There’s something about the beginning of a new school year that makes everything feel possible again.
Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but for me, the real sign that fall had arrived came Thursday morning on my drive to work. As I passed Coeur du Christ Academy on 7th Street, I noticed a group of students gathered outside. Dressed in their school uniforms, they were smiling, talking and reconnecting after the summer. You could feel the excitement of a new school year in the air.
As I drove by, I found myself thinking about all that lies ahead for them—the teachers they’ll meet, friendships they’ll make, challenges they’ll face and opportunities they can’t even imagine yet.
Seeing a New School Year Through New Eyes
This year, that feeling is especially personal.
I have the incredible privilege of hosting our Rotary club’s exchange student from Argentina. Martina Chandia is a beautiful young woman who will spend her junior year attending Coeur d’Alene High School. Last Tuesday evening, we went to open house together, found her classrooms and met her teachers.
There was something especially sweet about walking those halls with her. I remembered my own first day of 10th grade at CHS in 1984 and realized I hadn’t been back inside those classrooms since graduating in 1987. Now, all these years later, I was experiencing another new school year through Martina’s eyes. Her excitement was contagious—a reminder of that wonderful feeling that a year of new experiences and possibilities is waiting just ahead.
Maybe that’s why I’m feeling that same anticipation at the Chamber.
A New Season at the Chamber
September marks the beginning of our “back to work” season. Fittingly, we’ll kick off fall on the first day of school, September 8, with a Breakfast Connect featuring Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield and the superintendents from Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland discussing public school funding. September also brings the launch of new seasons for both our Executive Roundtable and NEXT GEN Coeur d’Alene programs, our Leadership Classic Golf Tournament on September 18 and New Educators Reception on September 23.
Staying Engaged in the Issues That Matter
With elections approaching, our Public Policy Committee is partnering with the CDA Press to conduct candidate interviews that help voters learn more about those seeking to represent them. On October 7, our Joint Chamber Public Policy Committee, led by the Post Falls Chamber, will host its Breakfast with Our Legislators event, giving businesses an opportunity to share the issues affecting employers ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Technology, Innovation, and What’s Next
On October 21, we’re partnering with the Idaho Technology Council to bring the iTECH Summit Inland Northwest to Coeur d’Alene, showcasing innovative entrepreneurs and exploring how AI and emerging technologies can help businesses transform and grow.
Celebrating Courage, Leadership, and Community
November brings our 6th Annual Women’s Luncheon, featuring world-record-breaking endurance athlete Kelsey Pfendler and her story of perseverance, risk, and accomplishing something many believed was impossible.
Then, on December 15, we’ll gather for our 114th Annual Awards Celebration & Auction to recognize the remarkable people and businesses that make our community special.
Behind these programs are our Chamber committees, where business and community leaders work on education and workforce development, public policy, nonprofits, natural resources, leadership development and other issues affecting our regional economy. If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to have you join us.
There’s Something Energizing About a Fresh Start
Maybe that’s what I love most about fall.
A new school year reminds us that none of us ever really stops learning, growing or discovering what might come next. Whether you’re walking into a high school classroom, beginning a leadership program, launching an idea, getting involved in your community or simply deciding it’s time to try something new, there is something energizing about a fresh start.
After a beautiful North Idaho summer, we’re ready for fall. We can’t wait to see what this season brings, and we hope you’ll join us. Explore upcoming programs and events at the CDA Regional Chamber.
