Letter from the Chair


With the 125th anniversary of the Chamber upon us, it gives me great pleasure to be the Chairman of the Board during such a historical milestone. Did you know the Boise Metro Chamber was one of the first Chambers this side of the Mississippi, founded in 1885? It’s a long-standing tradition of which we should all be proud.

As we move into the new decade, the challenges that we have faced in the Boise Valley over the past couple of years are now providing unique opportunities throughout our business communities. With our pioneer spirit and determination, as well as our support for one another, the Valley’s resilience will pave the way for our renewed economic advancement.

It is imperative that our members stand strong and work together in support of the Chamber and our 2010 initiatives. With our new President and CEO, Bill Connors, now on board, as well as the addition of Bruce Newcomb, Director of Government Affairs at Boise State University and former Idaho Speaker of the House, as chair of the Policy Committee, we are stronger than ever in our efforts to highlight and promote critical issues to the Legislature that will benefit us all. The initiatives on which we are focused for 2010 include the following:

   An additional GARVEE bond to improve local transportation
   New “Urban Reinvestment” legislation
   Improving the 5-year property tax exemption
   A constitutional amendment supporting expansion of the Boise Airport
   Reducing the Idaho corporate income tax to welcome new business to the Boise Valley
   Reducing the supermajority for school bond elections

As you can see, these measures not only help businesses, but increase the quality of life in the Boise Valley as well. The Chamber has a history of supporting the business community, making Boise the choice for companies relocating or expanding, preserving all that makes this a great community to live, and most of all, continuously adding benefit to your investment in the Chamber.

I want to thank all of you who are members, and hope that you continue to support the Chamber as it supports you. I would also like to encourage any businesses that are not Chamber members to strongly consider taking that step as it is a small investment that can make a big difference. Without the membership that has kept the Chamber strong for 125 years, we would be unable to offer many of our educational programs and it would be difficult to continue our advocacy efforts promoting the initiatives of our outstanding business community.

Thank you for your Chamber support and involvement and I wish you the very best in 2010.

Sincerely,

Dave Terrell
Regional President
Washington Trust Bank