It's nice to meet you.
We are the Boise Metro Chamber and we serve as the region's advocate for a vibrant and prosperous economy and outstanding quality of life. The programs and services we provide support four core areas: economic vitality, advocacy, member education and member engagement. We currently serve 1900+ member businesses representing 160,000+ employees through the Boise Metro area.
Who we are.
The Chamber is an organization that gathers diverse community interests together to work on common issues that affect the region’s economic health. The Chamber advocates for business' on issues which impact the ability of the regions' businesses to be successful in a competitive global marketplace. The Chamber works to provide quality jobs for area citizens by assisting existing employers to expand in the area and attracting new employers to the region. The Chamber assembles community leadership to study issues and communicate to the general public about these issues. It facilitates public and private partnerships which maintain the region’s qualities of life. The Chamber provides educational and marketing opportunities to assist member businesses to grow and prosper.
About the Boise Metro Chamber's Partnerships.
We have served as the voice of the Boise business community since our incorporation in May of 1900. We aim to make Boise a better place for you and your family to live, visit, and do business. This goal has become a reality through our strategic partnerships with the Boise Valley Economic Partnership and Visit Boise as well as our nationally-recognized programs including Boise Young Professionals and Leadership Boise.
The Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP), a separately funded organization of the Boise Metro Chamber, is the regional economic development organization for the Boise Metro, representing five southwestern Idaho Counties and ten cities. Their mission is to keep, grow and attract new jobs, investments, and talent into the Boise Metro area.
The Visit Boise, a separately funded non-profit organization of the Boise Metro Chamber, enhances the City of Boise's economy through the marketing, promotion, and selling of the city and region as a site for conventions, corporate meetings, trade shows, leisure travel, cultural, sports and special events.
The Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP), a separately funded organization of the Boise Metro Chamber, is the regional economic development organization for the Boise Metro, representing five southwestern Idaho Counties and ten cities. Their mission is to keep, grow and attract new jobs, investments, and talent into the Boise Metro area.
The Visit Boise, a separately funded non-profit organization of the Boise Metro Chamber, enhances the City of Boise's economy through the marketing, promotion, and selling of the city and region as a site for conventions, corporate meetings, trade shows, leisure travel, cultural, sports and special events.
History of the Boise Metro Chamber
1883
The Chamber of Commerce was first organized in Boise.
1885-1930
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James A Pinney serves as the first Chair of the Board in 1885.
From the Chamber's founding in 1883 to about 1930, the Chamber promoted our region with the goal to increase our population. Along with small towns in the West, the Chamber sent postcards to attract business, talent and manufacturers with messages like, “Come and start a business,” “Come farm the land,” and more. As part of the growth, railroads and wooden sidewalks (especially in the downtown core) became crucial. The Chamber supported both. |
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1900
The Chamber was incorporated and served as the voice of the business community. It was the 252nd accredited Chamber in America with the Chamber of Commerce of the United States.
1906
The Chamber was called "Boise Commercial Club".
1930's
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In the 30s, Idaho had a couple of universities – The University of Idaho and The College of Southern Idaho. Unfortunately, they were far away from the Boise area where the business community wanted its citizens to be educated. This need for education after high school prompted the business community/ chamber leadership to found Boise Junior College in 1932. This college was a huge asset to the local community and is now known as Boise State University.
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1976
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Leadership Boise was established with a mission to enhance and develop knowledge and understanding of our community, its complexities and its potential. The 2-year program motivates and encourages participants to assume leadership roles in the community by providing opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with each other and current community leaders.
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1980's
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In the 80s there was a need to attract business and talent to regions to create jobs and taxes to enhance our communities. In the 80s, chambers all over the country were forming economic development organizations and housing them in the Chamber. It was during this time that the Boise Metro Chamber helped form Boise Valley Economic Partnership and the Downtown Boise Association.
Both entities worked (and still work) to make Downtown Boise a destination and a place for people to be through beautification projects and hosted events. Today, Boise consistently receives accolades like: “Best Place to Live,” “Most Moved to City,” “Best Run City,” “Best City for Starting a Business,” “Best Performing City,” “#1 Moving Destination,” and “Best Work-Life Balance,” among others. BVEP and DBA are largely credited. In 1988, the first woman, Alice Hennessey, served as Chair of the Board. |
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1990's
The Chamber’s Leadership Conference was conceived in the 90s as a gathering of thought leaders. The first iteration included mayors from across the valley, legislators, university presidents, and business leaders. It was the first time for many that mayors had an opportunity to convene to discuss important issues greater than their local scopes like improved transportation, clean water, and better air quality. As a result, mayors now meet monthly to discuss other issues that are regional vs. local like workforce, housing and public transit.
2000's
In the 2000s, the Chamber focused further on transportation.
Ada County Highway Department was struggling with funding. Knowing that businesses thrive with new roads, bridges, and better access, the Chamber lobbied to the legislature to obtain more funding by raising registration fees on vehicles as well as increasing the gas tax and impact fees on new construction and growth.
The Chamber was also leading efforts to widen the Interstate from Micron to the Garrity Exchange. Then Governor Dirk Kempthorne proposed a controversial 1 billion dollars in funding to widen the freeway. The Chamber helped communicate the importance of financing the project through Garvee Bonds. Today, that section of the interstate is widened with additional work being implemented on the remaining section of the freeway leading to Caldwell, ID. Highway 16 is also being expanded from Emmet through Star to connect to the Interstate. The Chamber diligently advocated for this enhancement of our freeways and connectivity so that people can now live where they want and have easy access to where they work.
The Boise Chamber of Commerce became the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce to encompass the entire Boise Valley region.
Ada County Highway Department was struggling with funding. Knowing that businesses thrive with new roads, bridges, and better access, the Chamber lobbied to the legislature to obtain more funding by raising registration fees on vehicles as well as increasing the gas tax and impact fees on new construction and growth.
The Chamber was also leading efforts to widen the Interstate from Micron to the Garrity Exchange. Then Governor Dirk Kempthorne proposed a controversial 1 billion dollars in funding to widen the freeway. The Chamber helped communicate the importance of financing the project through Garvee Bonds. Today, that section of the interstate is widened with additional work being implemented on the remaining section of the freeway leading to Caldwell, ID. Highway 16 is also being expanded from Emmet through Star to connect to the Interstate. The Chamber diligently advocated for this enhancement of our freeways and connectivity so that people can now live where they want and have easy access to where they work.
The Boise Chamber of Commerce became the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce to encompass the entire Boise Valley region.
2005-2006
The Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP) became a separately funded division of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce due to the Valley Initiative For Prosperity (VIP) campaign. It was re-funded with the 2011 Competitive Edge Initiative Campaign. BVEP’s objective is to create well-paying jobs and stimulate capital investment in the Boise Valley.
2006 - On October 24, the Boise Metro Chamber launched a new program called Boise Young Professionals to target the young, talented, future workforce of Boise and the surrounding area. BYP was created to be an inclusive group designed to develop and retain talent in the region.
2006 - On October 24, the Boise Metro Chamber launched a new program called Boise Young Professionals to target the young, talented, future workforce of Boise and the surrounding area. BYP was created to be an inclusive group designed to develop and retain talent in the region.
2007
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The inception of an additional college in the Treasure Valley occurred in 2007 with the formation of the College of Western Idaho. It required money from state taxes, property taxes and student fees. The Chamber helped pass the property portion with a 2/3 vote.
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2011-2014
The Chamber was named one of the "Best Places to Work" in Idaho.
2014 - The Boise Metro Chamber was honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a Three-Star "Chamber of Valor" for our support of military veterans and spouses.
2014 - The Boise Metro Chamber was honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a Three-Star "Chamber of Valor" for our support of military veterans and spouses.
2018
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The chamber built it's new home at 11th and Front Streets in Downtown Boise, Idaho.
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2020
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The video below highlights our accomplishments, initiatives, and interesting member stories in 2020. We focused on creating opportunities for education and growth, economic development and tourism, and so much more. The video also highlights the synergy between the Boise Valley Economic Partnership and Boise Convention & Visitor's Bureau.
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2022
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The chamber held the 139th Annual Boise Metro Chamber Gala featuring John Ondrasik in support of Ukraine. He sang several of his top hits, including "Can One Man Save the World," a song dedicated to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Boise Metro Chamber and Alaska Airlines each donated $5,000 for relief. Raffle tickets sold brought the total raised to $14,410.
Additionally, the Chamber:
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2014 - 2023
The Boise Metro Chamber advocated for
- Expansion of Medicare
- Tax Reimbursement Incentive
- New non-stop air service and concessions
- Fairview Ave Business Coalition
- Merger with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
- Boise Centre Expansion and Transit hub
- Boise Foothills levy
- Broadway bridge
- Talent Attraction and retention through Idaho’s CTE programs
- Funding of BSU
- Micron Materials Science building
- Strategic Conventions come to Boise
- Reduction of Corporate Income Tax
- Unemployment insurance tax
- Data center efforts
- Intrastate air service
- Securing Big Sky Basketball tournament
- Pandemic business support and federal relief
2023
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March 9, 2023
Bill Connors, President & CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Idaho’s largest business association and only five-star accredited Chamber in Idaho, announced his intention to retire after a 15-year career with the Chamber. Read the blog |
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August 17, 2023
The Boise Metro Chamber announced that Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, Governor Little’s Deputy Chief of Staff, will take over the position of President & CEO of the Chamber. Read the blog |
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