Boosting Bengal Pride

Every semester, Idaho State University College of Business faculty and students alike participate in and put on a variety of events for those both inside and outside of the College. Not only does this allow them to share their knowledge and Bengal pride with the community and across the state, it also offers many opportunities for learning outside of the classroom.

“The positive impact of the ISU College of Business extends far beyond our building,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing, Dr. Shane Hunt. “I am so proud of the countless ways our students, faculty and staff are making our community and the state of Idaho better each day.”

Idaho Business Leader of the Year

Mindy Benedetti, CEO of Health West, has been recognized as the 65th Idaho Business Leader of the Year (IBLOY). The award annually recognizes an Idaho business leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and professional ethics while contributing significant support to community, civic, and educational activities.

Awarded by Idaho State University Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Development Fraternity since 1959, previous honorees have included a congressman, former governors, entrepreneurs, and leaders of some of Idaho’s largest companies. The recognition program is the longest-standing one of its kind in Idaho.

In her role, Benedetti oversees a team of dedicated professionals, including medical providers, behavioral health experts, and administrative staff, all working together to provide essential care to under-served communities. Through collaborations forged by Benedetti with institutions like Idaho State University and the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Health West hosts a variety of different students including those from medical, nursing, and healthcare management programs.

Benedetti has also been instrumental in expanding Health West’s behavioral health services, particularly through a growing partnership with School District 25. Health West now provides inschool behavioral health services to students across Pocatello and Chubbuck, offering critical support to students dealing with challenges such as bullying, depression, and family trauma.

Under Benedetti’s leadership, Health West continues to operate with a commitment to providing accessible, affordable healthcare to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Health West’s growth, combined with Benedetti’s unwavering focus on improving patient care and expanding services, has solidified the organization as a leader in the healthcare sector.

Idaho Economic Outlook Symposium

January brought industry leaders, business owners, students and community members to campus for the second annual Idaho Economic Outlook Symposium. The event covered the economic outlook of the state’s key industries, including topics like housing, labor and growth opportunities. Keynote speaker Robert Spendlove, Senior Economist from Zions Bank, presented “Idaho’s Economic Frontier: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead”. New this year was an economic student scholarship, made possible by event sponsors The Mai Team of RE/MAX Country Real Estate and Bannock Development Corporation, as well as event attendees.

Financial Literacy Week

Held annually during the first week of April, Financial Literacy Week aims to educate students across campus about finances in everyday life. Events included a panel discussion with local finance experts, trivia night, movie night and a variety of speakers. This year’s keynote speaker was Todd Howe, Chief Credit Officer at Citizens Community Bank, who presented “Your Credit Score: Why it Matters”. Over $3,500 was given away to attendees throughout the week, made possible by Financial Literacy Week sponsors ICCU and State Farm Agent Aaron Moore.

Executive in Residence

The College of Business Executive in Residence program invites successful alumni to visit campus and present to a variety of classes and groups, meet one-on-one with students and network with students and faculty. The events are opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable connections with high-level leaders in a variety of business fields and learn about their rise to success. This semester’s Executive in Residence was Todd Cooper, President and Head of Community Banking at Idaho First Bank and graduate of both the finance and Master of Business Administration programs at the College.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Continuing their longstanding tradition, College of Business students and faculty offered students and community members in need the opportunity to get their taxes filed for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). From late January to mid-March, the team filed over 400 returns.

Leadership Retreat

Each spring semester, College of Business undergraduate and graduate students in club leadership roles head to the Idaho location of their choice for opportunities to expand their networks and professional skills. This year’s retreat, which included a service project and visiting a variety of industry professionals, took place in Idaho Falls.