Smart Growth Indoctrination at work in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Compiled by The Idaho Observer

The Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Chamber of Commerce kicked off a “green initiative” at its ECO-nomics Expo at the Coeur d’Alene Resort on Jan. 13.

Dubbed “ECO-nomics: Going Green as an Economic Development Tool,” the expo, for chamber members and anyone interested, included guest speakers and a trade show.

"The chamber’s Natural Resource Committee is leading the project to change the culture and tradition of various sectors of the community toward using green practices as an economic development tool.

"Comprehensive information will be available from a variety of exhibitors that will provide ideas for all business sectors," reported The Coeur d'Alene Press.

Initial planning began just as Earth Week came to a close in April, 2009. The chamber developed a set of “ECO-practices” for sector leaders representing hospitality/tourism, construction/developers, residential, office environments, education, health care, manufacturing, and retail, to examine the ways business and the public can save money while improving the environment.

To assist with the project, the chamber and the University of Idaho hired “Sustainability and Green Projects” graduate student, Phil Dennis, who worked out of the chamber office 10 hours a week.

“The expo is the kickoff, making people aware of what resources are available,” he said.

When the expo is over, Dennis, who is working on his masters and Ph.D. with a focus on the business end of water usage, will move into the community and work to expand involvement. He said the areas where most businesses can benefit by being environmentally friendly are in energy savings, improving the waste stream and saving water. Coeur d’Alene - known as the “Lake City” - is already predicting water shortages as a result of light snowfall this winter, according to the local newspaper.

The ECO-nomics Expo also featured Matt Miller of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as the keynote speaker with a presentation of “From Idaho to Columbia: Conservation and Hope.” Miller has been director of communications for TNC in Idaho for the past eight years. He is responsible for publications, digital media and most other writing and editing duties for the organization. Last year, he spent a month assisting conservation efforts in Colombia.

Workshops covered energy efficiency, water resource issues, recycling, educational initiatives, green office practices, and green residential and construction programs.

The ECO-nomics project culminated with the offer of “green” audits to chamber members to provide guidance on how the business can become more sustainable.

Coeur d’Alene reportedly sports the highest paid non-elected “Urban Renewal” commissioners in the state, and its 39 government officials earn between $60,000 and $120,000 a year off the backs of small businesses and struggling residences. It will be interesting to discover the effect of “green audits” on chamber members in the months to come.