 This month, we are thrilled to introduce Roy Brewer of Brewer Lofgren LLP as our Member Spotlight. We asked Roy a few questions about himself and what makes working at his firm so special. Here's what he had to say: What is your favorite film? Casablanca What is the best book you've read recently? “Freedom Climbers” by Bernadette McDonald; “Gertrude Bell” by Georgina Howell; and “The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown. Each is fascinating in its own way. What sport do you enjoy watching most? Rugby Who is the most interesting historical figure? Winston Churchill What is your favorite hobby or thing to do during the weekend? A good weekend includes a few training sessions so I can continue to hike and play masters rugby, followed by relaxing music and good food. Favorite place in Boise to take a visitor? 8th Street between Myrtle and Bannock What is the best advice you've received? From the father of a college teammate: When moving into a new community, join the Chamber and find a good banker. I've given that same advice to my sons and other young professionals. Who is a local business or business person you admire? Mark Bowen and Karen Sander What is the number one reason to do business with your company or organization? We've been engaged in public policy matters related to land development for more than 60 years between us, bring a unique blend of public and private sector experience to our work, and a track record of success in 25-plus jurisdictions. What do you enjoy most about your company or organization? Three points: First, that we're a small company and we collaborate on everything, meaning that every client and every project gets the full benefit of our individual and collective experience. Second, that our annual partnership retreat is a backpacking trek. We've managed to summit Mt. Whitney by way of the Mountaineer's Route, and also White Mountain. Mt. Langley and Mt. Shasta are next on our list. And, third, that we both have the opportunity to continue to do our volunteer work. Tell us about a current or upcoming project or company-wide initiative. We're excited about investing in the Boise metro area, and excited about bringing our experience and skill set in land development and public policy advocacy to this vibrant community.
0 Comments
 Click to enlarge. When Idaho’s 2018 Legislative Session adjourned at the end of March, it was apparent that this was one of our most successful sessions yet in terms of big wins. Not only did we see a dramatic reduction in corporate income tax, but Idaho businesses will also enjoy the reduction in unemployment insurance tax saving them about $118 per employee annually. These wins coupled with new Federal Tax relief will create tremendous opportunity for our companies to invest savings into their business, their people, their community, and yes, their Chamber! The reduction of the unemployment insurance and corporate income tax rates were just two of the 12 key issues we identified as priorities at the beginning of the session. Other issues included maintaining urban renewal legislation, the collection of out of state sales tax, and increased spending authority for tourism marketing. At the end of each session we evaluate whether or not we accomplished our objectives on these issues in our Metro Business Scorecard. This scorecard, shown above, also identifies our Metro Business Champions who voted 100% in support of chamber priorities. This year, 11 legislators scored over 90%, and six will officially be named Metro Business Champions with scores of 100%. We thank them for their tireless efforts to advance business in Idaho. For more information on the Chamber’s 2018 session objectives and the scores of Boise Valley legislators, see the graphic above.  Bre Brush Boise Metro Chamber The Boise Metro Chamber is a strong and credible voice in the business community and local and state legislature. Together, with our Board of Directors and committees, we advocate to elected officials on business and community issues that impact our region, Boise's quality of life, and the cost of doing business.  This month, we are thrilled to introduce Jacquelyn Hanners of PacificSource Health Plans as our Member Spotlight. We asked Jacquelyn a few questions about what makes working at PacificSource so special. Here's what she had to say: What is your favorite film? "Gone With the Wind." Scarlett is the perfect combination of grit and grace who fiercely protects her home and her family. What is the best book you've read recently? "Good Is the New Cool – Market Like You Give a Damn" by Afdhel Aziz and Bobby Jones. I bought this book the same day it was recommend to me and have been loving every single page. It’s all about finding ways to re-imagine how marketing and branding is done. What sport do you enjoy watching most? College football, of course. I don’t even think you can claim to be from Boise if you don’t like watching Saturday pigskin on the Blue in the fall. Who is the most interesting historical figure? Emily Post. It’s no coincidence that manners rhymes with Hanners. I believe that having good manners is more than using the correct fork with your meal, but is instead the cornerstone of making people feel valued and comfortable. What is your favorite hobby or thing to do during the weekend? Do I only get to pick one? I suppose I don’t have just one favorite hobby because there are always so many great things to do around Boise. Whether I’m out enjoying the foothills, a local festival, or a museum, it’s guaranteed that I’ll be smiling. Favorite Idaho escape? Stanley or anywhere around the Sawtooths. Growing up, summers were spent camping in the heart of Idaho, and it’s where I still go when I need to reset. The stresses of adult life leave me once I cross Galena Summit. Favorite place in Boise to take a visitor? There are so many great local hot spots in and around Boise that the options are endless. My favorite hidden gem is the Bethine Church River Trail along the Boise Greenbelt, followed by patio hopping at some of Boise’s finest eateries. What is the most important trend in your business or industry? Working to improve the entire health of the communities we serve and focusing on the resulting health outcomes has been an emerging trend. We call it “population health” in the industry. What is the best advice you've received? “All you need is five seconds of insane courage to do something amazing.” Advice given from my sister, Wendy Berkson.  Who is a local business or business person you admire? Dave Self. When I started at PacificSource, he was the regional vice president. From day one, I could tell that Dave was vested in his employees, regardless of their position, and was there to help them grow and achieve as much as they were willing to. What is the number one reason to do business with your company or organization? The number one reason to do business with PacificSource is because we don’t just say we do the right thing, we are constantly proving that we will actually work hard to do the right thing. What do you enjoy most about your company or organization? Hands down it’s the culture and the people. We have phenomenal leadership that knows the best way to do business is by making PacificSource a company that you look forward to working for everyday. Tell us about a current or upcoming project or company-wide intiative. Every year, the employees from each PacificSource location are able to pick their Charity of Choice. This year employees at the Boise office selected Faces of Hope Victim Center as their local charity to support. As co-chair of Charity of Choice Committee we have focused on ways to spread awareness of Faces and the great work that they do in the community for victims of abuse and domestic violence. We have also been finding ways that we can give back through FUNdraising and volunteerism. If you would like to find out more about Faces of Hope Victim Center please visit them at www.facesofhopevictimcenter.org. |
|
Hours
Monday 8AM–4:30PM Tuesday 8AM–4:30PM Wednesday 8AM–4:30PM Thursday 8AM–4:30PM Friday 8AM–3:30PM Closed Weekends |
Boise Metro Chamber
1101 W. Front St., Suite 100 Boise, Idaho 83702 Phone: (208) 472-5205 info@boisechamber.org |