Ysabel Bilbao, 2024 Small Business of the Year Host
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HONORING OUR OUTSTANDING MEMBERS
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AWARD CATEGORIES
THE JIM MOORE LIFETIME LEGACY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
IN TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY AWARD - FINALISTS
IN TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY AWARD - FINALISTS
BLOCK 22 (WINNER!)
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Block 22’s hospitality roots run deep in the Treasure Valley; and the pillars of the company’s vision and values highlight employees, community, philanthropy, hospitality, and tourism.
Our focus on Hospitality includes The Grove Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot Boise Downtown, Hotel 43, the 5,000-seat Idaho Central Arena, and 34,000 sf of convention and meeting space. Our mission, passion and goal is attracting and accommodating our guests, warmly welcoming them to Downtown Boise, and providing them with an exceptional and unforgettble experience. Our sports team, the Idaho Steelheads, brings excitement and passion and an ardent passion for winning, fostering deep loyalty and a sense of belonging and community. |
IDAHO DEPT. OF COMMERCE-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
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The travel and tourism industry is the third largest in Idaho, contributing to more than 49,800 jobs statewide and nearly $1.4 billion in annual wages. Visitors to Idaho spend more than $4.8 billion annually. Tourism is an economic, social, and cultural phenomenon for professional, recreational, and personal purposes. The Idaho Department of Commerce’s Tourism Development team, Visit Idaho, takes the lead in showcasing the ways people can enjoy the Gem State through advertising, public relations, social networking, maintaining volumes of information on our main tourism website, visitidaho.org, and more.
As Tourism Manager, Diane Norton works with a team of seven specialists to market the State of Idaho as a tourism destination. During her tenure, she has shaped and grown the team to stay ahead of marketing and industry trends. Examples include the establishment of Visit Idaho’s content creation team, bringing in-house photo and video production, introducing initiatives to promote the state’s burgeoning culinary scene, and most recently orchestrating partnerships with state and federal agencies to expand Visit Idaho’s awareness-building campaigns. |
IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
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The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is a professional theater established in 1977, that hires over 200 skilled company members each season to accomplish both the creation and operation of each of the five plays produced during the summer (please see abridged list below). Additionally, 10 to 12 professional writers, designers, and actors are hired to produce the two educational tours traveling into the schools. The School of Theater hires 25-30 teachers for its drama classes, many of whom are professional actors working for the company in other capacities and 8-10 certified interpreters are hired each season to organize and run the Signing Shakespeare program. 17-20 volunteers help to run the theater for all 99 performances each season, 14-20 Box Office staff, and finally, 16 full-time employees facilitate all programming year round.
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HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD - FINALISTS
FOOTHILLS PHYSICAL THERAPY
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Foothills Physical Therapy is founded upon expert, one-on-one, quality care. We are dedicated to
providing an empowering environment with individualized care to achieve optimal healing, functional recovery, and movement optimization for our patients. Founded in 2003, we rapidly emerged as a leader in the physical therapy sector due to our unwavering commitment to innovation and patient satisfaction. We believe our patients’ treatment should be as unique as they are, and we help them reach optimal recovery and return to the activities they enjoy. Innovation is at the forefront of everything we do. Our team of talented physical therapists are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the latest education and methodologies to develop a plan of care that not only meets but exceeds our patient’s expectations. |
REGENCE (WINNER!)
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Regence BlueShield of Idaho is the only health plan in the state founded and personally funded by practicing physicians – concerned about the physical, emotional and financial well-being of their patients. Inspired by the visionary efforts of 16 Lewiston-area doctors who created of a first-of-its-kind prepaid medical plan in 1946, our company has never lost sight of the importance of continuous innovation, integration of information and solutions to deliver better and more personalized care, and our legacy commitment to be collaborators – bringing all like-minded individuals and organizations together to transform health care and strengthen Idaho communities.
Our legacy of pursuing newer and better ways of serving our members is unmatched within our industry – as it should be for a company with such deep Idaho roots. |
TRIVIUM LIFE SERVICES
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Trivium is a non-profit organization committed to behavioral health and long-term support services. A growing organization with a presence in five states, we serve those who are seeking help but haven’t had their needs met.
Our long-term support services for individuals with disabilities help clients reach their full potential at home, at work, and in their communities. Trivium's behavioral health services, including those offered by our partner organizations Averte and Arbor Family Counseling, use a holistic approach to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. |
FINANCIAL INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD - FINALISTS
D.L. EVANS BANK (WINNER!)
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Established in September 1904, D.L. Evans Bank is a full-service community bank offering a complete suite of personal and business banking products, including checking, savings, loans, mortgages, online and digital services, and investment services. We offer a wide array of business online banking services that are customizable to customer needs. Our digital presence also includes a robust list of products focused on convenience and ease for our customers, including video banking, online chat feature, credit score monitoring service, business and personal online banking, mobile deposit, business capture, merchant services, bill pay services for both personal and business, online account opening and online loan applications.
For more than 119 years, our goal has been to be a community bank of choice and to serve our communities by being a financial partner while giving back in support through volunteering, donations, and sponsorships. |
HORIZON CREDIT UNION
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Horizon operates with a simple goal in mind – to help members achieve their dreams and to give back to our communities. We’ve come a long way over the years, but our foundation remains the same. We provide members with relevant solutions to meet their everyday banking needs: free deposit accounts with competitive rates; easy access to home, personal and vehicle loans; business accounts and more.
In a highly saturated market with stiff competition from other credit unions that offer similar baseline products, we’ve found the best way to differentiate ourselves is by service. This starts with the quality service provided to members in our physical branches, online and via ATM and video teller kiosks. But it’s further demonstrated in our innovative outreach programs such as Horizon@Work. |
KDP CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, LLP
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At KDP Certified Public Accountants, we redefine the standard of accounting excellence by blending expertise you’d find at a Big-4, with the care and attention of a locally focused firm. Our innovative approach to accounting services encompasses a comprehensive range of offerings tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Whether it's strategic tax planning, meticulous auditing, or insightful financial consulting, our team leverages cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices to deliver solutions that drive success.
Additionally, every three years, our entire staff centers our comprehensive business and internal strategy around three to four key focal points known as our "Drivers." Subsequently, we convene annually to receive feedback from all levels of the organization, ensuring accountability across the firm. |
FOOD & AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY AWARD - FINALISTS
IDAHO CANDY COMPANY (WINNER!)
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ldaho Candy Company is 123-year-old nostalgic regionalwholesale candy manufacturing and distribution company located in downtown Boise. We manufacture numerous iconic ldaho candy brands including ldaho Spud Bars, Cherry Cocktail Bars, Old Faithful Bars, Huckleberry Gem Bars, Vandal Bars, and Owyhee Butter Toffee. We also manufacture nostalgic gener:al line candies sold in tubs and bags including ldaho Spud Bites, peanut brittle, French burnt peanuts, chocolate peanut clusters, chocolate caramel peanut clusters, lemon drops, and others. These candies are sold in most major retail stores in ldaho and surrounding states. We ship to distributors in 12 western states and ship truck load quantities to various retail chains across the country. ldaho Candy Company is also the sole distributor of Pepperidge Farm cookies and crackers for retail stores in southwestern ldaho from Mountain Home to Ontario, Oregon.
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IDAHO POTATO COMMISSION
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Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous "Grown in Idaho®" seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.
The IPC has strong international brand recognition across the globe, particularly in Mexico, Canada, and southeast Asia. In particular, IPC has recently utilized its marketing expertise to significantly increase market share of Idaho potatoes in Mexico. |
VOODOO BREWING
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Voodoo Brewing Co. Boise is a vibrant craft brewery and gastropub nestled in the heart of Boise, Idaho. We pride ourselves on delivering an unparalleled experience to our customers through a fusion of innovative craft beers, delectable cuisine, and a lively atmosphere. We offer an extensive selection of handcrafted beers that showcase our commitment to innovation and quality. From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing sours. Complementing our exceptional brews is our thoughtfully curated menu of gastropub fare, featuring elevated twists on classic dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. From juicy burgers to thoughtful salads and flavorful small apps, there's something to satisfy every craving. Our business strategy revolves around three core pillars: innovation, community, and excellence. We continually strive to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in craft brewing and culinary arts, setting ourselves apart from the competition with our creative offerings.
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NONPROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD - FINALISTS
IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN
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The mission of the Idaho Botanical Garden is to grow our community by connecting people, plants and nature. We believe that Idaho deserves a place to gather and experience the outdoors together.
In 1984, Dr. Christopher Davidson founded IBG on a 32-acre site of the old prison grounds leased from the Idaho State Historical Society and the State of Idaho. Since breaking ground 40 years ago, IBG has become a place where diversity is a main theme. In addition to being home to the diverse plant collections that help us create a resilient ecosystem, the Garden is a place where people from all walks of life gather together for a variety of experiences creating a strong community. |
JANNUS (WINNER!)
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Jannus works to bring people together to change lives by promoting health, advancing public policy and creating economic opportunities.
Formerly known as Mountain States Group, Jannus was incorporated in Idaho in 1974. Founder Louise Haney was appointed to Idaho’s Regional Health Services board by Governor Robert Smylie in 1965 and charged with improving regional health systems. Jannus continues to promote health today. This diverse nonprofit organization has served individuals and families throughout Idaho, the U.S., and the world. This year we celebrate 50 years in service to Idaho. Jannus is headquartered in Boise, and has a portfolio of 15 unique, yet complementary programs serving Idaho. They provide direct services to limited-income and underserved people throughout the state. We are flexible and innovative in our response to community needs. Thousands of Idahoans directly benefit from our services. Thousands more benefit from public policy and social changes led by Jannus. |
MAKE-A-WISH
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Make-A-Wish Idaho was founded in 1986. Our mission is to grant life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We serve children ages 2.5 through 18 who are diagnosed with a qualifying illness. During our first year, we granted five wishes to local children. In 2024, we will grant 140 wishes to children throughout the state.
Wishes are as unique as the children dreaming of their wish. Nearly 70% of whishes involve air travel. Disney World and Hawaii are popular destinations. The entire family is included in a wish, as we want to be sure that our wish families have an amazing experience, free doctor visits, procedures and uncertainty. |
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD - FINALISTS
(SMALL SIZED CATEGORY <25 EMPLOYEES)
(SMALL SIZED CATEGORY <25 EMPLOYEES)
STOLTZ MARKETING
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Stoltz Marketing Group is a woman-owned, women-led agency headquartered in beautiful
Boise, Idaho. For over 26 years, we have partnered with brands in a variety of industries, from healthcare to technology, energy to education…yes, even toilet paper. We are proudly changing the way business is done by empowering our team to explore big ideas, nurturing work-life harmony, and building a thriving culture that focuses on supporting brands with the care and results they deserve. In the last 4 years, our agency has doubled in size, reflecting our commitment to growth, innovation, and care for our team. |
TALENTSPARK (WINNER!)
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TalentSpark is Idaho’s only certified women-owned recruiting firm. We find top talent for Idaho businesses that range in annual revenues from $10M to $6B. We provide companies with professional and executive recruiting services, temporary staffing, recruiters on demand, and recruiting consulting. We specialize in accounting/finance, human resources, sales & marketing, administrative and nonprofit recruiting.
TalentSpark was founded in 2016 to fill a clear gap in the market for a local recruiting firm that focused exclusively on the talent needs of Idaho businesses. Unlike national recruiting firms, we recognized the opportunity in Idaho and did not view our state as a “fly over” market that was too small to invest in. We have filled thousands of positions from the local talent pool and relocated hundreds of professionals from all over the US for key roles in Idaho, in turn fueling our robust state economy. As a proud Idaho company, we have built our business around our deep knowledge, networks, and relationships here in the Gem State. |
WEBMARKETS
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WebMarkets, established in Boise, is a dynamic digital marketing and SEO agency known for delivering innovative marketing solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. We are committed to driving superior ROI and enhancing brand visibility across various digital platforms.
Our suite of services includes SEO, content marketing, organic social media management, web design, and paid advertising. We are renowned for our holistic approach to digital marketing, integrating creativity with analytics to develop customized strategies that elevate our clients' online presence. |
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD - FINALISTS
(MEDIUM SIZED CATEGORY 26-100 EMPLOYEES)
(MEDIUM SIZED CATEGORY 26-100 EMPLOYEES)
GRAEBER & CO
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At Graeber, we warmly welcome you to an establishment deeply woven into the fabric of Boise’s culture, fashion, and gracious living for over 55 years. As an honored recipient of the Top 200 Salon in the US Award and Voted Best Salon by Best of Boise at our landmark location in downtown Boise stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence. We take pride in the environment we’ve created and how our team of Aveda certified stylists take care of our guests. The passion these artists bring everyday shows how committed they are to delivering exceptional service whether they are providing Customized Hair Coloring, Tailored Haircuts, Hair Extensions, Facials, and even more in-depth skin care services like HydraFacials and Microneedling. Additionally, the health, body and texture of your hair is our main priority during your appointment.
Hairstyles change, our commitment to you never does. |
METRO EXPRESS CAR WASH
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Metro Express Car Wash provides a diverse array of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our customers. From our efficient express exterior services to the comprehensive interior cleaning offered at select locations, we strive to ensure that every vehicle that comes through our doors looks its best. This commitment to excellence extends beyond our services to our overarching business strategy, which is driven by our core values of passion for service, ownership, and grit. These values guide every aspect of our operations, from the training of our team members to the level of care we provide for every customer. As our company continues to expand, our organizational structure has evolved to accommodate growth, with an increasing number of team members working together seamlessly to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations. We are immensely proud of the dedication and hard work exhibited by our site managers and their teams, who play a pivotal role in upholding our standards of excellence.
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PORTAPROS (WINNER!)
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PortaPros is best known for its portable restrooms which we started with in 2012. After all, there are several thousand of them out there in the Treasure Valley. We also provide ADA and luxury flushable restrooms, executive restroom trailers, portable handwash stations, temporary fencing, and Polylift and Highrise restrooms designed for high-rise construction sites. We entered the market with a promise to “do it better by doing it different”. In every phase of the business game, we work to handle that part in a way that earns the love of our customers. That has included innovative and new products to exceed our customer expectations. One such product in which PortaPros has become an industry leader is the GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Trailer meeting all USDA audit standards.
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GOVERNMENT ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD - WINNER
GERALD HUNTER
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Gerald Hunter, recognized for his longstanding dedication to the Boise Metro Chamber, will receive the Government Advocate of the Year award. Mr. Hunter serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and on the Executive Committee as an “at large” member. Additionally, Mr. Hunter serves as Chair of the Chamber’s Financial Services Board.
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CHAMBER HALL OF FAME AWARD - INDUCTEE
Odette Bolano - President & CEO, Trinity Health West Region
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Odette Bolano has been chosen as the 12th recipient of the Hall of Fame award in recognition of her commitment and contributions to the Boise Metro Chamber. Throughout her tenure, Bolano has demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly evident during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her service extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively participates in various civic boards and has earned accolades for her outstanding leadership.
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