Business Plus held its Annual Meeting on November 19th via Zoom with over 50 people attending. We voted in our new Board of Directors, learned about marketing, business development, and innovation initiatives that Southern Idaho Economic Development and others are working on, and were given insight into Idaho's 2021 Legislative session by Speaker of the House Scott Bedke. 

Join me in welcoming the 2021 Board of Directors and thank you to Cindy Collins, Renee Avram, and Matt Cook for your past leadership and support.

                

Connie Stopher, Director of Southern Idaho Economic Development, reported a 20% increase in marketing reach, progress in business recruitment (new company announcement coming soon), export assistance, COVID assistance, Shop Local sponsorship, and new opportunities for a food innovation center. Southern Idaho Economic Development hosted 3 Virtual Fam Tours, launched a new Operation Facelift (more details below), and offered 4 marketing training sessions. Stopher and her team are finding creative ways to keep our economy strong and on track.

Scott Bedke, Idaho's Speaker of the House, declared that Idaho's future is bright. He acknowledged President Dean Fisher and the College of Southern Idaho's teamwork, community focus and success. Speaker Bedke observed that Idaho is facing challenges as growth does not pay for itself. Bedke believes the 2021 legislative session will focus on water, education, infrastructure and Medicaid. Drawing from his ranching background, Bedke stated this year's session may require some "fancy riding and trick roping."