.
The signs may be coming down, but our momentum is just getting started.
The future we voted for is the future we’ll build — together.
