Metro Connection | May 2023 | Vol. 75 No. 3

METRO

keeping up with boise

THE CONNECTION

President & CEO to Retire

A Look Back at Bill Connors’ 15-Year Legacy

ADVOCACY UPDATE

EVENT WRAP UP

MEET AN AMBASSADOR

MEMBERS’ SPOTLIGHT

May 2023

BO ISE METRO CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO SET TO RETIRE AT END OF 2023

2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Adam Altwies, Inn at 500

Adam Richins, Idaho Power Company

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

Rachel Flachbart Sladek, Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, BYP Chair (Ex-Officio)

Susan Morris, Albertsons Companies

Todd Gill, United Heritage

Tom Mortell, Hawley Troxell

Tom Werner, Lamb Weston

COVER PHOTO: CHAD CASE VISUALS

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

Amber Hawton-Hill

Boise Metro Chamber

Senior Marketing & Communications Manager

Bill Connors, President & CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber, Idaho’s largest business association and only five-star accredited Chamber in Idaho, has announced his intention to retire after a 15-year career with the Chamber. Connors will retire as the longest serving CEO in the organization‘s 146-year history. He began his tenure with the Chamber in 2009 and will end his very successful leadership career with the Chamber on December 31, 2023. During his fourteen-year tenure, he has positioned the Chamber to be a very influential advocacy organization for businesses which boasts a 30-person Board of Directors that is largely made up of CEOs of some of the biggest employers in Idaho.

Over the last few years, under Connors’ leadership, the Chamber successfully weathered inflation and its effects, along with the COVID pandemic. In addition, he has effectively managed the financial operations of the Chamber over the last 14 years. Under Connors’ watch, the Chamber began its very successful Annual Gala, introduced Industry Sector Boards, started New Member and New Valley CEO receptions, merged the Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau into the organization, rebuilt the Boise Valley Economic Partnership structure, expanded the Boise Young Professionals network into one of the largest in the USA, started a Hall of Fame Program, founded a 501(c)3 Foundation, designed, built and paid for its new headquarters building in Downtown Boise, and recently added a Boise Gift Shop and Visitor Information Center.

In addition to the Boise Chamber becoming an influential voice in advocacy and community, the Chamber’s successful legislative agenda included lowering Idaho’s business and personal income tax rates from 8.2% to 5.9% over the years, while supporting record investments in education. The Chamber’s advocacy also helped pass legislative incentives to attract aerospace companies, data centers, microchip production and advanced manufacturing, bringing thousands of highly paid jobs and scores of businesses to Idaho, making the Boise Valley the envy of the nation.

Connors has long been a champion for expanded transportation, air service to and from Boise, and currently is working on bringing Amtrak service back to the Treasure Valley. He has also been a champion of small business, travel and tourism industries, sports teams, and arts organizations.

Connors has been working with the executive board for the past three years on a succession plan and retirement strategy. He attributes his successful run as the President & CEO of the Chamber to his partnership with the Boards, his incredible staff, members, volunteers, pro-business elected officials, Chamber CEOs across the state and nation, his colleagues at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Travel Association, to name a few.

Under the chairmanship of Odette Bolano, CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System, a search committee has been established of which Connors will be an active contributor to the process of identifying a successor. The Committee has selected SearchWide Global to assist with a national search. Bolano shared, “While it is bittersweet to announce Bill’s retirement, we are forever grateful for all that Bill has accomplished over this tenure. He leaves a legacy which will not be forgotten and a very successful and effective business advocacy organization for his successor.”

Bill Connors, Boise Metro Chamber President & CEO

ADVOCACY UPDATE

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

By Tori Thomas, Community and Government Affairs Manager

Dear Readers,

The legislature officially adjourned on Thursday, April 6th, just 2 weeks after their original hopeful adjournment! Your Chamber’s Policy Committee worked hard this session to ensure Idaho continues to be the best place to live, visit and do business. Listed below are a just a few of our 2023 wins:

1 2 3

House bill 24, Senate Bill 1167 (Trailer), Launch Program - The Boise Chamber was one of the first chamber’s in the valley to support this legislation. This expansion offers up to $8,000 to 2024 graduates to pursue in-demand career certifications and degrees. Using a portion of the dedicated funds from House Bill 1 introduced during the special session in September 2022, this will hopefully enable our businesses to grow and the next generation to remain in Idaho.

House Bill 376, Property Tax - The Boise Metro Chamber’s goal has always been to advocate for tax relief; however, never at the cost of education. This bill offers relief to homeowners and businesses, while ensuring school and transportation funding are considered.

House Bill 170, State Agencies/Sponsorships - This legislation would prevent state agencies from sponsoring non-governmental organizations. This impacts so many different industries, including your local Chambers, nonprofit organizations, tourism departments, and all the sports events that help grow our state’s economy. We are grateful to see this legislation not make it through this session, however we expect some sort of variation will be introduced next year. We will continue to advocate for the appropriate definition of sponsorship within this legislation.

We are grateful to our elected officials and all the work they do for Idaho. We will continue to advocate for our business community and the success of our state.

EVENT WRAP UP

Visit:

The Visit Boise ROSE Awards honored Dan Prinzing (Trillium Restaurant).

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Mountain Home/Elmore County Economic Development Project Open House.

Staff Happy Hour at Lock Stock and Barrel.

Staff Lunch at Sockeye Grill & Brewery.

President’s Reception for New Members at The Arid Club, sponsored by Bank of Idaho

Business After Hours @ Allied.

Start-Ups & Suds at Woodland Empire sponsored by Perkins Coie and featuring Karmik Outdoors.

Chamber Ambassadors pose for a Mardi Gras themed photo at New Life Office during the Business After Hours Tradeshow.

Welcome/VIP reception for New Valley Leaders sponsored by Holland & Hart.

MEMBERS’ SPOTLIGHT

By Holly Cook, Public Relations Manager

“Pay It Forward” is a TV community spotlight feature started by Mountain America Credit Union based on one simple idea: “Help those who are giving to others by recognizing them for making a difference in their communities.” Mountain America Credit Union started the segment in the Salt Lake City area in 2011, and in 2015, they expanded it to Idaho.

In partnership with CBS 2 News, around 100 stories have been featured about people in the Treasure Valley doing great things for others. Pay It Forward is hosted by CBS 2 TV anchor Brent Hunsaker.

Recent features have highlighted local heroes giving beds to those without, the organization of a rodeo for disabled kids, groups feeding the hungry, saving unwanted animals, spreading joy with random acts of kindness and more. Each of these champions for good are awarded $500 from Mountain America

Credit Union. MACU created the reward as a way to give back to those who selflessly give to others.

“Giving back is an integral part of Mountain America’s culture. One good deed can inspire another, and hopefully start a chain of positive events spreading through the community,” said Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union. “We hope others have been as inspired by these stories of selflessness as we are.” We’re grateful to both of these Boise Metro Chamber members, MACU and CBS 2 News, for working together to promote community engagement and highlight the good work of so many people.

You can watch all of the Pay It Forward stories on CBS 2’s website at idahonews.com, by clicking on “Features.”

LIVE SMILE POWER

Chamber members Mountain America Credit Union and KBOI-TV CBS 2 have forged a partnership based on kind acts.

Get on the highway to health with group coverage that rocks. Log on today to find the right plan for your band!

MEET A CHAMBER AMBASSADOR

SHAY SMITH | UMPQUA BANK

QUESTION 3: Who is the most interesting historical figure?

Susan B Anthony – To fight for something so radical at a time like she did takes the kind of strength that I admire.

QUESTION 4: What is the number one reason to do business with your company or organization?

Sponsored by:

QUESTION 5: What is your favorite place in Boise to take a visitor?

Float the Boise River, Spacebar Arcade, Suite 104 for cocktails, Les Bois wine bar, The Wylder for dinner, and exploring downtown Boise including the Saturday markets.

QUESTION 6: What is the best advice you have received?

QUESTION 1: What is your favorite film? Clueless.

QUESTION 2: What is the best book you have read recently?

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown – so inspiring, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

Because we are honest, transparent, and focus on a personalized experience. Being the one point of contact for many different services is what sets me apart from competitors. We are also passionate and involved in our community, with a convenient location that even has beer! Come visit us to see a new kind of banking experience.

• Challenge yourself, or you’ll never learn what you’re capable of.

• Meet new people, try new things, go new places.

• You can’t move things by not moving.

LB 2021-2023 Graduation & LB Alumni Reunion

05.31.23 @ 6–9 PM

The Grove Hotel, Boise

Please join The Boise Metro Chamber in celebrating the Graduation of the 2021-2023 Leadership Boise Class, and a Reunion of LB Alumni

Reception, Dinner, Graduation ceremony, and presentation of the annual Community Leadership Awards!

Nominate someone who deserves recognition (for their community leadership) Scan the qr code for more information:

Thanks to our sponsors & corporate partners! You help our program THRIVE!

2023 Program Sponsors

Register on our website or by visiting: https://bit.ly/LBGraduationLBAAReunion

Contact: Karyn Stuart, Boise Metro Chamber

KStuart@boisechamber.org

(208) 472-5213

2023 Corporate Partners

WELCOME NEW Join Us In Welcoming Our New

Domino’s Pizza* dominos.com

10396 W. Fairview Ave. Boise, ID 83704 (208) 377-5201

1011 12th Ave. S Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 343-0793

1123 E. Cleveland Blvd. Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 454-8888

1701 Cherry Ln. Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 887-6400

2132 S. Broadway Ave. Boise, ID 83706 (208) 345-5551

2273 S. Vista Ave. Boise, ID 83705 (208) 343-5995

5000 W. State St. Boise, ID 83703 (208) 853-6060

8966 W. Ardene St. Boise, ID 83709 (208) 658-5555

6456 S. Federal Way Boise, ID 83716 (208) 968-7775

3327 N. Eagle Rd., Ste 150 Meridian, ID 83646 (208) 996-3232

498 E. State St. Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 939-4440

2934 E. Greenhurst Rd., Ste G Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 467-7778

5720 Cleveland Blvd., Ste. 101 Caldwell, ID 83607 (208) 453-7111

950 Airbase Rd. Mountain Home, ID 83647 (208) 587-5000

10580 W. State St., Ste. 104 Star, ID 83686

2124 S. Broadway Ave. Boise, ID 83706 (208) 343-0793

PMF Companies*

15015 Main St., Ste. 203 Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 746-6066

pmfinvestments.com

All County Roofing Inc. 2650 S. Cole Rd., Ste. B Boise, ID 83709 (208) 322-7663

allcountyroofingid.com

Appliances 4 Less 299 N. Milwaukee St. Boise, ID 83704 (208) 971-9294

appliances4lessboise.com

Bear Valley Rafting 7864 Highway 55 Banks, ID 83602 (208) 793-2272

bearvalleyrafting.com

Blueroot Leadership Development

1240 W. Deer Crest Dr. Meridian, ID 83646 (208) 484-1069

bluerootleadership.com

Darjeeling Momo LLC Boise, ID (208) 600-3193

dumpling-express.com

Famous Idaho Potato BowlESPN Events

1109 W. Main St. Ste. 250 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 424-1011 famousidahopotatobowl.com

Garage Force of Boise 6568 S. Federal Way Ste.390 Boise, ID 83716 (208) 872-8950 boise.garageforce.com

GeoTek, Inc. 320 E. Corporate Dr. Ste. 300 Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 888-7010 geotekusa.com

Graeber & Company

350 N. 9th St., Ste. 103 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 343-4915 graeberandcompany.com

Graze Craze 5624 W. State St. Boise, ID 83703 (208) 600-0655 grazecraze.com/garden-city-id

Greater Boise Aquatics Foundation, Inc. 398 S. 9th St. Ste. 290 Boise, ID 83702 (773) 405-6425 gbafswim.com

Idaho Veterans Parade P.O Box 8574 Boise, ID 83707 (208) 402-5593 idahoveteransparade.org

Nomad X Proof 314 S 9th St., Ste. 100 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 649-5455 iwantproof.com

Ohana Technology 6700 N. Linder Rd. Ste 156A #399 Meridian, ID 83646 (208) 398-4177 ohanatechnology.net

OMG Studios Boise 5555 N. Glenwood St. Ste 120 Boise, ID 83714 (208) 629-1522 omgstudiosboise.com

OMGFemaleFilmmakers LLC 5555 N. Glenwood St. Ste. 120 Boise, ID 83714 (208) 914-6939

omgfemalefilmmakers.com

Property People 1220 S. Vista Ave. Boise, ID 83705 (208) 261-1247

idahopropertypeople.com

Quail Ridge Baker City Golf Course 2801 Indiana Ave. Baker City, OR 97814 (541) 523-2358

quailridgebakercity.com

Reuseum Educational Inc. 3149 W. Chinden Blvd Boise, ID 83714 (208) 375-7505 educate-reuseum.org

SKAL International Boise P.O Box 8873 Boise, ID 83707 (208) 853-0891

NEW MEMBERS!

Members for February-March

Spark! Strategic Solutions

1120 S. Rackham Way, Ste. 300 Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 366-4642

Tito’s Handmade Vodka 11820 W. Camas St. Boise, ID 83709 (208) 571-9047 titosvodka.com

Trophy House Pros

2795 S. Saturn Way Boise, ID 83709 (208) 376-5210 trophyhousepros.com

Tuuti

404 S. 8th St., Ste. 150 Boise, ID 83702 (949) 545-1008 tuutiagency.com

Vitall Advanced Medicine 300 W. Main St., Ste 100 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 900-9757 vitallmed.com

Woodland Empire Brewing 1114 W. Front St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 426 -0510

woodlandempire.beer

160 Driving Academy 9050 W. Overland Rd. Ste. 120 Boise, ID 83709 (208) 701-2894

160drivingacademy.com

3 Girls Gourmet 3210 E. Chinden Blvd., Ste 131 Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 949-6620

3girlscatering.com

Ackerman-Estvold

7661 W. Riverside Dr., Ste. 102 Garden City, ID 83714 (209) 853-6470 ackerman-estvold.com

AFC Urgent Care 10965 W. Overland Rd. Boise, ID 83709 (775) 232-1263 afcurgentcare.com/boise

Alante Homes

6222 S. Gloriosa Ave. Boise, ID 83709 (986) 910-1231 alantehomesathazelwood.com

Amplify Consulting Partners 15500 SE 30th Pl., Ste. 103 Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 217-0505 amplifycp.com

Border Magic by Love Borders 1617 W. Capstone Dr. Nampa, ID 83686 (986) 213-5767 bordermagic.com

Camp River Run 8211 W. Brynwood Dr. Boise, ID 83704 (208) 286-1078 campriverrun.org

Cinema West Idaho 760 W. Broad St. Boise, ID 83702 (707) 779-2430 cinemawest.com

District 15 Toastmasters Boise, ID (208) 599-2111 district15speaks.org

Gatsby Glass 276 N. Maple Grove Rd., Ste. 120 Boise, ID 83704 (208) 400-3356 gatsbyglass.com

Hensel Phelps 6601 W. Kuna Mora Rd. Kuna, ID 83634 henselphelps.com

Hunter’s Ace Hardware 5226 W. Overland Rd. Boise, ID 83705 (208) 344-4321 huntersacehardware.com

Idaho Central Credit Union Lake Hazel Branch 10795 W. Meyering Ln. Boise, ID 83709 (208) 846-7000 iccu.com

Idaho Firewise Inc. P.O. Box 8234 Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 310-7472 idahofirewise.org

Integra Resources DBA DeLamar Mining Company 225 N. 9th St., Ste. 810 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 501-3117 integraresources.com

Meta Kuna Data Center Kuna, ID 83634 (605) 313-7542 meta.com

Michaella Franklin Security L.L.C. P.O. Box 302 Nampa, ID 83653 (208) 809-7838 michaellafranklinsecurity.com

Parrilla Grill Downtown Boise 503 W. Idaho St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 323-4688 parrillagrillcantina.com

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes P.O Box 306 Fort Hall, ID 83203 (208) 478-3700 sbtribes.com

Sockeye Ale House 3823 N. Garden Center Way Boise, ID 83703 (208) 322-5200 sockeyebrew.com

Squatchnut Caldwell, ID (208) 854-9204 squatchnut.com

Tipsy Chef Cafe 979 S. Progress Ave. Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 895-3670 tipsychefcafe.com

Tonaquint Data Centers 10215 W. Emerald St. Ste. 160 Boise, ID 83704 (208) 949-9782 tonaquint.com

Willowview Consulting LLC 280 S. Academy Ave. Ste. 160 Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 450-5229 willowviewconsulting.com

*= Board of Advisor Level

RIBBON CUTTINGS

FEBRUARY - MARCH

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR RIBBON CUTTING SPONSOR:

2/8 The Tile House

2/28 COSTCO

3/1 Potlatch #1 Financial Credit Union

3/10 Integrated Dermatology of Boise

3/10 3 Girls Gourmet

3/14

OMG Female Filmmakers Studios & OMG Studios Boise

3/15 Goldenwest Credit Union

3/15 X-Golf Boise

3/21 BoDo Cinema

3/23 Trophy House Pros

3/28 Gatsby Glass

3/31 Tuuti

Upcoming Events

MAY 17

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

BRONCO MOTORS, INC.

Bronco Motors, family owned and operated since 1971, invites you to this month’s Business After Hours at their downtown location on May 17 at 5- 7:00 PM. Come down and network with others in the business community over delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

MAY 18

BOISE MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

JACK’S URBAN MEETING PLACE (JUMP)

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean will deliver her State of the City Address on May 18 at 4-5 PM. It will also be livestreamed on the City’s website. There will be a reception on the Garden Terrace immediately following the address from 5-7 PM.

MAY 23

BSU STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY

STUECKLE SKY CENTER

On May 23 at 12-1 PM, during a Boise Metro Chamber and Boise State University partnership event, Dr. Marlene Tromp will share highlights from the 2022-23 academic year, as well as her vision for continuing to advance Boise State.