Making magic valley by Alison Smith

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MAGIC MAGIC VALLEY V VALLE ALLEY ALLE Y 20

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K2â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;Sunday, February 5, 2017

TIMES NEWS

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Welcome to our inaugural edition of Making it in the Magic Valley. This event highlights and honors 14 companies from across the valley that make their products here, located their companies here and help make the Magic Valley the great place it is. The companies we are honoring are big and small, new to the area and long established. We hope you enjoy reading their stories and how they ended up being an integral part of our community.

We are grateful to our partners who have helped us honor these companies at a recent luncheon and made this publication possible.

Thank you to presented esented by:

sponsored ponsored by:

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An employee sands at Herrett Stocks Jan. 23 in Twin Falls.

Handles for a client are getting closer to completion at Herrett Stocks Jan. 23 in Twin Falls.

DREW NASH PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Production supervisor William Grigsby cleans up gun handles made of Honduran Rosewood at Herrett Stocks Jan. 23 in Twin Falls.

Herrett Stocks, driven by pride MYCHEL MATTHEWS

mmatthews@magicvalley.com‌

‌TWIN FALLS — Rod Herrett made his first wood gun stock at five years old. “No son of mine is going to have plastic stocks on his gun,” his father, Steve Herrett, told him. It was only a cap gun, but the principal was the same: second-rate gun stocks are not allowed on the premises. That was in 1955. And the principle holds true 62 years later. “That’s firewood,” Herrett said, pointing at a bin full of rejected stocks. “I won’t let any substandard product out the door.”

Heritage‌

Owner Rod Herrett looks over an automated machine while it carves out gun handles at Herrett Stocks Jan. 23 in Twin Falls. Manufacturing runs in the Herrett blood, Rod Herrett said. Steve Herrett was a shipfitter in Panama But Rod Herrett never left. rett said. during the 1940s before he fol- That’s the way it is at Herrett What benefits do employees lowed brothers Norman, of the Stocks, where some employees receive? Vacation and sick pay. Why do they stay? Dedication Herrett Center for Arts and Sci- have worked for decades. ence fame, and Bill, a machinist Master stock maker Delores and a sense of pride in their work. who started Acme Manufacturing Eiselein has worked for the busiIt’s become a family, Herrett in Filer, to the Magic Valley. ness since 1977. Robin Mitchell said. Steve Herrett ran Herrett Stocks has been the secretary and recepAt one time, 25 employees until he died in 1985. His son then tionist since 1981. James Golden- crafted gun stocks from walnut took a three-year leave of absence stein has worked for Herrett for 14 and other exotic hardwoods. Herfrom his career with the Idaho years. rett now employs eight workers, State Police to keep the Herrett “We’ve had so many fabulous including himself. craftsmen over the years,” HerWhile technology has replaced doors open.

A machine that cuts lumber for use in Herrett Stocks pallet business. some of the handwork, computerized laser engraving has opened new doors for the company. Lasers can engrave the tiniest details into wood to reproduce gun-maker logos on gun stocks and National Rifle Association emblems on belt buckles. Don’t handguns come with stocks? They do. But if you want to be a good shooter, Herrett says, make sure your handgun fits like a glove.

Herrett Stocks About the business: Herrett Stocks Inc. Number of employees: 8 Service: Manufactures custom-made handgun stocks Fun fact: Herrett Stocks has operated for 56 years at the same location in Twin Falls

Employees work at the Glanbia Cheese Innovation Center Jan. 23 in downtown Twin Falls.

Glanbia joined at the hip with dairies, communities MYCHEL MATTHEWS

mmatthews@magicvalley.com‌

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‌TWIN FALLS — Glanbia Food’s rise to success is a bit of a Cinderella story: an Irish cheese maker buys a small cheese factory in the tiny town of Richfield, and ends up a giant in the cheese, whey protein, and sports- and performance-nutrition industries. It didn’t happen overnight, but Glanbia increased its cheese manufacturing by 15 times its original capacity by working hand in hand with its dairy partners and Magic Valley communities. It is now the world’s largest processor of American-style cheese. Eventually, the company created a lucrative market for whey, a former waste product of the cheese-making process. “Milk is a nutritional power-

DREW NASH PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

house,” said Daragh Maccabee, who The Glanbia Cheese Innovation Center makes new cheeses to test Jan. 23. just smiles when Idahoans butcher the pronunciation of his name. “We was 10 years ago. “People feel good about working reached this success by extracting for Glanbia,” he said. the maximum amount of value out About the business: Glanbia of it.” The company also takes pride Foods is world’s leading proThe company bought the Ward in what its employees do for their ducer of American-style cheese Cheese plant in Richfield in 1990, communities. Each facility — Glanwhen Idaho’s dairies produced just bia now has plants in Twin Falls, Years in the Magic Valley: 27 Richfield, Gooding and Blackfoot 7.5 million pounds of milk per day Number of employees: 750 — and Glanbia turned 12 percent of — commit to giving back to its comin Idaho that milk into cheese. munities by adopting local charities Since then, Glanbia has “been and projects. Service: Tuition reimbursejoined at the hip with local dairies” “We don’t have to write big ment for employees to further to help grow the state’s dairy prochecks to do good,” Maccabee said. their education, plus many “But we can.” duction to 40 million pounds of other benefits milk per day. Glanbia was instrumental in Fun fact: “Glanbia” is Irish for The growth required a heavy inbuilding Gooding’s skateboard park “pure food” vestment on Glanbia’s part, said and helping the city with Christmas Maccabee, senior vice president of lights. The company also donated procurement and dairy economics. local communities. $40,000 to Idaho Horse Therapy’s Maccabee moved from Dublin to Re-boot Camp for veterans. But it also required the company to invest heavily in its employees and Idaho for a three-year stint. That In Twin Falls, Glanbia built its

Glanbia Foods

corporate office in the heart of the city to bolster its downtown revitalization project. It also opened its cheese marketplace on Main Avenue so folks can taste firsthand what the company makes. In addition, Glanbia employees have raised thousands of dollars for local charities. In return, Glanbia gives employees a generous benefit package, including a gym membership, free cheese and whey powders at cost. The company also has a tuition reimbursement program for employees who want to further their education. “Glanbia is a place of opportunity grounded in the local community but provides global opportunities,” Maccabee said.

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Moss Greenhouses keeps to its roots

TIMES-NEWS

Assorted anthuriums sit on display Jan. 13 at Moss Greenhouses in Jerome.

TETONA DUNLAP

tdunlap@magicvalley.com‌

‌JEROME — A thick blanket of snow has covered Jerome this winter, but it’s always spring at Moss Greenhouses. The wholesale plant nursery celebrates 65 years in the Magic Valley this year. Moss Greenhouses grew from a passion for orchids. Ed and Ruth Adams built a 100-square-foot greenhouse to house orchids in 1952. Their hobby quickly turned into a business and they began to grow cut flowers, orchids and flowering potted crops for grocery stores and floral shops. Today, their family continues the tradition of providing plants for the Magic Valley. The family has been producing plants on the Jerome property since 1952, and Moss Greenhouses was formed in 1972. Jennifer Moss, the great-granddaughter of Ed and Ruth Adams, chatted about the beginning and future of Moss Greenhouses Jan. 13 inside the company’s office, which was the original home of her great-grandparents. She and her brother, Dewey Moss, are the fourth generation of the business and its future. She has worked at Moss Greenhouses for six years and Dewey has been with the business for two years. Jennifer works in the marketing and wholesales department, but calls herself a “Jill of all trades.” “Dad has a very thorough approach,” Jennifer said. “You have to know how to do it all. I came into this industry with a black thumb. Now I can keep plants alive.” In 1996, Kevin and Dana Moss purchased the greenhouses from DeWitt and Carolyn Moss. Carolyn is Ed and Ruth’s daughter. “My parents run this organization with a wealth of integrity,” Jennifer said.

PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Future Owner Jennifer Moss walks out of one of the greenhouses Jan. 13 at Moss Greenhouses in Jerome. They have a full-time staff of 25, but in the summer it grows to 125 employees. Its retail center opens March to July each season. “The community has a place to go to see beautiful plants,” said David Holley, director of operations. “To surround yourself with color and beauty as a consumer, it’s a real benefit. When people come into the greenhouse they feel there is a sense of awe. When they shop at a garden center compared to box store or chain store, it’s not the same experience. You can get lost in the sights and

sounds in the plants that are out there.” Jennifer said they pride themselves on growing plants regionally specific for Idaho and its climate. “A lot of people don’t realize we are 85 percent wholesale and deliver to six different states,” she said. Each year, Moss Greenhouses donates more than $10,000 to local charities. The company donates flowers to beautify the outside of Twin Falls Public Library, Jerome County Fair-

grounds and Twin Falls County Fairgrounds. Jennifer said the company avoids donating to organizations more than once a year to ensure it helps as many nonprofits as possible. Moss Greenhouses is starting to grow tropical and foliage plants, including orchids. It merged with “The Plant Lady” Debra Rydalch in 2015 and provides specialized in interior and foliage plants for businesses and homes. Jennifer said the company is returning to its roots started by her grandparents 65 years ago.

Moss Greenhouses About the business: Moss Greenhouses is a wholesale bedding plant grower Years in the Magic Valley: 65 Number of employees: Fulltime staff of 25 Service: Moss Greenhouses donates more than $10,000 to local charities. Fun fact: The company has 25 full-time employees, but hires 100 more employees for the summer.

Idaho Milk Products supports community, sustainability TETONA DUNLAP

Idaho Milk Products

tdunlap@magicvalley.com‌

‌JEROME — For years, the name of Jerome High School’s baseball field was displayed in a small box on a weathered scoreboard. That was until Idaho Milk Products stepped up and became a major donor for installing a new scoreboard. In 2013, the name “Neace Field” was more prominently display right above a new scoreboard in left-center field. The field is named after Ken Neace, who was an integral part of the high school’s baseball program. Neace, his wife Judy and daughter Brandy, died in a 1997 plane crash. “It’s so awesome when companies like Idaho Milk Products are willing to contribute,” said Kaly Shippen, Jerome High School athletic director. “It’s something that the patrons and students appreciate because it’s expensive to participate. It helps a great deal and makes it more professional. We love it when we can have that presence of the local companies in our facilities and the connection with the community is awesome.” Idaho Milk Products started operation in 2009 in Jerome. The business is owned by local dairy producers who wanted to control their milk through processing, general manager Kent Giddings said. Giddings has worked for the company for six and a half years. “We receive very fresh raw milk from our owner dairies,” Giddings said. “We convert that into three main ingredient groups — milk protein concentrates, ultra fresh cream and milk permeate powder. We don’t use chemical processing. The ingredients are natural milk ingredients.” The company has 120 employees. The main plant and home office are in Jerome. Idaho Milk Products also has a technical center where the marketing and sales group is located, along with the research and product development group. It also includes a quality assurance lab. “We are a business-to-business company and the people that we sell the ingredients to are consumer product companies,” Giddings said. “It’s like a who’s who of consumer dairy products

About the business: Idaho Milk Products converts milk from local dairies into three main ingredients: milk protein concentrates, ultra fresh cream and milk permeate powder. Years in the Magic Valley: 8 Number of employees: 120 Service: The company sponsors charity runs, makes donations to Jerome Recreation Center and provides scholarships for employees and children of employees to further their education. Fun fact: The company receives milk from 14 barns or 45,000 cows. Left: Separator Operator Adalberto Hernandez checks the product in the milk balancer machine Jan. 24 Idaho Milk Products in Jerome.

PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Membrane Operator Mik Sherry writes down the flux readings Jan. 24 at Idaho Milk Products in Jerome. in the market place. They consider our products key ingredients for the products they make.” Idaho Milk Products’ ingredients end up in sports nutrition products, adult nutrition products, weight management products, yogurt and cheese. Its cream is used to make butter and highend ice creams. “So they take our ultra pure ingredients and then combine them with other ingredients and produce products,” he said. “They also put the products in ready-

to-mix products. The products made in our plant are consumed daily in various customers’ products in large quantities throughout the world.” Other community outreach programs Idaho Milk Products is involved in include sponsoring an anti-bullying initiative in Wendell and being major sponsors to upgrades to the Gooding High School football field. The company sponsors charity runs, makes donations to the Jerome Recreation Center and provides

General Manager Kent Giddings poses for a portrait by the front door Jan. 24 at Idaho Milk Products in Jerome. scholarships for employees and children of employees to further their education. “We want to be great members of the community,” Giddings said. “We don’t tend to send donations to national organizations. We like to keep it local so it benefits employees and the community that supports us.” In addition to supporting its community, Giddings said, the company strives to be a sustainable business. Giddings said their farms use

anaerobic digesters that recycle the manure and turn it into electricity. “On a larger sense we have a very active corporate social responsibility program,” Giddings said. “That involves being good neighbors and working to make our business sustainable. We do have a very strong community involvement. We tend to focus on helping local schools and local hunger. We try to keep in the sweet spots of wellness, hunger and sporting events.”

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Mad River Laser is a school’s best friend JULIE WOOTTON

jwootton@magicvalley.com ‌

‌RUPERT — Nicole Pratt and her family started playing with a laser engraving machine, and it spiraled into a business. She and her husband, Alex, launched Mad River Laser in 2007 in Rupert. It’s a personalization gift shop, offering in-house embroidery, laser engraving, screen printing and direct-to-garment printing. “Just about anything you can have your logo imprinted on, we can do that here,” Pratt said. Mad River Laser reaches many local businesses, helping with promotional projects from large decals to personalized pens. The idea for the business came after the Pratts experimented with the laser engraver. “It was one of those things,” Pratt said. “We thought, ‘What else can we do with this?” They began advertising around town, saying they could help if anyone wanted an item engraved. Community requests started coming in, and demand increased. “We took off from there,” Pratt said. Since Pratt and her husband opened Mad River Laser, they’ve pushed to continually learn more about the industry and sharpen their skills. They’ve taken classes on topics such as screen printing and regularly attend trade shows. Mad River Laser ships products worldwide, including for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But for community service, the Pratts focus on Mini-Cassia. Alex is a member of Rupert’s Historic Preservation Commission. Nicole is a board member of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. They’re both on the Rupert Town Square task force. They’ve donated many items to Mini-Cassia schools, including a decal for the front entrance to East Minico Middle School. They’ve also given discounts to school groups and sports teams for T-shirts and plaques. “We try to do as much charity as we can for the schools,” Pratt said. Her brother is a teacher, and her husband used to teach. “We know the struggle is real for teachers.”

Last year, Mad River Laser made hundreds of custom pens and delivered them to Cassia County and Minidoka County schools. They arrived at the schools with balloons and candy, too. “Mad River does a number of things for Minico High School, and they are great to work with,” Minico assistant principal Josh Aston wrote to the Times-News. “They provide engraved medals for sporting events and tournaments, such as the Red Halverson Wrestling Invitational.” The business has also helped with promotional items, Aston said, such as aluminum water bottles for employees with the Minico logo. “I know that they also offer giveaways with Minico items to the community and our patrons,” he wrote. “Overall, they are an outstanding business and a great partner for Minico High School.” Mad River Laser is also plugged in with efforts to preserve and improve Rupert Town Square. Several years ago, the business was looking for a new building. “We had the opportunity to go anywhere,” Pratt said. “We chose the Rupert Square because of the community feel, and we just love the town.” The building they chose was in shambles, but they renovated it from the ground up. Three years ago, they opened their doors in the new location on the Fourth of July. “We always say we don’t have customers,” Pratt said. “We have friends.”

PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Above: Designer Delhi Pagan uses a laser engraver to make a plaque Jan. 25 at Mad River Laser.

Right: Designer Eryn Tracy takes an order from a client Jan. 25 at Mad River Laser in Rupert.

Below: A pirate logo is embroidered on a sweat shirt at Mad River Laser.

Mad River Laser About the business: Mad River Laser is a personalization gift shop, offering services such as in-house embroidery, laser engraving, screen printing and direct-to-garment printing. Years in the Magic Valley: 10 Employees: about 5 Service: The owners are members of sev-

eral community groups, including Rupert’s Historic Preservation Commission, Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce and the Rupert Town Square task force. They’ve donated many items to Mini-Cassia schools and provide discounts for school groups and sports teams. Fun fact: Owner Nicole Pratt’s mother volunteers her time in the store’s gift shop.

Barclay Mechanical Services supports community JULIE WOOTTON

jwootton@magicvalley.com ‌

‌PAUL — For more than three decades, Barclay Mechanical Services Inc. has called Paul its home. Mike Barclay ran the company from the early 1980s through 1991. Current owners Rick Hall and Rusty Perley bought it in 1991. Since the 1980s, the manufacturing company and mechanical shop has kept its roots in Mini-Cassia. “It’s just kind of stayed here from that point,” office manager Nancy Young said. Workers install equipment — such as for piping and built-to-specification projects — in Idaho and elsewhere across the country. “We do a lot of work for the potato plants and sugar plants,” Young said. Plus, it offers a walk-in business. The company does welding projects, too, such as for broken farm equipment. And it offers a crane service and is one of the area’s largest suppliers of metal. Barclay Mechanical Services has a full machine shop and three WaterJet tables, which allow for cutting a variety of materials. Outside of Idaho, the company has worked in places such as Louisiana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington and at a pistachio plant in California. Hall and Perley are active community participants and donors in Mini-Cassia. But you probably won’t hear them talking about it. “They like to keep that kind of private,” Young said. “They’re not the kind of guys who toot their own horns.” The owners are strong advocates for 4-H, she said. They’ve also supported the YMCA’s Rupert project, senior centers in Rupert and Burley, and Boy Scouts. Plus, they’ve helped high school agriculture departments in Declo and Burley. “We try to sell at cost for the agriculture department over there, so the kids can have a chance to do some building,” Young said about Burley High. Hall and Perley “have always got an open heart for those guys.” In December, the company presented a check to The Senior Junction in Burley for the Meals

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

Jay Summers does a stainless TIG weld Jan. 26 at Barclay Mechanical Services Inc. in Paul.

Barclay Mechanical Services Inc. About the business: Barclay Mechanical Services Inc. is a manufacturing company and mechanical shop. It also has a crane service and does welding projects. Years in the Magic Valley: More than 30. Employees: Currently more than 100 due to large projects, but typically 60 to 75 year-round. Service: The company supports 4-H in Burley, YMCA’s Rupert project, senior centers in Rupert and Burley, Boy Scouts and high school agriculture departments in Declo and Burley. Fun fact: Barclay Mechanical does work for companies across the country, as far away as Louisiana, for example. on Wheels program, senior center director Catherine Walcroft said. “The owners matched what employees had raised.” The company has also donated beef for meals, she said. “They’ve been very gracious.” Walcroft called Barclay Me-

chanical Services a “wonderful supporter” for Meals on Wheels. “We are not a government Barclay Mechanical Services Inc. owner Rusty Perley explains how water agency, so we rely completely, 100 jets are used to cut sheet metal Jan. 26. percent, on donations from the community. Places like Barclay allow us to keep our doors open and seniors fed.”

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Paul business provides customized service LAURIE WELCH

lwelch@magicvalley.com‌

‌PAUL — The Sprinkler Shop Inc. offers custom irrigation, galvanizing, excavation and manufacturing services in Paul and has one of the largest inventories of irrigation equipment in the Northwest. The company was started as a small business in 1976 by owner Dan Duffin’s brother, Alan Duffin. In 1986 Dan joined his brother and operated an irrigation dealership and in 1989 the two companies were joined. Alan left the business shortly after, Dan Duffin said. “Since then, the company has grown from five employees to 120,” he said. The main branch is in Paul with branches in Kimberly, Jerome and Buhl. Ninety-nine percent of what the company does relates to agriculture, said Dacx Duffin, a salesman with the company. The company fabricates parts and equipment, sells parts and irrigation systems and provides service. It also performs excavation work and has a hot-dip galvanizing plant, which “is the only one in the state,” Dacx said. “We don’t like to have to hire anyone to do a job,” Dan said. The company employs people able to perform every task from welders and electricians to electronic technicians. The scope of their projects range from tiny to $6 million, Dacx said. “We don’t like to tell our customers no,” Dan said. “If they want it, we figure out how to do it.” The Sprinkler Shop operates in three states. Dacx said the company does not operate strictly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and it takes pride in responding to customers who have an emergency. “Ninety percent of what we do, we do away from these buildings,” Dacx said. The company also owns Boonies Chevron Station in Rupert and has built a ready-mix concrete facility that it plans to lease. It also offers agriculture insurance and equipment financing. The Sprinkler Shop takes a special interest in supporting youth

PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Parts Manager Mike Gummow greets customers as they walk in Jan. 26 at The Sprinkler Shop in Paul. athletics and agriculture programs. Dacx has been involved with the FFA and 4-H programs for many years and he serves on the board of the 4H/FFA livestock sale. He is also a planning and zoning commissioner for Minidoka County. The company also helps numerous Eagle Scouts complete their projects. “The Sprinkler Shop, despite having grown its business very successfully in the Magic Valley area, supports almost every community school and a number of charitable events,” said Kelly Anthon, Rupert city administrator. Anthon was among city officials who nominated the business for the award. “What has caught my attention about this business is its dedication to building up the Mini-Cassia area,” Anthon wrote in the

The Sprinkler Shop Inc. About the business: The Sprinkler Shop offers irrigation equipment sales, excavation and manufacturing services including the only galvanizing plant in the state. Years in the Magic Valley: 41 Number of employees: 120 Service: The Sprinkler Shop supports youth programs, youth sports and agriculture programs.

Owner Dan Duffin, left, and Salesman Dacx Duffin, right, talk about their business Jan. 26 at The Sprinkler Shop in Paul.

Fun Fact: The business has installed more than 4,000 center pivots and installs more than 300 miles of underground pipe per year.

nomination. nity planning efforts, he said, like The owners of the company planning and zoning and urban are also very active in commu- renewal boards.

First Ascent helps employees and neighbors HEATHER KENNISON

hkennison@magicvalley.com‌

‌BUHL — When Asian markets in Seattle want fresh fish, First Ascent Fish Farm in Buhl is more than happy to oblige. The business ships live tilapia and sturgeon to Seattle twice weekly. The sturgeon are from the Blind Canyon Aqua Ranch in Hagerman, but the tilapia are raised at First Ascent’s farm north of Buhl. First Ascent also sells shrimp, oysters and caviar at its retail shop on site. “We sell live product to any customer that wants to come to the farm,” Farm Manager Eric Hernandez said. Don Campbell, who co-owns the farm with his wife, Diane, also works to help out charities and be involved in the Magic Valley. Before he opened the business in 1986, Don Campbell was doing graduate work at Idaho State University, studying the pesticide DDT and its effects on rainbow and steelhead trout. But after the Environmental Protection Agency banned the chemical, “my funding dried up,” Campbell said. The Department of Energy contacted the university about raising fish at a geothermal site, which eventually led to Campbell starting his own business. First Ascent found the Buhl property ideal for its operations because of the geothermal wells already in place. The hot water is mixed with cold spring water to produce the right temperature for raising tilapia. First Ascent is vertically integrated from the genetic level to the market, Campbell said. It also runs a small 25-head cowand-calf operation. Campbell is involved with several other endeavors, too: He runs a consulting business for fish farm operations in the U.S., Mexico and Guatemala. He’s on the board of the Gemstone Climbing Center, a future handicapped-accessible rock climbing gym in Twin Falls. And he’s the director of outdoor activities for the proposed Devil’s Corral ecotourism development. M 1

PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS , TIMES-NEWS‌

Luis Rivera uses a net to pick morts out of the earthen pond at First Ascent Fish Farm in Buhl. Morts are dead fish. First Ascent Fish Farm supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley and Valley House with donations of products and auction items, Campbell said. “Those are our two favorite charities in the Magic Valley,” he said. The business has also helped out neighbors with snow plowing in the winter and donated gift certificates to golf tournaments, Hernandez said. It also sponsors employees who join local sports teams like the Magic Valley Bulldogs. And it’s donated tilapia for a fish festival at the Catholic church. Campbell has also been a coach for softball, soccer, cross country and track and field. While directing the Idaho Aquaculture Association, he helped implement the Nutrition Man-

First Ascent Fish Farm About the business: First Ascent raises tilapia and ships tilapia, sturgeon, shrimp and oysters to and from Seattle Years in the Magic Valley: 31 Number of employees: 9 fulltime Service: Aside from being engaged in the community, the owners of First Ascent support the Boys and Girls Club of Magic Valley and Valley House Fish Farm Manager Eric Hernandez talks about the production ponds Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at First Ascent Fish Farm in Buhl. agement Act to improve water “They always find ways to help quality in the Snake River. the community,” Hernandez said.

Fun fact: First Ascent Fish Farm sells 180,000 to 200,000 pounds of tilapia per year, and ships 1,000 pounds of sturgeon per week

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Clear Springs Foods helps feed the hungry HEATHER KENNISON

hkennison@magicvalley.com‌

‌BUHL — When times are tough, some households in the Buhl and Castleford area need a resource for emergency food. That’s why the West End Ministerial Association’s food bank appreciates the frozen fish product Clear Springs Foods donates each year — an estimated 400 to 500 pounds. “Distribution of local product is always appreciated, and Clear Springs has been generous,” Pantry Coordinator Charlene Howsden said. Clear Springs Foods has been in Buhl since 1966, and is widely recognized throughout the Magic Valley for its contributions. “We’re here in this area because of the natural spring water source,” Vice President of Corporate Relations and Organization Development Cally Grindstaff said. The Clear Springs Trout Company started when former 1000 Springs Trout Farms employee Jess “Ted” Eastman decided to raise his own rainbow trout. Clear Springs later bought the other company and changed its name in 1991. It is privately held and employee-owned. The 58-degree aquifer water is “perfect for raising rainbow trout,” Grindstaff said. And water rights dating back to 1966 and older are valuable for its operations. The business ships product to restaurants and retailers all over the U.S. Clear Springs Foods has seven farms where it raises fish from its brood stock in Soda Springs and Mackay. About 27 million pounds of trout come out of its facility each year. Its 350 employees run all operations from hatching and feeding to trucking, marketing and sales. “We like to give money, time and product to the communities where our employees live,” Grindstaff said. In cash and product, Clear Springs Foods estimates it gives $100,000 to $150,000 a year. That doesn’t include the time employees put into community organizations, she said.

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

Early Life Stage Technician Talor Stauffer collects fish to put pit tags in on Jan. 25 at Clear Springs Foods in Buhl. Pit tags are tiny identification chips that contain the family history for each fish. served on the board of the College of Southern Idaho Foundation, and on several committees About the business: Clear at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Springs Foods hatches, raises, Center. processes and ships rainbow “They were among the first trout donors in 1985, and they haven’t Years in the Magic Valley: 51 missed a year since,” CSI Foundation Executive Director Debra Number of employees: 350 Wilson said. Service: Donating fish and The business has also donated funds to organizations in comtrout for the college’s annual dinmunities where employees live ner and scholarship fundraiser. Clear Springs is a major donor Fun fact: Clear Springs Foods for the St. Luke’s Magic Valley raises about 27 million pounds Health Foundation, too, Execuof rainbow trout each year tive Director Dawn Soto said. Records of its involvement go back to 1990 with event sponsorships and upfront donations. This money has been used for cancer patient “Our employees are engaged in emergency funds, cardiopulmodifferent activities based on inter- nary rehabilitation and the pediatric unit at St. Luke’s. ests,” Grindstaff said. Soto said the business has been Clear Springs employees have Clear Springs Foods

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

A net of fish eggs from the selective breeding program are held up to see Jan. 25 at Clear Springs Foods in Buhl. a great partnership. of Magic Valley. Clear Springs has also supported the Boys and Girls Clubs

Fabri-Kal produces earth-friendly containers in Burley LAURIE WELCH

lwelch@magicvalley.com‌

‌BURLEY — Fabri-Kal in Burley manufactures a plant-based line of yogurt cups and food-service containers that are 100 percent compostable. “Our products are grown here, made here and sold here,” Brian Hackett, Burley plant manager said. “And they are made from a completely renewable source.” The products are made from wheat straw using proprietary processes — with 100 percent of the raw product coming from the Magic Valley. “All of the straw is grown and harvested within 50 miles of here,” Hackett said. The straw is ground up, cooked down then molded into shape. “We try not to throw anything away,” Hackett said. Scraps or product that does not meet standards are put back into the process and reused. “The city of Burley actually called us once and asked if we were ever going to need our trash dumpster emptied,” Hackett said. The company was founded in 1950 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where its headquartered and along with its Burley plant, has plants in Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania with a total of 1,200 employees. Fabri-Kal is set to double the size of the Burley plant and add another 75 to 100 jobs. The expansion will add up to 20 pulp forming lines. Hackett said the company brought a plant to Burley because it put them in close proximity to Chobani in Twin Falls- one of its largest customers. And Burley offered access to the raw materials and had access to the railroad and interstate. “The city of Burley did a fantastic job working with our executives and made such an enticing offer we couldn’t resist,” Hackett said. The company’s employees belong to Rotary, the chamber of commerce and the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry. It also supports local schools. But, the company’s number one charity is the United Way. Last year the Burley plant held

PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Pulp Forming Work Group Leader Corey Tipton swaps out the molds before starting line four Jan. 26 at Fabri-Kal in Burley.

“We try not to throw anything away. . . The city of Burley actually called us once and asked if we were ever going to need our trash dumpster emptied.”

Fabri-Kal About the company: Fabri-Kal makes a plant-based line of food service packaging products including containers found at fast food restaurants and yogurt cups. Years in the Magic Valley: 2 Number of employees: 52

Brian Hackett, Burley plant manager a fundraising drive for the United Way and raised $6,000. Fabri-Kal also offers its employees scholarships that pay for 90 percent of college tuition or fees for their children. Burley Economic Development Director Doug Manning said he nominated the company because of its innovative products and

Service: Fabri-Kal supports Rotary, the chamber of commerce and sponsors activities at Burley High School. Its number one charity is the United Way. Plant Manager Brian Hackett gives a tour of the finished goods warehouse Jan. 26 at Fabri-Kal in Burley. because of the good jobs with “They are a company that is benefits that it brought to the recognized nationally for what community. they do,” Manning said.

Fun fact: The Burley plant can produce more than one million yogurt cups a day.

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LOCAL TEAM MEANS

LOCAL SUPPORT.

IT Services Copiers & Printers Document Automation

WWW.FISHERSTECH.COM

242 2ND AVE. SOUTH | M 1

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Dot Foods provides jobs, community service LAURIE WELCH

lwelch@magicvalley.com‌

‌BURLEY — Community-oriented Dot Foods brought a regional distribution center to Burley in 2008 adding 330 jobs to the economy. Last year the company donated $58,000 to local charities. “A lot of companies talk about being part of the community,” said Cheryl Hurrle, Dot’s human resources manager. At Dot, the company is the community. The company has a program called Teaming with Local Charities or the TLC Program, where the company makes a donation to a charity of the employee’s choice in the employee’s name based on the number of hours the employee volunteers. “We are very strong believers in community,” Hurrle said, because the company’s employees are part of the community. The company is involved with the local chamber of commerce along with numerous charitable endeavors including food pantries, Relay For Life, local schools and senior center, the company has had a team with Paint Magic for six years and donates to the VikingMan Triathlon and the festival of trees. The company also provided financial support during the Rupert YMCA fundraising and the company is “a large supporter” of the South Central United Way, Hurrle said. The company founded by Robert Tracy in the 1960s developed a new concept of distributing foods. Dot Foods purchases full truckloads of goods from manufacturers and resells them in less-than truckload quantities to distributers on a weekly basis. The manufacturers pay Dot to handle the costly smaller orders, which means no added costs for the distributors, according to the company’s website. Anthony Soto, general manager of Dot Foods in Burley, said the proximity of Burley to large population centers like Seattle and Portland first drew the company to the area. “If you draw a 600-mile cir-

An employee drives a cherry picker down one of the aisles of the dry dock Jan. 25 at Dot Foods Inc. in Burley. cle around Burley it will hit every population center including Las Vegas,” Soto said. Hurrle, the HR manager, said the proximity of the site to the interstate was also a factor. The initial interest was solidified by the work of the city’s economic development team, he said. “They did an excellent job of drawing the company to the area,” Soto said. “Dot Foods is one of the top notch companies in the country,” said Doug Manning, Burley economic development director. The company brought more than 300 good jobs with benefits to Mini-Cassia, which helped diversify the economy. “The company is also really employee oriented. It really PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌ takes care of its people,” ManAdmin Clerk Amber Walker greets people at the main entrance Jan. 25 at ning said. “I see nothing but Dot Foods Inc. in Burley. good things in its future.”

Dot Foods About the business: Dot Foods redistributes food from manufacturers to stores, which allows the stores to purchase smaller quantities. Years in the Magic Valley: 8 Number of employees: 330 Service: Dot Foods has a program that makes a donation based on the number of hours an employee volunteers for a charitable cause. It also supports food pantries, Relay For Life, local schools, senior centers, Paint Magic, the festival of trees and the VikingMan Triathlon. Fun fact: Dot Foods holds a forklift rodeo each year so employees can show off their skills.

Hatfield Manufacturing gives tech support to FFA chapters TETONA DUNLAP

tdunlap@magicvalley.com‌

‌GOODING — John Hatfield was a diesel mechanic and welder who did service work for local dairies. Over time, John developed product and started his own business, founding Hatfield Manufacturing in 1976. Today, his three sons — David, Deven and Jason — continue his work specializing in dairy and livestock handling equipment. President David Hatfield said he and his brothers grew up in the business. “We like being creative and solving problems,” David said. “That’s all we do is fix problems.” The company has 60 employees, a main office in Gooding and a satellite facility in Wendell. It makes products including headlocks, freestalls, implements, calf hutches, bottle trailers, tanker trailers, gates, scrapers, corral harrows and freestall groomers. “We are surrounded by the dairy industry,” said Deven Hatfield, vice president of sales. “We service the dairy industry all across the nation.” Deven was involved in FFA throughout high school and graduated from Gooding High School in 1990. Now the company gives back to local FFA chapters, including the one at Gooding. “We supply them with technical support,” Deven said, “even some of the metal so they can do their training.” FFA students often tour Hatfield Manufacturing’s facility. College of Southern Idaho students in the college’s welding program have also visited. “We think it’s important,” Deven said. “We love our community for starters. We want people to know, especially the young people to know, there are good jobs that aren’t office jobs.” Hatfield Manufacturing also donates money and welding supplies to local FFA chapters. It provides job training and job-shadowing opportunities. Jason Hatfield, vice president of manufacturing, said he’s worked only at the family business. “I love what I do; it’s all I’ve

A Hatfield stanchion. ever done,” Jason said. “Obviously that’s a big part of our economy, is the dairy. We need to be educating the young people to do these things. Not everybody is going to sit behind the desk. We DREW NASH PHOTOS , TIMES-NEWS‌ need welders and laborers. It’s important to teach people how From left, Jason, David and Deven Hatfield, who operate Hatfield Manufacturing, stand with one of their to do those things.” products, a stanchion, Jan. 25 near Gooding.

About the company About the business: Hatfield Manufacturing specializes in dairy and livestock handling equipment. Years in the Magic Valley: 41 Employees: 60 Service: Hatfield Manufacturing provides financial support and donates welding supplies to local FFA chapters. The company also provides job-shadowing opportunities and student tours. Fun fact: Hatfield Manufacturing provides tours of its facility for area high school and college students. Deven, left, and Jason Hatfield walk through one of their manufacturing buildings Jan. 25 near Gooding. M 1

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Agri-Service sponsors 4-H, FFA and rodeos HEATHER KENNISON

hkennison@magicvalley.com‌

‌ IMBERLY — If it’s related to K agriculture in the Magic Valley, there’s a good change Agri-Service has been involved. Agri-Service, a local farm equipment dealership, started in 1990 when founder Cleve Buttars moved to Twin Falls from Logan, Utah. Buttars’ family had owned and operated a tractor dealership in Utah when he was approached by Agco about opening his own dealership. With its proximity to potential agriculture customers, Twin Falls was a strategic location, President Clint Schnoor said. The small business grew quickly to multiple stores, and Buttars sold the business to the Terteling family in 2013. By 2015, the Twin Falls facility had expanded as much as it could — so it moved down the street to Kimberly, doubling in size to 60,000 square feet. The company now has 13 locations in Idaho, Utah, Washington and Oregon. “We’re a strong customer service business,” Schnoor said. Agri-Service offers a selection of machinery such as tractors, balers, combines and RoGators from its major supplier, Agco. Its Kimberly office includes a showroom and service rooms for hay equipment and tractors. The company also hosts customer appreciation days, where it invites representatives from Agco to offer education, Business Development Manager Jeri Ahrens said. Customers can go and ask for troubleshooting advice in order to prevent a problem from happening. Agri-Service also strives to be involved in the community. “We like to be strong advocates and supporters of the communities around us because they support our business as well,” Schnoor said.

Agri-Service About the business: Agri-Service is a farm equipment dealership selling machinery, parts and service support Years in the Magic Valley: 27 Number of employees: 280 among 13 locations — 70 in Kimberly, its biggest facility Service: Agri-Service sponsors community events and local agriculture groups Fun fact: The company hosts a continuing education program for applicators who spread fertilizers and chemicals. This education is required for license renewal.

Agri-Service sponsors 4-H and FFA chapters, high school senior parties, rodeos and events such as Kimberly’s Good Neighbor Days and Trunk or Treat. “Every year we are the major sponsor for the FFA convention held here in Twin Falls,” Ahrens said. During field trips to the facility,

PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Service Technician Russ Standlee adds a lube kit to the knotters on a 1842 Massey Ferguson Baler on Jan. 24 at Agri-Service in Kimberly. employees teach Kimberly second-graders about agriculture. “We just try to be in everything One of 13 local that’s ag-related,” Ahrens Agri-Service said. “We’re pretty ag-focused, locations sits but that’s our business.” open Jan. 24 in Additionally, Agri-Service emKimberly. This ployees participate in soup kitchlocation is the ens and Paint Magic. The company headquarters donates to charities such as Valfor all 13 ley House, Tough Enough to Wear Agri-Service Pink, the American Red Cross and locations. the Boy Scouts of America — giving roughly $300,000 a year in Agri-Service chooses where it provide opportunities for people donations, Schnoor said. will donate based on what will to grow and succeed, he said.

A Massey Ferguson WR9870 Windrower sits in the repairs shop Jan. 24 at Agri-Service in Kimberly.

President Clint Schnoor talks about the services his business provides Jan. 24 at Agri-Service in Kimberly.

Everton Mattress Manufacturing brings comfort to kids JULIE WOOTTON

jwootton@magicvalley.com ‌

‌FILER — You might think of Filer as a sleepy little town outside of Twin Falls, but an unassuming factory there is ensuring people all over the country get a good night’s rest. Everton Mattress Manufacturing — which also does business as Therapedic Mattress Idaho — is one of 15 factories licensed to produce the Therapedic Mattress brand in the United States. Its 40,000-square-foot factory employs nearly 50 workers. Many people don’t know there’s a mattress factory in Filer, owner Chris Sanders said. Since he purchased the company in April 2014, they’ve invested about $500,000 into new, better machinery to improve processes and products. “We’ve invested a lot into our company in a short period of time,” he said. Every day, anywhere from 200 to 450 pieces of product leave the factory. The company ships within a 500-mile radius mostly through its own trucking company. Sanders is the first non-family owner of the fifth-generation company. He has worked for the company for more than 20 years, beginning as director of retail operations. Former owner Steve Everton still runs a Twin Falls retail store — Everton Mattress & Furniture Gallery — but it’s separate from the factory. The company has a long history in the Magic Valley. Everton Mattress Manufacturing started in 1924 in Logan, Utah, and a factory in Twin Falls opened in the 1930s. The local factory — which moved to Filer in 2003 from downtown Twin Falls —produces products for mattress and retail stores and has contracts with hotels and universities. “We’re a one-stop shop for retailers looking for a branded product,” Sanders said. Making a mattress starts with a quilting process. There are about five steps from when the project starts to when the finished product leaves the factory, Sanders said.

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS‌

Janie Taylor, surged operator, finishes up at Everton Mattress Jan. 23 in Filer.

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS‌

Panel cutter Vladimir Damaskin works Jan. 23 at Everton Mattress in Filer. In addition to products, Sanders said he focuses on creating an excellent work environment. The company provides benefits to its employees and feels it’s necessary to provide health insurance

coverage, he said, even though it’s not required as a small company. “Hopefully our conditions and pay structure is above average,” he said. “I pride myself on finding good people who want to work

here and want to make a great product.” The company’s community involvement centers around youth. It gives monetary donations and items for raffles and auctions to groups including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley and Twin Falls Optimist Club. The Everton family’s focus has been on local service and helping children, Sanders said, and “we’ve kept that tradition going.” Employees have also volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs. “We just feel it’s a great organization.” The factory donated $1,200 to the club in 2016 to sponsor the nonprofit’s tree at the Magic Valley Festival of Giving, said Rashell Eskelsen, director of resource development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley. “We feel that kids and underprivileged kids need a leg up,” Sanders said.

Everton Mattress Manufacturing About the business: Everton Mattress Manufacturing — which also does business as Therapedic Mattress Idaho — is one of 15 factories licensed to produce the Therapedic Mattress brand in the United States Years in the Magic Valley: More than 80 Number of employees: 48 Service: The company’s community involvement centers around youth, supporting groups such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley and Twin Falls Optimist Club. Fun fact: Former owner Steve Everton runs a Twin Falls retail store — Everton Mattress & Furniture Gallery — but it’s separate from the factory. M 1

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We are here with you. First Federal is headquartered right here in the Magic Valley, not in another state, so all decisions are made locally — by people who understand your needs and your community.

THE ONLY THING BIG ABOUT US IS YOU! (208) 733-4222 • www.BankFirstFed.com

Over 140 years of lending expertise here for you. First Federal’s business banking officers have a combined 140+ years of lending experience available to provide innovative solutions to your business needs. It’s not just business; we build a relationship with you to ensure that you are provided the services needed to take your business to the next level.

It’s not just business. It’s a relationship.

We believe giving back to our communities enhances the quality of life for all who live and work in the Magic Valley.

Boys & Girls Club of Magic Valley

Buhl Skate Park

Minidoka Memorial Hospital M 1

Believing that giving back to our communities enhances the quality of life for all who live and work in the Magic Valley, the First Federal Board of Directors established the First Federal Foundation in 2003. With the mission to seek development opportunities focused on community improvement for educational, civic, health, human services, social, and cultural organizations, the First Federal Foundation Board has awarded over $820,000 to community projects.

“First Federal has helped us over many years here at the Valley House with several different projects,” explained Sharon Breshears, Valley House Executive Director. Improvements have included upgrades in the kitchen, new fencing, the daycare program, and a security system, helping the Valley House be a safer place for families and children.

Members of the First Federal Foundation Board are Magic Valley community leaders and meet twice a year, in July and The Foundation has provided funds for a December, to make funding decisions. broad range of needs aimed at betterment Linda Kay Watkins served on the board and growth in the Magic Valley. “We are so for six years. “The organizations you help grateful to the First Federal Foundation,” locally are a tribute to the quality of First said Stephanie Hudson, Director of Federal, its staff, and its leadership. It feels Operations, Boys & Girls Club of Magic good giving back to the community we Valley. “They’ve been so supportive to our live in.” club both here in Twin Falls and Buhl.”

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PAT SUTPHIN PHOTOS, TIMES-NEWS

BARCLAY MECHANICAL SERVICES INC. Welder Clinton Morey cuts grading for a staircase Jan. 26 at Barclay Mechanical Services Inc. in Paul.

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS‌

HERRETT STOCKS Custom handles commemorating a WWI veteran are on display at Herrett Stocks Jan. 23 in Twin Falls.

More online See more photos at Magicvalley.com

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

FIRST ASCENT FISH FARM Hatchery Technician Marianna Arreola feeds two-month-old fish in the hatchery Jan. 25 at First Ascent Fish Farm in Buhl.

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS‌

EVERTON MATTRESS Tape edge operator Michael Arterburn works at Everton Mattress Jan. 23 in Filer.

MAKING IT IN THE MAGIC VALLEY

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS

Lab technician Jina Kepler works at the Glanbia Cheese Innovation Center Jan. 23 in downtown Twin Falls. PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

MOSS GREENHOUSES Phalaenopsis orchids sit on display Jan. 13 at Moss Greenhouses in Jerome. M 1

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MAD RIVER LASER

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

Designer Eryn Tracy uses a direct-to-garment printer to add a logo to a shirt Jan. 25 at Mad River Laser.

THE SPRINKLER SHOP

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

Salesman Dacx Duffin gives a tour of the business Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at The Sprinkler Shop in Paul.

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

CLEAR SPRINGS FOODS

Lead Foreman David Fogelsong collects an adult rainbow trout from the Snake River Brood Facility on Jan. 25 at Clear Springs Foods in Buhl.

FABRI-KAL

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

Plant Manager Brian Hackett gives a tour of the pulp forming area Jan. 26 at Fabri-Kal in Burley.

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

IDAHO MILK PRODUCTS General Manager Kent Giddings gives a tour Jan. 24 at Idaho Milk Products in Jerome.

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

AGRI-SERVICE Parts Associate Jordy Garrard looks to see what parts are in stock Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Agri-Service in Kimberly.

PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS‌

DOT FOODS DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS‌

HATFIELD MANUFACTURING Brothers Jason, left, and David Hatfield of Hatfield Manufacturing go over some work at one of their offices Jan. 25 in Wendell. M 1

A delivery truck sits in the repair shop Jan. 25 at Dot Foods Inc. in Burley.

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