Metro Connection - Keeping Up with Boise: March & April 2024

2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dan Price, Mountain West Bank, Chair

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

Odette Bolano, Trinity Health, Past Chair

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

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Adam Richins, Idaho Power Company

April Arnzen, Micron Technology, Inc.

Chris Roth, St. Luke’s Health System

Cord Christensen, PetIQ

Erin Anderson, Idaho Botanical Gardens

Fran Malecha, Amalgamated Sugar Company

Hart Gilchrist, Intermountain Gas

Jeff Newgard, Bank of Idaho

Jennifer Swindell, Idaho Ed News

Jesse Mix, Boise VA Medical Center/OR ANG, Leadership Boise President

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, Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, BYP Chair (Ex-Officio)

Todd Gill, United Heritage

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

COVER PHOTO: TORI THOMAS

Editorial Office: 1101 W. Front St., Suite 100, Boise, Idaho, 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, Idaho, 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

Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, Bo ise Metro Chamber, President & CEO Amber Hawton-Hill Boise Metro Chamber Senior Marketing & Communications Manager ahawtonhill@boisechamber.org

Dear Readers,

As we navigate the 2024 legislative session, dynamic leadership changes, budget deliberations, and the influential role of the business community shape the landscape. Despite evolving circumstances, we commend our legislature for its dedication to addressing challenges and prioritizing the well-being of our state and economic prosperity.

• Key education issues, such as Idaho Launch and the Governor’s request for school facility maintenance, are two of the Chamber’s priorities. We urge our members to engage with legislators, expressing support for Idaho Launch to ensure high school graduates can benefit from this grant.

• Healthcare remains a crucial focus, with topics including Medicaid expansion, reproductive health rights, and hospitals’ tax status being actively discussed. Our Healthcare Industry Board recently conveyed its priorities and concerns to the Policy Committee, and the Chamber emphasizes that strong healthcare infrastructure and high-quality school systems are fundamental to workforce recruitment and retention. We are committed to collaborating with healthcare leaders to ensure the three pillars of healthcare - access, affordability and quality - are attainable realities.

• Legislation impacting unemployment insurance is under consideration, including measures to stabilize the unemployment fund (which would create a positive impact for the business sector) and legislation to modify the maximum duration of benefits, with potential implementation costs outlined by the Department of Labor.

As the Policy Committee continues to review legislation, explore my new Advocacy Update blog on our website (boisechamber.org/advocacy-update) for coverage of current city and state government affairs topics. To stay up-to-date on current legislation and discussions, tune in to our live Legislative Update Episodes, sponsored by Optum Idaho, every other Tuesday on our social media platforms.

Stay well, Tori Thomas

MARCH 1

Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts

MARCH 7

Southwest Airlines

MARCH 14

Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County

MARCH 15

Eventageous Idaho, LLC

MARCH 28

Adler Industrial, LLC

APRIL 4

Idaho Energy Innovations

APRIL 19

FiftyFlowers.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS DEC-JAN >>>

NEW BOARD OF ADVISOR MEMBERS

J. Fisher Companies

(801) 335-8500

5007 W. Franklin Rd. Boise, ID 83705

jfisherco.com

Magellan of Idaho 333 W. Rossi St., Boise, ID 83714

magellanhealthcare.com/ magellan-of-idaho-2-2/

NEW MEMBERS

Boise Metro Rotary

(208) 720-8445

P.O. Box 6647

Boise, ID 83707

boisemetrorotary.org

Koala Insulation (208) 901-8232

10 S. Hawthorne, Ste. 46 Middleton, ID 83644

koalainsulation.com/f/boise

Mo Darling’s Confections LLC (208) 258-1183

Boise, ID

modarlings.com

NiKnox Photo Box (208) 935-3358

Meridian, ID

niknoxphotobox.com

Nurse Next Door

(800) 717-4245

284 Martin St. Twin Falls, ID 83301

nursenextdoor.com

Rad Photobooths

(208) 880-2838

12847 S. Carriage Hill Way Nampa, ID 83686

radphotobooth.co

Record Breaker Rush LLC (208) 794-2955

Boise, ID

recordbreakerrush.com

SavATree

(208) 473-8223

6126 W. State St., Ste. 401 Boise, ID 83703

Stella’s Ice Cream

(208) 576-7941

4740 W. State St. Boise, ID 83703

stellasicecream.com

Veranda Senior Living

(208) 401-8360

6280 N. Fox Run Way Meridian, ID 83646

verandaseniorlife.com

Window Hero Boise (208) 407-9988

4422 Shamrock Ct. Boise, ID 83713 windowhero.com/locations/boise

Best Option Restoration of West Boise (986) 210-7417 Boise, ID borestorationofwestboise.com

Boise Education Association (208) 345-4450

620 N. 6th St. Boise, ID 83702 boiseea.org

Building Contractors Association of SW Idaho (208) 495-7044

6206 N. Discovery Way, Ste. A Boise, ID 83713 bcaswi.org

DF Development LLC (208) 743-7606

P.O. Box 458 Donnelly, ID 83615 dfdevelopmentllc.com

FYIdaho

704 N. 7th St. Boise, ID 83702 fyidaho.org

Graduation Alliance Boise, ID 83701

Higher Resources (208) 412-0348 Boise, ID higheresources.com

Hope Blooms Flowers & Things (208) 939-4022

391 W. State St., Ste. B Eagle, ID 83716 hopebloomsflowersandthings.com

Hyatt Place Boise-Meridian (208) 990-9080

1175 S. Silverstone Way Meridian, ID 83642 hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/idaho/ hyatt-place-boise-meridian/boizm

Idaho Justice Project (208) 352-3904

500 S. 8th St. Boise, ID 83702 idahojusticeproject.org

Lift Local Idaho (208) 219-7898

1100 W. Idaho St., Ste. 630 Boise, ID 83702

Neighbor Tim’s BBQ (208) 362-4100

7802 W. Goddard Rd. Boise, ID 83704

NeighborTimsBBQ.com

Parkcenter Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (208) 715-5219

3190 E. Barber Valley Dr. Boise, ID 83716

parkcenteromfs.com

Pinnacle Performance (208) 919-6363

5555 N. Glenwood Ave. Boise, ID 83714

climbyourpinnacle.com

S2 Pickleball & Racquet Club (208) 243-9490

3615 S. Federal Way Boise, ID 83705 s2pickleball.com

Silver Star Communications (208) 229-1000

1000 S. Industry Way Meridian, ID 83642 silverstar.com

South Idaho Insurance Agency (Farm Bureau) (208) 818-2782

806 E. Polston Ave., Ste. B Post Falls, ID 83854

idahofarmbureauinsurance.com/ agent/steven-zamora/

Sterling Urgent Care (208) 542-9111

6965 N. Glenwood St. Boise, ID 83714 sterlingurgentcare.com

Sunshine Spice Cafe (208) 230-1163

6911 W. Fairview Ave. Boise, ID 83704 sunshinespicecafe.com

Sunshine Spice Cafe (208) 991-3920

220 N. 10th St. Boise, ID 83702 sunshinespicecafe.com

Treasure Valley Website Design (208) 812-5427

3100 N. Lakeharbor Ln., Ste. 176 Boise, ID 83703

treasurevalleywebsitedesign.com

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

THE BOISE METRO CHAMBER HAS SOME OF THE MOST ROBUST LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY!

SPONSORED BY

BOISE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (BYP)

Boise Young Professionals is a Boise Metro Chamber program targeting talented young professionals in the Boise Metro area. BYP is a mission-driven organization designed to connect, empower, and engage the future workforce of Idaho. BYP offers intentional and creative programs to develop growing leaders, promote camaraderie, and retain young talent in the region.

LEADERSHIP BOISE (LB)

Our premier leadership program develops leaders in the non-profit, business, and civic sectors. Leadership Boise has, and continues to seek, the most energetic and engaged leaders in the Treasure Valley community. As one of the longest running Chamber sponsored leadership programs in the United States, Leadership Boise has graduated more than 1,700 rising and established leaders since its inception in 1975.

LEADERSHIP BOISE ACADEMY (LB ACADEMY)

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

This semester-long program for high school juniors, funded by the Boise Metro Chamber Foundation and proceeds from the annual LB Golf Scramble, provides an opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of current issues in our community as well as meet and interact with community leaders and professionals, including LB class participants. The Boise Metro Chamber formed Leadership Boise Academy in 1984 to provide a cost-free leadership experience to a diverse group of high school students

LEADERSHIP BOISE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (LB ALUMNI)

Leadership Boise Alumni Association actively contributes to the betterment of the Boise Metro area through its diverse network of educated, socially responsible, and engaged civic leaders. LB Alumni provides a next-level experience for graduates of the LB program through continued professional development opportunities, networking events and impactful community engagement efforts.

Leadership Boise applications for the class of 2024-2026 open March 4, and close April 8, 2024. The Boise Metro Chamber’s LB interview and selection process is conducted with support and participation from Leadership Boise Alumni volunteers.

KELLY OLSON

President of Western States Equipment and Boise Metro Chamber Board Member

“December is always an indicator of how we are doing, and it was a very, very big December. There was a large volume of machines delivered this year, especially locally, due to the big projects like Micron and Meta. I am very optimistic.

2024 LEGISLATIVE FORUM: IDAHO’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

The Boise Metro Chamber’s 2024 Legislative Forum brought together Idaho legislators and business leaders at the Boise Centre. The event’s theme, “Idaho’s Economic Landscape,” showcased diverse perspectives on the state’s economic trajectory.

Governor Brad Little shared insights on the state’s growth challenges and infrastructure plans, including a $2 billion investment in school district repairs.

A panel discussion, moderated by Tom Mortell, delved into Idaho’s economic landscape, covering topics such as interest rates, projects for 2025, tourism health, and managing growth.

Panelists emphasized the impact of growth on transportation and skilled labor, advocating for thoughtful management to avoid negative consequences.

Representative Wendy Horman highlighted the need to consider citizens struggling with basic needs amid growth.

Senator C. Scott Grow discussed addressing property tax issues through legislation, and the panelists offered diverse predictions for Idaho’s 2025 economy, ranging from “Concerned” to “Healthy.”

PRESENTED BY:

TAG

PHOTO CORNER

Garden Plaza of Valley View, a Senior Living Community located on N. Allumbaugh St. in Boise, hosted a fun holiday-themed Business After Hours in December.

Perkins Coie sponsored the final Start-Ups and Suds for 2023. It was held at Voodoo Brewing Co. Boise and featured local start-up, Idaho Thinking Partners.

On the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Leadership Boise participants explored Gowen Field with a VIP tour and briefing.

Boise Young Professional’s Leadership Team held an energizing retreat in January where they collaborated to plan fun social, networking, and professional development events for 2024!

Allison Bruce & Dylan Buckland shared info about, TalentSpark, during the trade show event at YP Summit last December.

In December, the BVEP, Visit Boise, and Chamber teams were treated to a delicious lunch at Ruth’s Chris Steak House to celebrate upcoming holidays and a successful 2023.

January’s BYP Lunch and Learn featured a panel of health and wellness experts moderated by Jason Hessing of Healthwise.

Scan to View All Episodes

DECEMBER-JANUARY

RIBBON CUTTINGS

INTERESTED IN HOSTING A RIBBON CUTTING EVENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

CONTACT TERESA KIRKMIRE: TKIRKMIRE@BOISECHAMBER.ORG

12/4 Garibaldis Mexican Restaurant

1/25 Totally Boise/WebMarkets

12/11 Voodoo Brewing Co. Boise

1/30 Sterling Urgent Care (Overland)

1/25 Trilogy Valor by Shea Homes

1/30 Sterling Urgent Care (Glenwood)

12/7 House of Wine

1/26 American Red Cross of Greater Idaho

CHANDRA BAIRD Trivium Life Services

SPONSORED BY:

AMBASSADOR

What is your favorite film? P.S. I Love You

What is the best book you have read recently? Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Who is the most interesting historical figure? Audrey Hepburn

What is your favorite place in Boise to take a visitor? Boise River

What is the number one reason to do business with your company or organization?

As one of the largest behavioral health providers in Idaho, Trivium has over a decade of experience providing mental health and substance use treatment in the Treasure Valley. Our holistic approach treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. Whether in outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization programming, individual counseling, case management, medication management, or recovery coaching our services help every client reach their goals. As a nonprofit, raising funds means a greater impact and our capacity to serve more individuals in increasingly meaningful ways.

What is the best advise you have received? Impossible is nothing.

QUESTIONS ABOUT BECOMING A BOISE METRO CHAMBER AMBASSADOR?

CONTACT TERESA KIRKMIRE: TKIRKMIRE@BOISECHAMBER.ORG

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BLOG POSTS & PHOTOS VIEW EVENT

BOISE METRO CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We welcome the following new Board of Director members: Hart Gilchrist, Laura Kendall, Neil Nelson, and Mike Smith. They have joined our existing Executive Committee and Board of Director members. (scan QR above to read the full blog)

THE W.A.C.E AWARD FOR BEST CHAMBER E-NEWS GOES TO...

During the second week in February, our Senior MarComms Manager, Amber Hawton-Hill, attended the Western Association of Chamber Executives 2024 Conference in California. She returned with a 1st place award for our weekly enewsletters! (scan QR above to read the full blog)

ALL ABOARD FOR

WEBMARKETS

& TOTALLY BOISE’S BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN FEBRUARY

Chamber members and clients of the marketing agencies celebrated a ribbon-cutting for their new location in Downtown Boise. The event rolled in to an airline-themed Business After Hours including an office tour and testimonial from WebMarkets’ CEO.

(scan QR above to read the full blog)