Choose Local is a grass roots, non-political, proactive, “Community First” organization with a focus on the strength of our local economy and the quality of our local culture. We link arms with all who share our love for community and a desire to preserve it for future generations. We invite you to join with us. Empowerment comes when people are united in a righteous cause.
Click the links below to learn more. You can also simply scroll down.
“The most important thing in Life is knowing the most important things in Life.” — David F. Jakielo
Choose Local is an organization filled with people who, like you, have a great love for our community. We embrace what is best, work to change that which is not and then work to preserve what we have for future generations.
Foundationally, we are about “Community First”. Our main focus revolves around two core issues: the strength and sustainability of our local economy and the quality of our culture. These two mandates not only make it economically possible for us to live here but also provide, with the success of an embraced community vision, the expectation of a satisfying lifestyle and culture. This combination is why we love living here.
Through our ambitious programs, services, marketing and community outreach, our goal is to win the hearts of our people by instilling a desire to work together for the good of the community. By linking arms in a common cause, we become empowered and together we can face any type of challenge. Always remember, God gave us a beautiful place to live but we make living here a heaven on earth.
“The most powerful thing we can do is get involved locally. Help our local community and become community activists in our own smaller circle.” — Gavin Creel
Back in the 50s & 60s when the small community of Coeur d’Alene was by far the largest in Kootenai County, the economy struggled in boom/bust cycles. The main business district was limited to Sherman and 4th Street. Our main employment was mining, logging and tourism. Mining was subject to shut-downs while logging and tourism were seasonal. For many families, the Sears catalog was the main source for needed goods and clothing or a trip to Spokane. These resources were similar to modern online shopping as the money that was spent left the community.
Where you spend your money has consequences. In simple terms, when spending it on locally owned businesses, the money stays in the community and actually grows as it recirculates. Businesses provide jobs and those employees spend their money, hopefully locally. The more jobs that are created, the stronger our local economy becomes. Supporting locally owned businesses is essential to our local economy and our very existence.
Locally owned businesses are the backbone of our community. Without them, we don’t exist. It’s as simple as that. Consider this: Walmart never once built a store in the middle of a forest and waited for people to move in. They waited until local businesses took all of the risks and did all of the work. Consumers and local businesses are two sides of the same coin — one cannot exist without the other.
Where you spend your money does indeed have consequences. For every $100 you spend: if online, only a dollar comes back, in the form of taxes. Only $13.60 comes back from chain stores, in the form of wages. But when you shop local, $47.70 stays in the community. Best of all, when you spend your money with a locally owned restaurant, $64.90 comes back. When your money is spent locally, that money recirculates within the community and triples with time. This is how you secure our local economy.
Online
< $1
Chain / big box
$13.60
Local retail
$47.70
Local restaurant
$64.90
More than just a strong economy, other benefits emerge from a community first culture. Research is clear on the fact that communities that embrace a local first culture experience noticeably less crime: neighbors get to know each other and look out for each other. In addition, it enhances a sense of belonging and security throughout the community. This then becomes the foundation of our culture, one that is more desirable to live in. Together, we build a community that has a culture of taking care of its own.
Kootenai County is more than a beautiful place to live. We are rich in natural resources which include, but are not limited to, timber, mining, agriculture, ranches that provide pork and beef, fruit orchards and so on. We live in the land of lakes, streams, wildlife and one of the world’s largest aquifers — and to cap it, we have local hydroelectric facilities. We have the resources that allow us to be self-sustaining and reliant. With a shared vision of community first we can become economically independent of the national economy that’s subject to political influence that we have no control over. Choose Local was created for this singular goal: to become self-sufficient and economically sound and to preserve our blessings for the generations to come.
“Local businesses are the heartbeat of your neighborhood, the spine of your economy and the spirit of your town.”
The two-year Covid shut down created an unintended trend. Because there were few options, families started shopping online to get their needs met. It didn’t take long to discover the convenience of shopping online for five minutes and receiving your order on your doorstep three days later. As a result, families increased their online spending to the point that communities across America have now lost 15% of their local economies. Worse yet, that trend is increasing.
15% isn’t just an obscure and meaningless number. Where we spend our money has consequences. 15% represents a pressure on local businesses and our local economy. Each percentage of lost revenue results in struggling or lost businesses and jobs. With a rising trend, how long before the impact on our economy affects your family? 20%, 30%? This is a very real question to ask.
After extensive research, the only solution to this issue is to have locally owned businesses provide their products online, thereby providing the convenience that consumers desire. The beauty of this solution is that a mom and pop can still serve walk-in customers but also serve their clients online. The desire for convenience is not going away. Choose Local is developing a local online POS service for our local businesses. In addition, we’ll provide a directory of all online local businesses and heavily promote it to our local consumers.
Businesses that provide the convenience that local online shopping offers can capture additional profits above their regular walk-in customers. Additionally, if you promote your online service to the tourists who are just browsing, you may pick up sales after they’ve returned home and decided that they now want what you have.
Either through co-oping with existing delivery systems or developing our own fleet, we can offer same day delivery. This beats Amazon by two days and offers the ultimate experience in convenience. Imagine our vehicles weaving in and out of neighborhoods with our signage reminding people to shop local.
The reality is that we live in a digitized and transitional world where convenience and pricing dominate the spending habits of our consumers. Online shopping is a growing trend and there is no turning back. So, the question is: how do we retain the charm of our locally owned business community and strengthen our local economy at the same time? The answer is simple. Provide the convenience they seek.
We believe that the following suggested solutions offer our best path forward. Most of the following are simple and unintrusive changes that will be easily accepted, if not heralded by the consumers of Kootenai County. Although the bulk of the work will be completed by our own Choose Local volunteers, we seek the blessings of our city fathers and government agencies and suggest a linking of arms in a concerted alliance to accomplish these transitions.
One of the most common complaints we hear from local consumers is that they cannot find what they need within our business districts. This fact was exasperated with the loss of Penny’s, Sears and Macy’s, etc. For this reason, they are forced to shop in Spokane or online. We will survey the community to discover what commerce is missing and work to either help local entrepreneurs fill that gap or reach out to existing businesses willing to relocate to our community. Each added business brings jobs and keeps our money local.
Another lament is from parents who raise their families here but lose their adult children to other communities because they cannot afford to live here. We live in a service-based economy, meaning it’s the fast foods and tourist-based businesses that mostly fuel our economy. These businesses generally offer low paying wages. Choose Local will deep dive this issue and work with other agencies to attract existing industries to either relocate here or expand their facilities here. These industries offer better wages that help young families afford the high cost of living here.
Yet another ambitious enterprise that enables us to keep our money local.
A market study from Main Street America revealed that “small retailers in suburban towns saw a 27% decline in revenue between 2019 and 2022 as a direct result of competition with e-commerce. Neighborhood staples are becoming rarer as customers opt for the ease of doorstep deliveries.” Communities across America have, on the average, suffered a 15% loss in their local economies.
Centrally located in Kootenai County, this privately owned and run center can provide goods and staples not currently available in our community and without direct competition with any existing locally owned businesses. In point of fact, it would be more in competition with Amazon. This project will be funded by private equity funding.
Starting small and sensing the needs and desires of the community, this center can buy in bulk items that are trending and in demand that locally owned businesses would not have the capacity to profitably stock and sell. This center actually fills in the gaps that local commerce lacks and that would normally be purchased online and out of community. Its purpose is to keep more money in the community, thereby strengthening our local economy.
It may be possible for the center to offer locally grown produce or locally manufactured products. The possibilities are endless. The center will be online and orders can be made and delivered on the same day. In addition, product can be ordered from out of community and shipped anywhere in the nation. Packaged with what our locally owned businesses offer, we become a self- sufficient community that is less influenced by our national economy.
“Culture is so incredibly important because it is the foundation for all future innovation. People with passion can change the world.” — Brian Chesky
Culture is an asset; the value of it becomes evident most when it’s lacking
Organizationally, we start with culture within our own organization, because it is the foundation of all we do. Our expectation is that all who volunteer or engage with us on any level feel comfortable and have a rewarding experience. We believe that if we are the servants of the community, it starts with us. Ultimately, the ideas and execution of plans are best served when the environment we provide is warm and inclusive. Our experience has been that happy volunteers are the best ambassadors for organic and exponential growth into the community.
Community culture is a much larger endeavor. We embrace what is best, work to change that which is not and then work to preserve what we have for future generations. A major focus is how to bond our community in a common and righteous cause. One way is by organizing public service projects that will include helping the elderly rake leaves, shovel snow or help with minor repairs. Additionally, we might be needed for community beautification or trash cleanup after major community events or along the shorelines of our lake and river.
Any event that draws citizens together becomes a bonding experience. When citizens link arms and give back to the community, friendships are made and they feel good about themselves. This is what “community first” is all about: citizens who believe in helping our own which increases a feeling of belonging. This committee works with marketing to develop a community-wide campaign to showcase the good that is being done by our own. We will utilize social media, videos, public presentations and press releases to get the word out. This committee will develop new programs or services that enhance or strengthen our local culture. A strong economy allows us to live here but it is the culture that makes living here worthwhile.
“Make no small plans. Unless our plans are bold, they will be ineffective.” — Larry Lemke
We the members of the Choose Local movement do not know how to think small thoughts. In that light, part of our initial marketing plan is to carpet our Kootenai County communities with the 4×6 inch decal that you see to the right.
There are over 8,600 Kootenai County businesses and we will distribute the first 5,000 decals to businesses willing to display on their entry door or window. Consumers will be reminded of the importance of supporting locally owned business when they see the decals at nearly every business they go to. The QR code leads them to our website where they can learn more.
In addition, our marketing team will launch an unrelenting and assertive campaign that effectively carpets the community with who we are and what we are striving to achieve. Choose Local will be heard and seen everywhere and seemingly overnight.
Our marketing team will also direct our citizens to our monthly Choose Local events that include luncheons and festive evening “mixers” where they can visit, face-to-face, with our teams in a warm and inviting environment and learn more about what we are doing to create jobs and strengthen our local economy. Flyers and brochures will be available for them to take home.
P.S. Our marketing team is incredibly talented and effective.
Our events are such that people come for the entertainment but stay for the cause. A well planned and entertaining event is the magic that draws people to our mission.
Three times a year — spring, summer and fall — we hold a public fest where we have live music, food, entertainment and 50–75 locally owned business vendors. We attract 3,500–4,000 attendees from the community. This event gives consumers an opportunity to meet their locally owned businesses face-to-face and learn more about what they offer. Each vendor provides a drawing worth at least $100. Super One Foods always provides five $100 gift certificates for our main door prize drawing. The most often asked question was “when is the next fest?” The most common comment was, “I didn’t even know these businesses existed!” Mission accomplished!
Each month we hold a luncheon where we always have a prominent member of the community share a presentation on subjects of great interest to those in attendance. In the past, these guest speakers included mayors, commissioners, state representatives, respected business owners or other Kootenai County notables. We guarantee you’ll leave informed, enlightened and totally edified for having attended.
One night a month we hold a themed event to provide a relaxed environment where our citizens can let their hair down and enjoy an entertaining evening and mix with others while making new friends. It’s where consumers and business owners can get to know each other and bond. It makes living here even more enjoyable when you feel connected to other people in the community.
“A community that is engaged, working and celebrating together can be a powerful force for greatness. We deserve no less.”
One of the unique features of living in Kootenai County is that this region loves to party. There are incredible events taking place around the clock and in every corner of the county. Problematic are 3 issues: missing an event you would have loved to attend; scheduling your own event; and most existing event calendars are cluttered and difficult to navigate. The majority of calendar sites don’t last long.
We are creating a simple calendar that everyone will know about, is easy to navigate, posts a wide range of events, and includes events months in advance. This calendar will be linked with a wide assortment of local public websites, landing pages and Facebook groups — basically everywhere. It will be a popular go-to calendar that everyone knows is provided by Choose Local and as such, will become a promotional tool for Choose Local.
“Everything is based on a simple rule: Quality is the best business plan, period…” — Steve Jobs
With the loss of the Black Book, this will be the go-to online business directory. All Kootenai County businesses get a free listing but those who have a paid Choose Local business membership get added features. Like any Yellow Page listing, you have a choice: either a simple basic free listing or a more comprehensive paid ad.
One of the added benefits for the business membership includes a brief mission statement and digital links to your website and email. In addition, for those business memberships who wish, we will add a link to a 60–90 second video showcasing your business. The video is produced by you or one of our video gurus at your cost and stored on your site. People want to know who they’re doing business with and this feature provides that opportunity.
Layout from the Nels template (PDF page 13). Sample listing uses current organization contact details.
Choose Local Inland Northwest
Office: 7481 Bedford Ln, Coeur d’Alene ID 83815
Phone: 208.659.2726
Developing a community culture of robust support for our locally owned businesses; thereby keeping our money and jobs local and ensuring a stronger, more resilient local economy, one that is less influenced by a national economy.
Email: [email protected]
Website: facebook.com/chooselocalinw
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
A major part of the Choose Local campaign is to connect the Kootenai County community. Publishing a monthly digital E-Magazine that brings value and entertainment to our residents is the perfect venue to provide a soft monthly CL message, especially if the publication is highly regarded.
In addition, with a widespread readership, it becomes a platform for local businesses to affordably advertise to a market that they would not otherwise have access to. The beauty of a digital format is that we receive analytics that informs us of open rates, what was read, how long people read, how many ads were clicked on and so forth.
Coming soon — not yet live on the site.
Our most ambitious project
This will be the first dedicated community center that provides an affordable public venue, sufficiently sized for large public gatherings including conventions, political rallies, galas, live auctions, fund raisers, theater, special events, etc. In addition, it provides a large arena for the casual gathering of people to meet and enjoy coffee and pastries during daylight hours. The center is not intended to replace the KROC Center. It belongs to the people and becomes the heart of our community. It will also be the official home of Choose Local with an office and staff.
“Community is much more than belonging to something. It’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” — John Wesley
We are engaged in a massive and wide-ranging campaign that greatly benefits our Kootenai County communities. Our collection of programs, campaigns and services have never been packaged under one roof before. With success, this will be a benchmark achievement — one that you can look back on, years from now with pride, knowing that you were a part of developing something epic and historic.
As you obviously realize by now, many of our projects and services are very ambitious. No matter how large or intense, the solution is always: get more volunteers. We can fill up our committees with as many volunteers as deemed necessary.
Whether you have a talent or are simply willing to serve, pick a committee that’s of your liking and let us know by emailing [email protected] or call 208.659.2726.
We have a huge need for money to cover the cost of product development, that includes but is not limited to: local online shopping POS system, online business directory, online community events calendar, Choose Local E-magazine, etc. As a permanent organization, additional funding will be needed for an office and at least three employees to handle oversight of the organization and the various committees, projects and systems.
Funding subcommittees:
Our events have been the single greatest tool for attracting people to our cause. Subcommittees: Monthly Luncheons, Monthly Mixers, and Choose Local Fests (spring, summer, fall) — including vendor booths, drawings, live music, and promotion at least 6 weeks in advance.
Our main portal into the community. Creates messaging, promotional videos, graphics, content, the Choose Local Facebook page, and promotes our events and website. Initial campaign: distribute Choose Local decals to 5,000 Kootenai County businesses.
Technical development of a “plug and go” POS system and online marketplace so local businesses can compete with out-of-community online shopping.
Massively marketed as the go-to online business directory. Every Kootenai County business gets a free basic listing; paid members get website links and a personalized 90-second video.
Community-wide survey to determine missing local commerce, then seek entrepreneurs or relocate existing businesses to keep more money and jobs local.
Calendar committee oversees technical production of the go-to calendar. E-Magazine committee develops format, collects content, meets advertisers, and onboards subscribers.
“Better Business Workshop,” customer relationship and marketing skills support, and monthly B2B networking.
We are a non-political organization. Politically savvy volunteers protect our interests and advise regarding political minefields.
Digitize and automate online programs and systems; oversee development of new programs and maintenance of older ones.
Community Center committee: land, location, construction, function, budget and usage. Micro-fulfillment committee: feasibility, design, process, delivery, cost and funding.
Monthly free-range sessions that explore possibilities and solutions. Each concept starts with “What If” and expands from there. No small thinking involved.
Explore options that provide better-paying jobs, including enticing industries to relocate, working with government and private agencies where possible.
“We can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone.” — Ronald Reagan
This is a major undertaking with a multitude of moving parts and the success of this mission is dependent on sufficient funding for the systems, programs and staffing as outlined in the body of this website. Although grants and sponsorships will be sought, it will be the paid memberships that provide the bulk of the needed funds. We seek your financial support to help us complete our mission. The annual membership fees are as follows:
Business membership annual fee: $200 / Citizen membership annual fee: $100
Shopping local is more than just a trend; it’s a way to make an impact on your community, environment, and economy.
When you shop locally, you’re investing in the people and places that make up your community. You’re keeping money in the local economy, creating jobs, and supporting small businesses. All of this adds up to a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community. That’s why shopping local matters.
We all have the power to make a difference in our community by choosing to shop local. By doing so, we can help create a better future for our communities and our planet. So next time you’re out shopping, take a moment to think about why shopping local matters and how it can make an impact on your community. Your choices will make a difference!
208.659.2726 · [email protected]
7481 Bedford Ln, Coeur d’Alene ID 83815
Choose Local Inland Northwest, LLC
7481 Bedford Ln, Coeur d’Alene ID 83815
208.659.2726
[email protected]
Details