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THE CONNECTION METRO
Keeping up with Boise
2024 Gala to Highlight Local Fine Arts Non-Profits
• BALLET IDAHO
• BOISE CONTEMPORARY THEATER
• BOISE PHILHARMONIC
• IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
• OINKARI BASQUE DANCERS
Plus...
• OPERATION THANK YOU & GOLF RECAPS
• 2024-25 MEMBER DIRECTORY AVAILABLE
• NEW VIRTUAL SERIES “METRO MINUTE”
• MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBER
2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dan Price, Mountain West Bank, Chair
Garrett Lofto, J.R. Simplot Company, Chair-Elect
Odette Bolano, 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
Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, Bo ise Metro Chamber, President & CEO
Adam Richins, Idaho Power Company
Amy Lindgren, Cushing Terrell, Leadership Boise President
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
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
RE-IMAGINING THE CHAMBER’S ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION
ONE OF THE LARGEST AUCTIONS IN THE TREASURE VALLEY
With an in-person auction, live auction, and mobile auction offering hundreds of items, the Boise Metro Chamber’s Annual Gala & Auction is one of the largest of its kind in the Treasure Valley. It serves as the Chamber’s most essential annual fundraiser. The proceeds ensure the Chamber’s ability to continue advocating for policies impacting business, educating its members, and developing leaders to benefit and enrich our community. The online auction will open at noon on Sept. 18. Visit boisechamber.org for details.
TAKING A NEW APPROACH TO THE 2024 GALA
On October 2, 2023, Bobbi-Jo Meuleman officially began on-boarding as the Chamber’s new President and CEO. Just fifteen days later, she joined nearly 1,000 other Chamber members and community leaders to experience our organization’s most complex event, the Annual Gala.
Less than a year later, Bobbi-Jo is now playing an integral role in planning the Chamber’s 2024 Gala. Her innovation and curiosity have inspired a re-imagining of the event.
Past Chamber Galas hosted an impressive lineup of nationally acclaimed keynote speakers, including:
• Ben Stein: Presidential speech writer, lawyer, actor, economist and comedian
• Captain Richard Phillips: Captained a ship hijacked by pirates; the namesake of the Tom Hanks movie
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
• Jeb Bush: Former Governor of Florida and American businessman
• Dara Torres: First and only U.S. swimmer to compete in five Olympics games; 12-time Olympic medalist
• John Ondrasik: Musician and lead singer of Five for Fighting
• Mara Liasson: NPR political correspondent
• Amelia Rose Earhart: Author, international keynote speaker and around the world pilot
• Samantha Brown: Travel enthusiast and television host
• Dominique Dawes: First African American gymnast to qualify for Olympics and an individual medal
• Ashley Campbell: Musician and daughter of Glen Campbell
This year’s gala will focus on our members in the local arts community, creating a truly unique experience from previous years. We’ve planned an entertaining and educational evening to highlight the significant, yet often under-recognized, impact that Boise’s creative community has on our economy.
BOBBI-JO MEULEMAN - BOISE METRO CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND CEO
BENEFITING LOCAL FINE ARTS NON-PROFITS
This year, Bobbi-Jo is departing from tradition by turning the spotlight to local talent; specifically to the Treasure Valley’s fine arts non-profits. Several entities will be at the gala to share about their organization and/or perform, including:
BALLET IDAHO: Provides important artistic opportunities and experiences that greatly enrich the creative vitality of the Idaho community. Visit: balletidaho.org
BOISE CONTEMPORARY THEATER: Idaho’s only professional theater focused on new plays. We create thought-provoking stories of the human experience to inspire curiosity and empathy in our community. Visit: bctheater.org
BOISE PHILHARMONIC: Reflecting the energy and heartbeat of Idaho communities through invigorating musical experiences that touch the human spirit. Visit: boisephil.org
IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL SCHOOL OF THEATER: Offering 25-28 drama classes each year to children aged 3+ ranging in subject matter from musicals to Shakespeare. Visit: idahoshakespeare.org
OINKARI BASQUE DANCERS: Dancing to share Basque culture with the local and global community while continuing to preserve their unique heritage for future generations. Visit: oinkari.org
In addition to the auction and performances, Andy Scoggin, CEO of Scoggin Capital Investment, will offer insight to the correlation between a healthy economy and support for the Treasure Valley’s creative community. Erin Anderson of the Idaho Botanical Garden, Inc. will join Laura Kendall of the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts to emcee this year’s gala.
HOW TO GET TICKETS OR PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE AUCTION FROM HOME
This event sells out every year, so check boisechamber.org or scan the QR code to learn more and see if tickets are available. Those who are unable to attend, are free to participate in the online auction from home. More details coming soon!
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
PURCHASE A LAPEL PIN TO DONATE, ENTER TO WIN
Participating non-profits will be selling a limited edition lapel pin (only 300 available) prior to the Gala. 100% of those proceeds will go directly to the entity selling it. In return, each pin purchased gives the buyer an opportunity to win entertainment and travel packages at the Gala. Winner does not need to be present to win.
Inquire with the participating non-profits to purchase a pin and wear it to the gala in support!
THE BOISE METRO CHAMBER’S 2024 ANNUAL GALA AND AUCTION SPONSORS ARE:
DIAMOND SPONSOR
Blue Cross of Idaho
PLATINUM SPONSOR Alaska Airlines
GOLD SPONSORS
Albertsons, Amazon, Idaho Central Credit Union and Southwest Airlines
SILVER SPONSORS
Allied Business Solutions, Boise Centre, Colliers, Delta Air Lines, Hawley Troxell, Intermountain Gas Company, J.R. Simplot Company and Micron Technology, Inc.
BRONZE SPONSORS
Bank of Idaho, Cutting Edge Landscape, Eiguren Merrill Public Policy, ESI Construction, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Idaho Power Company, Moda Health, PacificSource Health Plans, Procter & Gamble, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Saint Alphonsus Health System, Sparklight, St. Luke’s Health Plan, TechCU, U.S. Bank, Umpqua Bank NeighborHub, Unleashing Leaders and WaFd Bank
Left to Right: Ballet Idaho (Dancer pictured is soloist Cydney Covert. Photo by Quinn Wharton.), Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise Phil Youth Orchestra and Basque Oinkari Dancers. All images courtesy of the corresponding entities.
2024-25 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE & MEMBER DIRECTORY
In our 2024-25 Boise Valley Spotlight and Annual Membership Directory we explore the theme of “The Future of Work in the Treasure Valley.” Each article shares stories of Chamber member businesses whose executives, employees, and workplaces are leading the charge on evolving and adapting to a post pandemic world. Learn how they are enriching workplace culture, adding benefits to address a shift in the values of Gen Z workers, making efforts to attract & retain talent, and taking advantage of innovative technology like AI.
We encourage you to support the services offered by peer Chamber members listed in the Membership Directory section at the back of the Spotlight. If you would extra copies or a box of Spotlights to welcome home-buyers new to the valley, recruit talent to your Boise offices, provide to visitors in your hotel reception area, etc., we would love to accommodate your request, just email Konner Jurasek: kjurasek@boisechamber.org
OPERATION THANK YOU
Operation Thank You (OTY) is a unique and rewarding experience that allows volunteers to extend an in-person “thank you” from the Chamber to each of our members.
As our membership flourishes, the coordination and time commitment of this complex event likewise increase. On July 25, we were able to continue the tradition when a record 83 Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers assisted our staff in accomplishing the monumental task of delivering 1,530 packets to each of our 2,000 Chamber member businesses!
The day ended with volunteers and Chamber members gathering at Sockeye Brewing in Boise to celebrate the day’s success. They were greeted with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a chance to win prizes.
The Chamber is grateful for each of our member businesses for finding value in the Chamber’s events, advocacy, programs, and resources.
We also appreciate all of our volunteers for their help and our sponsors for making the 2024 Operation Thank You possible!
OTY PRESENTING SPONSOR: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SPONSOR:
SPONSOR:
Photos courtesy of Michael Shepard with NeighborWorks Boise, Romeo Zavala with Horizon Credit Union and Michelle Gamble with Lumos & Associates.
PUBLISHED BY: Idahome Magazine
INTRODUCING KONNER JURASEK
MEET THE CHAMBER’S NEW SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Hello! I’m Konner Jurasek and I’m from Des Moines, where I worked at one of Iowa’s largest NGOs and graduated from Iowa State University—Go Cyclones! In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors at the nearest trailhead, camping, fishing, or taking photos. In July, I traded in cornfields for potatoes and began working at the Boise Metro Chamber as the new Social Media and Community Engagement Manager. I look forward to connecting with and highlighting your incredible Chamber member businesses and supporting the Chamber’s efforts to make this the best region to do business!
TORI THOMAS HOSTS NEW “METRO MINUTE” PODCAST HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW VIRTUAL SERIES
WHAT INSPIRED THIS SERIES AND WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?
TORI: “‘Metro Minute’ evolved from a desire to provide the business community with objective insights and timely updates directly from sources. We wanted to create a platform where local, state and federal partners could share their perspectives on key issues affecting Idaho businesses. Our goal is to keep our audience informed and engaged with the issues that matter most to them.”
WHO ARE SOME GUESTS WE CAN ANTICIPATE?
TORI: “We have an exciting lineup of guests planned for the series such as legislators to talk about state matters, experts on city issues, a U.S. Chamber representative to provide insights on federal issues, and representatives from transportation agencies to discuss infrastructure efforts. We’re even considering a panel discussion with leaders from Meridian, Nampa and Boise.”
CAN YOU GIVE US A PREVIEW OF TOPICS YOU’LL DISCUSS?
TORI: “Absolutely! We’ll be covering top priorities for the Chamber, such as education, workforce development, transportation, infrastructure, tax policy, economic development, healthcare, travel and tourism.”
HOW OFTEN WILL EPISODES AIR AND WHERE CAN THEY BE WATCHED?
TORI: “We’re planning to release episodes twice a month; now through December. This schedule will allow us to cover a broad range of topics while also keeping the content fresh and relevant. You can tune in live to watch episodes on our Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn pages and after the event on our Spotify podcast, ‘Boise Metro Chamber: Metro Minute.’ You can find out about upcoming episodes on our website.’”
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE VIEWERS/LISTENERS TO KNOW?
TORI: “Since it’s inception we envisioned utilizing “Metro Minute” as a opportunity to facilitate conversations with experts who can help break down complex topics into something tangible for a wider audience. I’m really grateful that Hawley Troxell has such a strong commitment to our community and quickly saw the value in making the series possible.”
VIEW EPISODES PRESENTED BY
STRIVING TO BE A GOOD COMMUNITY PARTNER & ADVOCATE
Two of our most important goals as a Chamber are to participate and advocate within the business community in a way that positively impacts the quality of life in our region. It’s invaluable to us to be considered a good community partner. With that in mind, our staff set out this summer to show support for our awesome members and partners by attending and volunteering for events, patronizing member restaurants, hosting an intercity visit to show off our beautiful region to out-of-state Chambers, and more. We were even able to sneak in a little team bonding hike in the beautiful foothills! We are truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside one another and other dedicated business professionals who are passionate about making the Treasure Valley a great place to live, work and visit!
Thanks to Nathan Hundley and team for the invite to Hotel 43’s reveal party! After months of construction the hotel now has an expanded lobby, new entry vestibule and meeting room bar, and redesigned rooms that incorporate a theme of Idaho’s history and geology. Congrats!
Have you tried Downtown Boise’s new sushi restaurant, Ginza? We enjoyed lunch at this new Chamber member restaurant and were impressed by their photo-worthy rolls that delivered big on flavor! Check out our reel on Instagram to see for yourself!
Bobbi-Jo moderated an invigorating conversation at the Council on Competitiveness with Tommy Ahlquist M.D., CEO of Ball Ventures Ahlquist; Dave Lent, Idaho State Senator; Wendi Secrist, Executive Director of State of Idaho Workforce Development Council; Rick Murdock, CEO & Co-Founder of Autovol & Waypaver Intl and Co-Founder of Prefab Logic. The discussions focused on the region’s innovative ecosystem, highlighting major challenges and opportunities in Idaho and the Mountain West, exploring best practices to scale nationally and ways to significantly enhance innovation capacity in the United States.
We took an afternoon for team bonding on a hike while enjoying the splendor of the Boise Foothills. It’s amazing to have accessibility to outdoor recreation minutes from town!
at the
The Boise Metro Chamber and Visit Boise teams volunteered
last Alive After 5 to help support our colleagues over at the Downtown Boise Association. The event is Boise’s longest running, all-ages, FREE outdoor summer concert series produced annually by Downtown Boise Foundation. Thank you Jennifer Hensley and team!
All hands were on deck to ensure our ~2,000 members were personally delivered their Boise Metro Chamber Thank You packets during OTY in July.
2024 ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
Despite a bit of smoke, the overcast sky and lower temperatures created the perfect setting for our Annual Golf Classic at The River Club in Garden City on July 29. The sold out event, hosted 144 Chamber member participants competing as four-player teams. They each played a round of 18 holes and enjoyed breakfast, a golf cart, free beverages, access to the driving range, a gift bag, buffet lunch and the chance to win prizes.
Sponsors had booths at each of the 18 tee boxes where they connected with golfers, offered fun swag, hosted mini games, additional prizes, treats and drinks. There were also three sponsored beverage stations. Prizes were awarded for a bullseye challenge, closest-to-the-pin contests, hole-in-one competitions, longest-drive and more. Thanks to everyone who came out!
If you’re interested in playing or sponsoring the 2025 Golf Classic, contact our Events Manager, Jordanne Machiela at: jmachiela@boisechamber.org
1ST PLACE TEAM: THE TERRACES OF BOISE
Becky Zimmer, John Storz, Clint Hayes & Kevin Beard
2ND PLACE TEAM: COLLIERS
Lance Millington, Kevin Castner, Jimmy Roumanis & Dave Cadwell
3RD PLACE TEAM
Chuck Bosen, Thomas Elliot, Winder Buchanan & Kyle Brotzman
LONGEST DRIVE (MEN)
Tommy Elliot
LONGEST DRIVE (WOMEN)
Lori Harper
CLOSEST TO THE PIN (WOMEN)
Dana McCracken
CLOSEST TO THE PIN (MEN)
Clint Hayes
LONGEST PUTT (MEN)
Craig Hixon
LONGEST PUTT (WOMEN)
Becky Zimmer
BULLSEYE WINNERS
1ST PLACE
Lance Elroy with 9”
2ND PLACE
Mayor Garret Nancolas with 4’ 4”
2024 LB GOLF SCRAMBLE
Since 1984, the Leadership Boise Academy has provided over 50 students annually with a cost-free, semester-long leadership program, giving them valuable skills and experiences alongside adult LB participants. Join us on September 23 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the River Club in Garden City for our LB Golf Scramble to support LB Academy and have a blast at the same time! Not a golfer or can’t attend all day? No problem! Join us for appetizers and drinks at the post-game social with an à la carte ticket. Want to support but can’t attend? Contact Karyn Stuart via email at kstuart@boisechamber.org to learn how you can contribute.
PHOTOS & BLOG
NEW CHAMBER BOARD OF ADVISOR MEMBERS:
SUNPRO CORPORATION
10332 Highway 20/26 Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 939-6460
sunpro.build/location/Caldwell/
GO JOE PATROL
7968 W. Fairview Ave. Boise, ID 83704 (208) 202-7899 gojoepatrol.com
CLEARWATER ANALYTICS
777 W. Main St., Ste. 900 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 433-1200 clearwateranalytics.com
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS:
AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
10356 W. Fairview Ave., Ste. 105 Boise, ID 83704 (208) 985-7734
ATS INLAND NW, LLC
10951 W. Emerald St. Boise, ID 83713 (208) 887-9696 atsinlandnw.com
BEACON PLUMBING & MECHANICAL, INC.
5312 Cleveland Blvd. Caldwell, ID 83607 (208) 593-3268 beaconplumbing.com
BEZE CREATIVE
1020 W. Main St., Ste. 310 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 789-6086 bezecreative.com
BOISE BEAUTY BOARDS
Boise, ID (208) 270-0818 boisebeautyboards.net
BOISE BREW PUTT
3315 N. Collister Dr. Boise, ID 83703 (208) 789-0807 boisebrewputt.com
CACTUS PETES RESORT CASINO
1385 US Highway 93 Jackpot, NV 89825 (775) 755-6700 cactuspetes.com
CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY OF BOISE
7800 W. Ustick Rd., Ste. 100 Boise, ID 83704 (208) 576-6791 idahochildrensdentistry.com
CITY CLUB OF BOISE
322 E. Front St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 364-4614 cityclubofboise.org
CLEARWATER FINANCIAL
P. O. Box 505 Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 841-6794 clearwaterfinancial.biz
DEBBIE MARCOTTEKELLER WILLIAMS REALTY BOISE Boise, ID (925) 321-4269 debbiemarcotte.bktidaho.com
DRYBAR HOTEL RENEGADE 1188 W. Grove St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 944-3310 drybarshops.com
ELEVATE SHOW SERVICES
6409 W. Contractors St.,Ste. 101 Boise, ID 83709 (208) 918-4787 elevateshowservices.com
EMBRACE FINANCIAL, LLC 1120 S. Rackham Way, Ste. 300 Meridian, ID 83642 (855) 444-6043 embracefas.com
ESTECH, LLC
12366 W. Overland Rd. Boise, ID 83709 (866) 330-206 estechllc.com
EXCELLENCE EXECUTIVE COACHING Eagle, ID (719) 502-1034 ExcellenceExecutiveCoaching.com
FARMERS INSURANCE-BOISE, DISTRICT OFFICE Boise, ID (208) 631-9906 farmers.com
GINZA SUSHI GRILL & RAMEN 205 N. 10th St., Ste. 110 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 343-5287 ginzasushigrilramen.com
IDAHO ACCOUNTING SERVICES
4717 W. Castlebar Dr. Boise, ID 83703 (208) 870-0027 idahoaccountingservices.com
JOSEPH J. ALBANESE
1290 W. Myrtle St., Ste. 120 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 370-3530 jjalbanese.com
& JULY CHAMBER MEMBERS!
MOFI
350 N. 9th St., Ste. 201 Boise, ID 83702 (406) 728-9234 mofi.org
MURPHY DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY IDAHO, INC.
1087 W. River St., Ste. 150 Boise, ID 83702 (986) 269-4454
NOVELTY SALON
3925 W. Overland Rd. Boise, ID 83705 (208) 616-0540 noveltysalon.com
OPENTEXT
2440 Sand Hill Rd., Ste. 302 Menlo Park, CA 94025 (253) 340-7104 opentext.com
PERPETUA RESOURCES
405 S. 8th St., Ste. 201 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 401-8074 perpetuaresources.com
RENOVATION SELLS
TREASURE VALLEY
Boise, ID (208) 581-4309 renovationsells.com/location/ treasure-valley
SHELI G SPEAKING CONSULTING AND TRAININGS
Meridian, ID (208) 412-3909
SHORE LODGE
WHITETAIL, LLC
501 W. Lake St. McCall, ID 83638 (208) 634-2244 shorelodge.com
SYG, LLC
P.O. Box 190241 Boise, ID 83719 (208) 906-7856 buildaidaho.com
THE LUX PRODUCTIONS
Eagle, ID (707) 224-8995 thelux.com
THINK, LLP
1672 E. Braemere Rd. Boise, ID 83702 (760) 473-2456 thinkllp.com
THOMPSON CONSULTING GROUP 1015 Hays St., Ste. 100 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 429-1122 thompsonconsulting.com
TML COMMERCIAL 120 E. 40th St. Boise, ID 83714 (208) 515-3380 tmlcommercialservices.com
TREASURE VALLEY INSTITUTE FOR CHILDREN’S ARTS – TRICA 1406 W. Eastman St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 344-2220 trica.org
TURD NERD 6477 Fairview Ave. Boise, ID 83704 (208) 605-9345 turdnerdpoopscoop.com
UPWARDLY PAVED PATH Boise, ID (708) 405-9568 upwardlypavedpath.com
VENTURE TITLE & ESCROW BOISE 1649 Shoreline Dr., Ste. 203 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 515-7741 ventureidaho.com
VENTURE TITLE & ESCROW MERIDIAN 1800 S. Bonito Way, Ste. 200 Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 515-7740 ventureidaho.com
WATERS FAMILY WELLNESS
410 S. Orchard St., Ste. 120 Boise, ID 83705 (208) 336-7963 watersfamilywellness.com
YOUDE & ASSOCIATES, LLC
702 W. Idaho St., Ste. 1100 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 696-9447
Interested in hosting a ribbon cutting event for your business? Contact Teresa Kirkmire: tkirkmire@boisechamber.org
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