lewis-clark-valley-chamber-of-commerce

Incoming CEO/ President Message

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:25:15 GMT

Hello, I am Mark Losh, your new CEO of the LC Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am dedicated to advancing economic and community development with a strong focus on positive outcomes for everyone. Making meaningful connections has always been my goal, whether I am working on a major project, connecting community leaders, or meeting new people along the way. Over the years, I have successfully revitalized struggling organizations, launched impactful products, and helped build stronger economic communities. For me, it is never just about titles or milestones; it is about collaborating to create lasting, positive outcomes.

My wife, Sheryl and I, are excited to be here and help take the LCV Chamber to the next level by connecting to people and businesses of the region on both sides of the river. A chamber of commerce is a vital component of any community, being a voice for business, advocate for the needs of the region and support growth by meaningful connections and events. I am a people person, meeting in person in a group or one on one is the best way to build relationships. My focus for the next 90 days is to meet with as many leaders, groups and or organizations as possible to better understand the needs of the businesses and people of the valley. By doing this I will have a clear understanding of what is needed in the valley and how we at the LCV Chamber can meet those needs.

I look forward to meeting you all very soon.

Incoming CEO/ President Message

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:24:07 GMT

Each October, the nation observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Organized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, this monthlong recognition highlights the contributions of workers with disabilities and reminds us of the importance of welcoming people of all abilities into the workforce. The 2025 theme, Celebrating Value and Talent is a powerful reminder that every person has unique strengths to offer.

At Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, our mission is to support individuals with disabilities in preparing, securing, retaining, and advancing in employment. Through vocational counseling, training, rehabilitation technology, and job placement and retention services, we help connect motivated job seekers with businesses that value the skills they bring.

Here in Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, we have many opportunities to live out this year’s theme. Our local economy thrives on collaboration and valuing talent. When businesses partner with our agency, they can tap into another talent pipeline to support their recruitment efforts and to fill their roles with qualified applicants.

NDEAM is also a time to reflect on what it means to build a stronger workforce for the future. Simple steps like reviewing online job postings for digital accessibility, offering flexible schedules, or providing work-based learning opportunities can make a meaningful difference. These efforts not only support individuals with disabilities but also create workplaces where all employees feel respected and supported. Together, we can build a workforce that reflects the best of the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, one that recognizes the contributions of every individual and grows stronger because of it.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

LCSC Worksource

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:26:02 GMT

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Lewis-Clark State College's Workforce Training program is expected to formally open its new location on the ground floor of Clearwater Hall, 410 Main Street, in downtown Lewiston later this fall.

Workforce Training has served students, businesses, and organizations with workforce-focused classes and customized group trainings in the region for nearly three decades from its location in north Lewiston. The new location is expected to increase visibility, synergies, and partnerships.

The facility will feature a state-of-the-art computer lab for skills-based courses in software such as Adobe and Microsoft, a classroom, and two boardrooms. Spaces will be available for rent for needs such as video conferences, meetings, and other larger events (visit www.lcsc.edu/event-services to learn more).

Workforce Training serves an average of 1,700 students annually who are looking to sharpen their career skills in a multitude of industries. Current courses offered include Excel training, durable skill enhancement, and certification obtention. It also offers contract training where businesses can request training to occur at their worksite.

The new downtown location neighbors LC State’s Small Business Development Center, Adult Learning Center, and the Center for Arts & History.

Call 208-792-2388 or visit www.lcsc.edu/wft to learn more.

LCSC Worksource

Red, White, and Local!

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:26:58 GMT

American Insurance is proud to be a major sponsor, annually for our 40 ^th year!

In 1984, there was no fireworks show! So, forty years ago John Sullivan, then President of American Insurance, made a commitment to help organize and support financially our family summer tradition – the annual Independence Day Fireworks Show for the Lewiston/Clarkston valley. Others joined in and Community Spirit was born.

Now, the next generation has committed to keeping our tradition going. John’s sons, Shawn and Philip, on behalf of American Insurance, are committing their resources and time to support our Independence Day Celebration. John said, “As long as I’m able, I will be continue helping as President of Community Spirit to keep the tradition alive and well.”

YOU ARE INVITED: Kick off your Independence Day Holiday weekend on Friday, July 4 ^th with a family BBQ and fireworks watch party. Learn how you can help make the Fireworks bigger and better below.

The Community Spirit spectacular aerial fireworks display will begin at 10pm on July 4 ^th . Find your favorite viewing spot in the LC Valley and be ready to see the biggest show ever.

LARGER FIREWORKS SHELLS: The aerial Independence Day fireworks display will go higher and include new specialty fireworks shells. The show will include more 5-inch shells (72 vs 48 last year), to make the aerial show more impressive when viewed at a distance.

Tune your radio to listen for fun and patriotic music to accompany the show on Canyon Country 106.9, The River 105.1 FM, News Talk 95.5 FM, and Z-Rock 96.5 FM.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED: Community Spirit reports that the cost of the fireworks show jumped +12% from last year. Thanks to our faithful corporate sponsors, we can maintain a quality show but need some additional community support.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please consider giving an individual donation of any size to sustain the annual fireworks show. To donate please send your check made payable to Community Spirit, 55 Southway Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501.

For more information you can contact Rachel at 208-413-6242 or email community@Am-Ins.com .

Please say “thanks” to these 2025 Sponsors:

Major Sponsors are American Insurance, Clearwater River Casino, P1FCU, Vista Outdoor (CCI/Speer), Lewiston Chevrolet and our media sponsor, McVey Entertainment.

Spirit Sponsors include Happy Day Restaurants, Lewis Clark Credit Union (LCCU), Holiday Inn in Clarkston, Hazels & Roosters restaurants, Twin River Bank, Joe Hall Ford, Mick McClure Honda, Rogers Toyota, Rogers Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler, Rogers Subaru, Inland Cellular, Pyro Paradise/Black Cat Fireworks, Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU),and Avista Utilities.

Red, White, and Local!

A Century of Love Anniversary Celebration

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:27:00 GMT

Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt

All week long there will be a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt in 20 downtown Lewiston locations. Hidden Mickeys will be posted from 10 am Tuesday, July 8 until 5 pm on Saturday, July 12 during the store’s normal business hours. Go to Sylvan’s Furniture to get the Scavenger Hunt card. When you find a Mickey, be quiet so that others don’t know you found it! Go to a staff person in the store and let them know that you found it and they will initial or stamp your sheet. Once you have collected all 20 initials/stamps, make your way back to Sylvan’s Furniture for a prize. Children under 12 only need to collect the number of initials for their age to get a prize – ex: a 6 year old would need to collect 6 initials.

Schedule of Events

Friday, July 11 – Dapper Days

Food & drink specials/ Disney themed items at participating restaurants: Main St. Grill, Mango Tree, Mystic Cafe, and B's Bakery.

7:00 pm – 1920s costume contest at Brackenbury Square (must be over 21 to win)

7:30 pm – Sound Downtown with Disney Cover songs at Brackenbury Square

9:30 pm (or so) – Moana 2 will be playing at Pioneer Park

Saturday, July 12 – Century of Love

10:00 am – Disney Children’s Parade (no motorized vehicles) from 5 ^th Street to 8 ^th Street

No entry required – those wishing to participate should come to the Town Square Parking lot at 9:45 am!

10:30 am – Century of Love Program at Brackenbury Square, including…

Frozen performance by the Civic Theater Summer Camp
Mayor’s Proclamation
Disney Costume contest for Best Mickey/Minnie, Best Princess, and Best Disney Character
Wedding Cake, courtesy of Happy Day Catering

12:00 pm – Lillian Bounds Disney: Local Girl Makes Good with Garry Bush @ Lewiston Public Library

Activities on Saturday

Give-away for the first 50 families at the Nez Perce County Historical Society
Bouncy House
Photos with Disney Princesses
Bibbity, Bobbity, Boop Hair and Makeup @ Noble Beauty
Facepainting
Disney Memorabilia from a private collection on display at the Chamber Office with Retro on Main
Give-aways, trivia, and hair tinsels at Headmaster’s Studio

A Century of Love Anniversary Celebration

DECA

Tue, 27 May 2025 16:27:01 GMT

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DECA, a non-profit career and technical organization, equips students with essential 21st-century skills for future careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

This year, students from both the Lewiston and Clarkston DECA chapters showcased their skills and knowledge at various state and national competitions. From the Washington side, 40 students competed in role-play scenarios and presented their prepared marketing campaign or project management presentations. Out of 6000 students competing, 15 Clarkston DECA students placed in the top 10, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Fifty-two students from Lewiston competed in Boise at State; 6 teams won their event and another 8 students won first place in their individual event. Several students placed in the top 3 in two different events.

The Valley sent a total of 55 students to the national competition in Florida in April. Participants competed in various categories, such as community service, community awareness, financial literacy, and retail operations. Why does DECA matter to businesses in the Valley? It’s all about building the workforce! It takes a lot of courage for a teenager to present in front of an adult they’ve never met; that’s what our students do in DECA! In addition, students develop skills in business, marketing, finance, food service, and leadership. If you are interested in hiring a DECA student, please reach out to your local DECA advisor – John Potter at Lewiston and Andrew Thompson at Clarkston High School.

DECA

Downtown Project Support Letter- The Diamond Shop

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:27:02 GMT

To the City Council, 

I am Mike Haines, and I am the 3rd generation owner of The Diamond Shop. I have chosen to build our family business in downtown Lewiston because it see it as an asset to our community. I could have chosen to be anywhere else. I want to stay in downtown, and to do that, we need to upgrade the infrastructure. I have been waiting for more than 20 years to upgrade the storefront of our building, but have not been able to do so because the City keeps promising they will fix the underground problems and then put it all back together. How much long will you force us to hold off? And we can’t afford to put in our new storefront and then have the streets torn up again when the next project happens. We’ve been here for 100 years, but doing multiple projects will kill us. We have to do ONE project, tear up the street once and get it over with. We can survive that, not many times.

The second reason that I support this project is because when we put it back together, it will be amazing, and such a draw. Finally, downtown will be a place to go. It will be a community for everyone, increase tourism, bring revenue for hotels and the airport, and be a center for activity. No one goes to towns like Nashville or Walla Walla because they just want to hang out. They go because of the thriving downtown. We need that. Our family has been committed to staying in downtown for 100 years because we believe in our community. Don’t let us down now. Please do this project and do it all at once so we can get on with making downtown the best place it can possibly be. Thank you!

Downtown Project Support Letter- The Diamond Shop

Lewiston Boards & Commissions Seats Available

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:27:08 GMT

Lewiston Boards & Commissions Seats Available

Volunteers who serve on the City of Lewiston's Advisory Boards and Commissions play an important role in developing and sustaining our community.

Through participation in a board, committee, or commission, Lewiston residents can become involved in their local government, provide input, and make recommendations to the Lewiston City Council.

Current Board/Commission Openings | Lewiston, ID

The History of the Asotin County Fair and Rodeo

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:27:05 GMT

The History of the Asotin County Fair and Rodeo

In early 1939, the Asotin Civic Association organized the first “Spring Festival” for residents to bring produce and goods to sell. In 1940, the event was renamed “Fair Day,” and a button featuring a bull’s head was introduced as the official emblem which remains a key symbol of the fair today! 1939- 1941, the fair expanded to include a livestock exhibit, cowboy breakfast, parade, and a queen and several princesses. Events were held in downtown Asotin, with FFA and 4-H groups playing an active role. After the War, the Fair added a rodeo held where Asotin High School’s football field now stands. In 1948, a cookshack for the cowboy breakfast was built in Asotin City Park.

The permanent fairgrounds was established on the hill south of Asotin in 1951. This first rodeo featured ten events, with local cowboys and youth competing. In 1960, the first exhibit hall, “TM Floch Hall,” was constructed followed by “Boyd Hall.” In 1964, the fair was officially renamed the Asotin County Fair and gained recognition from the State Fair Board.

The 2025 Asotin County Fair & Hells Canyon Rodeo is April 25-27, bringing a weekend packed with community fun, rodeo action, and time-honored traditions. With 4-H and FFA exhibits, fair food, carnival rides, and nonstop entertainment, there’s something for everyone! The action kicks off Friday night with the adrenaline-pumping Chaos in the Canyon Rough Stock Rodeo followed by live music by Coltrain Reloaded. Saturday morning the Cowboy Breakfast tradition continues, followed by the annual parade and another day Rodeo! For detailed schedules, admission prices, and the latest updates, visit asotincountyfairandrodeo.org.

Summer Externships

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:27:06 GMT

Idaho businesses partner with educators to host an in-depth summer work-based professional learning experience, known as the Externship Program.

Externs work 200 hours at host sites, learning firsthand how STEM/durable skills are applied in the workplace, so they can better educate their students on potential STEM pathways. Site hosts give back to the community and benefit from new perspectives and an extra hand, and both gain additional value from local professional networks.

Check out the Externship Flyer!

lewis-clark-valley-chamber-of-commerce

Incoming CEO/ President Message

Incoming CEO/ President Message

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

LCSC Worksource

This is a subtitle for your new post

LCSC Worksource

Red, White, and Local!

Red, White, and Local!

A Century of Love Anniversary Celebration

A Century of Love Anniversary Celebration ﻿

DECA

This is a subtitle for your new post

DECA

Downtown Project Support Letter- The Diamond Shop

Downtown Project Support Letter- The Diamond Shop

Lewiston Boards & Commissions Seats Available

Lewiston Boards & Commissions Seats Available

The History of the Asotin County Fair and Rodeo

The History of the Asotin County Fair and Rodeo

Summer Externships

Summer Externships

A Century of Love Anniversary Celebration