Livability Southern Idaho 2013

Page 1

Southern idaho livability.com/twin-falls/id

FORE EVERMORE

Golfers tee off at a dozen local courses

Cream of the Crop

WATER YOU THINKING River lures boaters, paddlers & anglers

Chobani yogurt plant means big business

2013 | SPONSORED BY THE TWIN FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and SOUTHERN IDAHO TOURISM







CONTENTS

Southern idaho

9 Welcome to Southern Idaho

Things to Do 2 Recreation 1 Water You Thinking

An introduction to the community

12

Snake River lures boaters, paddlers and anglers.

6 Golf 1 Fore Evermore

Golfers tee off at a dozen local courses

0 Arts & Culture 2 Pleasing to the Eyes, Ears & Soul 22 Sports & Recreation Take It All In 24 Local Flavor Super Selections

On The Cover Residents take to the Snake River with their paddleboards and kayaks in Burley. Photo by Todd Bennett

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in-fall livability.com/tw

s/id

Southern idaho

FORE EVERMOoffRE at a

Golfers tee ses dozen local cour

Cream of the Crop

WATER YOU G THINKINers,

River lures boat ers paddlers & angl

urt plant Chobani yog iness means big bus

ORED 2013 | SPONS

COMM ERCE CHAMB ER OF FALLS AREA BY THE TWIN

ERN AND SOUTH

SM IDAHO TOURI

GET THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE It's loaded with links to more great info about Southern Idaho! Telling your community’s unique story has never been so easy. Take it with you Easily share an interesting article, stunning photo or advertisement of your business on Facebook, Twitter or via email.

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CONTENTS 2013 edition

volume 8

Southern idaho

Content Director | Lisa Battles Contributing Writers | Barbara Biehler, Cary Estes, Joe Morris, Braxton Shoop, Carol Stuart Content Coordinator | Jessica Walker Staff Writer | Kevin Litwin Proofreading Manager | Raven Petty

Lead Designer | Erica Lampley Senior Graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers | Kara Leiby, Kacey Passmore Creative Technology Analyst | Becca Ary Lead Photographer | Todd Bennett Senior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers | Michael Conti, Martin B. Cherry Color Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager | Will Zanetis Sales Support Project Manager | Sara Quint Ad Production Manager | Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Web Project Manager | David Day Digital Project Manager | Jill Ridenour Web Development Lead | Yamel Hall Web Designer II | Richard Stevens Web Product Manager | John Hood Chairman | Greg Thurman President/Publisher | Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President | Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales | Todd Potter Senior V.P./Client Development | Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./Operations | Casey Hester V.P./Sales | Jarek Swekosky V.P./Content Operations | Natasha Lorens Audience Development Director | Deanna Nelson Creative Services Director | Christina Carden Distribution Director | Gary Smith Photography Director | Jeffrey S. Otto Web Services Director | Allison Davis Controller | Chris Dudley Senior Accountant | Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator | Diana Guzman IT Director | Daniel Cantrell Executive Secretary | Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager | Peggy Blake Receptionist | Linda Bishop

Livability Southern Idaho is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 858 Blue Lakes Blvd. North • Twin Falls, ID 83301 Phone: (208) 733-3974 • Fax: (208) 733-9216 www.twinfallschamber.com Visit Livability Southern Idaho online at livability.com/twin-falls/id

30

Living

Business

26 Neighborhoods Find Your Pace

2 Working Here 4 It All Works Out

Southern Idaho living can be urban, rural & everything in between

30 Sports A Family Affair

Passion for high school sports bridges generations

5 Education 3 Smart Approach

Regional economy maintains steady growth

44 Development Cream of the Crop

Chobani yogurt plant means big business

47 Chamber Report Hammer Time

49 Economic Profile

37 Health Caring Community

39 Community Profile

©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

The Association of Magazine Media Member

Custom Content Council

Member Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste. Please recycle this magazine

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CONTENTS

livability.com/twin-falls/id

Visit the website for more great photos and stories about Southern Idaho. Photos and Videos

Southern idaho livability.com/twin-falls/id

FORE EVERMORE

Golfers tee off at a dozen local courses

Cream of the Crop

FaCTS Get data fast on population, climate, workforce, cost of living and more.

WATER YOU THINKING River lures boaters, paddlers & anglers

Chobani yogurt plant means big business

2013 | SPONSORED BY THE TWIN FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SOUTHERN IDAHO TOURISM

digital magazine Read it online and quickly share articles with friends.

Things to Do

Living

Business

Find the must-do attractions, activities and dining in Southern Idaho.

Learn about Southern Idaho’s schools, health care, education and neighborhoods.

Get info on top employers, jobs and success stories in Southern Idaho.

Livability.com Follow us @livability Like us at facebook.com/livability Follow us at pinterest.com/livability



At A Glance

Southern Idaho A quick, comprehensive overview of what’s great about the community Natural blessings and a comfortable pace make Southern Idaho the perfect refuge from the challenges of larger metropolitan areas. Deep Roots in Agriculture As evidenced by its jaw-dropping scenery, Southern Idaho is a favored child to Mother Nature. Yet, she had some help when it came to capitalizing on the region’s abundant agricultural commodities. Southern Idaho began as an agricultural center when in 1893, entrepreneur I.B. Perrine convinced private financiers to build a dam on the Snake River along with a corresponding canal system to irrigate the area. This work culminated in the 1900 founding of the Twin Falls Land and Water Co. and the subsequent completion of Milner Dam in 1905. The City of Twin Falls served those pioneering farmers who homesteaded the irrigated lands of the fertile Snake River Plain. Perfect Blend of Amenities The same vision, ambition, imagination and hard work of those pioneers lives on in the region’s business community – from the large food-processing company to the small mom-and-pop shop. As a result, Southern Idaho has grown into one of the world’s most productive farming regions – an area that comprises several rural towns along with the small urban center of Twin Falls. Positive and progressive thinking, insightful community planning and welcoming, friendly people have encouraged healthy growth while preparing wisely for additional expansion. Meanwhile, residents enjoy world-class outdoor recreation in one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country. It all adds up to a perfect balance for living, working and playing.

48 to Hailey

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GOODING

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Gooding

26

to Sun Valley

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LINCOLN 24

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Hagerman

MINIDOKA Minidoka

Jerome

JEROME

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Buhl

Twin Falls

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Rupert

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Burley

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Albion

93

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Heyburn

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27 2847

CASSIA

TWIN FALLS NEVADA

Jackpot

UTAH

Location Located in Southern Idaho, 130 miles from Boise, Twin Falls is best known for Shoshone Falls, the Niagara of the West. Due to its location, Twin Falls also boasts a thriving agriculture-based economy and outdoor adventures.

Southern Idaho

POPULATION

44,564

Time zone Mountain

Distances to three major cities nearby Boise, 130 miles Salt Lake City, Utah, 224 miles Reno, N.V., 454 miles

For More Information

Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 858 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301 Phone: (208) 733-3974 Fax: (208) 733-9216 www.twinfallschamber.com

annual rainfall

9”

National Average: 30”

Accolade Twin Falls made Livability.com’s list of Top 10 Death Defying Cities.

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Things To Do Southern Idaho’s must-do attractions, activities and dining

Take a Leap

The Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls spans the Snake River Canyon 486 feet above the canyon floor, making it an ideal place to BASE jump. Scared to go it alone? Grab a partner and try tandem BASE jumping.

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Food

Sweet Treat

Hiking

Sightseeing

DINE with a view

GRAB A BITE

TRAVERSE THE TRAILS

GO CRUISING

Known for its gorgeous Rim views, the Canyon Ridge is home to restaurants perfect for taking it all in including Elevation 486 and the Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center. Diners can enjoy entrees such as steaks, seafood and pasta at both restaurants.

People love the Shoshone Snack Bar‘s famous mile-high soft serve ice cream cones. Open daily, the eatery also serves up other standard grill fare such as burgers, corn dogs, burritos, french fries and tater tots for diners in search of a whole meal.

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve has nine hiking trails for guests to explore the surreal scenery on foot. The longest trail, Wilderness Trail to Echo Crater, covers eight miles, while the shortest, Spatter Cones, only spans a tenth of a mile.

Covering nearly 70 miles through the Snake River Canyon, Thousand Springs Scenic Byway stretches between Hagerman and Twin Falls. Those who take the drive can spot several natural springs: Hagerman Fossil Beds, Malad Gorge, Shoshone Falls and more.

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Things To Do

Treat Your Eyes

Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagara of the West,” is 212 feet high – actually 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls. Besides seeing the falls, visitors can enjoy the hiking trails and playgrounds at the Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake Complex nearby.

Racing

Fishing

Rockclimbing

Cycling

feel the rush

Go fish

reach for the stars

SPIN YOUR WHEELS

Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls presents NASCAR-sanctioned racing weekly during the spring and summer. The quarter-mile track is open to stock car racing, trailer races and more. The speedway also hosts parties in its Pepsi Pavilion.

Drop a line into the Snake River to catch smallmouth bass, white sturgeon and steelhead trout, among others. Additional top local fishing spots include Crystal Lake, Salmon Falls Reservoir and Oakley Reservoir.

City of Rocks National Reserve has long been a favorite for rockclimbers from throughout the world. Meanwhile climbers can take climbing lessons at the adjacent Castle Rocks State Park, the state’s newest park.

Southern Idaho’s many bike trails winding through beautiful scenery make it ideal for cyclists. Those who prefer to bike with friends can join the Southern Idaho Cycling Klub, which embarks on group rides on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m.

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Things To Do

Water You Thinking snake river lures boaters, paddlers & anglers


W

hen Kae Cameron smells the Russian olive trees in bloom, she knows summer has arrived – time for waterskiing the Snake River.

The executive director of the MiniCassia Chamber of Commerce says she waterskied basically every summer day back in college, and it is still one of her favorite pastimes now that she is married with a family. “The Snake River has always been my favorite place for outdoor fun,” Cameron says. “There are enough calm, smooth, ideal spots for waterskiing, with the prime season being June through August. And with the technology of wetsuits, I’m seeing more people on the river as early as May

and as late as September and October. River recreation is one of my favorite parts of living in Southern Idaho.” Cameron says wakeboarding, jet skiing, canoeing and kayaking continue to grow in popularity. “Fishing is another big attraction with bass fishing tournaments most weekends throughout the summer,” she says. “There are good catches of smallmouth bass as well as catfish, trout and carp. People even ice fish upriver at Lake Walcott during the winter months.” livability. com / twin - falls / id

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Hagerman

Snake River

Snake R iver

Twin Falls Burley 30

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Snapshot Kayakers enjoy a sunny afternoon cruise along the Snake River in Twin Falls.

on the For a more relaxing day or river ise cru ner water, take a din er Queen. Riv ke Sna the on r tou

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Standup paddleboarding recently emerged as a river recreation trend.

Wakeboarding on the Snake River

Natural Assets The 13th largest river in the United States, the Snake River is critical to the multibillion-dollar agricultural industry here, but it also creates a steady stream of customers for other local businesses, too. “We sell fun and are fortunate to be located only five minutes from the Snake,” says Carol Warr, a long-time resident and business manager for Idaho Water Sports in Burley. “Our company sells power boats, waterski equipment, wakeboard equipment and five different kinds of kayaks, and I personally like kayaking the best. I often start at the Perrine Bridge and kayak far upriver because people can’t take power boats up there. It’s so quiet – I often see fish jump.”

Standup Paddleboarding Warr says a newer activity that has become popular over the past year is riding standup paddleboards. “Women especially like them,

with groups of women often paddling together for exercise because it’s a low-impact workout,” Warr says. “You stand on an 11-footlong board and paddle along, going upriver and downriver without a lot of work involved. In fact, earlymorning summer classes have popped up specifically to introduce people to standup paddleboarding.” Warr adds that Idaho Water Sports arranges for professional instructional clinics on waterskiing and wakeboarding. The company also schedules several “demo days” that allow the community to try out items such as kayaks, wakeboards and standup paddleboards, and hosts an annual wakeboard competition, Wake in the Snake. “Southern Idaho is lucky to have a gem like the Snake River, with its waterfalls, canyon vistas, sport fishing, and water for agriculture,” Warr says.  by Kevin Litwin,  by staff photographer

Todd Bennett

“The Snake River has always been my favorite place for outdoor fun ... River recreation is one of my favorite parts of living in Southern Idaho.” kae cameron, Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce

THINGS TO

DO

W ater You Thinki ng

W

hen Kae Camero n smells the in bloom, she knows summe Russian olive trees for watersk iing the Snake r has arrived – time River.

SNAK E RIVER LURES BOAT PADDLERS & ANGLERS ERS,

The executive Cassia Chamber director of the Miniof Commerce and as late waterskied as September says she basically every and October. River recreation back in college, summer day parts of living is one of my favorite favorite pastimesand it is still one of her in Southern now that she Idaho.” Cameron says with a family. is married skiing, canoeing wakeboarding, jet “The Snake and kayaking River has always to grow in popularity continue favorite place been my . for outdoor “Fishing is fun,” Cameron says. “There another big are enough attraction with bass fishing calm, smooth, ideal spots tournamen for waterskiin ts most weekends throughout g, with the prime season being the June are good catchessummer,” she says. “There with the technologythrough August. And well as catfish, of smallmouth bass as of wetsuits, more people I’m trout seeing on the river and carp. People ice fish upriver as early as May even at winter months.” Lake Walcott during the

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Things To Do

Hit a Long Shot

Golfers at the Canyon Springs Golf Course, which is located in the Snake River Canyon, enjoy majestic canyon views while playing 18 holes. The club is open year round and challenges all players, no matter their skill level.

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Fore Evermore Magic Valley golf venues combine beauty with challenging play

A

golfer could play at a different course every day for nearly two weeks straight in Southern Idaho. A dozen distinctive courses await throughout the area, each with unique features. “Golf is a popular sport throughout Idaho,” says Steve Meyerhoeffer, head golf professional and manager at Twin Falls Golf Club, which opened in 1939. Meyerhoeffer describes the Twin Falls Golf Club course as “a nice bluegrass layout with 5,200 yards and a par 68,” adding “my favorite hole is No. 17, a 190-yard par-3 with a small, green trap on the left and out-of-bounds on the right. It’s very scenic.” A Twin Falls native, Meyerhoeffer knows the local golf scene well. And prior to taking his current position in June 2011,

he served as golf pro for 16 years at Clear Lake Country Club in Buhl, an 18-hole, semi-private course that allows flyfishing in its 15-acre spring-fed lake across the street. “Clear Lake is beautiful because it is situated in rolling hills along the Snake River, and offers great views thanks to its wildlife setting,” he says. Besides managing local courses, he coaches the boys and girls golf teams at Twin Falls High School. The TFHS boys golf team won the Idaho state championship in 2011 and 2012, and livability. com / twin - falls / id

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Top Tee Destination

Blue Lakes Country Club is a year-round, private 18-hole course located in the Snake River Canyon. Golfers enjoy scenic views of the Snake River as well as the Perrine Bridge, which stands over the course behind the fourth green.

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Pebble Ponds Golf Course

lf C ou rse Rd

Canyon Springs Golf Course

Blue Lakes Country Club

E 4100 N

Addison Ave Twin Falls Golf Club

Eastland Dr

3900 N

Go

Blue Lakes Blvd S

Jerome Country Club

E 3700 N E 3600 N

Take a Swing

Twin Falls Golf Club golfers enjoy a warm sunny afternoon of play. Amenities at the club include PGA staff, a driving range, chipping and putting greens and a snack bar.

is favored to win the 2013 title. The girls team finished second in the state in 2012, but has lost three players to graduation and is rebuilding in 2013, Meyerhoeffer says. Twin Falls competes against high schools such as Burley, Jerome, Canyon Ridge, Minico and Wood River, then competes in the state tournament against traditional powers from Boise, Lewiston, Moscow and Pocatello.

“The cost of play in Southern Idaho is reasonable, and the courses are always in good shape and are challenging.” steve meyerhoeffer, twin falls golf club head golf professional

From Tee to Green Another notable course, the Canyon Springs Golf Course in the Snake River Canyon has stunning views along its 18-hole layout. Meanwhile, Jerome Country Club, named “Readers Choice best course to play” by the Twin Falls Times-News, is open to the public, has PGA head professional, Troy Vitek, plus the Caddy Shack Restaurant & Bar. Other courses throughout Southern Idaho include 18-hole Burley Golf Course and nine-hole Pebble Ponds Golf Course in Filer. “The cost of play in Southern Idaho is reasonable, and the courses are always in good shape and challenging,” Meyerhoeffer says. “There was an overall attendance drop from 2008-2011 due to the economy, but 2012 has seen a reversal of those numbers. Let’s hope it’s the start of a new trend because golf is one of the great aspects of living in the Magic Valley.”  by Kevin Litwin  by staff photographer Todd Bennett

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Things To Do: arts & culture

Pleasing to the Eyes, Ears & Soul Annual contest puts works by local artists front and center

Excellent performing arts venues, theater groups and a spirited new visual arts competition top the list of local arts highlights in the Magic Valley. By Kevin Litwin Visual Arts

Education & Outreach

art & soul

Programs and events

A new contest called Art & Soul of the City, Magic Valley Has Art attracted more than 200 entrants in 2012, which was a beautiful sight to patrons as well as the contest’s sponsor, Art Guild of Magic Valley. Each year, the organization awards $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second, and splits $14,500 among 13 more winners. The event, created to raise arts awareness in Southern Idaho, happens in late April to early May and involves artists displaying their work in various area businesses over nine days. During that time, the public visits the business to view the art and casts votes for favorites.

The Magic Valley Arts Council promotes art and cultural experiences throughout the greater Twin Falls area, and is now headquartered in the new Twin Falls Center for the Arts on the Snake River Canyon rim. One of the council’s biggest successes is a Canyon Rim Public Art Project that placed a major sculpture at the Perrine Bridge Trail View Point. Other programs include Arts on Tour, Kids Art in the Park, the Missoula Children’s Theater, Second Century Photo Contest, Brown Bag Lectures at Twin Falls Public Library, Summer Chalk Walk, and First Friday gallery events every month beginning in February.

“The Orpheum is a great date-night movie spot. Very old school single theater setup but nice ambiance and crowd.” anthony diaz, yelp

Music & Theatre

performing arts

Herrett Center

The College of Southern Idaho’s main campus is home to Herrett Center for the Arts and Science, a museum that exhibits anthropological artifacts, natural history specimens and fine art co-sponsored by the College of Southern Idaho Art Department and Associated Students of CSI in its Jean B. King Gallery of Art. Guests to the center may also look to the heavens for inspiration in the Faulkner Planetarium and its state of the art Centennial Observatory, which seats 144 people under a 50-foot dome.

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Howells Opera House, located in small-town Oakley, was built in 1907 by Judge Howells. Today the renovated building is managed by the Oakley Valley Arts Council and hosts plays, musicals and other performances. Southern Idaho is also home to the Magic Valley Symphony and the Sun Valley Symphony. Both symphonies sponsor youth orchestras and music camps.


performing arts The Junior Musical Playhouse Company (a.k.a. JuMP Company) provides an opportunity for students in grades 1-12 to participate in two annual musical theater productions. Meanwhile, other performance groups and venues in the region include Dilettante Group of Magic Valley, Magic Valley Little Theater, Company of Fools, and King Fine Arts Center in Burley.


Things To Do: sports & recreation

“Be sure to visit Shoshone Falls, which gets going in the spring during the annual snow melt and displays a great show until the water runs out. It is the Niagara of Idaho. Places like this remind me of the underground coolness of living in Idaho.” david foster, yelp

Climbing and Camping

Take It All In

experience stunning landscapes & wildlife watching throughout Southern Idaho It’s easy to enjoy Southern Idaho’s natural landscape, which is great for popular outdoor activities including rock climbing, camping, water recreation and even snow skiing. By Braxton Shoop Climbing & Hiking

Castle Rocks Couched in Big Cove, Castle Rocks State Park is located two miles northwest of Almo in southern Cassia County. Castle Rocks is a newer park that features massive granite spires. These spires offer rock climbing, rivaling nearby City of Rocks National Reserve. The region’s landscape also allows for more laid-back recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding and picnicking, and is well known for its wildlife. Birdwatchers may see the common snipe, sandhill crane and sage grouse.

The City of Rocks National Reserve offers adventurous rock climbing with 500 routes that ascend granite monoliths, which can reach more than 60 stories high. Located about two miles north of the Magic Mountain Resort, the Twin Falls Area Hiking Trail offers numerous outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking and bird watching.

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Camping

Take in the Scenery Thousand Springs State Park includes historic structures at Ritter Island and Bonnieview, as well as the beautiful natural scenery of the Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Niagara Springs and Crystal Lake. 1000 Springs Resort on the bank of the Snake River offers campground facilities, a picnic area, boat ramp and hot-springs heated indoor pools.

Winter Sports

Active types who embrace all seasons will be right at home on Southern Idaho’s snowmobile trails and at its prominent ski resorts. The Albion Area Snowmobile Trails feature approximately 30 square miles of trails that vary in difficulty. The Gooding County Snow Park provides access to a snowmobile trail that covers 150 miles of land. The Magic Mountain Resort has several ski trails as well as its own tubing trail. And, located in the Sawtooth National Forest, the Pomerelle Mountain Resort allows access to 24 slopes.

Chartered Flights • Aircraft Management Aircraft Maintenance • U.S. and Canadian Service 208.308.1852 • www.paviation.com


Things To Do: Local Flavor

Super Selections

Southern Idaho restaurants offer diners delicious food options If you’re looking for great eats, you can find all your favorites in Southern Idaho. Here’s a sampling of local favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. By Barbara Biehler Breakfast

Lunch

For Starters

American Favorites

In Twin Falls, stop in the Buffalo Café for the Buffalo Chip skillet, a combination of fried potatoes, green chiles, sour cream, tomatoes, cheese, green onions and an egg on top. The landmark Depot Grill also has a great breakfast dishes and perhaps is most famous for the Train Wreck, an enormous 4½-pound platter of pancakes, sausage and eggs.

Southern Idaho restaurants put their own special spin on these classic dishes. Enjoy a side of French fries with fry sauce, a regional specialty. Arctic Circle, a burger chain with locations in Twin Falls and Buhl, claims to have invented this sauce, but many local restaurants serve their own flavorful versions. Stevo’s in Heyburn serves a spicy fry sauce on their burgers, steaks and fries, while Shoshone Snack Bar features burgers, fries, hot dogs, and signature mile-high ice cream cones. Al’s Frostop in Paul serves made-toorder burgers and is known for its onion rings and frozen treats.

“Buffalo Cafe is the best place for breakfast if you are in Twin Falls. It is a local tradition, so don’t go here expecting chain restaurant decorations or tutti-frutti food. The Buffalo serves stick-toyour-ribs comfort food.” Darci Balius, Yelp

Treats

Treat Yourself Have a glass of CloverLeaf Creamery’s chocolate milk. “We use a gourmet chocolate powder and pure cane sugar to give the best chocolate flavor to our chocolate mix,” says Eric Stoltzfus, the creamery’s plant manager of CloverLeaf Creamery. “That’s what makes our chocolate milk different.” Dinner

A night Out

Lettuce, Tomato and Local History

For a great deli sandwich, The Twin Falls Sandwich Co. on Main Avenue serves more than a dozen varieties, including the Evel Knievel, a daringly spicy concoction involving turkey, pepper jack cheese, jalepenos, and chipotle mayo -- a fitting homage to the daredevil who attempted to leap the Snake River Canyon here in 1974.

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Drive out to scenic Snyder Winery in Buhl for a steak cooked with special seasoning. Order the 2-inch New York strip, 2-inch rib eye or 3-inch filet mignon. Enjoy your steak in the dining room, or dine outdoors in the summertime. Long-time favorite, Jaker’s in Twin Falls features Northwest-grown USDA choice beef, so try the Cajun bacon-wrapped sirloin or the Double R ranch prime rib, with au jus and a creamy horseradish sauce.


living Schools, health care, education and neighborhoods in Southern Idaho

A Welcoming Site

Art and unique architecture welcome visitors to the Herrett Center for Arts & Science on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. See more photos that showcase Southern Idaho’s many amenities at livability.com/twin-falls/id.

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LIVING

Pace

Find Your

Southern Idaho Living can be Urban, Rural & Everything in Between

A

sk anyone living in Southern Idaho why they chose this spot, and then settle back for a nice, long conversation.

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From the city life of Twin Falls to smaller, nearby towns such as Jerome, Burley, Rupert, Buhl and Gooding, the ability to have urban amenities with a small-town feel is a big draw. Get a little farther out, into the communities of Kimberly, Heyburn, Wendell, Filer, Shoshone, Paul, Hansen, Hagerman, Oakley and Hazelton, and that small-town feel tops the list, but those folks like being near the city life, too. Then go all the way out into the country, into spots such as Almo, Albion, Elba and Castleford, and it’s all about having the wide, open space but still being near enough to civilization to stay connected. Long story short, this is a place where everyone can find his or her pace and settle in for the long haul. Twin Falls Offers Urban Amenities Take Mike and Marti Mauhl, who came to Twin Falls because it was halfway between a getaway home

in Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, where their children live. A quick look-see turned into several return trips and, eventually, a home purchase. The Mauhls liked the refurbished downtown area, the many cultural amenities and availability of high-quality medical care. Small-Town Residents Pull Together In Rupert, Joel Rogers is a local boy who grew up, struck out on his own and then wound up finding everything he wanted at home. “The last thing I wanted to do was stay here,” says Rogers, who is chief operating officer at Minidoka Memorial Hospital. “After school, I decided to come back just for a little while … and have stayed for another 35 years.” When he recruits potential employees for the hospital, Rogers fields questions about quality of life

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Take a Break

Charlie and Lori Creason spent several years turning an old bank in Rupert into the Drift Inn, which includes the restaurant Henry’s.

Hours Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

“We decided to visit, and eventually bought a house because we’d found the people to be so friendly, and there was so much to see and do here.” Marti Mauhl, Twin Falls Resident

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here. He promotes the outdoor activities, but also the sense of community. “Often in an urban area, problems are left to someone else,” he says. “Here we know that if something needs fixing, it’ll be up to us to do it. That’s a real plus, because it keeps everyone involved in making the town better.” Rural Areas Support Agricultural Lifestyle Another native who wouldn’t dream of leaving is Karma Fitzgerald, who along with husband Clem is raising three children north of Shoshone. A Magic Valley native, she “tried to move away a couple of times, but kept coming home.” “I’ve been here 17 years now and really wouldn’t go anywhere else,” she says. “I like the rural, agriculture-based lifestyle. My husband is co-owner of 4-Bros Dairy, so we have built our lives around operating a business in a rural area.” Open Ranges Give Sense of Space Out on the edge of the High Desert is Castleford, where Twin Falls County Commissioner Terry Kramer is the fourth generation of his family to farm the land. The plentiful hunting, fishing and other recreational opportunities are a big draw for Kramer, as is the sense of wilderness. “It’s nice to be on the edge of the developed area, because it’s kind of a wilderness out there,” he says. “It’s really a private recreation area for my family, and we’ve gotten used to being out in the country, where you can really have your own space.”  by Joe Morris  by staff photographer Todd Bennett Check out more fun things to do in Southern Idaho at livability.com/twin-falls/id.

Even wildlife finds comfort in Southern Idaho’s wide-open spaces and inviting natural landscape.

of the Magic Valley, Inc.

STOP, DROP & SHOP! We are open Wednesday-Saturday Recycled Building Materials New and Used Items Discount Prices Donations Accepted OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 639 Eastland South Twin Falls, ID 83301

(208) 735-1233

www.HabitatMagicValley.org

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LIVING

A Family

Affair

Passion for high school sports bridges generations

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Snapshot

Donnelley Sports in downtown Twin Falls specializes in athletic apparel and equipment .

T

hroughout Southern Idaho, many sons and daughters do not merely follow in their parents’ footsteps, but in their cleat marks and sneaker prints. High school sports is an important part of life in most Southern Idaho communities, and participation in those sports is a love affair that is passed down from generation to generation. “You look at the record books for these schools and you’ll see the same last names over and over again,” says Jason Carter, the sports director for KMVT-TV in Twin Falls. “And then you go to a game and there will be younger brothers and children playing the same sport and trying to break those records. There will be parents, grandparents and little kids in the stands watching the games. It’s really a familyoriented, community-oriented sports scene.” The College of Southern Idaho has the only collegiate sports program in the region, and there are no major professional sports teams in the state. So high school sports are where most people go to cheer on their favorite teams. “If you’re not at a football game around here on a Friday night in the fall, you’re missing out,” Carter says. “It’s the same way with a lot of the other sports as well like basketball and wrestling. It’s a big deal in the community. Everybody around here loves it.”

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Allyn Reynolds has spent nearly 30 years coaching football at Twin Falls High School, so he knows firsthand what the sport means to the community. “It might not be Texas football, but it’s important enough,” Reynolds says. “The school supports it. We offer three programs, and our numbers are good. We usually have more than 100 players.” 8-on-8 Football The love of football extends into the smaller communities that do not have enough students to play traditional 11-on-11 football. The solution is an 8-on-8 game that Carter says is a thrill to watch. “They may have a lack of numbers, but there is never a lack of interest,” Carter says. “You literally will have the entire town out for a high school football game. And the field is so wide open that anything can happen. The final score is usually something like 50-45. It’s unbelievable fun to watch those games.”

The Creation of a Rivalry Competition between schools increased a few years ago when student enrollment at Twin Falls High became so large that a second high school, Canyon Ridge, opened. This resulted in a natural rivalry between the two city schools. In addition, since Twin Falls’ enrollment was reduced, the school was placed in a conference that enables it to play some of the smaller schools in the region rather than having to travel to larger cities several hours away. “Most of the teams they play are now within an hour’s drive of Twin Falls,” says Scot McNeley, part-owner of Donnelley Sports. “That created rivalries that did not exist in the past, which is great from a business standpoint. When school starts we always see an increase in spirit wear. Everybody wants to show support for their school.”  by Cary Estes  by staff photographer Todd Bennett

There will be parents, grandparents and little kids in the stands watching the games. It’s really a family-oriented, community-oriented sports scene.” jason carter, kmvt-tv sports director

LIVING

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Affair

PASSION FOR HIGH SCHOOL SPOR BRIDGES GENE TS RATIONS

SNAPSHO T

Donnell ey Twin Falls Sports in downtow apparel specializes in athletic n and equipme nt.

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30

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“You look at see the same the record books for these last names schools and over and over Carter, the you’ll sports director again,” says then you go Jason for KMVT-TV to in Twin Falls. and children a game and there will “And be younger playing the brothers same sport those records. and trying There will be kids in the stands parents, grandparento break watching the ts and little oriented, community games. -oriented sports It’s really a familyThe College scene.” sports program of Southern Idaho has the only collegiate in the region, professiona and there are l sports teams no major are where most in the state. So high school people go to “If you’re not sports cheer on their at a football night in the game around favorite teams. fall, you’re missing here on a Friday same way with out,” Carter says. “It’s the basketball and a lot of the other sports as well like wrestling. It’s Everybody a big deal in around here the community loves it.” .

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digital magazine Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends.

Rivalry on the Gridiron

Twin Falls High School takes on Nampa High School during a Friday match-up. High school football draws big crowds as the area’s most popular sport. New rivalries and an increase in school spirit occurred when a new high school opened in Twin Falls in 2009.

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LIVING: Education

Smart Approach

students have convenient degree options With quality public and private options and the ability to earn four-year degrees at CSI in Twin Falls, Magic Valley students can fully complete a rich educational continuum. By Kevin Litwin

Public Schools

Twin Falls School District It serves 7,400 students and has seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one alternative middle school, two high schools and one alternative high school.

Jerome School District More than 3,500 students are enrolled in the Jerome School District. Schools include Horizon, Jefferson and Summit elementary schools, Jerome Middle, and Jerome High School.

Minidoka County School District MCSD is home to Acequia, Heyburn, Paul and Rupert elementary schools; East Minico and West Minico middle schools; Minico High School; and Mt. Harrison Jr./Sr. High School.

Cassia County School District

Joint Programs for College Students

Magic Valley students can earn four-year degrees from Boise State, Idaho State or the University of Idaho without ever leaving Twin Falls. An extended studies program at College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls allows students to complete their first two years of study at CSI, then take junior and senior courses on campus from one of the three universities. “BSU, ISU and Idaho offer different programs so they don’t compete against each other,” says Shari Stroud, coordinator of extended studies for BSU at the College of Southern Idaho campus. “For example, students can earn Boise State degrees in accounting, general business, criminal justice and social work, while Idaho State offers degrees in elementary education and so forth.” CSI’s enrollment is 10,000 students and it offers 115 degrees.

The district is home to Burley, Declo, Oakley and Raft River high schools, and Burley and Declo junior high schools. The elementary schools are Albion, Almo, Declo, Dworshak, Mountain View, Oakley, Raft River and White Pine. There is also Cassia Alternative High, Cassia Tech Center and Newcomer Center Preschool.

Blaine County School District

Private Schools

This district features eight schools including Carey School that educates K-12 students. Other public schools are Bellevue Elementary, Ernest Hemingway Elementary, Hailey Elementary, Woodside Elementary, Wood River Middle School, Silver Creek High School and Wood River High School.

Southern Idaho private schools, all in Twin Falls, include Lighthouse Christian School (K-12), St. Edward’s Catholic School (PreK-6), and Twin Falls Christian Academy (PreK-12).

Idaho Digital Learning Academy

K-12 Options

Charter Schools There are three charter schools in Magic Valley: Xavier Charter School in Twin Falls (all grades); Wings Charter Middle School, also in Twin Falls and accommodates students with learning differences; and Heritage Academy Charter School in Jerome, which serves K-6 students.

Sponsored by the State of Idaho, IDLA is an online school for grades 7-12 that addresses the educational needs of all traditional, home-schooled, at-risk and gifted learners. livability. com / twin - falls / id

35


How far would you travel to receive world class care? What if world class care could be found right at home? Dr. David M. Christensen, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He completed his spine surgery training in the departments of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic surgery at Mayo Clinic. He has been in practice for 12 years including four years training other surgeons in the Air Force. Dr. Christensen has special training in minimally invasive surgery. Trained in 2003 and using almost exclusively a minimally invasive approach to spinal surgery over the past two years has resulted in shorter hospital stays and much faster recoveries than standard spine procedures. Patients come from a 200-mile radius to experience this revolutionary approach to spine surgery. You can experience this same world class care right here in the Magic Valley. Call for an appointment today.

Your Spine, Your Choice 1411 Falls Ave. E. • Suite 1301 Twin Falls, ID 83301 Ph: 208.732.0067 • Fax: 208.732.3195 email: askchristensenmd@hotmail.com contact@imspine.com


LIVING: Health

Caring Community

Southern Idaho’s medical facilities provide a healthy range of services Thanks to hospitals and medical centers staffed by excellent physicians and equipped with top-notch technology, Southern Idaho residents count on quality care. By Kevin Litwin Cassia Regional Medical Center Located in Burley, Cassia Regional Medical Center is operated by Intermountain Healthcare. Services include 24-hour emergency, critical care, family practice, surgery, rehabilitation and a sleep lab. Cassia Regional Medical Center, with 300 employees and 35 staff physicians, also has a birth center and provides OB/GYN services.

Minidoka Memorial Hospital services offered at the medical center in Rupert include surgery, obstetrics, treatments and home health. A top employer in the region, Minidoka Memorial is a long-term care and rehabilitation facility employing more than 200 people. In 2012, the facility unveiled the first phase of its upgraded and improved emergency room, which is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2013.

St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center St. Luke’s serves eight Southern Idaho counties and parts of northern Nevada. In 2006, Twin Falls County residents voted to partner St. Luke’s with the Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, and a brand new, state-ofthe-art St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center opened in Twin Falls in 2011. The 700,000-square-foot hospital is touted as the most advanced in Idaho and features 160 physicians. There are private rooms, an emergency department, women’s and children’s center, and in-patient rehabilitation center. A medical plaza is attached to the hospital, and also connected is St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute cancer clinic. As for the new medical center itself, features include an efficient layout of nursing areas, a cardiac catheterization lab, and a second linear accelerator has been added, avoiding disruptions in a cancer patient’s treatment cycle. In late 2011, St. Luke’s partnered with St. Benedict’s Family Medical Center in Jerome, and St. Luke’s officials promise to run the hospital as caringly and efficiently as it has operated since first opening in 1952. The rural health facility is called St. Luke’s-Jerome and features all of the top medical services that St. Luke’s has always offered.

Cassia Regional Medical Center in Burley, ID

North Canyon Medical Center North Canyon in Gooding, a multimillion-dollar facility that opened in 2010, offers private rooms, an all-digital health records system, emergency room, surgery and diagnostic imaging. North Canyon Medical Center is built for expansion so it can grow with the community.

Check out more fun things to do in Southern Idaho at livability.com/twin-falls/id.

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“Bridging the Magic Valley to the Rest of the World”

Visit Our adVertisers AIM Insurance Solutions Bridgeview Estates www.bridgeviewestates.com College of Southern Idaho www.csi.edu D. L. Evans Bank www.dlevans.com

• Free Parking • Fast, Convenient and Friendly Joslin Field MagiC Valley Regional aiRPoRt 492 airport loop twin Falls, id 83301 (208) 733-5215 www.tfid.org

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S outhern I daho

First Federal Bank www.firstfd.com Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley Inc. www.habitatmagicvalley.org Intermountain Spine & Orthopaedics www.imspine.com Jerome Country Club www.jeromecountryclub.com Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional Airport www.tfid.org

Precision Aviation Inc. www.paviation.com Prudential www.prudentialidahohomes.com Snake River ENT www.marodspa.com Southern Idaho Tourism www.visitsouthidaho.com Southern Idaho Tourism Herrett Center www.herrett.csi.edu St. Luke’s Jerome www.stlukesonline.org/jerome St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center www.stlukesonline.org Twin Falls County Fair www.tfcfair.com


Community profile

cost of living

$38,354

ethnicity  White

Hispanic

Black

Other

Median Household Income

$126,426 Median Home Price

$642

AGE

Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

19 and Under  20-54  55 and Over

Transportation Temperature Median Travel Time to Work

July Average High

January Average Low

88°

31°

76°

20°

12 minutes Closest Airport: Magic Valley Regional

January Low National Low

July High

National High

6 miles

This section is sponsored by

97th Annual

TWIN FALLS COUNTY FAIR & Magic Valley Stampede

CARNIVAL • ANIMALS EXHIBITS AND MUCH MORE

2013 August 28-September 2

Known for its entertaining, educational and lively activities. This year, our goal is to make the fair as impressive as ever, which means making it grow and prosper, while maintaining a strong agriculturally based, family-oriented atmosphere.


Plastics Manufacturing

Hilex Poly, pictured, in Jerome manufactures plastic bags and agricultural films, also focusing on recycling to reduce plastics’ impact on the environment. Another company, Polytech, uses polyethylene to make calf hutches for the dairy industry.

See more photos that showcase Southern Idaho’s many amenities at livability.com/twin-falls/id.

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business Info on Southern Idaho’s top employers, jobs and success stories

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business: overview

Food Production

Six progressive dairies combined in 2001 to form High Desert Milk in Burley, pictured here, which oversees more than 25,000 cows and markets 1.8 million pounds of milk each day. Meanwhile, ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston in Twin Falls makes a line of french fries and prepared potato products.

It All Works Out

regional economy maintains steady growth Southern Idaho’s business climate is rich with agricultural heritage, but there is much more to the overall business sector. By Kevin Litwin Warehousing and Distribution

Dairy storage WOW Logistics in Jerome began operations in 2002 with 232,650 square feet and has grown to 450,000 square feet. It runs a distribution center that is a multitemperature warehouse with storage areas to primarily serve the dairy industry.

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Manufacturing

R.V. industry Dutchmen Manufacturing in Burley builds recreational vehicles and campers as well as light truck and utility vehicle parts, and the company has annual revenues surpassing $100 million. Jayco Manufacturing in Twin Falls also makes RVs and campers along with related parts and equipment, and has a staff of approximately 150 employees.


Food Production

Business Spotlight

Big companies

Canyon Park

Gossner Foods in Heyburn was founded in 1966 as a Swiss cheese plant, and today more than 30 varieties of cheese carry the Gossner name. Brewster Dairy is housed in a former Kraft Foods facility in Rupert, and Brewster’s product line includes skim-barreled cheese (orange color) used by Kellogg Foods for its Cheez-It Crackers. Rite Stuff Foods in Jerome uses Idaho russet potatoes for products such as fried skins, mashed potatoes and fried potatoes filled with bacon, cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. And Jerome Cheese Co. makes cheddar, Monterey Jack, colby and reduced-fat varieties that are packaged in 40-pound blocks, 500-pound barrels and 640-pound blocks. Amalgamated Sugar Co. in Twin Falls works with beet sugar, cane sugar and refining, and has annual revenues topping $100 million.

Canyon Park in Twin Falls is a commercial development that features retailers such as Best Buy, Old Navy and T.J.Maxx, and restaurants including Outback Steakhouse and Golden Corral. (208) 421-8296

Amalgamated Sugar Co. With plants in both Twin Falls and Paul, Amalgamated Sugar Co. refines sugar beet and produces brown sugar, extra fine granulated sugar, industrial coarse sugar and more. www.amalgamatedsugar.com

Freedom Auto Finders Home to employees with more than 50 years of experience in the automotive retail industry, Freedom Auto Finders in Twin Falls helps clients find and purchase vehicles. www.freedomautofinders.com

Magic Valley Cinema 13 Magic Valley Cinema 13, the Twin Falls area’s newest movie theater, features stadium seating, large screens, and digital projection and sound in 2D and 3D. www.cinemawest.com

Blush Floral Based in Twin Falls, Blush Floral creates floral decorations for weddings, special events and more. Each arrangement and bouquet features locally grown flowers. www.blushfloralboutique.com

Downtown Twin Falls

Industry and agriculture are a big part of Southern Idaho’s economy, but another contributor is Historic Downtown Twin Falls. The eclectic district is home to a mixture of shops, galleries and restaurants, and it hosts a variety of community events.

Gauge Southern Idaho’s business climate at livability.com/twin-falls/id.

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business

Cream of the

CROP Yogurt plant coup stirs up more business for dairy-rich region

C

hobani’s new $300 million Greek yogurt plant in Southern Idaho is not just churning out work for construction and production but also an extraordinary amount of jobs for the region’s dairy industry. At nearly 1 million square feet, the Twin Falls facility is expected to be the world’s largest yogurt factory when completed in 2013. Landing the project over Nevada and California was a coup and happened primarily due to the quality and quantity of Southern Idaho’s milk production. “We can’t make yogurt fast enough,” Chobani’s Internal Communications Manager Melissa Stagnaro says. Chobani Expands Initial Investment New York-based parent company Agro-Farma’s initial investment was announced at $128 million and 400 jobs. But Phase I quickly doubled in size and dollars, and will need a workforce of 500 as soon as 2013. “We thought we had a hold of Jaws, and in fact we had Moby Dick,” says Jan Rogers, executive director of Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization. “If we had

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S outhern I daho


known we were going after Moby Dick, we might have passed out halfway through the thing.” The company has had yogurt on the shelves only five years, but has grown from five employees when it began in 2005 to 1,200. Even with a $250 million investment, the 90-year-old New York facility can’t match demand for the health-craze food with twice the protein of regular yogurt. “lt’s like a dream to really be able to lay out the facility how we want it laid out, because we’re always scrambling for capacity in New York,” Stagnaro says. “This will give us the opportunity to really bring some innovations.” Milk Producers’ Prices Increase It also brings Chobani’s western production to the No. 3 milkproducing state’s top-ranked region. The yogurt factory is projected to

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Chobani CEO & Founder Hamdi Ulukaya (center) was joined by Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little, Twin Falls Mayor Don Hall, other local dignitaries and Chobani executives at the site of Chobani’s newest factory on Monday, December 19, 2011.

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“All the other factors could have been right, but if this community wasn’t a good fit, it wouldn’t have been a good place for us to come, and this is really just perfect.” melissa stagnaro, chobani

spur 3,165 total jobs and nearly a half-billion-dollar impact. “The multiplier effect for this kind of business in our market is huge,” Rogers says. “It’s very high because they’re actually buying the raw product.” Since Chobani’s choice, four to five more dairy-related companies are considering Southern Idaho. Herds can quickly be increased, production and processing can expand on the east, and population should grow, Rogers says. “When you get a major processor in here that has that type of consumer brand recognition, it’s ridiculous what it does for your exposure,” she says. Job Growth for Twin Falls Local subcontractors including Gordon Paving have been getting a big payoff with about 1,000 construction workers on site daily.

Chobani is also already involved in community and charitable enterprises as well. “This community is a little under 45,000 and it supports about 180,000 in the region,” Rogers says. “That’s not even as big as a suburb of Dallas, but a $300 million capital-expansion project with 500 jobs is big anywhere.” Chobani’s chose Twin Falls due to the “fresh, wholesome milk,” the people fitting in with the “culture at Chobani, our nothing-but-good philosophy,” and the community, Stagnaro says. “All the other factors could have been right, but if this community wasn’t a good fit, it wouldn’t have been a good place for us to come, and this is really just perfect,” she says.  by Carol Stuart  by staff photographers

Todd Bennett & Brian McCord

Voted Best Golf Course in the Magic Valley 2012

46

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S outhern I daho

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business: Chamber report

Hammer Time

Chamber members, staff anticipate construction of new building It’s nice to anticipate something, and the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce hopes to break ground on a new headquarters building in 2013. Shawn Barigar, president/CEO of the Twin Falls chamber, says the building’s design is completed, leaving the final cost and timetable details to be worked out between the chamber and a private business partner that is developing sites in the canyon rim area. “Our current chamber office is about two miles from the existing Buzz Langdon Visitor Center, and we would like both entities under one roof,” Barigar says. “The new building will be near the current visitor center on the canyon rim next to Perrine Bridge, and the facility will also feature an interpretive center to showcase the area’s rich history.”

“We communicate with our membership to identify trends and create action plans to meet their needs,” he says. Happy 108th Birthday As for the chamber itself, it is now in its 108th year, having formed in 1905. “Nearly 900 member businesses

have come together to advance the commercial, financial, industrial and civic interests of the Twin Falls area, and our chamber remains the business voice of the community,” Barigar says. “We work closely with organizations and private and public sectors to promote job opportunities in the Magic Valley.”  by Kevin Litwin

Cater to Members The chamber also recently completed a five-year plan that refocuses its efforts on members’ specific business needs. Through regular one-on-one contact from chamber staff members, businesses can convey needs that would help them be more successful now and into the future. “New committees led by chamber board members are identifying specific work plans to meet members’ needs in the areas of economic development, agribusiness, public policy and tourism,” Barigar says. “The chamber is also part of our community’s Ready Team that works with public and private partners to help existing businesses expand and recruit new industry to Twin Falls.” Barigar adds that the chamber is also in frequent contact with local and state officials and the federal government to ensure that laws and regulations for the Twin Falls area are business-friendly, to thereby encourage business expansion and recruitment.

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Ad Index

C3 Aim Insurance Solutions

23 Precision Aviation Inc.

47 Bridgeview Estates

32 Prudential

34 College of Southern Idaho

C4 D. L. Evans Bank

C2 Southern Idaho Tourism

21 Southern Idaho Tourism Herrett Center

6 First Federal Bank

2 Snake River ENT

29 Habitat For Humanity of the Magic Valley Inc.

4 St. Luke’s Jerome

36 Intermountain Spine & Orthopaedics

8 St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center

46 Jerome Country Club

39 Twin Falls County Fair

38 Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional Airport



Top 10

Cities to Defy Death

sTiLLWaTeR oklahoma FaYeTTeviLLe north Carolina savannah georgia CoRPus ChRisTi Texas TWin FaLLs idaho BenD oregon gLasgoW Kentucky

Twin Falls made the list.

top 10 Cities to defy death See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

RoCK sPRings Wyoming TRaveRse CiTY Michigan ogDen utah

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website


economic profile Taxes

6%

State Sales Tax

1.74%

Residential Property Tax

workforce

75%

education level  High School Graduate  Associate’s Degree  Master’s Degree

$1B Annual Retail Sales

$104M Annual Hotel and Food Sales

4,525

$29,999 and under

25%

Bachelor’s Degree

Scorecard

household income

White Collar

$30,000-99,999  $100,000+

Blue Collar

Transportation

Top Employers

1,000+

1,000+

500999

Total Number of Firms

St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center  College of Southern Idaho  Twin Falls School District Eastern Idaho Railroad watcocompanies.com/ railroads/eirr/eirr.htm

This section is sponsored by

www.AIM-Ins-Solutions.com

AIM Insurance Solutions Guiding you to the best solutions for all your insurance needs AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • FARMS • BONDS • LIFE • HEALTH

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588 Addison Ave. W. • Twin Falls, ID 83301 • (208) 944-2727


108 years

Five generations And we’ve only just started!

“Over one hundred years ago, D. L. Evans started the bank in Idaho, with $25,000 and a dream. Despite the floods, droughts, and the Great Depression, we continue to grow and prosper throughout Idaho.” John V. Evans, Sr.

Former Governor of Idaho

We’re looking forward to the next hundred!

Member

FDIC www.dlevans.com

ALBION

BOISE

BURLEY

HAILEY

IDAHO FALLS

JEROME

KETCHUM

MERIDIAN

NAMPA

POCATELLO

RUPERT

TWIN FALLS


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