Metro Connection | August 2019 | Vol. 71 No. 8

August 2019

REGISTER NOW!

WHAT'S NEXT FOR BOISE? CEO SPEAKER SERIES FEATURING BRET MOFFETT AUGUST 28 | NOON TO 1:30 P.M. THE RIVERSIDE HOTEL 2900 W. CHINDEN BLVD., BOISE

Chamber, Mayor Bieter discuss the current state of the capitol city on September 18

A publication of the Boise Metro Chamber | Vol. 71 No. 8

BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES The F* Word Makes All the Differenc e

2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE John Cunningham, Block 22 LLC, Chairman Charlene Maher, Blue Cross of Idaho, Chair-Elect Scott Madison, Intermountain Gas Company, Immediate Past-Chair Bill Connors, Boise Metro Chamber, President & CEO Tom Mortell, Hawley Troxell Of Counsel Dan Price, Mountain West Bank, Treasurer Emily Baker, Portman Square Group At Large Rebecca Hupp, Boise Airport At-Large

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bill Avey, HP Joel Barker, J.R. Simplot Company Odette Bolano, Saint Alphonsus Laura Cobb, Citi Kate Eldridge, HDR Engineering

BYP TRAIL CLEAN-UP

nge Sawtooth Mountain Ra

Mike Garcia, Corporate Office Installations Lauren Hamilton, BSU Alumni Assoc., BYP Chair John Howard, MotivePower, Inc. Gerald Hunter, Idaho Housing & Finance Jeremy Malone, Oppenheimer Companies, Inc. Don Melendez, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Kate Morris, KTVB Susan Morris, Albertsons Deborah Nelson, Givens Pursley, LLP, BVEP Board Chair Grant L. Petersen Jr., Bronco Motors Kathy Pidgeon, Riverside Hotel, BCVB Board Chair Joel Poppen, Micron Technology, Inc. Adam Richins, Idaho Power Company Sean Robbins, Regence Blue Shield Jim Shipman, Colliers International

INDONESIAN-BOISE BUSINESS FORUM

Justin Smith, U.S. Bank Meredith Stead, BVEP, LB President

Inn at 500

Jeff Taylor, St. Luke’s Health System Jodi Whittaker, Whittaker & Associates Editorial Office: 1101 W. Front St., Suite 100, Boise, Idaho, 83702 (208) 472-5205 Boise Metro Connection (USPS 227-520) is published monthly by the Boise Metro Chamber. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Periodical postage paid at Boise, Idaho, 83707.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Boise Metro Connection P.O. Box 2368, Boise, ID 83701 Chamber membership dues include $12/year subscription.

Publisher & Executive Editor: Bill Connors, President & CEO Connor Jay Liess Boise Metro Chamber Graphic Design & Digital Media Manager

2

www.boisechamber.org

MEMBER CORNER

Get to Know Boise Creative Center's Alex Vega

This month, we are thrilled to introduce Alex Vega from Boise Creative Center as our featured member. We asked Alex to paint a picture of himself (so to speak) and tell us what it's like expressing himself through his countless art projects throughout the city. Here's what he had to say: What is the most important trend in your business or industry?

People are starting to recognize and appreciate real. Real paint on real canvas. Clients want to see paint tufts and brush strokes. Also, fresh new ideas. Paintings that express wellness are hot right now.

What is the best advice you've received?

An amazing local artist and illustrator Dick Lee once told me to paint or draw what I liked, and the business will follow. That proved true.

Who is a local business or business person you admire?

I really admire Rizen Creative; I like how they handle and deliver their ideas. The fact that they are all about the underdog resonates with me.

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

I'm an artist first and foremost. Real, raw passion is expressed through my commissions when I'm instructing the paint parties, and people can feel that.

SEEN & HEARD

What do you enjoy most about your company or organization?

Running and operating a 12,000 square-foot studio in downtown Boise has its ups and downs. Building, stretching and painting custom canvas commissions is a gratifying and fruitful service to offer. I love the looks, the gasps, and the expressions of a happy client. The shock and amazement of seeing a custom painting hanging on a previously barren wall. The satisfaction of a commission completed. The paint parties have been especially rewarding for me also. I love showing people that they are indeed creative, that they just needed a little guidance. The feeling of

proving to people that can create beautiful art. I just adore making art, for myself and for my clients.

Tell us about a current or upcoming project or company-wide initiative.

The corporate team building paint parties have been amazing.

Getting an office or department together for a creative activity has been such a positive and rewarding directive. There are many options to choose from and the schedule is open. Come paint with me!

BOISE, CHAMBER WELCOME 25 OF AFRICA'S BRIGHTEST YOUNG LEADERS The Boise Chamber is proud to support the Mandela Washington Young African Leaders program being hosted by Boise State University this summer. The program brings the best and the brightest professionals to U.S. university communities for educational, cultural, and professional experiences. We have always believed that travel, cultural tourism, and programs like these are the most powerful and productive forms of diplomacy.

President & CEO, Bill Connors, with Africa's brightest young leaders from the Mandela Washington Young African Leaders program.

Welcome to our friends from Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cent. African Rep., Dem. Rep. of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia. Shown here are 15 of the 25 fellows at our recent Business After Hours event hosted by the Idaho Press at their offices. We will host the delegation again for some American baseball at a Boise Hawks game later this month. Welcome to Boise!

Business Happens Here.ÂŽ

3

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Join us in welcoming our newest members from June 1–30, 2019

ANDERSON RESERVE 7275 Sweet Ola Hwy, Sweet, ID 83670 (208) 352-6166 | www.andersonreserve.com Food Products ARCTIC SPAS BOISE 1610 N. Orchard St., Boise, ID 83706 (208) 891-1462 | www.arcticspasboise.com Hot Tubs & Spas – Dealers BUS BAR IDAHO Boise, ID (208) 284-7731 | www.busbaridaho.com Bar Service – Traveling BVA DEVELOPMENT 2775 W. Navigator Dr., Ste. 220, Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 616-1050 | www.bvadev.com Real Estate - Commercial & Investment C2R FITNESS 12505 W. Chinden Blvd., Ste. P, Boise, ID 83713 (208) 409-7626 | www.c2rfitness.com Health Clubs DEEP KLEEN POOL & SPA 1610 N. Orchard St., Boise, ID 83706 (208) 891-1462 | www.dkpools.com Pool & Spa Service EAST HILL SOLUTIONS Boise, ID (208) 810-9880 | www.easthillsolutions.com Computer Repair & IT Services FIDUCIARY FINANCIAL GROUP 950 W. Bannock St., Ste. 1100, Boise, ID 83702 (415) 317-3778 | www.ffgwealth.com Financial Advisors & Services HEART OF TIMBER 5561 S. Firethorne Pl., Boise, ID 83716 (360) 298-4365 | www.heartoftimber.com Furniture – Retail

4

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCETOURISM DEVELOPMENT 700 W. State St., Boise, ID 83702 (208) 334-2470 | www.visitidaho.org Government Offices – State IDAHO FINANCE 5800 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, ID 83704 www.idahofinance.com Loans ITRIP VACATIONS BOISE-MCCALL 2766 W. Good Ct., Boise, ID 83702 (208) 991-4991 | www.itrip.net/Boise-McCall Property Management METLIFE INSURANCE - GARY LILLARD 1310 S. Vista Ave., Ste. 24, Boise, ID 83705 (208) 565-2500 Insurance – Commercial

THE DIAMOND GIRLS 213 S. 11th Ave., Boise, ID 83702 (208) 853-6670 | www.thediamondgirls.com Jewelers – Retail THE PARTY TEAM 5495 W. Kendall St., Boise, ID 83642 (208) 453-6901 | http://www.thepartyteam.com Entertainment THE REED HOUSE APARTMENTS 1671 S. Riverstone Ln., Boise, ID 83706 (208) 344-3043 | www.reedhouseboise.com Apartments THE VERVAIN COLLECTIVE 3308 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, ID 83714 (208) 559-2525 | www.thevervaincollective.com Health & Wellness

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights, WA 99001 (509) 481-6165 | www.northernquest.com Casinos

TRANE 351 N. Mitchell St., Ste. 100, Boise, ID 83704 (208) 373-2100 | www.trane.com/commercial/northamerica/us/en.html Engineers – Mechanical

RACKLEY AUTO GROUP BOISE 10175 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, ID 83704 (208) 672-8100 | www.rackleyautogroupboise.com Auto Dealers - Used Cars

VISION QUEST MEDICAL CENTER, PA 5680 W. Gage St., Boise, ID 83706 (208) 377-3937 | www.visionquestmedical.com Optometrists, O.D.

REDFOX VISUAL LLC 1843 S. Broadway Ave., Ste. 102, Boise, ID 83706 (208) 391-2070 | www.redfoxvisual.com Digital Marketing

WASSMUTH CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 777 S. 8th St., Boise, ID 83702 (208) 345-0304 | https://www.wasmuthcenter.org Associations – Nonprofit

SHAMBLZ, RECLAIMED FURNITURE 1526 S. Vista Ave., Boise, ID 83705 (760) 777-0594 | www.shamblz.com Furniture – Retail

Find these and other great Chamber members in our online Member Directory at web.boisechamber.org/search. www.boisechamber.org

State of the City Address Please join Boise Mayor David Bieter for the 2019 State of the City Address at the Egyptian Theater on September 18. The Mayor will give his remarks from 4pm-5pm, with a reception to follow on the Basque Block from 5pm-7pm.

Since his first term in 2003, Mayor Bieter's vision has been to make Boise the most livable city in the country -- a vision that continues to transform the city's government culture, drive its strategic initiatives and continue to build on Boise's reputation as a welcoming city. The work done at the City of Boise and in the Mayor's Office makes it a center of business, culture, education and outdoor recreation in Idaho. During this year’s State of the City, Mayor Bieter will talk about the benefits and challenges of that success and what it means for the future of our city.

Register today! Contact Alex Finney at afinney@boisechamber.org or (208) 472-5212.

September 18 | 4–7 p.m.

The Egyptian Theatre Register online!

Presenting Sponsors

Co-Sponsors

With Samantha Brown

13th Annual BYP Gala September 25 | 6–8:30 p.m.

Idaho Botanical Garden Register today!

Join us on October 10 for the Boise Metro Chamber's biggest event of the year!

Business Happens Here.® www.boisechamber.org

5

5

THIS MONTH'S RIBBON CUTTINGS Aspen Valley Senior Living Community

RESTAURANT OF THE

AT&T Retail Store Eagle

MONTH

Lucky 13 3662 S. Eckert Rd., Boise, ID 83716 www.lucky13pizza.com

Next Home Treasure Valley

Pandamania

Re-POP Gifts

Chamber employee and Ironman extraordinairre Andrew Heidt was June's Chamber Connector of the Month! Andrew brought in $525 in new membership and received a gift card to the Home Depot.

6

Chamber Connect is our referral program to grow membership together.

Share a qualified referral on our website and you will be eligible for a monetary thank-you. Visit boisechamber.org for more information.

www.boisechamber.org

BOISE METRO CONNECTION P.O. Box 2368 Boise, ID 83701

Periodical POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID 83707 USPS 227-520

Newsletter Printing Partner:

CALENDAR BUSINESS AFTER HOURS & TR ADE SHOW August 15 | 5–7 p.m.

Washington Federal 5777 N. Meeker Ave., Boise Free to members!

BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES: CULTURE & BR AND CAMP August 22 | 8:30–10 a.m.

Boise Metro Chamber Offices Register online!

CEO SPEAKER SERIES FEATURING BRET MOFFETT, POWER ENGINEERS August 28 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Riverside Hotel Register online!

2019 MAYOR'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS September 18 | 4 p.m.

The Egyptian Theatre Register online!

Photo courtesy of Erin Erkins