"Reflections of the Year"
As we bring this year to a close - we take a moment to pause and review what a year it has been.
Our monthly Business & Breakfast meetings, when we had the opportunity to hold them in-person, were very popular, and still remain a feature benefit to our members - whether in-person or virtual! Almost 100 members joined us at our January breakfast, which was also our Annual Members Meeting. Our February breakfast featured our wonderful mayor, Steve Griffitts, who shared with us the "State of the City". Almost 120 members joined us for that meeting - what fun we had! Then we entered the new and un-charted territory of Virtual Breakfast meetings for April and May (sadly we weren't able to host a March breakfast). Thankfully, we were able to return to near-normal with June, July, August and September breakfasts being held in-person again. After many years of hosting our breakfast at the Salvation Army Kroc Center (Big Round of Applause to them!) - we moved our breakfast to the Best Western / Coeur d'Alene Inn beginning in October 2020. With the recent announcement to take Idaho back to Stage 2, we returned to Virtual Breakfast for November and December 2020.
While we weren't able to host our Annual Banquet & Culinary Competition that is a local favorite event - we did kick off a new event with "3 Clubs & A Putter" 9-Hole Golf Tournament at Capone's Ponderosa Springs Golf Course. Other events we were able to host or participate in were Sip, Sample & Savor in February; Chamber After Hours held at Kilted Growler (January) and Avondale Golf Course (March); several Grand Opening events and 30 Ribbon Cutting Events (Thanks to our Wonderful Ambassador Team led by Kim Brown!). We also partnered with Dreams are Forever Events for Spooktacular as well as hosting a booth at the City of Hayden Trunk or Treat in October.
We don't know where 2021 will take us - but we do know this. As your Chamber of Commerce, we stand ready to assist you in ways to increase your business, leverage your marketing assets, offer you ways to meet others for future clients and referrals, and develop important connections and friendships from other leaders in our community.
I also would like to take this opportunity to say that it has been a pleasure to serve our community as your Executive Director for the Hayden Chamber of Commerce for the past 1-1/2 years. Having previously served this chamber as a Board of Director from 2009-2012, it was an honor to return to serve in this leadership role. After meeting with our wonderful Board of Directors this past week, with whom I treasure our friendships, I have submitted my letter of resignation. It has been amazing to see the growth of our chamber - especially when I reflect on where we were 10 years ago. Thank you to everyone - and you WILL be seeing me around!
Your chamber is in GOOD HANDS and together we will move forward into the new year with the knowledge that we are STRONGER together!
All my best,
Kandi Johnson
Executive Director
