Odette Bolano, Saint Alphonsus, Chair
Dan Price, Mountain West Bank, Chair-Elect
Emily Baker, Portman Square Group, Past Chair
Tom Van Hemelryck, WaFd Bank, Treasurer
Matt Walters, Elam & Burke, Of Counsel
Gerald Hunter, Idaho Housing & Finance, At-Large
Rebecca Hupp, Boise Airport, At-Large
Bill Connors, Bo ise Metro Chamber, President & CEO
Adam Altwies, Inn at 500
Adam Richins, Idaho Power Company
Adan David Callsen, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, BYP Chair (Ex-Officio)
April Arnzen, Micron Technology, Inc.
Charlene Maher, Blue Cross of Idaho
Chris Roth, St. Luke’s Health System
Cord Christensen, PetIQ
Dean Sandros, United Heritage
Erin Anderson, Idaho Botanical Gardens
Garrett Lofto, J.R. Simplot Company
Jeff Newgard, Bank of Idaho
Jennifer Swindell, Idaho Ed News
Jessica Hagan, KTVB
Jim Shipman, Colliers International
Jodi Whittaker, KDP Certified Public Accountants, LLP
John McCreedy, Amalgamated Sugar
Kate Eldridge, HDR Engineering
Kelly Olson, Western States Equipment
Laura Cobb, Citi
Lee Scott, Unleashing Leaders Inc., LB Chair (Ex-Officio)
Michael Ballantyne, TOK Commercial Real Estate
Nate Brazier, Stinker Stores
Susan Morris, Albertsons Companies
Tom Mortell, Hawley Troxell
Todd Gill, United Heritage
Tom Werner, Lamb Weston
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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.
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Publisher & Executive Editor: Bill Connors, President & CEO
Amber Hawton-Hill Boise Metro Chamber Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Bill Connors Boise Metro Chamber President & CEOWe’ve been hard at work for the nearly 2,000 members of the Boise Metro Chamber. As Idaho’s largest business-first organization, we work to support businesses large and small. We provide networking opportunities, host many of the most renowned events in the Boise Valley, advocate for business-first policy at the state and federal levels and help businesses increase their visibility and value - 2023 is set to be a banner year. We are thrilled that we have assembled the most influential business board in Idaho, made up of CEOs from across our metro area and beyond. Another reason why this organization is so successful is because we have three powerhouses under one roof: The Boise Metro Chamber, BVEP and Visit Boise.
Our partners at Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP) work extremely hard to assist businesses and entrepreneurs to relocate, start up, or expand in the Boise Valley. BVEP reported that 2022 ended with the largest business investment project in the history of the Boise Valley and four project announcements resulting in a total of $15.9 billion in new capital investment to the region and 2,346 new jobs. Incredible!
Visit Boise, formerly known as the Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau, rebranded their efforts, and continues to lead the way in showing the world why Boise is a premier destination for tourism, events, conventions, meetings and recreation. Along with their PR team at Fahlgren Mortine, Visit Boise helped generate 42 stories about the Boise Metro area in 2022, which reached over 650M people in outlets such as USA Today, Thrillist, Small Market Meetings, Food and Wine, Sports Destination Management, Northwest Meetings & Events and Fodor’s to name a few. And the biggest announcement on the media front was when Boise, Idaho was included in Lonely Planet as a Best in Travel 2023.
As Idaho’s only five-star accredited chamber, the Boise Metro Chamber leads the way in promoting strong business practices, recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community, advocacy and staying in-step with industry changes.
None of the work we do would be possible without the generous support of our members and sponsors. We are incredibly grateful that our community leaders generously support the mission and work of the Boise Metro Chamber. We are excited to bring the community more high-quality events, programs, trainings and speaker series in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Bill Connors
The legislative session is in full swing, and according to legislative leadership, have only had one big argument so far! Because 49% of the legislature consists of new lawmakers this year, there are procedural processes to be learned and discussed, therefore things are running a little behind. However, according to Representative Ilana Rubel, “So far, so good!”
Our Policy Committee is hard at work to ensure the advancement of business and community. An exciting bill that has been brought forth is House Bill 24, expanding the Idaho Launch Grant Program. This legislation would allocate $8,500 to public school graduates to attend schooling for in-demand careers. This opportunity will ensure our workforce stays strong, our families stay united, and the next generation feels empowered and supported to stay in our great state. The Boise Chamber was the first chamber to publicly support this legislation and we are grateful to the Governor and all the lawmakers that made this happen - it’s heading to the Senate now!
A concerning bill that was brought forth is House Bill 12, prohibiting state agencies from sponsoring or donating to non-governmental organizations. This affects so many different industries, including your local Chambers, nonprofit organizations, tourism departments, and all the sports events that help grow our state’s economy. On behalf of the policy committee, a letter has been sent to the sponsor of this bill and we hope he will reconsider this legislation.
Ending on a positive note, we had the opportunity to attend the annual Idaho Chamber Alliance Chamber Days Conference held at the Grove Hotel.
The Idaho Chamber Alliance was formed in 2006 to allow Chambers across the state to speak with a unified voice in the Idaho Legislature. During the session, members of the alliance participate in weekly conference calls to discuss legislative matters. These conversations are then brought to our Policy Committee to maintain unity and discuss what other communities think of legislation.
There were multiple great discussions including liquor license reform, perspectives on the 2023 issues from legislative leadership, tax policy, childcare grants and the connection between business and law. We also heard from Lieutenant Governor Scott
on the role of Lt. Governor. A huge thank you to all of our elected officials, including Governor Little for joining us at this important conference.
We continue to advocate for our businesses in and around Boise. We appreciate your membership and hope you’ll reach out if there’s any issues you or your business would like us to discuss.
“The Boise Metro Chamber has been an incredible partner for the state and for me in responding to the needs of Idaho’s business community. I look forward to many more years of progress and advancement in our partnership.”
On January 12, 2023, Boise Metro Chamber members, transportation stakeholders, and community members joined Governor Brad Little, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean and nearly all state legislators for the Chamber’s Legislative Forum.
This year’s topic, “The Past, Present and Future of Rail in Idaho,” was discussed by Jarom Wagoner, a former transportation planner and current Mayor of Caldwell, Jay Fox, Executive Director of the Utah Transit Authority and Chase Kitchen, Government Affairs Manager at Amtrak and moderated by Tom Mortell, Chair of the Boise Metro Chamber’s Policy Committee.
Rail has been discussed for several years but has made little progress. The goal of the Boise Metro Chamber’s forum was to bring stakeholders together to discuss the next steps and move the needle toward progress on the important and widely supported issue of restoring passenger rail service.
THE BOISE METRO CHAMBER THANKS OUR SPONSORS, WITHOUT WHOM EVENTS LIKE THIS WHICH PROVIDE DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ THE BLOG: PRESENTING SPONSOR SPONSORS
Governor Brad Little
Boise Young Professionals is a Boise Metro Chamber program targeting talented young professionals in the Boise Metro area. BYP is a member-driven organization designed to connect, empower, and engage the future workforce of Idaho. BYP offers intentional and creative programs to develop growing leaders, promote camaraderie, and retain young talent in the region. Sponsored by Albertsons and Balsam Brands.
Our premier leadership program for business and civic leaders. Leadership Boise has, and continues to seek, the most energetic and engaged leaders in the Treasure Valley. As one of the longest-running Chamber-sponsored leadership programs in the United States, Leadership Boise has graduated more than 1,500 rising and established leaders since its inception in 1975. Sponsorship Available!
Our semester-long program for high school junior leaders. Leadership Boise Academy was formed in 1984 by the Boise Metro Chamber to educate a diverse group of high school students and provide an opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of current issues and opportunities in our community. Sponsored by: P1FCU (Potlatch No. 1 Financial Credit Union).
The Leadership Boise Alumni Association actively contributes to the betterment of the Boise Metro area through its diverse network of educated, socially responsible, and engaged civic leaders. Leadership Boise Alumni members support the Leadership Boise and Leadership Boise Academy programs through mentorship, planning and coordination efforts. Leadership Boise Alumni membership facilitates the continued friendships and partnerships made through program participation. Sponsored by Idaho First Bank.
2023-25
BOISE
SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 23-25
PRESENTED BY
Chamber Ambassadors are vital volunteer leaders who assist us in growing and retaining membership. They are representatives of the Boise Metro Chamber who develop relationships with new members and share the benefits of membership with them. Organized into small teams, they visit new members to educate them on Chamber programs and services, invite them to events, and attend Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings.
All Contracting LLP
9460 W. Fairview Ave. Ste.115
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 920-1126
allcontracting208.com
Alliance Nationwide Exposition PO Box 109
Paeonian Springs, VA 20129
(208) 920-1126
allcontracting208.com
Big Sky Conference 286 S. 200 W.,Ste.110
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 392-1978
bigskyconf.com
Boise Beauty Boards Boise, ID
(208) 270-0818
boisebeautyboards.com
BoiseDev P.O Box 1591
Boise, ID 83701
(208) 960-0321
boisedev.com
Dress for Success
2760 E. Fairview Ave. Meridian, ID 83646
(208) 288-4405
boisevalley.dressforsuccess.org
Edward Jones
David Augusto AAMS
9050 W. Overland Rd. Ste.125
Boise, ID 83709
(208) 362-3299
edwardjones.com/davidaugusto
Equation Technologies, Inc.
9169 W. State St., Ste. 1581
Boise, ID 83714
(208) 424-7709
equationtech.us
Golden Eagle Audubon Society
P.O Box 8261
Boise, ID 83707
(208) 955-7400
goldeneagleaudubon.org
Great Resort Vacations
9284 W Barnes Dr. Boise, ID 83709 (866) 233-4929
greatresortvacations.com
GWC Capital*
12639 W. Explorer Dr. Boise, ID 83713 (801) 400-3649
gwccap.com
Homes of IdahoKelli Lumsden 6429 E. Monroe St. Nampa, ID 83687 (208) 565-6396
kellilumsden.idhomesearch.net
HUB International*
2600 W. Rose Hill, Ste. 101 Boise, ID 83705 (208) 433-1000
hubinternational.com
Idaho Art Gallery
211 E. Pine Ave., Ste.108 Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 733-4134
landscapepaintings.org
Idaho Energy Freedom 515 N. 27th St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 315-6371
idahoenergyfreedom.org
Integrated Dermatology of Boise
3277 E. Louise Dr., Ste. 360 Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 900-3376
integrateddermatologyofboise
Karmik Outdoors
Boise, ID (702) 286-8047
karmikoutdoors.com
Leku Ona
117 S. 6th St. Boise, ID 83704 (208) 345-6665
boisebasquefood.com
Lockton Companies
8110 E. Union Denver, CO 80237 (949) 394-6528
lockton.com
Mathnasium
3585 S. Federal Way
Boise, ID 83705
(208) 343-1989
mathnasium.com/boise
Optum Care Delivery
12921 S. Vista Station Blvd.
Draper, UT 84020
(208) 914-2268
optum.com
Paul’s Precision Painting, LLC
3203 S. Maze Ave. Boise, ID 83706
(208) 985-4041
paulsprecisionpaintingllc.com
3551 E. La Grange St. Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 344-5300
populus.com
ProFocus Technology
10200 SW Eastridge St. Ste.100
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 236-2010
profocustechnology.com
Renewal by Andersen of Boise
511 W. McGregor Dr. Boise, ID 83705
(208) 639-9960
renewalbyandersen.com/boise
Sisu Consulting & Training
1709 S. Hilton St. Boise, ID 83705 (208) 789-3865 leadwithsisu.com
Tamarack Grove Engineering
812 S. La Cassia Dr. Boise, ID 83705
(208) 345-8941
tamarackgrove.com
The Partners Group
13123 W. Persimmon Ln. Ste. 150
Boise, ID 83713
(208) 593-4401
thepartnersgroup.com
The Tile House
3203 W. Chinden Blvd. Ste.3
Garden City, ID 83714
(208) 314-7505
Treasure Valley Social Club
1198 S. Cloverdale Rd. Kuna, ID 83634
(208) 837-1081
sheahomes.com/new-homes/idaho /boise-area/kuna/tr
Westerberg & Assosiates
802 W. Bannock St. Ste. 201 Boise, ID 83702
(208) 336-0305
westerbergassoc.com
X-Golf Boise
8101 W. Emerald St. Boise, ID 83704
(208) 918-4653
xgolfboise.com
*= Board of Advisor Level
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR RIBBON CUTTING SPONSOR:
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION
WOODLAND EMPIRE
Come out and join us for one of the Chamber’s most popular events: Start-Ups and Suds! Start-Ups & Suds brings together Chamber members and local start-up companies in a fun and casual setting. And the best part? Your first beer is FREE!
BOISE METRO CHAMBER
Speaker Lynette Hoy with provide attendees with actionable steps to increase their visibility online, a format on how to create stories that bring media attention and tips and tactics on how to stand out in the community and grow their business.
APR 23-25
SUN VALLEY RESORT
The annual Leadership Conference is an opportunity to escape the city and learn about topical issues and themes that are pertinent to the Boise Metro area and its future.
