BY: LINDA COPPESS, CEO AND PRESIDENT, CDA REGIONAL CHAMBER
As the school bells ring across our community this fall, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber extends a warm welcome to students, educators, and families embarking on another year of learning, growth, and discovery. A new school year is always filled with hope and possibility—and it’s also an important reminder of how deeply our business community relies on a strong, dynamic educational system to prepare the workforce of tomorrow.
Why Education Matters to Business
North Idaho’s economic vitality depends on students who are curious, capable, and prepared to lead. Whether it’s a kindergartener mastering their first words, a high school senior preparing for college or a trade, or an adult learner pursuing new skills, every stage of education contributes to the strength of our workforce.
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber believes that a robust educational system must include all pathways: public, private, faith-based, home school, trade school, college, and university options. Each plays a vital role in maximizing the aptitudes and potential of our students. Businesses need critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators. Education provides the foundation.
When education and business work together, we create a cycle of opportunity that benefits everyone—students gain real-world exposure and mentorship, while employers gain a pipeline of talent ready to contribute to our community’s economic growth.
CDA Regional Chamber Initiatives in Education
Our Chamber is proud to be a bridge between classrooms and boardrooms, supporting a wide range of initiatives that highlight, inspire, and invest in education throughout the year. Our Education Committee is leading the charge:
- Elementary Teacher of the Month Program: Sponsored by Northwest Specialty Hospital, we proudly recognize the dedication and creativity of local teachers who inspire our youngest learners.
- Save Our Schools Town Hall – September 10: Did you know that over 70% of our students in North Idaho are educated through the public school system? We are honored to participate in a critical community forum on the impact of House Bill 93 (vouchers) on our public schools. Lake City Center @ 6:30PM.
- Community Conversations: Addressing Student Mental Health – September 11: This event brings educators, healthcare professionals, business leaders, and students together to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing young people today. North Idaho College, Edminster Student Union Building @ 4:00PM.
- New Educator Reception – September 24: We will welcome over 80 new teachers into our community and equip them with resources to thrive. North Idaho College, DeArmond Building @ 5:00PM.
- Breakfast Connect: The Future of Higher Education – October 9: Featuring the Presidents from our three local colleges/universities as they share insights on how higher education is adapting to meet workforce needs. The Coeur d’Alene Resort @ 7:00AM.
In addition, our Chamber’s Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors is one of our proudest traditions. In just the past two years alone, and thanks to the generous match of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, our business community has awarded more than $537,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing post-secondary education. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for our 2026 Scholarship Breakfast—scheduled for 7:00AM on April 29, 2026 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort—you will experience a powerful morning of inspiration as students share their dreams and local businesses step up to support them.
Our business members also sponsor students to attend signature Chamber events such as our Governor’s Address in January and our Annual Women’s Luncheon, coming up on October 22. Each event presents an opportunity for 50–80 future leaders to practice networking skills and interact directly with seasoned professionals!
This summer, we partnered with the Idaho STEM Action Center Externship Program, hosting two teachers who experienced firsthand how technology is used in the business world. And each summer, we proudly welcome a college intern to gain hands-on exposure to Chamber operations, business development, and community engagement. This year’s college intern, Emily Forslof, was a scholarship recipient a few years back, and thanks to sponsorship from Northwest Specialty Hospital, we were thrilled to continue to support her with real-world work experience as she heads into her senior year at Hamilton College.
On a personal note, I also have the honor of serving on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for District 271. This fantastic opportunity allows me to hear directly from educators and parents while ensuring that the business perspective is included in conversations about how we can better support our local schools.
An Invitation to Join Us
Education is not just the responsibility of schools; it is the responsibility of an entire community. The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber invites you to join us in building stronger bridges between education and business—because the future of our economy depends on the success of our students.
Here’s how YOU can get involved:
- Attend Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for the September and October events listed above, as well as the 2026 Scholarship Breakfast on April 29. Register at cdachamber.com/events.
- Join the Chamber: Membership gives your business a direct role in supporting education, workforce development, and community prosperity. We need your leadership and your voice! Email kerri@cdachamber.com.
- Engage in the Education Committee: Meeting on the first Wednesday of each month (September through June), this group of leaders includes educators, former educators, and business leaders who share a passion for a strong educational system. If you’d like to join, contact ann@cdachamber.com.
Together, we can ensure that every student in the Coeur d’Alene region is given the tools, resources, and encouragement to thrive. When our students succeed, our community flourishes.
This school year, let’s celebrate our teachers, uplift our students, and reaffirm the critical connection between education and business. The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber is honored to play a role in shaping that future—and we invite you to join us on the journey.
