2024 November-December Metro Connection by Boise Metro Chamber

THE CONNECTION METRO

Keeping up with Boise

Meet the Chamber’s 2025 Chair & New Board Members

THANKS TO OUR ‘24 CHAIR, DAN PRICE Nominate & Save the Date! DEC 11 BYP CELEBRATION & YP AWARDS

Advocacy Update NEW SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL ...PLUS GALA, CEO SPEAKER SERIES & MORE!

2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dan Price, Mountain West Bank, Chair

Garrett Lofto, J.R. Simplot Company, Chair-Elect

Tom Van Hemelryck, WaFd Bank, Treasurer

Matt Walters, Elam & Burke, Of Counsel

Emily Baker, Portman Square Group, At-Large

Rebecca Hupp, Boise Airport, At-Large

Gerald Hunter, Idaho Housing & Finance, At-Large

Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, Bo ise Metro Chamber, President & CEO

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Adam Richins, Idaho Power Company

Amy Lindgren, Cushing Terrell, Leadership Boise President

April Arnzen, Micron Technology, Inc.

Chris Roth, St. Luke’s Health System

Christina Hardesty, Amalgamated Sugar Company

David McFadyen, Trinity Health, West Region

Erin Anderson, Idaho Botanical Gardens

Hart Gilchrist, Intermountain Gas

Jeff Caywood, PetIQ

Jeff Newgard, Bank of Idaho

Jennifer Swindell, Idaho Ed News

Jessica Hagan, KTVB News Group

Jim Shipman, Colliers International

Jodi Whittaker, KDP Certified Public Accountants, LLP

John Colgrove, Albertsons Companies

Kelly Olson, Western States Equipment

Laura Kendall, Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts

Michael Ballantyne, TOK Commercial Real Estate

Mike Smith, Lamb Weston

Nate Brazier, Stinker Stores

Neil Nelson, E.S.I.

Paul Zurlo, Blue Cross of Idaho

Rachel Flachbart Sladek, Saint Alphonsus , BYP Chair (Ex-Officio)

Todd Gill, United Heritage

Tom Mortell, Hawley Troxell, Policy Committee Chair and BVEP Chair

Editorial Office: 1101 W. Front St., Suite 100, Boise, ID 83702 | (208) 472-5205 Boise Metro Connection (USPS 227-520) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November by Boise Metro Chamber. Copyright © Boise Metro Chamber, 2024. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodical postage paid at Boise, ID aho, 83707.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Boise Metro Chamber, P.O. Box 2368, Boise, ID 83701

Chamber membership dues include $12/year subscription. Publisher & Executive Editor: Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, President & CEO

BOISE METRO CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2025 BOARD CHAIR: GARRETT LOFTO

The Boise Metro Chamber congratulates Garrett Lofto on his election as Chair of the 2024 Board of Directors. Lofto currently serves as president and CEO of J.R. Simplot Company and is a member of the Chamber’s 2024 Executive Committee. He will replace Dan Price of Mountain West Bank as the Chamber’s board chair for 2025.

Lofto has spent the past 32 years with J.R. Simplot Company, focusing on ethical practices, commitment to employees and communities, and continuous innovation to meet global food demands. Before becoming president and CEO, Lofto was president of Simplot Agribusiness, overseeing farming, ranching, phosphate mining, and fertilizer production.

“I believe it is important we are engaged as members of the Chamber and active in the communities we live in,” said Garrett Lofto, president and CEO of J.R. Simplot Company. “Not only is the Treasure Valley a thriving business community, but it is also an incredible place to call home, and our family is so fortunate to be a part of it. I look forward to working alongside Bobbi-Jo, our entire Chamber staff, and each of our members, especially at such an exciting time of opportunity.”

Lofto is committed to community engagement, both in his industry and in the community where he lives and works. In addition to his role with the Boise Metro Chamber, Lofto currently serves on the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank Economic Advisory Council.

His past community leadership roles include:

• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho: Board Member

• International Plant Nutrition Institute: Board Member & Executive Committee Member

• Nutrients for Life Foundation: Chairman of the Board

• The Fertilizer Institute: Chairman of the Board

Garrett Lofto began his career in Manitoba, Canada, working in retail crop inputs alongside growers. He later transitioned to the wholesale side of the crop nutrition industry, eventually entering management. Initially responsible for Western Canada, he expanded his role to oversee operations across Canada and the northern U.S. Lofto went on to manage North American agriculture for Simplot AgriBusiness. He was promoted to vice president of wholesale, where he oversaw sales in the agricultural, industrial, animal nutrition, turf and horticulture, and silica sand sectors. He later became president of Simplot AgriBusiness, leading 3,000 employees across North America. In 2018, Lofto was named CEO of the J.R. Simplot Company, a global agricultural and food company.

Residing in Eagle, Idaho, Lofto and his wife have three boys. They enjoy various sporting activities and the outdoors.

SPECIAL THANKS TO DAN PRICE

FOR SERVING AS THE CHAMBER’S 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

“I am beyond grateful for Dan’s leadership, mentorship, and support this past year. I cannot think of anyone better to Chair the Boise Metro Chamber Board during my first year. Dan leads with integrity and commitment and I have grown as a leader over this past year through his guidance. The Boise Metro Chamber has benefited from the leadership shown by Dan. We are lucky to have leaders like Dan in the community and part of the Boise Metro Chamber Board.”

— BOBBI-JO MEULEMAN

The BYP Celebration is an annual event to recognize the growth and accomplishments of the organization’s volunteers, members and events (professional development, community engagement and business-social networking).

Through the YP Awards, the Celebration also recognizes all YPs (21-40 years old) who have excelled in business and in the community.

The theme of the 2024 BYP Celebration is “Swanky Holiday Dinner Party.” It will be held at The Grove Hotel on Wednesday, December 11. Guests of all ages are encouraged to nominate and attend this fun and inspiring event.

AWARD CATEGORIES

NOMINATE ANY YOUNG PROFESSIONAL IN THE COMMUNITY FOR:

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Civic engagement, volunteerism, public service

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Vision, innovation, courage, jobs-creator

YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR

Outstanding corporate or nonprofit leadership

NOMINATE A COMMUNITY BUSINESS FOR:

BEST WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT FOR YPS

Offers guidance, inspiration and/or opportunity for young team members

NOMINATE A YP FROM THE POOL OF ABOUT 1000 BYP MEMBERS FOR:

BOISE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS’ MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Enthusiasm, attendance and engagement

DR. TODD E. COMBS brings a wealth of experience in advancing the nation’s clean energy and national security goals. His leadership at INL focuses on designing and demonstrating advanced nuclear technologies and enhancing the resiliency of our critical infrastructure.

including its role in achieving energy goals. Alaska Airlines, Blue Cross of Idaho, ESTECH, Idaho Business Review, and INL were key sponsors of the event.

The Boise Metro Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of three exceptional business leaders to its esteemed Board of Directors. The appointments were voted in during a Sept. 12 board meeting.

Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience will help shape the Chamber’s strategies and strengthen its commitment to promoting economic growth and prosperity in the Boise metropolitan area.

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL RELAUNCHES

FOCUSES ON EMPOWERING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS THROUGH GROWTH, UNDERSTANDING, & COLLABORATION

Dear Members,

I hope you had a great summer and managed to stay cool through the heat and smoke. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible wildfire fighters and everyone who works tirelessly to keep Idaho the beautiful state we love, even during our annual fire season!

We recently relaunched our Small Business Advisory Council with a renewed focus on empowering small business owners through growth, understanding, and collaboration. The council’s mission is to amplify the voices of small businesses, ensuring that your unique perspectives drive the Chamber’s educational content and advocacy efforts. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and it’s crucial that your challenges and ideas are heard at all levels of policy making.

We hosted our first meeting since the relaunch, where we had the opportunity to dive into what matters most to our members. Through a “speed-dating” activity, we explored key questions like, “If you could change one local, state, or federal policy to better support small businesses, what would it be?” and “What resources or support would help your business grow in the next year?” The insights gathered from these conversations will directly inform the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and we appreciate the time and knowledge shared.

As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, your feedback is important to us! We want to know how the Chamber can better support your business and address the challenges you face. Your membership and contributions are essential to our community’s success, and we appreciate all that you do!

If you’re interested in learning more about this council, please feel free to email me at: tthomas@boisechamber.org

Stay well,

Tori Thomas

BECOME A 2025 CHAMBER AMBASSADOR!

Chamber Ambassadors are vital volunteer leaders who assist us in growing and retaining membership. They are representatives of the Boise Metro Chamber who develop relationships with new members and share the benefits of membership with them. Organized into small teams, they visit new members to educate them on Chamber programs and services, invite them to events, and attend grand openings and ribbon cuttings. To learn more, contact Teresa: TKIRKMIRE@BOISECHAMBER.ORG

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS!

SEPTEMBER 2024

INSPERITY

950 W. Bannock St. Ste. 1100 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 863-0406 insperity.com

JERSEY MIKE’S FAIRVIEW

7166 W. Fairview Ave. Boise, ID 83704 (208) 639-9239 jerseymikes.com

LAW FOR LEADERS

1112 W. Main St. Ste. 105 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 510-7063

MAGIC RAISING CONCRETE REPAIR Boise, ID (208) 602-2530 concreterepairboiseid.com

MANA RESOURCES LLC 120 9th Ave S Ste. 12 Nampa, ID 83651 (208) 585-3375 manaohana.org

MINDFUL MED SPA PLLC

2063 E. Summersweet Dr. Boise, ID 83716 (208) 986-2727 mindful-medspa.com

MOLDING MUD INC.

100 E. 40th St. Garden City, ID 83714 (208) 999-6543 moldingmud.com

NEOREEF Meridian, ID (208) 971-3832 neoreef.com

NETJETS INC.

3815 Rickenbacker St. Ste. 208 Boise, ID 83705 (208) 370-4955 netjets.com

NEXT DAY ACCESS

6409 W. Contractor St. Ste. 104 Boise, ID 83709 (208) 626-6190 nextdayaccess.com/boise-id

OINKARI BASQUE DANCERS

601 W. Grove St. Boise, ID 83702 oinkari.org

OPERA IDAHO

515 S. 9th St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 345-3531 operaidaho.org

R|W INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

1028 S. Bridgeway Pl. Ste. 200 Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 333-1433 investrw.com

RM SOAP MARKET 901 Synthes Ave. Monument, CO 80132 (719) 434-7676 rmsoapmarket.com

SENTINEL STONE FINANCIAL LLC

408 S. Eagle Rd., Ste. 205 Eagle, ID 83616 (415) 860-9066 sentinel-stone.com

SPACEPOINT P.O. Box 976 Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 985-4429 spacepoint.org

STELLAR BENEFITS & INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, INC. Boise, ID (858) 663-1778

STUDIO ARCHER

314 S. 9th St., Ste. 400 Boise, ID 83702 (509) 828-3104 studioarcher.com

TELEO CAPITAL

1100 W. Idaho St., Ste. 330 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 995-7392 teleocapital.com

TELLICA IMAGING

8505 W. Overland Rd. Boise, ID 83709 (208) 417-5100 tellicaimaging.com

THE SPARROW BOISE

1070 W. Grove St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 998-0800 sparrowboise.com

THE VERVAIN COLLECTIVE

310 N. 17th St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 274-3274 thevervaincollective.com

VERLO MATTRESS

3658 S. Findley Ave. Boise, ID 83705 (208) 717-2337 stores.verlo.com

ZENBUSINESS

5511 Parkcrest Dr. Ste. 103 Austin, TX 78731 (844) 493-6249 zenbusiness.com/idaho-llc

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8/21 Governor, Brad Little addressed the Business community to a sold out audience at the Grove Hotel. The event was presented by ICCU and Simplot.

9/11 The Boise Young Professionals YP Summit was held at The Riverside Hotel. YPs enjoyed a day full of networking, leadership skill development, and interesting keynote speakers.

8/28 Chamber staff patroned the English-inspired speakeasy, Tiner’s Alley, located within The Avery Hotel & Brasserie.

8/17 Leadership Boise, class of 2026, kicked off with the Opening Retreat at J.U.M.P.

9/27 Chamber staff broke from setting up the gala with a delicious lunch at R&R BBQ.

9/16 Chamber members were treated to a free beer and networking opportunities while learning about host Payette Brewing Company at Start-Ups & Suds! Sponsored by Perkins Coie and Delta Air Lines.

8/22 Boise Metro Chamber members enjoyed a Business After Hours Trade Show hosted by the Boise Centre.

8/28 Gabriel Cox presented an inspiring, educational and interactive keynote presentation about leadership during the third Business Education Series of 2024. Thank you to our sponsor Blue Gander Window Cleaning.