Tag Archives: Northern Idaho

Connect with employers at hiring event in Coeur d’Alene

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 6, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The address is 702 E. Front Ave.

The event is from noon to 3 p.m.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including AccraFab Inc., Apex Masonry, Buck Knives, Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Discount Tire, Fresenius Medical Care, North Idaho College, Silverlake Automotive and more.

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Around Idaho: Economic activity, July 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of July and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • The northern region reported 45 average weekly initial unemployment insurance claims and 382 average weekly continuing claims during June 2026. Initial claim volume decreased 14% from the previous month and 20.2% from the 56 average weekly initial claims filed in June 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims increased 2.5% from May 2026 and decreased 21.7% from June 2025. Statewide continuing claims increased 1.9% from last month and decreased 7.8% from June 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • Big Tree Construction is planning The Wilder – a new three-level mixed-use building in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The Wilder will comprise 3,000 square feet of commercial space on the main floor that will be leased to Ink and Easel Fine Art Gallery and one additional tenant. Source: Inland Northwest Business Watch
  • A open house event was held for the Hagadone Medical Clinic in Coeur d’Alene. Kootenai Health operates the clinic in partnership with the Hagadone Corporation and offers free health services for eligible Hagadone employees and their covered family members. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Lakeside Companies acquired The Highlands Golf Course in Post Falls. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

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Department of Labor names new economist for northern Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 17, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Lorren MorganLorren Morgan is the new Idaho Department of Labor regional labor economist for northern Idaho, covering Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties. He replaces the previous economist, Sam Wolkenhauer, who is the research analyst supervisor at the department.

Morgan earned a bachelor’s of science in biology with two minors in economics and chemistry from Eastern Washington University (EWU) in 2022.

He briefly attended the University of Washington School of Medicine before pivoting toward economics to complete a post‑baccalaureate bachelor’s of science in economics at EWU in 2026.

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Northern Idaho event will feature hiring employers and resources

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 9, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event and resource fair Tuesday, July 14, at North Idaho College.

The address is 495 N. College Dr.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Heritage Health, Idaho Division of Veterans Services, North Idaho College, Northwest Traffic Control LLC, SAGE Truck Driving Schools, Silverlake Automotive, Spokane Produce and more.

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Around Idaho: Economic activity, June 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of June and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • The northern region reported 52 average weekly initial unemployment insurance claims and 474 average weekly continuing claims during May 2026. Initial claim volume decreased 22% from the previous month and 9% from the 57 average weekly initial claims filed in May 2025. Continuing weekly claim volume in the northern region during May decreased 38% from April 2026 and 14% from the 550 average weekly claims in May 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims decreased 2% from April 2026 and 25% from May 2025. Statewide continuing claims also decreased 19% from last month and 8% from May 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • Encompass Health plans to build a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Post Falls. Construction is planned to be completed in 2028 and will be the second location in Idaho — along with Boise. Source: Encompass Health
  • Jacklin Northwest is developing Jacklin Ranch Retail Center in Post Falls with 12 leasable spaces covering 18,000 square feet. The groundbreaking is planned for fall 2026 with completion in 2027. Source: Spokane Journal of Business
  • Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining grossed over $300 million in proceeds after closing an initial public offering of 23 million shares of common stock. The Sunshine Mine is expected to restart silver and antimony operations in late 2028 with plans for a 24-year mine life. Source: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining

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Hiring event in Coeur d’Alene showcases a variety of positions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, June 10, at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The address is 702 E. Front Ave.

The event is from noon to 3 p.m.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Environmental Control, Kootenai County, North Idaho Dental Personnel, North Idaho College – Workforce Training, The Post Falls Veterans Home, Republic Services and more.

Open positions available include caregivers, mentors, deputy sheriffs, park rangers, therapists, nursing assistants, Commercial Driver’s License drivers and others.

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Around Idaho: Economic activity, May 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of May and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • The northern region reported 67 average weekly initial unemployment insurance claims and 761 average weekly continuing claims during April 2026. Initial claim volume decreased 12% from the previous month and 6% from the 71 average weekly initial claims filed in April 2025. Continuing weekly claim volume in the region decreased 39% from March 2026 and 22% from the 978 average weekly claims in April 2025. Weekly volume for statewide initial claims decreased 15% from March 2026 and continuing claims also decreased 31% from April 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • PNGC Power and Kindle Energy have agreed to jointly construct a combined-cycle natural gas power plant in Rathdrum. The construction and design period is estimated to take approximately six years to complete. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Ponderay Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special use permit request by Avista Corporation for development of a six-acre substation on a 22-acre parcel on Bronx Road. The initial construction period is estimated to take 16 months. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality awarded over $40 million to the City of Sandpoint for wastewater infrastructure upgrades along with drinking water system improvements. Source: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
  • Safariland LLC acquired Alien Gear Holsters for $10.3 million as part of a court-approved bankruptcy auction distributing the assets of Tedder Industries LLC. Court records indicate Alien Gear Holsters employs 108 workers with operations in a 70,000 square foot facility in Post Falls. Source: Spokane Journal of Business

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Network with various employers at hiring event in Coeur d’Alene

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, May 13, at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The address is 702 E. Front Ave.

The event is from noon to 3 p.m.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Coeur d’Alene School District, Eden Home Health, Fire Systems West, Hilton Grand Vacations, The Home Depot, Kootenai County, North Idaho College, Paul Mitchell The School, United States Postal Service and more.

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Around Idaho: Economic activity, April 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of April and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • The northern region reported 91 average weekly initial unemployment insurance (UI) claims and 1,245 average weekly continuing claims during March 2026. Initial claim volume decreased 32% from the previous month and 48% from the 175 average weekly initial claims filed in March 2025. Continuing weekly claim volume in the northern region decreased 22% from February 2026 and 30% from the 1,771 average weekly claims in March 2025. Overall, weekly volume for both initial and continuing claims decreased statewide compared to last month and March 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • The Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation completed the acquisition of Silverwood Theme Park. Silverwood is the largest theme park in the northwest and maintains a seasonal workforce of 1,200 employees. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

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Around Idaho: Economic activity, March 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of March and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • Kootenai Health will take over management of the Hagadone Medical Clinic effective July 1, 2026. The clinic serves to provide primary patient care to Hagadone Corporation health plan members and their covered dependents. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Selkirk Sport received a $30 million investment from private equity firm Bluestone Equity Partners. Selkirk Sport produces pickleball paddles, shoes and accessories. Source: Spokane Journal of Business
  • Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers opened in Coeur d’Alene in mid-March and hired 135 employees ahead of opening day. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Knight Construction and Supply was awarded a $20 million contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to replace all 11 spillway gates at Albeni Falls Dam in Oldtown. The first replacement gate will arrive in 2027 and construction will be completed during the early 2030s. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • North Idaho Classical Academy in Bonners Ferry continues to make progress on construction of the new charter school. It will initially open to 240 students in grades K-7 in August 2026. Source: Bonners Ferry Herald

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