The traditional base of Coeur d’Alene’s strong economy lies in the natural resources industry.  Surrounding forests support the logging/timber and mining industries and while these enterprises continue today, Coeur d’Alene’s economic base has expanded to include many new industries. Tourism has had a long history in the area and currently is the largest industry in Downtown Coeur d’Alene.  People visit here to enjoy the natural beauty of Coeur d’Alene Lake.  Throughout the last decade, the development of the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Resort Golf Course have made Coeur d’Alene a world-class destination.  Tourism-related businesses provided more than 5,900 jobs with wages and salaries equaling more than $66 million in 1999. More recently, Coeur d’Alene area businesses have developed a mixture of high-tech manufacturing, light manufacturing firms and high-end customer service centers such as Flexcel, Verizon Communications and Coldwater Creek.  These types of new industries provide a continued diversification of the area and greater economic stability and show the continued vitality of our economy.