Business, civic and economic leaders from throughout northern Idaho will meet next week in Coeur d’Alene on a strategy to improve the region’s infrastructure as a foundation for future economic development.
The summit, organized by the Idaho Department of Labor and the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Coeur d’Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway Ave.
“Northern Idaho’s economy is changing, and we have to be sure the region has the capacity and the work force to foster future growth,’’ Summit Coordinator Vicki Isakson said. “Having the roads and bridges, water and sewer systems and power capacity will be crucial to the future success of northern Idaho.”
The summit was inspired by the five-county leadership team overseeing the 18-month, $250,000 grant the region received from the U.S. Department of Labor last year to produce a strategy for creating a stronger, more dynamic work force to meet the needs of an economy that is trying to diversify beyond forest products.
That group identified infrastructure as a key to recruiting new businesses, retaining existing ones and encouraging them to expand.
Featured during the summit will be panels on infrastructure financing options, the critical link between infrastructure and work force and the importance of collaboration in revitalizing the economy, said Isakson, who is the Department of Labor’s project manager for the federal grant.
Registration is available online at www.cdachamber.com. Space is limited. The $30 registration includes lunch.