When North Idaho College (NIC) approached Bahlr Media over a year ago, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Troubling news about a potential loss of accreditation and steadily declining enrollment numbers had cast a shadow over one of Coeur d’Alene’s most cherished institutions. But NIC’s leadership refused to let these challenges define their future. Instead, they made a bold choice: to rewrite their narrative and reconnect with the community.
At the heart of this mission was the understanding that NIC is more than a college—it’s a lifeline for students, families, and businesses across North Idaho. For Corey Jeppesen, owner of Bahlr Media and a proud Coeur d’Alene native, the project was more than just a professional opportunity.
“I grew up in this community, and I’ve always admired what NIC represents,” Corey said. “When I learned about the challenges they were facing, I knew we had to approach this with our whole hearts. This wasn’t just about making ads—it was about helping to protect a cornerstone of our town.”
As a proud North Idaho College alumnus, Corey’s connection to the institution made this project especially meaningful. It wasn’t just about preserving the future of a local college—it was about giving back to a place that had once played a role in shaping his own journey.
The cornerstone of the campaign, this video captured the heart of North Idaho College’s programs and community spirit, resonating deeply with viewers on TV and streaming platforms.
Crafting a New Story for North Idaho College
Together with NIC team members Ben and Tom, Bahlr set out to create a campaign that would breathe new life into NIC’s image. After careful discussions and meticulous planning, the vision became clear: a series of six 30-second television spots that would go beyond traditional program promotion. Instead, they would tell the stories of NIC’s students, their lives, and the opportunities that awaited them.
Beach Volleyball and Automotive Program Video: This spot showcased the vibrant campus life and hands-on education at NIC, illustrating the perfect balance between recreation and technical learning.
The Power of Emotion in Marketing
To bring this campaign to life, Bahlr hired actors, coordinated multi-day shoots, and carefully crafted each piece of storytelling. The goal was to highlight the transformative impact of attending NIC, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Coeur d’Alene.
“The magic of these videos was in their ability to connect emotionally,” said Jacki Finafrock of KXLY, who helped place the ads across TV and streaming platforms. “We weren’t just promoting a school—we were showcasing possibilities, opportunities, and hope for every student in the community.”
Runner and Nursing Program Video: Highlighting NIC’s top-rated nursing program, this spot captured the perseverance of students and the quality of education offered at the college.
A Campaign That Delivered Results
The impact of this campaign was undeniable. North Idaho College shared their achievements in a year-end Facebook post, and the results speak for themselves:
enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester—the highest in years.
The Dental Hygiene program celebrated its second graduating class, with many graduates earning jobs that pay up to $50/hour.
The Nursing program continued to rank as the #1 program of its kind in Idaho.
The Workforce Training Center marked its 30th anniversary, celebrating decades of empowering the North Idaho community.
Paddleboarding Mom and Online Classes Video: This video featured the story of a mother balancing her education, childcare, and life, showcasing NIC’s flexibility and support for nontraditional students.
Celebrating North Idaho College and Our Partnership
For the team at Bahlr Media, this project wasn’t just another campaign—it was a labor of love. As a lifelong resident of Coeur d’Alene, Corey felt deeply connected to the mission of telling NIC’s story in a way that resonated with the community.
“We wanted to make sure these videos didn’t just inform—they inspired,” Corey said. “NIC is more than a school. It’s a place where people come to change their lives, and we wanted every frame of this campaign to reflect that.”
As we prepare for another exciting year, we are honored to have played a role in NIC’s success story. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this institution in 2025 and beyond.
Watch the Full Campaign
Below are the remaining videos from the campaign. Each tells a unique story, celebrating the diversity, opportunity, and beauty of North Idaho College:
Joyride Driving and Welding Program Video
Student Camping in PNW and Culinary Program Video
Boating on CDA Lake and Dental Hygiene Program Video
Student Hiking in CDA and Graphic Design Program Video
Basketball Player and Engineering Program Video
60-Second Compilation Video

Thank You, North Idaho College
At Bahlr Media, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and create change. We are grateful to North Idaho College for trusting us to be part of their journey.
To those considering NIC, this is more than a college—it’s a gateway to opportunity, a community of support, and a place to be proud of.
Let’s continue building this incredible story together.
For more about our work, visit bahlr.com.