North Idaho wants to build an Empire

Tim Komberec looked like a man being pulled — hard — in different directions.

The president and CEO of Coeur d’Alene-based Empire Airlines had just sat through the chamber’s annual legislative send-off luncheon when a couple of journalists cornered him.

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The big question was posed politely: Will this superb little cargo airline move its maintenance operations from Washington to the Coeur d’Alene Airport in Hayden?

Komberec wore a weary smile and said a decision would be coming soon, based on what makes the most sense for the company. But he also confessed that his home and heart are in Coeur d’Alene, which in the final tally could account for quite a lot.

We hope so.

Komberec’s operation would be a prize for all of North Idaho. There are the obvious pluses — namely, 80 or so jobs ranging from $35,000 annually to significantly more, which would create serious economic ripples throughout the region.

But there may be even greater things at stake.

Though the airline’s corporate office is based here, it currently flies into and out of Spokane. That’s why luring the maintenance operation is such a daunting task. Empire’s planes would have to be ferried to and from Coeur d’Alene for maintenance which, frankly, could be done more conveniently in Spokane.

Spokane isn’t making this an easy sell for Idaho, either. Spokane International Airport has teamed up with a state economic development group on a million-dollar package for a new 32,000 square-foot aircraft maintenance facility. But Idaho’s fighting back.

"We know how to compete," Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch said shortly before making a sales pitch to Empire on Thursday.

If Idaho competes successfully, Komberec holds the keys to serious economic development. We can imagine a Coeur d’Alene Airport that becomes more than a private pilot’s paradise: a hub for regional transportation and related business opportunities.

Jobs Plus, the governor’s office, a small army of North Idaho’s finest entrepreneurial spirits and others have joined the effort to attract Komberec’s maintenance operation. Greg Delavan, the airport’s manager, hit the mark when he said North Idaho has to meet or beat Spokane’s offer. But he also was absolutely correct when he added, "We’re the underdog in this but we have Empire’s hearts."

On behalf of his North Idaho neighbors and friends, this newspaper joins the chorus that Komberec can’t help but hear, likely even in his sleep:

Come fly with us, Tim. We won’t let you down.