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Idaho Power Proposes Rate Reduction

Article and photo courtesy of  Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry

The recently enacted federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as recent Idaho tax law changes, continue to provide opportunities for businesses to prosper.  IACI Board member Idaho Power Company will experience $33.9 million in reduced tax expenses and has filed a proposal with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) that would result in reduced 2018 rates for the Company’s customers in its Idaho service area.

Three rate decreases have been submitted related to the following areas:  tax reform benefits, annual Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) and the annual Fixed Cost Adjustment (FCA).  If the IPUC approves the three proposals as filed, the Company’s residential customers will see a total price decrease of 7.04 percent effective June 1, 2018.  The Company’s small and large general service and irrigation customers will also benefit from rate reductions between 4.25 and 5.52 percent.

With its diverse generation portfolio already providing some of the nation’s lowest electricity rates, Idaho Power’s new rate reduction proposals will benefit its over 2,000 employees, its over 540,000 customers, and the many communities in its service areas.  IACI commends Idaho Power for its continuing commitment to being a great corporate neighbor all across Idaho and eastern Oregon!

Groundbreaking held for new INL buildings in I.F.

Story Courtesy if the Post Register
By NATHAN BROWN

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Wednesday for two new buildings that are expected to play a major role in expanding Idaho National Laboratory’s research and cybersecurity work.

The Cybercore Integration Center will host an advanced electronics lab that will be used for cybersecurity and infrastructure security research. The Collaborative Computing Center will house a “supercomputer” providing research capabilities that will benefit not only INL but universities and other institutions throughout Idaho thanks to their connection through the Idaho Regional Optical Network. Both buildings will go near INL’s facilities on University Boulevard.

“This is a very important effort,” said INL Director Mark Peters.

As well as bolstering important national security-related work at INL, Peters said the buildings would create new professional jobs that would make it easier for people to build careers and raise their families in eastern Idaho.

Actual construction is scheduled to start within the next couple of weeks, with the buildings done and ready to be occupied in fall 2019.

The buildings are being paid for through a deal where the state Building Authority sold the $90 million in bonds used to fund the project, then leased the land to the state Board of Education, which in turn is leasing it to INL. INL will pay the state $6,120,000 a year, said state Board of Education spokesman Mike Keckler.

The buildings are expected to add $102 million a year to the local economy, according to numbers compiled by the Research and Business Development Center in Rexburg.

Construction is expected to create 585 jobs directly with 402 spinoff jobs. When done, the facilities will employ 148 people, with an average yearly salary of $126,585 and the potential to create 397 more jobs by their economic impact.

The Legislature voted to approve the bonds in 2017. The resolution passed the state Senate unanimously but was delayed for almost a month in the House due to unrelated disputes over transportation and tax cuts before passing 56-14.

Peters also thanked the state lawmakers who supported it, highlighting Sen. Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls, and Rep. Julie VanOrden, R-Pingree, the chairmen of the Senate and House education committees, respectively, which had to clear the resolution; former state Sen. Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, who was Majority Leader at the time; and Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, who carried the resolution on the House floor.

INL is operated by the contractor Battelle Energy Alliance, and the U.S. Department of Energy recently extended Battelle’s contract for five more years. Rick Provencher, the manager of the DOE’s Idaho operations office, said Battelle’s work to build support for the two buildings was a big factor in DOE’s decision.

Little praised the vision behind the buildings’ construction.

“The people outside this area don’t understand what the magnitude of this issue is for defending America and for helping Idaho,” he said.

Reporter Nathan Brown can be reached at 208-542-6757. Follow him on Twitter: @NateBrownNews.

Bannock Development Prospects Shot Show

Bannock Development Corporation President & CEO John Regetz participated in the annual Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in January. Regetz met with executive level officers from over 45 recreation technology companies to identify those with expansion projects and recruit them to Bannock County and Idaho.

The SHOT Show is the largest annual trade show for outdoor industry professionals and the world’s premier exposition of combined hunting, shooting sports, firearms, ammunition, law enforcements, military, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics and related products and services. The show featured over 1,600 exhibitors whom are a primary market for prospecting by Bannock Development Corporation.

Regetz also attended the Idaho Reception organized by The Idaho Dept. of Commerce of which Bannock Development Corporation co-sponsored. The event provides an opportunity to showcase Idaho’s business advantages and a forum to engage prospects. Over 250 guests attended this year’s reception.

Regetz brought a solid lead to the reception for introduction to Governor Otter and the Idaho Commerce Team, which made a great impression on the prospect.  Regetz said, “The SHOT Show offers Bannock Development an opportunity to support Idaho Commerce’s efforts and recruit recreation technology companies, whom offer advanced manufacturing jobs”.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation is a $7.8 billion industry in Idaho and accounts for over 78,000 direct jobs. “Recreation technology companies are attracted to the outdoor resources and recreation culture in Idaho for developing and testing their products. They are a great fit for Bannock County’s excellent manufacturing resources and recreation opportunities including world class skiing, mountain biking, hunting and fishing”, said Regetz.

 

The 2018 Women’s Business Symposium

Women’s Business Symposium is April 5th

It’s time to Spring Forward!

The Small Business Development Center presents: “Spring Forward!  The 2018 Women’s Business Symposium, Thursday April 5h from 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. at the Shoshone Bannock Hotel and Event Center.

The 2018 Symposium has two tracks with a special focus this year on low-cost digital marketing resources.  The entrepreneurship track will focus on running a small business with information on marketing with seminars on Facebook tactics and Google Ad Words, and the qualities of a great web site.  The career track has sessions on asking for a promotion and crowd sourcing solutions to your work issues.

Our keynote, Dr. Heidi Reeder, is author of Commit to Win.  Do you want to gain more clients, improve your customer service, or tackle another challenging goal? Whatever your objective, willpower or motivation can only get you started. To accomplish a goal, you must commit.  Dr. Reeder will unveil the myths about commitment and show how to leverage the “commitment equation” to achieve your most important goals.

In addition to great speakers, there are vendors, giveaways, lunch and plenty of time dedicated specifically to networking and building your team. And there is always chocolate.

The Symposium is Thursday, April 5, 2018, 8:00a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Shoshone Bannock Hotel in Fort Hall.  Tickets are $30 for admission and lunch; $240 for a table sponsorship, $100 for a vendor table.  For registration, sponsorship and program information call Claudia at 282-2817 or Ann at 282-4402.

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INL: Powering Discovery

See whats going on at the Idaho National Laboratory and how they are benefiting our community click on the links provided

http://bit.ly/2GkuTK7

http://bit.ly/2DGLFVM

http://bit.ly/2ndKKls

http://bit.ly/2DCwgC2

http://bit.ly/2nggKEV

http://bit.ly/2EbPxeB

 

IDOL

Employee Retention – Free Employer Seminar

Jason McCree, senior human resources generalist from Northwest Cosmetic Labs, will discuss:

  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Onboarding and orientation
  • Training and development
  • Pay and benefits
  • Internal communication
  • Termination and outplacement

The meeting is sponsored by the Employer-Labor Networking Committee (ELNC)

Chair – Mike Patten, BBSI

Space is limited. Please RSVP by Tuesday, Jan. 16.

When

Wednesday, Jan.17, 2018

11 a.m. – noon

Where

Idaho Department of Labor

430 N. 5th Ave., Pocatello

Contact

Mike Myers

(208) 236-6710 ext. 3839

Michael.myers@labor.idaho.gov

E-Mail To RSVP

Michael.myers@labor.idaho.gov

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Idaho National Laboratory a major contributor to Idaho’s economy

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 4, 2018

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sarah Neumann (208) 526-0490, sarah.neumann@inl.gov
Lori McNamara (208) 526-1508, lori.mcnamara@inl.gov

Idaho National Laboratory a major contributor to Idaho’s economy

In fiscal year 2017, Idaho National Laboratory operations added $1.94 billion to Idaho’s gross domestic product, and the lab spent $139 million with Idaho businesses.

Those are just two of the key findings in INL’s Research & Development Economic Impact Summary for FY 2017.

Other highlights include:

  • INL directly employed an average of 4,256 workers during the fiscal year. That makes the laboratory contractor Battelle Energy Alliance Idaho’s sixth-largest private employer and ninth-largest employer when compared to all public and private businesses.
  • INL increased personal income in Idaho by $862 million. INL economic impacts accounted for 1.3 percent of all personal income in the state.
  • Nearly $935 million of economic output was generated through INL suppliers and employee household spending.
  • INL operations accounted for 12,027 jobs across Idaho, a 6.7 percent increase over FY 2016.
  • INL spent $139 million with Idaho subcontractors located throughout the state.
  • Battelle Energy Alliance employees contributed more than $610,000 to charitable giving.

“It’s rewarding to see the positive impact we have on Idaho’s economy,” INL Director Mark Peters said. “Ultimately, that means we are improving the lives of all Idahoans and their communities.”

The annual summary report was prepared by the Rexburg-based Research & Business Development Center. The FY 2017 Research & Development Economic Impact Summary is available online at this link. The economic impacts identified in the report only include operations managed by Battelle Energy Alliance and do not include the impacts of the U.S. Department of Energy cleanup contractor, the DOE itself, or the Naval Reactors Facility.

Idaho National Laboratory is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories. The laboratory performs work in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and environment. INL is the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development. Day-to-day management and operation of the laboratory is the responsibility of Battelle Energy Alliance.

See more INL news at www.inl.gov. Follow @INL on Twitter or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IdahoNationalLaboratory.

Portneuf Heath Partners

Bannock Development Corporation gets $20,000 from PMC

From left, Mary Johnson, Mayor Brian Blad, Amy Rhoads, Mike Ennis, Brandon Lance, Mayor Kevin England, Todd Blackinton, Lon Crowell, Shaun Menchaca, John Regetz and Jim Johnston.

 

The Bannock Development Corporation received an investment from the Portneuf Health Partners today at a ceremony in the Portneuf Medical Center. Portneuf Health Partners were recognized for supporting the economic development organization since constructing the Medical Center in 2011. Bannock Development Corporation assisted with developing the Medical Center from the preceding county hospital.

Brandon Lance, Chair, Bannock Development Corporation, expressed appreciation for several of the roles that Portneuf Health Partners fill in the community. “Bannock Development Corp wants to thank and recognize Portneuf Health Partners for their very strong support, symbolized by today’s event. We also want to recognize them for being the largest private employer in the Pocatello-Chubbuck community, providing about 1,500 jobs for our neighbors. And of course, we all appreciate Portneuf Health Partners for providing quality, comprehensive health care to our community,” said Lance.

Portneuf Health Partners have been a strong proponent of economic development to grow the Bannock County area’s economy. Todd Blackinton, Marketing/Public Relations Director said, “Portneuf is proud to support economic development throughout Bannock County. With our 1,500 employees, Portneuf is truly local through and through. We see neighbors caring for neighbors at the bedside. We also see that our unique ownership structure gives a strong, local voice through the Portneuf Health Trust to guide the delivery of healthcare. The Trust can then funnel wellness resources back into our county.”

Blackinton and Shaun Menchaca, CEO of Portneuf Health Trust, presented a check for $20,000 to Bannock Development to support their efforts, including expansion of current employers and recruitment of new ones. “Supporting Bannock Development is all about bringing great jobs to our community. Great jobs allow people to live their dreams, support their families and enjoy all of the wonderful opportunities that exist in Bannock County. Great things are ahead for economic development in the area and Bannock Development is crucial for that growth, said Menchaca.” Recent projects assisted have included Great Western Malting’s expansion, Zip Kit Homes location, the FBI expansion and the YourFIT career awareness program.

 

Pitch-Off 2017

ISU Pitch-Off winners announced

Photo and article by Idaho State University

The Idaho State University College of Business’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) and U.S. Bank hosted the U.S. Bank Pitch-Off event on Dec. 7 in preparation for the Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The IEC is a competition hosted in Boise each spring where students from schools throughout the state come together to present their business idea for an innovative product or service.

As part of this initial competition, students were given the opportunity to present their product and service ideas for the IEC to a panel of judges to help prepare for the competition. Students competed for a chance to win cash prizes donated by U.S. Bank.

“The first annual Pitch-Off was a smashing success,” said Jeff Street, director of CEED. “The consensus of the judges was that the students were an amazing and inspiring group of young people.”

The winning student teams were as follows (Thanks to the generosity of U.S. Bank, the judges were able to award multiple winners because of the closeness of final scores):

  • 1st Place $2,250: Total Rehab; student: Britt Dickman; campus unit: College of Education
  • 1st Place $2,250: Guardian Light; student: Jason Davis; campus unit: College of Technology
  • 2nd Place $1,000: Toast Dance; students: Jonny Henderson and Dez Ruiz; campus units: College of Business and College of Science and Engineering
  • 2nd Place $1,000: Grace N Play; students: Ashlie Wolf and Alicia McKerigan; campus unit: College of Business
  • 3rd Place $500: Buzz Band; students: Monica Seedall, Lisa Cecil, Katie Jane Robinson; campus unit: College of Business
  • 3rd Place $500: Bike Kiosk; students: Todd Gordon, Blake Kleffner, Sterling Duggan; campus units: College of Science and Engineering and College of Business
  • 3rd Place $500: OneApp Living; students: Brett McPhail, Antony Ricks, Matthew LaChappelle; campus unit: College of Business

“The students’ success was an encouragement to all of us about the future of business and entrepreneurship in Idaho,” Street said. “Thanks to all of those who helped with judging, mentoring students and supporting CEED in the effort to put this event on.”

As the next step in the Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge, student groups will submit their business plans, formal applications and a 60-second video elevator pitch to the contest’s judges in Boise. Those selected based off of these materials will be asked to compete this spring.

Stephens Center Courtyard

ISU’s Stephens Performing Arts Center once again ranked fourth on list of ‘Amazing College and University Performing Arts Centers in the U.S.’

From ISU’s Weekly News and Notes:

December, 14, 2017

The L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center (SPAC) at Idaho State University was recently ranked fourth on tripping.com’s list “The Best College Performing Arts Centers: Top 10 to Experience in the U.S.”

ISU’s Stephens Performing Arts Center once again ranked fourth on list of ‘Amazing College and University Performing Arts Centers in the U.S.’

The L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center (SPAC) at Idaho State University was recently ranked fourth on tripping.com’s list “The Best College Performing Arts Centers: Top 10 to Experience in the U.S.” This is the second time the SPAC has made the list, the first being in 2015.

            “We are proud of the world-class facility in our community and the artistic, cultural and educational opportunities it provides,” said George Casper, director of events at ISU. “We are excited to see it once again recognized as a premier venue.”

 The list was produced as a part of tripping.com’s blog which suggests “the best in off-the-beaten-track activities and events” for users who enjoy discovering new things to do near where they live or vacation. Tripping.com is a national search engine for vacation rentals.

            “Whether you’re a student following your passion or an audience member appreciating the arts, these performing arts centers are nothing short of breathtaking,” the article states.

The Stephens Performing Arts Center is a $34 million state-of-the-art complex, built primarily through the support of the Stephens family and hundreds of other private donors. The SPAC hosts multiple student and professional concerts, theatre performances and events every year. The center also includes a costume design studio, set design shop, classrooms and meeting spaces.

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