Former Newsman Heads Lobby Kxly’s Bowers New Executive Director Of Concerned Businesses Of North Idaho
Former KXLY television news reporter Bret Bowers is the new executive director of North Idaho’s most powerful business lobby.
Bowers, 33, went to work for Concerned Businesses of North Idaho on Dec. 22. He was selected from a field of about 18 candidates.
Bowers, “is a longtime Idaho resident with perspective on local and regional issues,” said Tom Richards, president of the Concerned Businesses Board.
A Post Falls resident, Bowers took the job because he wanted to channel his strength, energy and experience working for “people willing to stand up for their own success.
“They’ve got a commitment to not only themselves and their community but their work force,” Bowers said.
That means a positive business climate that encourages growth and a better quality of life, Bowers said.
Bowers was born in London when his father was in the Air Force. He moved to Post Falls when he was 10.
A graduate of Post Falls High School, he served four years in the Air Force - two in Turkey and two at a bomber base in Michigan. While in Turkey, Bowers worked for Armed Forces Radio and Television Services.
He was in charge of media relations at Wurtsmith Air Force Base north of Detroit.
After earning a broadcast journalism degree from Eastern Washington University in 1992, Bowers went to work as a news reporter for KXLY. He has been filming sports for the station on a free-lance basis since leaving his news job last June.
Bowers married Darla Cofield of Coeur d’Alene in 1986. They met at North Idaho College. They have a 2-year-old son, Drake.
Concerned Businesses has 60 member companies, from Washington Water Power Co. to the Hagadone Corp. The organization closely monitors the spending habits of local government, tax rates and laws and ordinances that affect businesses.
The group put money into this fall’s City Council races, contributing to the campaigns for council members Sue Servick, Nancy Sue Wallace and Deanna Goodlander. Member businesses also donated heavily to Mayor Steve Judy’s successful campaign.
, DataTimes