Boise Metro Chamber CEO and Business Leader Speaker Series: David McFadyen - Trends in Healthcare3/4/2025 On March 4, 2025, the Boise Metro Chamber hosted its first CEO and Business Leader Speaker Series of 2025, featuring David McFadyen, CEO and President of Saint Alphonsus Health System. A Vision for Healthcare David McFadyen, who leads a five-hospital network across Idaho, Oregon, and California, shared his insights into the challenges and opportunities in the evolving healthcare industry. With a workforce of over 9,700 employees and an annual net revenue of $2.1 billion, Saint Alphonsus is a major player in the region’s healthcare system. In a fireside chat moderated by Michael Ballantyne of TOK Commercial Real Estate, McFadyen emphasized the need for innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care in a rapidly changing environment. He spoke about the importance of balancing quality, accessibility, and financial sustainability, stating: “We’re in a time of significant transformation—balancing quality, accessibility, and financial sustainability requires us to be both strategic and compassionate.” He also highlighted the increasing role of technology in healthcare, explaining how telehealth, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making are shaping the way hospitals and clinics operate. These advancements are helping improve patient care, reduce costs, and make healthcare more accessible to rural communities. Saint Alphonsus’ Regional Impact As a leader in the healthcare industry, Saint Alphonsus is more than just a hospital system—it is a vital part of the region’s economic and social fabric. The organization’s Level II Trauma Center in Boise serves as a critical resource for emergency care, while partnerships with universities and local organizations help drive healthcare innovation and workforce development. McFadyen also discussed the importance of community engagement and preventive care, emphasizing the need for businesses to partner with healthcare providers to create healthier workforces and communities. “Our responsibility extends beyond treating illness—we must be proactive in keeping our communities healthy through education, outreach, and preventive care., said McFadyen.” Engaging the Business Community The CEO and Business Leader Speaker Series provides a unique opportunity for local business leaders to gain industry insights that impact their organizations and employees. As healthcare costs continue to be a top concern for employers, understanding how healthcare systems adapt to economic and technological shifts is crucial for making informed decisions about employee benefits and wellness programs. During the Q&A session, McFadyen answered questions on workforce development, the future of healthcare technology, and strategies for businesses to better support employee well-being. His discussion provided valuable takeaways for leaders navigating the complexities of healthcare access and affordability. Looking Ahead The Boise Metro Chamber continues to bring top executives to the stage, offering insightful discussions that shape the region’s economic and professional landscape. Attendees were encouraged to stay engaged with the Chamber’s upcoming events, including the Rose Awards on April 14, which celebrates outstanding customer service, the SOLD OUT Regional Leadership Conference from April 27-29, an event bringing together leaders from across the Treasure Valley, the Boise Mayors State of the City Address on May 15, and the Small Business of the Year and Chamber Excellence Awards on June 16 will recognize local businesses making a significant impact in the community. With healthcare at the forefront of national and local discussions, McFadyen’s insights provided a clearer understanding of the challenges and innovations shaping the future of medicine in Idaho and beyond. His discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration between the business community and healthcare leaders to create a stronger, healthier future for all. A special thank you to Regence, our Exclusive Airline Sponsor Alaska, and Idaho Intermountain Gas Company and Idaho Business Review for their generous support. Your partnership is crucial in making events like this possible and helping strengthen our community!
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Thank you to everyone who came out for the Boise Metro Chamber February Business After Hours Trade Show - Hosted by Kendall Ford Fleet & RV Service Center. Kendall Ford Fleet & RV Service Center is equipped to handle all commercial vehicle needs from Class A to Class C. Trade show booths included:
Business After Hours is a Boise Metro Chamber event held from 5-7 PM on one of the last Thursdays of each month. No RSVP needed! Free to Chamber Members/$20 for Non-Members (pay at door)! Be sure to join us for our March Business After Hours in March hosted by Boise State Athletics at the Stueckle Sky Center. Interested in hosting a Business After Hours? Contact Teresa at [email protected] to reserve your spot today! Check out this Awesome video put together by the Kendall Ford Team capturing what hosting a Business After Hours is all about: Click Here  Building Idaho’s Future: Insights from Superintendent Debbie Critchfield This morning, the Boise Metro Chamber welcomed Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield for our 2025 Forums with Elected Officials event. This engaging event, presented by Meta Kuna Data Center, provided a comprehensive overview of the state’s evolving education landscape. Superintendent Critchfield shared valuable insights on local control, career and technical education, and the importance of literacy, reinforcing the critical role education plays in Idaho’s workforce development. Career and Technical Education: A Pathway to SuccessA key focus of Critchfield’s address was Idaho’s investment in career and technical education (CTE) programs, ensuring students have access to hands-on learning opportunities that align with local industry needs. She highlighted a $65 million state investment in CTE grants, noting an overwhelming demand that far exceeded funding availability. “We had $138 million worth of requests,” she shared, demonstrating a significant gap between available resources and school districts’ needs. Critchfield also shared real-world examples of how CTE programs are bridging the workforce gap. In Northern Idaho, for instance, a forestry education initiative is preparing students for careers in the logging and timber industry—an essential sector facing labor shortages. Similarly, an agriculture technology program in Shelley is training students in advanced farming techniques, and a meat processing program in New Plymouth is addressing the decline of trained butchers. These initiatives not only equip students with practical skills but also strengthen Idaho’s workforce by retaining talent within local communities. The Importance of Early LiteracyCritchfield stressed that literacy is a cornerstone of student success, particularly the shift from learning to read in early grades to reading to learn beyond third grade. The state is returning to prioritizing phonics-based instruction, recognizing it as the most effective method for long-term reading comprehension. She also noted challenges in kindergarten readiness, with more children entering school without foundational skills such as letter and number recognition. Addressing these early learning gaps is a critical step in ensuring long-term academic achievement. Technology and Education ReformThe Superintendent also discussed the evolving role of technology in classrooms. She noted the importance of digital literacy, including cybersecurity awareness and critical thinking skills when using AI tools like ChatGPT. Additionally, she emphasized the state’s efforts to limit classroom distractions by restricting phone use, a policy already showing positive results. Students have reported being more engaged, with one noting, “We were first devastated when we heard this, but then we were relieved. Thank you for now allowing us an opportunity to turn around and see who’s sitting behind us in class.” Looking Ahead: The Regional Leadership ConferenceToday’s discussion on education and workforce readiness sets the stage for the Regional Leadership Conference: Education and Workforce Development, taking place April 27-29, 2025. This upcoming event will continue the conversation, bringing together industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore strategies for strengthening Idaho’s workforce pipeline. Topics will include innovative training programs, workforce retention strategies, and the role of education in economic development. As Superintendent Critchfield noted, “We don’t educate students just so they can take a test. We educate them so they can be contributing citizens who can take care of themselves, think critically, and succeed in their communities.” Her vision for Idaho’s education system is clear: one that is student-centered, workforce-driven, and rooted in local leadership. The Boise Metro Chamber thanks all attendees, our presenting sponsor Meta, cosponsors Bluum and Amalgamated Sugar Company, table sponsors, elected officials, members and attendees who participated in today’s event. We look forward to continuing these important discussions in April! |
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