Metro Connection | January 2021 | Vol. 73 No. 1

JANUARY 2021

VOL. 73 NO. 1

Your bi-monthly Boise Metro Chamber update

Chamber Celebrates 100+ (Yes...100+) Virtual Programs & Events During 2020

by Connor Jay Liess, Boise Metro Chamber There were 366 days in the year 2020 (one extra due to the leap year), and of those 366 days (actually, only 339 days as of writing this) the Chamber produced over 100 videos' worth of educational and member-based content, marking one of our most significant wins in a year marred by COVID-19. That's one video every 3.39 days respectively. Among this array of digital content, the Boise Metro Chamber produced three lengthy campaigns on safe business practices and cybersecurity, hosted 111 total virtual events, over 50 Chamber Check-Ins with members, and dozens of other educational series.

The Chamber's pivot to high-quality virtual programming earned recognition from the nation's top governing Chamber association, ACCE. Our very own Paul Fleming and Mat Erpelding presented to other Chambers around the country on the value of digital resources for member education and sponsorship opportunities. Stay tuned as we launch into 2021, where we will continue to invent exciting and educational opportunities for our subscribers. To see an abbreviated list of past virtual Chamber events, go to boisechamber.org/event-rewind.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALBERTSONS' CEO SPEAKS ON DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AT CEO SPEAKER SERIES A THANK-YOU TO ALL OF OUR 2020 PRESENTING SPONSORS TOP 10 CHAMBER STORIES OF 2020

AND MUCH MORE!

EVENT REWIND 2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tom Mortell, Hawley Troxell, Chair

CEO SPEAKER SERIES WITH VIVEK SANKARAN, ALBERTSONS

Charlene Maher, Blue Cross of Idaho, Past-Chair Joel Poppen, Micron Technology, Inc., Chair-Elect Dan Price, Mountain West Bank, Treasurer Matt Walters, Elam & Burke Of Counsel Emily Baker, Portman Square Group At-Large Gerald Hunter, Idaho Housing & Finance At-Large Rebecca Hupp, Boise Airport At-Large Bill Connors, Boise Metro Chamber, President & CEO

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Phil Archer, Fidelity National Title, BVEP Chair Bill Avey, HP Odette Bolano, Saint Alphonsus Laura Cobb, Citi John Cunningham, Block 22 LLC/Grove Hotel, CVB Chair Kate Eldridge, HDR Mike Garcia, Corporate Office Installations Garrett Lofto, J.R. Simplot Company Scott Madison, Intermountain Gas Company John McCreedy, Amalgamated Sugar Bret Moffett, POWER Engineers Inc. Susan Morris, Albertsons Jeff Newgard, Bank of Idaho Kent Oram, Idaho Central Credit Union Grant L. Petersen Jr., Bronco Motors Adam Richins, Idaho Power Company Sean Robbins, Regence BlueShield Jim Shipman, Colliers International Justin Smith, U.S. Bank Jeff Taylor, St. Luke’s Health System Jodi Whittaker, Whittaker & Associates Tom Werner, Lamb Weston Gioia Woo, Tandem Diabetes Care Josh Shiverick, Cushing Terrell, LB Chair (Ex-Officio) Kati Stallings, deChase Miksis, BYP Chair (Ex-Officio) Editorial Office: 1101 W. Front St., Suite 100, Boise, Idaho, 83702 (208) 472-5205 Boise Metro Connection (USPS 227-520) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November by Boise Metro Chamber. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodical postage paid at Boise, Idaho, 83707.

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

Publisher & Executive Editor: Bill Connors, President & CEO

The final CEO Speaker Series of the year concluded with the CEO of one of Idaho’s largest employers, Albertsons' Vivek Sankaran. Vivek was named president and CEO of Albertsons Companies, Inc. in April 2019. During his presentation, Vivek discussed safety measures Albertsons Companies has taken to stay open while accommodating more shoppers using delivery options, becoming a provider of the vaccine when it’s available, and diversity and inclusion, within Albertsons Companies.

You can rewatch this virtual event on the Boise Metro Chamber's Event Rewind page.

Presented by

Co-Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Connor Jay Liess Boise Metro Chamber Communications Manager

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BOISE METRO CHAMBER

2021

1/14/2021

The Chamber’s Annual Legislative Leaders Forum, presented by The Idaho Statesman, is the premier opportunity for the business community to welcome members of the State Legislature to Boise.

The Legislative Leaders Forum is scheduled for January 14, 2021.

The topic will be accessing high-quality childcare and advancing our economy. Streamed virtually on all Chamber platforms.

Presented By

Co-Sponsored By

BOISE METRO CHAMBER

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Welcome New Members!

Join us in welcoming our newest members from October to November!

ACCRETIVE GROUP OF COMPANIES 1146 W. El Pelar Dr., Boise, ID 83702 (858) 722-4600 | www.accretive-group.com Real Estate - Developers

MVRK DEVELOPMENT 1221 S. Clarkson St., Ste. 410, Denver, CO 8021 (720) 633-5039 | www.MVRKdevelopment.com Real Estate - Developers

COLLABERA 1668 S. Riverstone Ln., Ste. 104, Boise, ID 83706 (208) 999-2803 | www.collabera.com Employment Agencies

NORTH MERIDIAN FIT BODY BOOT CAMP 1511 W. McMillan, Meridian, ID 83646 www.fitbodybootcamp.com Health Clubs

DEMPSEY FOSTER PLLC 800 W. Main St., Ste. 1460, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 401-9533 | www.dempseyfoster.com Attorneys

PETIQ, LLC (BOARD OF ADVISOR) 923. S. Bridgeway Pl., Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 614-0494 | petiq.com Veterinary Services

DENTISTS OF BOISE AND ORTHODONTICS 7500 W. State St., Ste. 110, Boise, ID 83714 (208) 258-7740 | www.dentistsofboise.com/ Dentists - Orthodontists

RUSH BOWLS 1774 W. State St., Boise, ID 83702 (208) 360-9928 | www.rushbowls.com Restaurants - Catering

EAGLE GATE COLLEGE 9300 W. Overland Rd., Ste. 200, Boise, ID 83709 (208) 417-8723 | www.eaglegatecollege.edu Schools - Academic - Universities & Colleges

STEVE STUEBNER P.R. & MARKETING 3209 N. 39th St., Boise, ID 83703 (208) 484-0295 | www.stevestuebner.com Public Relations Agencies

HARDIN SANITATION (BOARD OF ADVISOR) 1854 E. Lanark, Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 642-2629 | www.hardinsanitation.com Garbage & Rubbish Collection - Utilities

ZENBUSINESS 702 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78701 (512) 814-6420 | www.zenbusiness.com/idaho-llc/ Consultants – Business

IDAHO BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM 508 Julia Davis Dr., Boise, ID 83702 (208) 789-2164 | www.ibhm.org Museums KODIE WOODHEAD – WRIGHT PHYSICAL THERAPY 544 N. Steelhead Way, Unit 162, Boise, ID 83704 (208) 323-9747 | www.wrightpt.com Physical Therapists

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BOISE METRO CHAMBER

2020 was a year unlike any other for Chamber events. Please join us in thanking all of our presenting sponsors who also pivoted with us to bring you dozens of quality virtual events.

GOVERNOR'S COVID-19 UPDATE

2020 CIVILITY FORUM WITH BRENT HILL

FUTURE OF BROADBAND

TECHNOLOGY & THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE

CYBERSECURITY BOOKLET

CYBERSECURITY TWO-PART SERIES

IMPACTS ON COVID-19 AND K-12 EDUCATION

BYP EDUCATION SERIES

B|VOTING SERIES

BOISE METRO CHAMBER

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Thank You

TO OUR 2020 PRESENTING SPONSORS

Annual Legislative Forum

Annual Leadership Conference See you in November 2021!

Annual Golf Classic

Governor's Address to the Boise Metro Chamber

Small Business of the Year & Chamber Excellence Awards

State of the University Address with Dr. Marlene Tromp

137th Annual Gala Featuring Garth Callaghan

Boise Mayor's State of the City Address

Operation Thank You

Holiday Reception with Elected Officials

President's Reception

Start-Ups & Suds

BYP 14th Annual Gala Celebration

CEO Speaker Series

Congressional Forums

Leadership Boise Alumni Reunion & Graduation

We at the Boise Metro Chamber would truly like to thank our wonderful Chamber member sponsors, whose generosity made our 2020 lineup of events possible. We hope you had a wonderful season and are looking forward to 2021's events as much as we are!

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Needless to say, 2020 was a tough year for many individuals. Despite the setbacks of the national pandemic, the Boise Metro Chamber witnessed a highly successful year across various topics. Have a look at our Top 10 Wins of 2020!

1. DATA CENTER LEGISLATION PASSED Since 2017 the Boise Chamber has been the leading voice lobbying for legislation that would incentivize data centers to come to Idaho. The legislature passed such a bill in 2020, and we expect to see some big-name tech centers investing in Idaho in 2021.

2. ATLANTA NONSTOP FLIGHT For the past decade the Boise Chamber, the Boise Airport, and the Boise CVB have been working to expand air service, in particular trying to secure a nonstop route to the East Coast.

On November 20, 2020, Delta Flight 883 left BOI for ATL on its inaugural flight; the Chamber was a proud and persistent participant in this effort.

3. 5-STAR ACCREDITATION This year the Boise Metro Chamber was awarded a 5-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Accrediting Board. Of the 7,000-plus Chambers in the United States, less than 1 percent have earned this top rating, and the Boise Metro Chamber is Idaho’s only accredited chamber.

4. INTRASTATE AIR SERVICE INCLUDES CHAMBER ON ITS COMMITTEE For the past several years the Boise Metro Chamber and the Idaho Chamber Alliance have been lobbying the legislature to support efforts to expand intrastate air service to key Idaho cities, to and from Boise. Under the leadership of Senator Dan Johnson (Lewiston) an interim committee was formed to move this effort forward. Chamber CEO Bill Connors was appointed to the committee along with several other Chamber business members.

5. EXPO IDAHO CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD FORMED WITH CHAMBER In 2020 the Ada County Commissioners formed the Expo Idaho Citizens Advisory Committee to discuss potential uses for the Boise Fairgrounds property, much of which has sat dormant since the end of racing in 2008. Boise Metro Chamber CEO Bill Connors represents the Chamber community on this board, which has been meeting throughout 2020.

6. PAYROLL PROTECTION PLAN (PPP) Idaho businesses received over $1.1 billion in PPP relief, in addition to the $300 million to over 30,000 businesses from the Idaho Rebounds Cash Grants program from Governor Little’s office as part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The Boise Metro Chamber has a seat on the United States Chamber of Commerce’s important policy body and lobbied with others for the significant relief bills, in particular the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) for small businesses. The Boise Metro Chamber supported these reliefs by producing explanatory videos on “how to apply to the programs,” and throughout the year, delivered over 100 virtual programs to our member businesses.

BOISE METRO CHAMBER

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PC: Idaho Statesman

Continue reading on Page 8 ...

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Chamber's Top 10 Stories of 2020 (continued)

D O W N L7. OBOISE A D VALLEY T O D AY F O R PARTNERSHIP F R E E O N (BVEP) O U RWINS WEBSITE ECONOMIC B O I S E CThe H Boise A M Valley B E REconomic . O R G Partnership / B A C K-(BVEP) I N - BhasUbeen S I Nbusier E S Sthan . Hever, T Meven L amid the

pandemic. BVEP was excited to attract over 1,000 new jobs in 2020 and close to 4,000 new jobs over 2019 and 2020 combined. That is 11 new companies joining the Boise metro area, including adding three large companies to Boise’s portfolio: Kimley-Horn, TorchX, and PillPack. BVEP continues to stay busy in 2021, with over 30 major companies considering the Boise metro area.

8. RAY STARK RETIRES/MAT ERPELDING HIRED Chamber legend and SVP Ray Stark retired in 2020 after a 30-year career with the organization.

Ray was inducted into the Chamber’s Hall of Fame in March 2020. Around the same time the Chamber hired the Minority Leader of the Idaho House of Representatives, Mat Erpelding to come on board as the new vice president of government and community affairs.

9. CYBERSECURITY GUIDEBOOK AND EDUCATION SESSION One of the many programs released during this pandemic year was a new resource guide for small and medium businesses to protect them from cyberattacks and threats. The Chamber produced two virtual programs on the topic, as well as the downloadable guide. This project was done with the help of Idaho National Laboratory and Boise State University.

10. BOISE CVB BOOKS SIGNIFICANT CONVENTIONS FOR 2021: No industry suffered more disproportionately during this pandemic than the hospitality, tourism, and convention businesses. Despite the Boise CVB booking and rebooking significant meetings, events, and conventions for 2021, some highlights for 2021 include the Far West Soccer Tournament (10,000 attendees); National Smokejumpers Association (600 attendees); Veterinary Cancer Society (500 attendees); NW Credit Union Association (500 attendees); and many others.

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BOISE METRO CHAMBER

For Supporting Leadership Boise Academy Class of 2021

Take a Break!

Fun Fact: George Washington, our nation's first president, would be 282 years old this President's Day! In fact, the federal government doesn't even call it President's Day, but rather Washington's Birthday. In honor of our nation's 45 presidents, we've come up with a word search featuring 12 of some of our lesser-known presidents. Enjoy!

EDWARDS GREENHOUSE Edwards Greenhouse is a family owned business, serving the Treasure Valley since 1930. The company began its history in the Boise Valley in the summer of 1930. The business, under the name Thomas F. Edwards and Son, began as a truck farm.

They carry a variety of annuals, vegetables, herbs, perennials, nursery stock, trees, and houseplants., as well as a variety of garden supplies and gifts. Edwards Greenhouse is proud of its long history of community involvement. Whether hosting grade school children, high school horticulturalists or Garden Club members, they have opened their doors to educate and promote gardening in the Treasure Valley. And such a promotion of a service has never come at a better time. With COVID-19 limiting people's social connectivity and thus opening new ways to stay positive and active outdoors, starting a garden has exploded in it popularity.

ROOSEVELT GARFIELD FILLMORE VAN BUREN

BOISE METRO CHAMBER

HOOVER CARTER ARTHUR PIERCE

ADAMS TYLER POLK TAFT

Edwards Greenhouse is involved in various community gardens and supporting the local-food movement. We can't recommend Edwards enough! Check out their website and start planning for that 2021 summer garden with Edwards.

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ADVOCACY UPDATE Stay up to date on your city and state's government affairs

The pandemic continues to impact our membership, and we have been lobbying our federal delegation to finish a bipartisan economic stimulus bill before Christmas. We are concerned that without targeted federal support, hard-hit businesses like restaurants and small retail businesses will not survive into 2021, and this cannot happen. Our delegation has been very receptive to our concerns, and we are optimistic that legislation will finally pass before the end of the transition.

In December, the 66th session of the Idaho Legislature was sworn in, and Ada County is in a good position. Half of the legislative leadership positions are held by Ada County legislators, further demonstrating the economic importance of the Treasure Valley. The new Senate Pro Tempore is Boise’s own Senator Chuck Winder. Senator Winder has been a long-standing advocate for the Treasure Valley, and we look forward to his leadership in the Senate. Additionally, Rep. Moyle from Star and Rep. Monks from Meridian remain majority and assistant majority leaders respectively; both have a long history of being pro-economy. Rep. Rubel and Rep. Necochea, both from Boise, will lead the house minority this year. Both have a long history of supporting and advocating for the valley’s economic vitality. Finally, Senators Grant Burgoyne and Janie Ward Engelking were elected to assistant minority leader and minority caucus chair respectively.

These seven leaders are critical to addressing the issues facing the Treasure Valley and the state. The Chamber looks forward to working with them.

Mat Erpelding V.P., Government & Community Relations

MEET OUR AMBASSADORS

Janalee Schrader |

Idaho EdNews

What is your favorite hobby or thing to do during the weekend?

I enjoy crafting, making one-of-a-kind cards for people and entertaining with dinner parties, BBQ’s, and firepit parties. Any time we can enjoy our backyard with friends and family is always fun for me.

What is the most important trend in your business or industry?

Through the pandemic and probably because of the pandemic, parents and educators have been forced to look at the opportunity of educating our children in different and even more specific ways that develop that specific child.

What is the best advice you've received?

From my Dad: “Don't fall in a hole.” From my Mom: “A soft answer turns around wrath.”

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

Idaho EdNews is a free website that provides the data and information needed to be informed so parents can make the best decisions about educating their children.

What do you enjoy most about your company or organization?

We are an independent public awareness and free website where parents, the business community, education community, and all taxpayers can find the most current and accurate news and data about education in Idaho.

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BOISE METRO CHAMBER

A NEW STANDARD OF CARE. Created in partnership with industry-leading experts, the Delta CareStandard℠ ensures a safer, cleaner, and more flexible travel experience.

THE

NONSTOP TO ATLANTA! After many years, meetings, and much cajoling, a historic flight took off from Boise to Atlanta last month. The Boise Metro Chamber, a long-time champion of air service expansion, is celebrating this new nonstop, BOI to ATL flight. Many thanks to our longtime members and friends from Delta Air Lines for investing in Boise. This east coast connection will help us expand our commerce and connections. Thanks also to Rebecca Hupp and the Boise Airport team. I was happy to be part of this experience with Delta’s GM Pacific Northwest Sales, Kyle Ingebrigtson; BOI Station Mgr., Jim Moore and Asst. Mgr., Ahmad Hassan. Welcome friends from Georgia and the Southwest, you’re going to love Boise, so come explore!

Our President & CEO, Bill Connors, knows a thing or two about traveling to various Chamber member businesses and taking some photos. Follow along with Bill's travels to both local and international businesses and organizations.

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

Periodical POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID 83707 USPS 227-520

Newsletter Printing Partner:

A LETTER FROM OUR LEADERS B O I S E VA L L E Y E C O N O M I C PA R T N E R S H I P

In spite of downward business trends, the Boise metro has remained a hot spot for companies currently considering job expansion, relocation, and investment in additional facilities. 2019 was a record-breaking year for BVEP, working with 25 companies that considered our metro area for expansion. Surprisingly we smashed last year’s record in 2020, with over 30 companies considering our metro area for expansion or relocation. We have had a huge increase in manufacturing, food processing, and distribution projects in 2020. In the last two years we have attracted approximately 4,000 good-paying jobs and 11 new companies to the region.

BOISE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

No industry has suffered this pandemic more than the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, and entertainment business. For most of 2020 this sector struggled with 52 percent unemployment. This crisis showed us just how large a gear the travel sector is in the economic engine of the world’s economy. We were excited to host the tipoff of the 2020 Big Sky Basketball Tournament and hope to have that event, and many more, returning to Boise in 2021. We have worked with our media partners to let the world know we will be ready, safe, and welcoming. Our partners at the Boise Centre have set the standard for safety in the COVID-19 era. With more nonstop connections, hotel stock, and our special Boise brand, we're ready for a robust 2021.

BOISE METRO CHAMBER

In 2020, Chambers, CVBs, and economic development agencies across the country went out of business. The Boise Metro Chamber certainly struggled — we cut staff and expenses, but did not cut our programing, advocacy, or business support. Our Chamber is unique in the USA, as we are one of the few that consolidates the Chamber, CVB, and ED operations. In other cities all three are separate, with separate buildings, accounting staff, receptionists, etc. We survived this crazy year because we have always been an efficient guardian of our region’s economic expansion and development. We feel the community gets a better bang for their buck when the Chamber can advocate for a new policy, that attracts a company to talk to BVEP, and our CVB can bring in a national convention tailored to that company’s industry. In 2020 the Boise Metro Chamber was awarded 5-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Less than 1 percent of the 7,000 chambers in the USA have this honor. We are proud to serve this amazing place and to have your support through good times and bad. We have been here for 145 years, and we will be there for you in 2021 and beyond. We aren’t going anywhere.