It takes three years to recruit a company to North Idaho. That’s what Steve Griffitts says, and he should know. Since August 2003, Griffitts has directed Jobs Plus, Inc., the region’s public-private economic development agency, bringing dozens of companies, hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in payroll and property taxes along the way. So it takes roughly three years to land a company. But to lose one? That can happen seemingly overnight. When the threat looms, Griffitts quickly rallies an army to his side and together, they do whatever they can to restore order on the region’s economic battle front. They know that sometimes, a solid defense is even more important than a good offense/Mike Patrick, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here. (Jesse Tinsley 2008 SR file photo of Ron Nilson, center, and Steve Griffitts, right)

Question: How important has Jobs Plus been to Kootenai County/North Idaho?