JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 BIz.IDAHOSTATEJOURNAL.COM
VINyL ReVIVAL OLD TOWN POCaTeLLO BUSINeSS CaSHINg IN ON vINyL ReSURgeNCe page 6
more InsIde ■ BelgIan Company Buys statIon square, hopIng to BrIng BusIness, hIgh-end resIdenCes to old town poCatello ■ redI Ceo says the future of eConomIC development In eastern Idaho looks BrIght ■ BoutIque hotel emBodyIng reCreatIonal, Cultural experIenCes of sun valley now open
Is your business doing something groundbreaking? do you have a business news tip? email Idaho state Business Journal editor danae lenz at: dlenz@journalnet.com
2 Jan ua ry/ F eb r ua ry 2 018
Idaho State Journal Publisher: Andy Pennington | APennington@journalnet. com Idaho State Business Journal Editor: Danae Lenz | dlenz@journalnet.com Contributors: Mountain America Credit Union | arosenkrantz@macu.com Jamie Bailey | jamiecbailey@gmail.com. Jennifer Landon/Journey Financial Services | www. JourneyRetirement.Com Robert Spendlove, Economic and Public Policy Officer/Zion’s Bank | Robert. Spendlove@zionsbank.com Shelbie Harris | sharris@journalnet.com Stephanie Bachman | Idaho State University Tamara Middleton | Roof Insulation Specialist, ACH Foam Technologies Mychel Matthews | Times-News
In this issue ISU students prepare for Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge with pitch-off event Page 3 Belgian company buys Station Square, hoping to bring business, high-end residences to Old Town Pocatello Page 4 Old Town Pocatello business cashing in on vinyl resurgence Page 6 Boutique Hotel Embodying Recreational, Cultural Experiences of Sun Valley now Open Page 8 REDI CEO says the future of economic development in Eastern Idaho looks optimistic Page 10 Nucleane Grows Through Hard Work and Tenacity Page 12 Sustained development through conscientious shopping Page 12 It Rains Every Night Page 14 Women and retirement: Proactive planning is the key Page 14 economic tip sheet Page 14 Coffee Beans, Old Ski Lodges and Family Values Page 15 Despite plentiful irrigation water, ag’s outlook lacks luster Page 15
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ISU students prepare for Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge with pitch-off event By Shelbie Harris sharris@journalnet.com
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o prepare for the Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge, several dozen Idaho State University students participated in the annual pitch-off event last month. Hosted by the ISU College of Business’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, or CEED, and sponsored by U.S. Bank, students were given the opportunity to present their product and service ideas for the Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge, or IEC, to a panel of judges to help prepare for the competition. Held in the ISU Ballroom in the Pond Student Union Building, students also competed for a chance to win cash prizes donated by U.S. Bank. “This event was open to any student from any college and through the process we had students from every college participate,” said Jeff Street, director of CEED. “Each team made the same four-minute pitch and then answered questions for six minutes. And while the judges deliberated, the participants played a game where they won petty cash.” CEED represents an umbrella over four organizations that have been affiliated with the Idaho State University College of Business for several years including Bengal Solutions, TechHelp, Eastern Idaho Development Corporation and the Small Business Development Center. The IEC is a competition hosted in Boise each spring where students from schools throughout the state present their business idea for an innovative product or service. “The Small Business Development Center and Bengal Solutions are helping these students prepare, but the next step for them comes on Jan. 12,” Street said. “That’s when they will make an application to the statewide competition, which is held in Boise this
Shelbie harris/idaho state journal
Britt Dickman, center, won first place and $2,250 for her product Total Rehab at Idaho State University’s Pitch-Off event last month.
March.” The IEC offers $100,000 in prize money and the top team gets $15,000, Street said, adding that last year, ISU had the top-finishing team. During the pitch-off, several teams, which varied in size from single member teams to groups up to four, learned exactly what it would take to launch their idea into a small business opportunity. “One of the biggest problems with young entrepreneurs is getting their ideas out and explaining it to others,” Street said. “They have great ideas, but like we tell them, 90 percent of new businesses is the idea itself, the other 10 percent is getting it out.” The pitch-off allowed these students to learn how to present an elevator pitch, make a
prototype, do financials and how to conduct a market-opportunity analysis, Street said. “They learn all that stuff in the College of Business, but not all the students who participate in the IEC are business students,” Street said. “And this is one linear package that shows them exactly what they need to do so that hopefully, afterwards they are setup to start their own small business.” Normally, U.S. Bank provides the winning team with $2,000, second place with $1,000, two third place finishers with $500 and two $250 prizes to the team with the best marketing. However, because the final scores were so close, U.S. Bank doubled the number of teams who received money. Both first-place finishers also had the best marketing. The winning student teams were as follows:
First place: $2,250 — Total Rehab; student: Britt Dickman First place: $2,250 — Guardian Light; student: Jason Davis Second place: $1,000 — Toast Dance; students: Jonny Henderson and Dez Ruiz Second place: $1,000 — Grace N Play; students: Ashlie Wolf and Alicia McKerigan Third place: $500 — Buzz Band; students: Monica Seedall, Lisa Cecil, Katie Jane Robinson Third place: $500 — Bike Kiosk; students: Todd Gordon, Blake Kleffner, Sterling Duggan Third place: $500 — OneApp Living; students: Brett McPhail, Antony Ricks, Matthew LaChappelle “The one thing you see here is you possibly have the next biggest small business coming to Idaho,” said JT Ray, a commercial banker with U.S. Bank and one of the pitch-off judges. “What was cool is that most of the students that we talked to today were from Idaho, so it’s nice to see something homegrown that could potentially become the next biggest company.” Ray continued, “Southeast Idaho is really low on entrepreneurs, and it hurts us as an economy, so this event is to help promote and develop those future business creators. The idea is to create jobs here in Idaho and this event really helps push-start that initiative.” As the next step in the Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge, student groups will submit their business plans, formal applications and a 60-second video elevator pitch to the contest’s judges in Boise. Those selected based off these materials will be asked to compete this spring. “The students’ success was an encouragement to all of us about the future of business and entrepreneurship in Idaho,” Street said. “Thanks to all of those who helped with judging, mentoring students and supporting CEED in the effort to put this event on.”
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‘I REALLY BELIEVE Belgian company buys Station Square, hoping to bring business, high-end residences to Old Town Pocatello
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By Danae Lenz | dlenz@journalnet.com
t’s not hard to look past the dated green carpet, broken glass and decades’ old newspapers scattered everywhere and see that the apartments on the top floor of Station Square in Old Town Pocatello have a lot of potential. Belgian entrepreneur Denis Clijsters of Bricks & More, LLC, which just brought Station Square in August, is hoping to take advantage of that potential. In fact, he even said he is excited about it. There are 22 apartments — 19 studios and three two-bedrooms — in a central location in Pocatello at 200 S. Main St. The building was originally built in 1916, but the apartments have been abandoned for decades. However, Clijsters is hoping to turn them into affordable but higher-class apartments that he’ll likely rent for about $450 a month. Clijsters would love to see Old Town returned to its former glory, and renovating some of the buildings in the area is his way of contributing. “If you look at old towns of similar-sized cities in the United States, normally, especially in the last few years, they get gentrified a little bit and they’re actually nicer and more expensive than other parts of town,” Clijsters said. “Pocatello is the other way around. It’s way cheaper. No one wants to live here. But I think that will change. At least, I hope so.” If everything goes as planned, the apartments will be available by the beginning of this coming summer. Clijsters is half of Bricks & More LLC. His business partner, Jef Viaene, is still based in Belgium. The company’s mission is to invest in lower- and middle-class housing with a long-term goal of renovating those structures and providing more affordable housing in those neighborhoods. Bricks & More already bought the Fargo building at 340 S. Arthur Ave., just a couple blocks from Station Square, which was formerly the Fargo Department Store. Both buildings were designed by architect Frank Paradice, whom Clijsters identifies as a personal hero.
Paradice also designed Pocatello High School, the Yellowstone Hotel and the Federal Building, all in the Old Town area, as well as Brady Chapel in Mountain View Cemetery, which Clijsters says is a masterpiece. Clijsters is hoping to channel some of Paradice’s passion as he renovates Station Square. He also said it’s hard to find people who want to put money into old buildings instead of just leveling them and starting over, so he’s happy to have found people to work with who are of the same mind as his. “Most contractors just want to level buildings,” Clijsters said. “So it’s been hard to find the right people to take on a restoration job but I think I’ve found the perfect crew now.” Clijsters is also confident that Old Town will soon be a place where people want to be. With the work that he’s doing as well as the renovation of the Monarch Hotel, along with multiple businesses moving into the area, he thinks it’s a good time to invest in the area. Once the notice comes out that things are getting better, Clijsters said people will want to move to Old Town. Although he doesn’t have his eyes on any specific buildings to buy next, he says he’s always open to the right investment. “As an investor, you’re always looking,” Clijsters said. “It’s not a secret. But are we talking with anyone? No.” But he’s invested in being part of Old Town.
“I think that’s clear now with the Fargo (building) and now (Station Square),” Clijsters said. “I really believe in Old Town.” In addition to the apartments, Station Square’s main purpose is a shopping mall. Currently, a Hawaiian restaurant, a travel agency, a running company, an art gallery and a hair stylist. The building also has several commercial office spaces that are currently empty, and Clijsters has his heart set on having a coffee shop in the lobby area of the mall. “If you’re looking for offices to move in, we’re affordably priced, more than pretty much any other office in Old Town,” Clijsters said. All in all, it seems that the future for Station Square, and Old Town in general, is looking bright. “It would be great to see more apartments, more people living here, shopping here, and stores to be doing better.” He says investors don’t realize the potential of Old Town. “They all say, ‘Well, this is Old Town. Nobody wants to live here,’” Clijsters said. “But I think times are changing, and I think a lot of Millennials actually think it’s cool.” And it’s hard to imagine the Station Square apartments won’t be cool. There are original hardwood floors and big windows with great views, looking down on Old Town and the surrounding mountains. It seems like a great place to dream of the future, and perhaps to build one right here in Pocatello.
Idaho St ate B u s in e ss J ournal
Ja nuary/ F e b ruary 2 01 8 5
IN OLD TOWN’
Jordon Beesley/Idaho State Journal
Belgian entrepreneur Denis Clijsters is part of Bricks & More, LLC. His company recently bought the Station Square building in Old Town Pocatello and has big plans for the top floor, where there are many abandoned apartments.
6 January/ F eb r ua ry 2 018
Ida ho St ate B us i ness J o urna l
Old Town Pocatello business cashing in on vinyl resurgence JORDON BeeSLey/IDaHO STaTe JOURNaL
Quint Pimentel is the manager of vintage vinyl and antiques at 102 N. Main St in Old Town Pocatello.
By danae lenz dlenz@journalnet.com
I
n a surprising comeback, vinyl sales are soaring, and one local business is taking advantage of that. Quint Pimentel, who runs Vintage Vinyl and
Antiques at 102 N. Main St in Old Town Pocatello, is cashing in on people’s demand for more and more vinyl albums. “It’s been a cool venture — or adventure,� he said. The store opened in March 2016 and was originally started just from Pimentel’s father’s massive
vinyl collection. Pimentel said his father, Bill, would travel a lot and would stop at thrift stores and basically pick up every vinyl record he saw. He ended up with thousands, with multiples of a lot of albums and a room in the house overflowing with records. When the Monarch Hotel next door was destroyed
Ja nuary/ F e b ruary 2 01 8 7
Idaho St ate B u s in e ss J ournal in a fire, Bill took his opportunity. He owned the building, and it was vacated, so he opened his store. “(Dad) always in the back of his mind wanted to have a record shop,” Quint said. “And thought ‘Heck, this is good timing because people are starting to get back into vinyl. I’m going to open up a record shop.’” Quint was between jobs at the time and when his dad asked him if he wanted to run the shop, he jumped at the opportunity. According to an article in Forbes published in August, vinyl sales were supposed to amount to $1 billion in sales. And the biggest group buying are those 35 and younger. According to the article, almost 50 percent of all vinyl customers are 35 and younger. Quint said that he, too, has seen an increase in younger customers coming into his shop. “We have a fair amount of young kids that come in,” he said. “Especially if they’ve heard the sound, they crave more of it.” Quint credits his increasing customer base — both Millennials and his usual customers consisting of those aged 40 to 50 — to the fact that vinyl is more of an experience than a convenience. “To me it’s just more intimate,” Quint said. “Most of the time, it’s in your discography, it’s in your home. … It’s
almost like a book. They put the lyrics (on it). … You open it up and there’s all these pictures of the band members or different artwork.” Quint also touched on the sound quality of vinyl. “Personally, I think it sounds way better,” he said. “It’s more of a pure sound.” But, he said, “Music is music, no matter what. Whether you’re listening to it on the radio or on record, CD, cassette, music is music.” Dan Croney of Pocatello has collected 500 vinyl albums over the past 50 years and is a repeat customer of Pimentel’s. He says it’s the “fidelity” of vinyl that keeps him coming back. “There’s something about vinyl and the way it’s recorded that CD just doesn’t capture the intrinsic nuances that vinyl captures,” Croney said. He said you can easily hear the difference between CDs and vinyl records. Croney also said the artwork “fits the music,” something he said doesn’t happen with current music. “So you could look at the artwork and you could get the vibe of what the music was going to tell you,” Croney said. Andy Guerra of Pocatello owns thousands of vinyl records. He said he’s unsurprised by the resurgence of vinyl. “They’re probably of an era where they want to touch the music,” Guerra
said. “You buy vinyl in the package. You can touch it, smell it, play it. You can look at it.” He said in his generation, “it was in the air. We actually felt the music.” Guerra also related vinyl albums to books. It was a novel. It was like a real book, he said. And all the songs related to each other. Well, whatever it is, something must be drawing more people to the vinyl experience. According to another Forbes article, “Vinyl record sales aren’t just growing. They’re growing faster each year: up about 18 percent in 2012, 32 percent in 2013 and 51 percent in 2014.” Sony has even decided to throw its hat in the ring and start producing vinyl for the first time in 28 years, according to a story by CNN Money. “Consulting firm Deloitte forecasts the vinyl music industry will post double-digit growth in 2017 for the seventh year in a row, selling 40 million new discs and generating as much as $900 million in revenue,” according to the story. “Vinyl could account for up to 18 percent of all physical music revenue this year, which is likely to top $5 billion, Deloitte said in a recent report. Turntables and other vinyl-related accessories are also benefiting as a result.” Popular artists today, including acts such as Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift,
have started selling vinyl copies of their new albums. But Quint says they don’t sell many of those because the overhead costs are too high. Generally, Pimentel sells his albums for, generally, $10 to $30, and then there are rare ones that cost more than that. Quint said he also does quite a bit of sales online, namely on a website called Discogs. “This allows us to put stuff online, and it’s basically just a store,” he said. In the future, Quint says he thinks the business will continue to grow. He said they have ads out in the Thrifty Nickel asking for people to sell him records, and he said people come from all over the region to sell them. “A lot of it is just foot traffic, people coming in off the street (saying), ‘Hey, do you buy records?’ or they come in with a stack of records already,” Quint said. “... I’ve had people from Jackson, people from western Wyoming, people from Utah call us because of that (Thrifty Nickel) ad.” As for the future, Quint is optimistic. “Hopefully business keeps getting bigger and bigger,” he said. “It’s always an experiment.” Vintage Vinyl is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be reached on Facebook as well.
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BouTIQue HoTeL eMBodyING RecReATIoNAL, cuLTuRAL eXPeRIeNces oF suN VALLey Now oPeN By stoltz marketIng group KETCHUM — HayMax Hotels, an independent hotel group with properties in Aspen and Sun Valley, recently announced the details of its new experiential property, Hotel Ketchum. The $4 million hotel renovation and rebranding project will replace the Clarion Hotel and feature amenities designed to help guests and the local community capture the unique spirit, landscape and experiences of Ketchum while also offering sensible, mid-range pricing. Hotel Ketchum opened last month. “I fell in love with Sun Valley the same way, and for the same reasons, many visitors do — on vacation with my family,” said Michael Brown, a partner at HayMax Hotels. “Every visitor to Ketchum finds something that they connect with personally; the area never fails to deliver an experience unique to everyone. Whether they’re looking for art, outdoor adventure, theater, a great meal or just a welcoming, close-knit community, people find it in Ketchum. I knew from day one that this new hotel needed to capture that spirit rather than being just another hotel.” Since purchasing the hotel and planning for renovation, every detail has been chosen with founders Michael and Aaron Brown’s vision, defining every decision — from the design to the operating philosophy and accompanying marketing and imagery, to the specific colors and textures picked for furniture and art, and the communal spaces and integration of the local community and outdoor activities. To deliver the Sun Valley experience to every visitor, the hotel will feature: ■ Relaxed and comfortable community spaces to connect with friends, meet locals and enjoy hotel-sponsored events featuring local artists, fitness and yoga instructors and more. ■ A “gear garage” designed to support each visitor’s unique adventure needs, whether they’re looking to borrow snowshoes or a bike, or store their own outdoor gear. ■ Fitness center, year-round outdoor heated swimming pool and oversized hottub helping guests warm up or cool down. ■ Pet-friendly rooms with a percentage of pet fees donated to local animal agencies working to place pets in their new
forever homes. ■ A modern and innovative, yet relaxed, coffee shop featuring grab-and-go meals and snacks and award-winning coffee from one of the top sustainable roasters in the world, Equator Coffees & Teas. (Coming Fall 2018) ■ A vibrant restaurant and bar that will allow the community and visitors to come together to share their latest adventures. (Coming Fall 2018) ■ Experiential retail partners hand-chosen for their unique products and services that capture the essence of Sun Valley. (Coming Soon)
The hotel design, brought to life by Studio 11 Design, matched the hotel’s vision with a suggestion of modern mountain flair that incorporates a mix of the natural materials and textures indigenous to the area. Sarah Harris, the Studio 11 lead on the project, says, “Boutique hotel magic happens when you combine inspiration from a founder’s vision with the unique community, environment and history of its location in every design detail. The only issue we’ve had is in deciding which aspects of Sun Valley’s rich history best fit the vision, from there everything from colors and
textures, to furniture and fixture choices, flowed easily.” “When we say, ‘Start here. Do anything,’ we mean it,” said General Manager Shannon Allen. “While guests won’t have to leave the hotel to have a great meal, connect with the local community or just hang out, we really want the hotel to be a launching pad for all that Sun Valley has to offer. This is an active lifestyle hotel, and it’s evident in everything we do.” Ketchum and the Sun Valley resort region draw about 400,000 visitors annually, including a peak season from November through April for world-renowned skiing at Bald Mountain, as well as an equally busy summer full of exceptional outdoor activities, food, culture and events. The area has a strong supply of luxury lodging but has historically missed the mark with individuals and families looking for an authentic experience with mid-market rates. Hotel Ketchum aims to deliver on an affordable experience that says, “you are in Sun Valley” and reminds you at every turn that you’re not staying in a generic, mass-market hotel. Hotel Ketchum is open for the 2017-18 winter season. The hotel has launched a new website, www.hotelketchum.com, where visitors can reserve rooms with room rates as low as $160 for the ski season.
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Id a ho St ate B us i ness J o urna l
‘A BRIGHT LIGHT’ REDI CEO says the future of economic development in Eastern Idaho looks optimistic By Danae Lenz |dlenz@journalnet.com
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or Jan Rogers, selling Eastern Idaho to businesses considering relocating to the area is easy. Her pitch goes something like this. The region is bookended by two major universities: Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg and Idaho State University in Pocatello. In between those universities is the Idaho National Laboratory, which takes up 890 square miles and employs approximately 4,000 people. The FBI in Pocatello and other federal agencies are a selling point as well. The area is also home to Millennial City USA — Rexburg — in which 80 percent of the population is under the age of 30, with the average age being 22. The region also has the second largest workforce in Idaho with approximately 183,381 employees. Idaho Falls has one of the largest food processing equipment manufacturers in the nation, Idaho Steel. Spudnik, in Blackfoot, is one of the largest farm equipment manufacturers in the U.S. The region produces more malt for beer than any other region in North America — enough for a billion beers every month. To finish her pitch, Rogers says, “To top it off, Eastern Idaho is nestled between one of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48 (states) and two national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Imagine what’s in between.” By that point, she says people’s eyes are wide and they want to know more. Rogers is the CEO of Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI) — and her pitch has clearly been working. The cities of Pocatello, Chubbuck and Rexburg joined her organization in 2017, and she has recently been recognized with two major awards. She was one of 50 Idaho women selected for the 2018 Idaho Women of the Year by the Idaho Business Review, and in October, she was presented with the 2017 Bob Potter Economic Development Professional of the Year Award. In a press release by the Idaho Business Review, Rogers said of being one of the 50 women selected for the award, “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by Idaho Business Review for this amazing award. To be in the company of so many other outstanding women who will also be receiving this award is just amazing. It’s truly an honor for me to be a part of this stellar group of successful Idaho women.” She told the Journal that she was one of only six women outside of the Treasure Valley — and only two in Eastern Idaho, the other being Krystal Chanda of A&E Engineering Inc. in Pocatello — who won the award. Megan Ronk, who nominated Rogers for the award and is the state director of commerce, said, “Jan Rogers has had such a significant impact in Idaho promoting economic development for our great state for nearly 20 years, to have Idaho Business Review include her as one of 50 outstanding women in our state is a testament to Jan’s leadership and achievements over the years. I congratulate her on this amazing and well-deserved recognition.” Rogers said the award specifically focuses on the women’s careers, their volunteerism and their work with other women, including mentoring and supporting other women in business. Rogers, who is from Dallas and currently lives in Idaho Falls, has been in the workforce for nearly 50 years, and she says she doesn’t regret any of the decisions that led her to where she is today. “I left Dallas at the height of my earning abilities and chose Idaho,” Rogers said. “It was a life choice. It certainly wasn’t a business choice. And I’ve never regretted it. I can’t even tell you how
Rogers
fulfilling it’s been. That’s why I’m still doing it.” No matter where she is going in her career, she enjoys helping people. “For me, it’s all about helping others,” Rogers said, “whether I was working at the (advertising) agency with industries or now for the last many years in economic development. For me, the endgame is always about the families that you bring opportunity to. Everything we’ve done, everything I’ve done and helped and been a part of and been a team player on, all the new business that we’ve brought into Southern Idaho and Eastern Idaho — all of those companies provide jobs and opportunities for the families that live here. For me, that’s what keeps me doing it. That’s what gets me excited. That’s what gets me pumped up in the morning. … It’s always been about being in a field or in a position position where I’m helping others.” Rogers and the 49 other women who were named will be honored at a March 8 reception in Boise where one will be named Idaho Business Review Woman of the Year. The other award, the Bob Potter Economic Development Professional of the Year Award, is given annually to recognize an economic development leader in Idaho who is making a significant impact on the community and furthering their profession. It is put on by the Idaho
Economic Development Association. Rogers served as its third president. Rogers was also happy to receive that award. “It’s a big deal because it’s a state organization association of all the economic developers,” Rogers said. “When you are recognized by your peers, that’s a pretty special recognition for your work in the field of economic development.” In a press release, Doug Manning, IEDA President and Burley Economic Development Director, said, “Jan Rogers was chosen for this award to recognize the substantial impact she has had on economic development for the state, Eastern Idaho and Southern Idaho over nearly 20 years. She served as a mentor to me over the many years as we worked to promote economic development in Burley. Honoring Jan Rogers for this prestigious economic development award is well deserved. Her positive impact at the local, regional, national and international level for Idaho cannot be overstated.” When asked about winning the two awards within a couple months of each other, Rogers said with a laugh, “It may be going out with a bang.” As for the future of REDI, Rogers is excited, especially will the recent additions of Pocatello, Chubbuck and Rexburg. When REDI first started a couple years ago, the cities in the region were skeptical and didn’t want to give up their independence. “This region has never operated together as a regional presence,” Rogers said. “It’s hard sometimes for communities to give up what they consider to be their independence. So what we’ve … had to prove is it’s not an ‘either/or’ situation. This organization, REDI, is an ‘and.’ It’s an additional resource to go out and market nationally to drive opportunity to the region. I think over the last two years, we’ve proven and shown value in that area.” Now that all those communities are working together, Rogers said there’s a bright light in Eastern Idaho. “(There are) nearly 300,000 (people) in Eastern Idaho,” Rogers said. “We have the second largest workforce in the state. We have two major universities, a national lab. … When you take that
collectively, it’s a pretty bright light. But if you take each of those things separately, it’s more like a flashlight. So our job is … to focus a message in a way that people can understand what makes Eastern Idaho special.” In the near future, REDI is focusing on gaining and retaining a talent pool in the area. The organization has currently put together a working group of Millennials to try to figure out what will keep that group of educated, talented individuals in the area. “In today’s economic development world, talent is leading business development” Rogers said. “There’s a shortage of talent. It’s a shortage across the nation. Nobody’s figured out the silver bullet on how to attract and retain talent. That’s another thing that economic development organizations are having to get more involved in, because without the talent and the pipeline you’re not gonna get a look. We are going to do a lot more focus on talent attraction and detention.” The organization recently talked to Eastern Idaho Millennials and asked them three questions: Why are you here? What’s keeping you here? What would make you leave? The working group will be in charge of coming up with out-ofthe-box ideas on how to communicate to the current talent living in Eastern Idaho and how to attract more likeminded people. “There’s a lot going on in Eastern Idaho, and our job is to tell that story to the rest of the world so they take a look at us,” Rogers said. Though she wouldn’t comment on specific plans for the future, Rogers said she knows some companies are going to announce their plans to come to Eastern Idaho this year. And she thinks REDI, and the region itself, will continue to be successful in the long run. “I’m confident this region is going to be enormously successful,” Rogers said. “It already has been. People just didn’t know it because they weren’t telling the story. But now we’re going to be telling the story, so others will know and that will drive more attention to the region, which we hope will extrapolate into new business and will bring more opportunities.”
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Nucleane Grows Through Hard Work and Tenacity By Mountain America Credit Union
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pencer Ward owns a thriving commercial property cleaning company located in four Idaho cities. He didn’t just fall into his success with Nucleane — he worked hard for it. Like many young entrepreneurs, he got started by knocking on doors and asking for business. As a leader in his community and industry, Mountain America Credit Union wanted to ask this business member a few questions about how things began, what keeps him going and what makes him competitive. How did your business start? After graduating from Idaho State University in 2011, I was applying for jobs all over the country and even abroad. Nothing was sticking. At the time, my growing family was vacationing in Bear Lake at my in-law’s cabin. A random thought occurred to me as I looked at the beautiful cabins — who was cleaning all these cabins? I immediately started Bear Lake Cabin Cleaners. At first, I posted fliers around town and talked with the area property management companies. I eventually ended up doing work for most of these companies, as well as the five-star resort, WorldMark by Wyndham, and was employing over 15 people. When the summer came to an end and the work dried up, I decided to close the operation in Bear Lake and move toward a steady commercial clientele in Pocatello, where I lived. Again, I started knocking on doors and won a large contract. For a full year after, however, I couldn’t find a lot of additional work. I continued to network as much as possible and ultimately the company began growing. Today, we have offices in Pocatello, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls and Rexburg and employ over 25 people. What keeps you motivated? I’ve always been competitive. When I decided to start this business, I didn’t just want to get by. I wanted to build something amazing that would provide jobs and quality service to people in my community. I’m also motivated by failure. I know what it’s like to fail. Every day, I work like someone else is chasing me and wants to take what I’ve worked so hard to build. This visualization helps me to move forward, instead of turning on cruise control. I’m always striving to make the company stronger and more efficient — even though I’m sure it drives my managers crazy at times! What are the top five skills needed to open your own business? I’m a big fan of Zig Ziglar, Dale Carnegie,
What is your favorite way to spend down time — away from your business? What I love most is spending time with my family. We enjoy watersports, winter sports, traveling—you name it, we enjoy doing it as a family.
Stephen R. Covey and Grant Cardone. Most everything I’ve learned is taken from these business professionals. Here is my list: • Mental strength. Be strong enough to pick yourself up after being knocked down. • Be proactive. Business growth won’t happen without expanding your circle of influence. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. • Follow up. As Grant Cardone says, “The money is in the follow-up.” • Be creative. If you get shot down using the same approach, change it up! There’s more than one way to earn business. • Never stop learning. Keep business and leadership skills sharp by reading books from successful entrepreneurs and industry articles on innovation and new tools. Be the expert in your field.
Do you come from a family of business makers or are you the only one with an entrepreneurial spirit? My family is full of entrepreneurs. From my grandparents to my parents—they planted the bug in me. At times I wish I could simply take some time off, leave everything at the door and unplug my brain. But I’m just not wired that way. The constant challenge of innovating and creating drives my thoughts.
If you could go back in time to when you were just starting out, what “lesson learned” would you impart to yourself? It gets better! At first, building a business can feel like treading water — for a really long time! Sometimes it’s easy to let doubt and second-guessing creep in. But, you’re on the right path if you have the right product and a sound process. Work hard, stay organized and surround yourself with smart, hardworking people.
me how to work hard and not quit until the job is done, and done right. They have seen times of famine, but have always been charitable and loving, no matter the circumstances. Professionally, I look up to several very successful friends and family members. I surround myself with effective, positive and hard-working people who help me continue pushing further.
Who has been your greatest inspiration, personally or professionally? Personally, it would be my parents. They raised four crazy kids and, through it all, stayed true to themselves. They taught
What has been the most satisfying moment in your professional life? So far, it’s creating a company that gives me the ability to provide for my family. It’s also very rewarding to help others do the same.
How do you distinguish your business in a competitive market? I focus on consistent quality. Managing a new contract well the first time is easy, but it’s not enough. I’ve organized our processes to make them simple and easier for employees to understand. No matter what business you’re in, the simpler you can make it, the easier it is to get and retain customers. Again, it’s all about follow-up and keeping in continuous contact with your customers and employees. Thanks, Spencer! We appreciate your business and what you’re accomplishing in your community. We hope Nucleane and Mountain America Credit Union will have a long and happy partnership. We are here to guide you forward!
Sustained development through conscientious shopping
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ith a looming economic foods and seasonal produce, Farm to boom and population Table offers a way for a community growth at a national high to maintain a hands-on approach to (according to the U.S. Census Bureau, economic growth and collaborative Idaho was the nation’s fastest-growing effort towards the long-term health of state over the last year, increasing its ourselves and our region. population by 2.2 percent), we should This latest food movement is expect to see new businesses enter our driven by consumers’ desire to conarea. Some will find success and con- Jamie Bailey nect with the source of their food, to tribute to the long term growth of the know what exactly is going into its region. Others will not be so lucky — production. Is it healthy? How was it over the years we’ve seen countless businesses grown? Was it treated well during its lifetime? come and go. Food service is one of the most Were the conditions of its production fair volatile businesses in any region. Some of and safe for workers? Many of us don’t have this volatility is because of the nature of the the training or skill to make a crusty, chewy, industry, which is subjected to the whims of home-baked loaf of French bread. The marketing and the prevalence of big business investment of raising hormone-free cattle in moving into the area. Many restaurants capia free-range setting is beyond the scope of talize on trends in food, such as pizza places what most can do on a standard city lot. Not in the 1980s, and they thrive when the trend everyone has space for an abundant garden, is in their direction. They often fall behind especially one grown without pesticides and when trends shift away from the fare they are using only natural fertilizers. Thankfully, we offering. Such has been the life of a restauran- live in a region ripe with opportunity and teur until perhaps the latest food movement: local flair, giving us the unique experience Farm to Table. Focusing on locally grown of meeting the people handling our foods
from the time the first seed is planted to the presentation on our table. The desire for a healthy lifestyle has shifted food-buying habits, generating growth in a number of area businesses. Local artisanal bread is in such high demand that lines are forming 30 to 45 minutes before the shop opens. Local ranchers are stepping up to the demand and providing everything from breakfast sausage and pork shoulder to ground goat meat, all devoid of industrial chemicals. Our small farms are getting bigger by the season to keep up with consumers’ demands, in some cases doubling production from one year to the next while still maintaining rigorous standards for health, quality and safety. Local farmers regularly sell out of garlic, onions, carrots, arugula and many other savory delights. These are things we can be proud of. These are the things that make Southeast Idaho such a desirable place to live. Reinforcing this wonderful foundation can only further help to differentiate us and strengthen our new, healthier lifestyle.
We can continue this growth. We can create a long-term economic stability by supporting our local purveyors. A Farm to Table focus not only keeps us in touch with the process that goes into making our food. It also keeps our money in the local economy. We can have not only healthy bodies but a healthy community in which to raise our children. Watching the growth of microbusinesses as they turn into small businesses and potentially large businesses gives me hope for our future. I’ve always thought we had the potential to enjoy a truly thriving Farm to Table culture, but now it seems we are realizing that potential. It’s happening because we are finding ways to collaborate and develop our community from the inside out. Consumer demands are being met by local merchants and producers. We can turn this trend into a cultural movement. And we can do this while making our community a better place to live. Jamie Bailey is the Cafe Handler for the Farm Table Cafe at the Pocatello Co-op. He can be reached at jamiecbailey@gmail.com.
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‘It Rains Every Night’ Flexibility, affordability and ease of use define material selection on an elementary school reroof project in Boise By Tamara Middleton Roof Insulation Specialist, ACH Foam Technologies
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n roofing, they say “It rains every night”, which means that no matter how much gets done on a reroof project, at the end of the day the entire roof must be completely water tight before the crew can leave. Shane VonWald knows a thing or two about reroofing; he’s been doing it for more than 27 years. Starting out as a second set of hands in his step-father’s residential roofing business, he quickly rose through the construction’s laborer ranks from journeyman to foreman to superintendent before moving into project management and estimating for a large contractor. Today, VonWald leads the commercial roofing division at Signature Roofing, a specialty contractor serving the Boise, Idaho area since 2002. The firm’s roots, like VonWald’s, are in residential roofing. Determined to break into growing local markets in public works and large private projects, Signature Roofing brought VonWald into a new commercial division in 2013. “Commercial roofs can be quite a bit more complicated than residential projects,” VonWald said. He estimates Signature Roofing does approximately 20 commercial roofs a year, ranging from public schools and municipal buildings to retail centers and office complexes. Signature Roofing’s residential division, on the other hand, does some 300 homes a year. “In residential, it’s a different house every
day,” VonWald “You can be on the same commercial job for years and it has to be completely resealed every night.” The differences don’t end there, as the variations in commercial roofs can be much greater in terms of materials, slopes, and the variety of mechanical and ventilation equipment on the roof that must be worked around. Each set of circumstances combines to present unique challenges to designers and builders when a roof reaches the end of its lifecycle and must be rehabilitated. Signature Roofing recently worked with Hutchinson Smith Architects to reroof Maple Grove Elementary School for the Boise School District, addressing a set of challenges along the way. “The Maple Grove Elementary reroof project is a great example of the way designers and builders have to work together to solve roofing challenges in the field,” said Glenn Robinette, project manager with HSA. Maple Grove Elementary is a single-story brick building with a flat roof built in 1968. Because of rapid residential development in the area, the school had to be expanded before the originally designed building was even complete. A few years later, the school was expanded again, totaling 22 classrooms. Today, Maple Grove houses some 500 students, making it one of the largest schools in the Boise School District. “The roof was a borderline failure when we got involved in 2015,” Robinette said. “There was a lot of ponding and we needed to add a significant amount of slope to get it to drain properly. This can’t be done exclusively on the drafting table. It has to be defined in the field just about as much as on paper.” Creating a consistent directionally controlled roof slope to eliminate ponding also requires working around rooftop mechanical units, skylights and other protrusions using a customizable material. HSA and Signature Roofing turned to ACH Foam Technologies’ Foam-Control PLUS+ tapered roof insulation. Made from molded polystyrene,
Foam-Control PLUS+ is an architectural insulation product line with high compressive strengths, high R-values, and exceptional moisture resistance. “The biggest determining factor in choosing the insulation type is what it’s being attached to,” Robinette said. “Using crickets, we get a tight fit around equipment with an affordable product that builders like to work with.” VonWald agrees, adding that when the crew starts to remove a commercial roof they never know what they will find. Filling in the gaps calls for a solid yet highly customizable insulation material. When the Maple Grove roof was peeled back it was clear that the ponding was due to a few low spots toward the center and the overall flatness of the roof. “Using the tapered crickets, we built up the slope of the roof from the middle,” said VonWald, who oversaw the installation of some 250,000 board-feet of Foam-Control PLUS+ 150 to get the roof to drain properly. “This was a compound slope situation. Several low spots forced us to add two feet of parapet wall, building up higher than we originally expected to get the slope we needed.” The Signature Roofing team used a handheld hot wire cutter to shape the molded polystyrene insulation to fit around the mechanical equipment and roof drains, all of which also had to be raised up to account for the new roof height. VonWald suggests that while architects may appreciate molded polystyrene for being somewhat less expensive than polyiso insulations, he appreciates molded polystyrene for being easier to install. “It is faster, with polyiso you have to build up layer after layer to get your roof-height,” VonWald said. “With Foam-Control PLUS+, a single piece is 12 inches deep and you can do it all in one shot.” Not having to build up layer after layer saves time and money, while also reducing material waste. On large commercial roofs
with significant slope built-up of more than 3 or 4 inches, like the Maple Grove Elementary, the savings can be as much as 20 percent over polyiso products. Molded polystyrene’s insulating properties compared to polyiso are not as immediately apparent at the purchase point. While ACH Foam Technologies’ Foam-Control PLUS+’s R-value per inch of thickness ranges from 4.2 to 4.5, comparable polyiso products represent a published LTTR R-value of 5.6 per inch of thickness. The blowing agents used in polyiso provide an initial high R-value. During the life of the material, air from the atmosphere diffuses into the cells and reduces the R-value. The blowing agents themselves also diffuse out of the material, further reducing the R-value. This is known as off-gassing. In 2010, Mark Graham, the National Roofing Contractors Association associate executive director of technical services, confirmed that relying on long-term thermal resistance (LTTR) values may be misleading to designers. “ Although the LTTR method of R-value determination and reporting may be appropriate for laboratory analysis, research comparison and procurement purposes, NRCA does not consider LTTR use to be appropriate for roof system design purposes when actual in-service R-value can be an important aspect of roof system performance,” Graham said. NRCA recommends designers use inservice R-values of 5.0 per inch in heating conditions and 5.6 per inch in cooling conditions for polyiso. Molded polystyrene insulation, on the other hand, doesn’t suffer from off-gassing and therefore retains the originally published R-values over the entire life of the product, without change. Available in compressive strengths of 15, 25, 40 or 60 psi, with a warrantied R-value that maintains its effectiveness for 50 years, ACH Foam Technologies’ Foam-Control PLUS+ roof insulation proves to be flexible in more ways than one.
Women and retirement: Proactive planning is the key Economic Tip Sheet
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aving for retirement can be accessible as this can help protect challenging, but saving for a your retirement income in a time of long retirement can be down need. Aim to save at least six months’ right scary. This is why today’s worth of expenses in a savings or women generally need to diligently a money market account. While prepare for retirement. Women will, the interest return will be minimal on average, outlive men by five years in today’s economy, it will provide according to the Centers for Disease a place to turn without racking up Control and Prevention. high-interest debt for emergencies Jennifer Another problem women face such as job loss, major car or home Landon is that they generally earn less than repairs, or medical crisis. men, which can also make saving Do not ignore health care: One more difficult. According to the Senate Joint of the biggest financial obstacles many face Economic Committee Democratic Staff, a during retirement is health care costs. Durwoman earns 79 cents for every dollar a man ing your working years, consider disability earns, and women’s median annual earnings insurance to help replace your income are $10,800 less than men’s. Additionally, should you become unable to work. Once women are usually the caregivers and will be you reach age 50, consider shopping for the ones to take time off from the workforce long-term care insurance options or forms to care for children or older relatives, which of coverage in an event of medical crisis can lead to lower lifetime savings. or long-term disability. And, at age 65, So not only do women live longer but on consider purchasing Medicare supplement average, they also earn less — not a great plans to provide additional coverage you combination. That is why it is even more may need. important for women to take charge of their Know your Social Security options: financial life. No more procrastinating, start How to handle Social Security benefits can saving and create a plan that allows you to depend on your status so it is important take control of your retirement destiny. And to know where you stand. For instance, if whether you are single or married, wealthy you had been married for 10 years or more or not, here are a few items that will help and are now divorced, it may make sense you get started: to apply for retirement benefits based on Take charge: Being proactive is essential your ex-husband’s earning record. You may to saving and investing in your future. This not realize it but you are entitled to Social requires making consistent contributions to Security payments equal to 50 percent of retirement savings accounts. Within these your ex-husband’s benefits. Know that if accounts it is important to figure out your you remarry before the age of 60 you will desired asset allocation — the percentage of lose those benefits. With all of the filing your retirement savings you want to invest strategies available, be sure to review the in stocks versus bonds, to get the most from options as they may add up to hundreds of your plan. It is also important to establish thousands of dollars difference over the span an emergency fund that will be liquid and of your retirement.
Put it in writing: Having an estate plan is important because if you leave it up to the courts, you’re risking a significant portion of your assets. In addition to an estate plan, establish medical and financial powers of attorney, so loved ones may make decisions for you. Add designated beneficiaries to your accounts and any titled property you own. You may be tempted to procrastinate, but the time to plan your estate is before a crisis, not after. Most importantly, consider a safety deposit box or personal safe to properly store all of this information together. Notifying your family of how to access this information will also became very helpful in handling your estate or immediate needs. Even though women may have it harder than men when it comes to saving for retirement, that is no reason to despair. Proactive preparation can be just the thing you need to ensure a comfortable and, hopefully, long retirement. If you are unsure where or how to start planning, seek outside advice that can help set you on the right track. Jennifer Landon, founder and president of Journey Financial Services, is an accomplished adviser, educator and presenter on financial topics. Landon has spent the last decade advising Idaho Falls residents on the wealth and retirement planning strategies needed to help them achieve peace of mind on their retirement journey. She is an Investment Advisor Representative and a licensed life and health insurance professional in the state of Idaho. Landon is a member of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor Group, the National Ethics Association and the Better Business Bureau. For more information about Landon and Journey Financial Services, call 208-552-9169 or visit www.JourneyRetirement.com.
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017 was a year of strong employment growth, with the U.S. continuing its longest-running employment streak on record at 86 months. Unemployment fell to 4.1 percent; all the while wage growth remained tepid. In 2018, the labor market will likely continue to tighten, with job growth continuing and unemployment falling. Economic growth didn’t Robert Spendlove start to pick up until the second half of 2017. This year, there was a major push by the new administration for 3 percent GDP growth, which didn’t happen until the last 2 quarters. Economic growth in 2018 will likely be strong, between 2 to 3 percent for the year. Inflation readings were low. With the labor market growing and economic strength improving, many expected a rise in inflation in 2017; however, it remained, for the most part, below the Fed’s preferred level of 2 percent. Many economists, including the Fed, believe that inflation will rise in 2018. The Fed plans to raise interest rates 3 times next year. The Fed just announced they would be raising interest rates a quarter-point to 1.25 to 1.50 percent. In their most recent meeting, they indicated 3 more quarter-point increases in 2018. They may have to increase this if inflation picks up too quickly, or lower it, if the economy starts to drag. The incoming Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is very similar to Janet Yellen and will likely stick to the current plan if the economic conditions remain stable. Robert Spendlove is the economic and public policy officer for Zions Bank.
Idaho St ate B u s in e ss J ournal
January/ F e b ruary 2 01 8 1 5
coFFee BeANs, oLd skI LodGes ANd FAMILy VALues BY sTePHANIe BACHMAN Idaho State University
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omemade bread or bread on the shelf? This is the comparison owner Travis Voskamp makes between his business Leapknot Coffee Roasters and the type of coffee grounds you find at your local grocery store. And the hand-crafted, personal quality of Voskamp’s business doesn’t extend just to his coffee ground products. Throughout nearly every aspect of Leapknot, visitors can experience the nostalgia of the hard-working family business and warm customer service within the very walls of Voskamp’s business, which he co-owns with his wife, Megan. How? Well the building sits at the base of the old Caribou ski resort many locals may remember shut down in 1986 — but through creative design and insight, the Voskamps brought the rustic spirit of the mountain back to life in their own little way. Those who visit Leapknot will be pleased to discover that the building is a combination of the old and the new. Pale red and light blue
planks, repurposed from old ski outposts and an old house from the area, line the inside walls. A pair of old-fashion wooden skis sits cozily between an iron-cast fireplace and mauve leather couch. There is even an old rusted “Stop, Ski Area” sign ingrained into the wall, a momento and head-nod to the area’s rich history. “We wanted Leapknot to have a connection to this place,” Travis says regarding the decision to incorporate the tangible pieces of the old ski lodge into Leapknot’s building. “We wanted to tap into the nostalgia of the locals who used to visit the ski resort and enjoy winter recreations here. We wanted them to remember their past days and stories of coming here.” Yet while there are plenty of tokens of the past to be enjoyed while visiting Leapknot, there are unique and fascinating aspects the Voskamps have also brought to the area — such as the coffee roaster. Beautiful with its black and gold design, it roasts the coffee beans to the perfect shade of warm or dark brown, roasting the batch a precise amount of time to capture the flavor according to the
type of bean. Once the coffee beans are cooled, they are distributed into personalized coffee bags. “We wanted the bags to look distinct, look cool, feel right, communicate values,” Travis says. And they do. The back of each bag highlights the qualities and values that the Voskamps want customers to take away from Leapknot, such as taking a leap of faith to do something you may be afraid of doing. “The heartbeat of the roastery is taking a leap of faith,” Travis said. “There’s this expanse in believing that everyone has to face.” The bags also imply that it’s important to work together as a family instead of as strangers. “Overall, we want to connect with people,” Travis says. “We’ve stood on shoulders to get where we are, and we want to let people know that they matter.” Leapknot is also a welcome new layer to the community of Pocatello. Because of Pocatello’s status as an old railroad town, its history is richly layered with businesses that have come and gone. Leapknot brings friendly values and fresh faces to one of Pocatello’s
beloved, historical locations and revitalizes that spirit of camaraderie that used to inhabit the old ski area, churning to life a portion of Pocatello that needed a reawakening. The Voskamps focus on bringing this good quality to the area and serving the community and beyond. “My dad used to say that a good deal is not a good unless it is a good deal for everyone,” Travis said. “Overall, being up here, you feel like you’re part of something a lot bigger than you.” Located on 6071 W. Buckskin Road, Leapknot has business hours every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in which visitors can come view the building, witness first-hand how the coffee grounds are roasted, and purchase a bag of freshly -made beans. They also have distributors for locals within the area, and shipping options for out-of-towners. If you’re looking to launch a business of your own, ISU Continuing Education and Workforce Training will be offering entrepreneurship courses in Spring 2018 like Marketing Bootcamp and Facebook for Beginners. To learn more, visit cetrain.isu.edu.
Despite plentiful irrigation water, ag’s outlook lacks luster By myChel matthews Times-News TWIN FALLS — With an apparent abundance of irrigation water for next year, Jim Patrick won’t need to change his crop rotation. “I try to keep the same rotation,” said Patrick, a farmer who also represents Jerome and part of Twin Falls counties as a Republican state senator. For him, a rotation means silage corn, alfalfa, malted barley and sugar beets. If growers anticipated a dry year, they would be growing more acres of grain corn, barley, wheat or dry beans, he said. Some of those crops aren’t paying much. “Corn, barley and wheat prices have taken a downturn,” said Craig Kelley, manager of Rangen’s commodity division in Twin Falls. Grain corn “is at a very low price,” Patrick said. “It’s hard to make any money off it.” In general, growers want to stay within their normal rotation, said Steve Hines, University of Idaho Extension educator in Jerome. It’s important for soil health, nutri-
DReW NaSH/TIMeS-NeWS
Beef cattle graze on a cold wintry day south of Twin Falls. Low milk prices could send many dairy cows to the beef market, dropping the price of beef, economists say.
tion and erosion control. “Most growers are tuned into what they will be growing,” Hines said. “Crops are generally planned out three or four years into the future. As long as there is water,
everything falls in line.” And water doesn’t look like an issue next year, he said. “It looks like the reservoirs have plenty of carryover — at least for 2018.” The Upper Snake River system is 86
percent full, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Palisades Reservoir is 96 percent full and Lake Walcott is 94 percent full. Jackson Lake in Wyoming is at 77 percent. But if a decent mountain snowpack doesn’t form over the winter, irrigation could suffer in 2019, Hines said. But he’s keeping his fingers crossed for luck. “A wet January and February can make up for a dry December,” he said. Other factors that can affect the decisionmaking process are crop diseases and pest pressure. So far, Hines has received a lot of calls about voles. “Producers need to keep an eye on alfalfa, winter cereals and pasture,” he said. “Voles can be very damaging to a pasture.” While few problems stand out, the general outlook “is not wonderful,” Hines said. Idaho growers operate nearly 12 million acres of farm ground, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Milk prices are low, and if prices stay down, dairymen may cull cows for the beef market, which could bring down the price of beef cattle.
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