Snake River Valley AVA is competing for USA Today's Best Wine Region. Scan the qr code or click here to cast your vote for them! You can vote daily. Currently, they are 9/10. Thanks for your help in letting the country know that Idaho makes great wine!

The highly anticipated opening weekend of Bogus Basin’s 80th Anniversary summer season has finally arrived. Daily operations at the non-profit begin today, Friday, June 23rd. Hours are 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Live music, activities, a major new attraction, and a host of events are planned throughout the summer.
Here are a few highlights of what to expect for opening weekend:

• Family Friendly Activities: Take a ride on The Glade Runner, Idaho’s only mountain coaster; find the right route and reach the top of Stack Rock Climbing Wall; defy gravity and jump over 20 feet into the sky on The Launch Pad bungee jump; or fly down the 300-foot tubing lanes on The Sourdough Slider. The Explorer Base Camp at Bogus Basin is THE hub for fun and all-day adventure. The area’s exciting new attraction, The Mineshaft Challenge Course, opens July 1st.
• Mountain Biking:  Mountain bike enthusiasts can enjoy the Treasure Valley’s only lift-served mountain biking, The Basin Gravity Park, or pedaling on Bogus Basin’s multi-use trail network. The Boise Mountain Bike Festival takes place at the area July 1st, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Registration is required for this ticketed event, which includes classes, group rides, demos, raffles, and other activities on The Lawn within The Explorer Base Camp.
• Scenic Chairlift Rides: Take in panoramic views while ascending to the summit on the Deer Point Express or Morning Star Express chairlifts. Hike or bike from the top of the lift, or take the lift back down to the base area after some exploring.
• Guided Nature Hikes: Bogus Basin’s Guided Nature Programs offer an extensive array of free nature hikes, led by experienced guides who share information about the area’s flora, fauna, ecology, and more.
• Yoga on the Mountain: This popular offering is FREE Saturdays, Sundays, and Thursday evenings. A free weekend Youth Drop-Off Nature Program is available during yoga sessions, engaging children ages 5-10 in fun, hands-on activities with Nature Guides.
• Free Live Music: Music on the Mountain, Bogus Basin’s free concert series, happens every other Saturday, beginning Saturday, June 24th. Multiple acts perform on The Bogus Creek Stage located on The Lawn within The Explorer Base Camp. Music on the Patio, Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
• Wine Tasting: Idaho Wine Commission will be be on site, offering tastings from three local wineries on Sunday, June 25th from 2:00 pm to 4:00pm.

16 miles from Boise, Bogus Basin is the ultimate local summer destination for Treasure Valley residents, providing something for everyone. Full summer operations continue through Sunday, August 20th. The area will remain open Fridays-Sundays, Aug. 25th – Sept. 4th, then Saturdays-Sundays only, Sept. 9th – Oct. 1st. Area operating hours can be found here.

BOISE, IDAHO, June 15, 2023 - The Board of Directors of CSHQA is pleased to announce the appointment of Shiloh Shaver as VP of Business Development. Shiloh will be responsible for business development strategy, marketing, branding, communications, team leadership, and public relations infrastructure, positioning the firm for increased growth and profitability. She will expand the firm’s business development footprint nationwide by working with the VPs of Engineering and Architecture and Principals to develop, implement, and maintain effective sales programs by providing maximum exposure to new prospects, as well as analyzing trends and identifying new opportunities.

Shiloh brings over 12 years’ experience in the AEC industry to the firm, as well as strategic development proficiency and long-standing business relationships. Most recently as Owner of Open Road Marketing, she led various Northwest and Mountain West region AEC organizations through development and execution of business development and marketing strategies supporting business goals, impressive revenue growth, and communication initiatives.
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Shiloh earned her Bachelor of Science, Advertising and Public Relations with Psychology Minor from the University of Idaho, Moscow, ID. She enjoys and has maintained an active presence in various global organizations including ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), CREW Idaho (Commercial Real Estate Women), Boise Metro Rotary, and has served as the President for CREW Idaho and Boise Metro Rotary.

Shiloh’s proven success as a business development leader together with her knowledge of markets, competitors, and industries relevant to CSHQA are key to the firm’s continued growth and success. “We have worked with Shiloh in various capacities over the years and are thrilled to have her join the CSHQA team as the VP of Business Development. She shows true passion to foster both our firm and the relationships we uphold within the communities we serve. We are excited to have her on board as we continue our growth transformation journey,” said Jesse Goldman, Principal, and CSHQA Board member.

The oldest architecture firm in the state of Idaho, CSHQA is an award-winning design firm specializing in full-service architecture and engineering, interior and environmental design, and landscape architecture. Nearly 100 professionals design commercial, industrial, retail, restaurant, hospitality, aviation, civic, education, and healthcare projects. Established in 1889, CSHQA has offices in Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colorado; and Sacramento, California with licensed professionals to meet client needs across the nation. We became 100% employee-owned in 2018.

The First CEO Hired in Company's 134-Year History
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BOISE, IDAHO, June 15, 2023 - The Board of Directors of CSHQA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ryan D. Martin as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Martin stepped into this newly created role on June 1, 2023. He will lead the firm's strategic and business aspects and oversee developing initiatives and business objectives to guide the firm in efficiencies and profitability while encouraging supportive and engaging workplace culture. As CEO, Martin will represent the firm with high-valued clients, industry leaders, the financial community, and the public. In addition, he will foster growth and development among the executive team and staff members, creating a vision for overall firm success and growth.

Mr. Martin has over 20 years of experience leading architectural practices and operational leadership for some of the United States' most prominent architecture and design firms. Before joining CSHQA, he served as the Vice President, Director of Design for Leo A Daly, leading the architecture and interior design practice. In addition, Mr. Martin has been published in Hospitality Design, Building Design and Construction, and Architectural Digest. He holds the role of Product Council Chair for ULI-Dallas and the Executive Trustee for the Texas Society of Architects. His certifications include the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and Fitwel Ambassador.
Before launching his architecture career, Martin enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after high school and served four years of active duty, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Next, Martin attended the University of Texas at Arlington, earning his Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture.

"The Board of Directors believes Ryan is the ideal CEO to lead CSHQA's next chapter of growth and success," said Jesse Goldman, Principal, and CSHQA Board member. "We are impressed with his strong track record of innovation, execution, operational experience, and the ability to build and develop teams that drive results. He is a true leader, and we are excited to welcome him to CSHQA in this historical time for the organization."

Location
​The Lively (Speakeasy No. 40) 505 West Bannock Street, Boise, ID 83702

Date and time
Tue, Jul 18, 2023 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM MDT

Join Invest Alberta, in partnership with the Boise Metro Chamber and the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle, at The Lively in downtown Boise to connect and network with professionals within Alberta’s economic development and investment attraction community. Learn how Alberta compares to other jurisdictions and discover why global companies are investing in Alberta to successfully start up and scale up.

With the lowest tax rates in Canada, business-friendly policies, and a young talent pool across sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, aviation and logistics, and innovation, Alberta is ready for your next investment.
Discover why Alberta is a leading destination for innovators and investors.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

About Invest Alberta: Invest Alberta engages the world and provides high-end tailored support to companies, investors, and major new projects. With team members strategically positioned in key markets around the world, Invest Alberta works to break down barriers so businesses can start up, scale up, and succeed without limits. Since 2020, Invest Alberta has supported the commitment of nearly $20 billion in investment that created more than 24,000 new high-value jobs for Albertans. For more information, visit investalberta.ca.

Local SERVPRO cleanup and restoration specialist offers tips to homeowners for a safe summer season
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With the summer season in full swing, fire and water damage cleanup specialist Christian Isaacson with SERVPRO of Boise reminds Meridian homeowners that popular summer activities - like grilling, setting off fireworks, and relaxing around a fire pit or campfire - can quickly turn from fun to flames, resulting in damage to property and structures, and even personal injury.

"Where you place your grill and fire pit matters," says Isaacson. "If you don't pay close attention to the location and environment, it could cause much more serious problems than just property damage. Even if the location of your grill or fire pit hasn't changed from past years, the setting may have changed and created a more dangerous situation with the addition of fallen branches, leaves or more combustible, aging decking materials."

To help avoid a potential fire disaster, you need to control the three factors that allow a fire to start and grow: fuel, heat, and air.1 When you do build an intentional fire, for cooking, warmth, or simple enjoyment, a key element to control is fuel. The U.S. Fire Administration, a division of FEMA, offers these guidelines2 to help keep your summer fire activities under control.

Grills. Place your grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony. Use propane, charcoal and wood pellet barbecue grills outdoors only to avoid the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits. Use these items outdoors only and position them at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. Build campfires at least 25 feet away from homes, tents, shrubs and anything that can burn. Flying embers can start fires that are not in direct contact with flames.

Fireworks. If you want to see fireworks, consider going to a public show put on by experts. Even the simplest fireworks like "sparklers" can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and cause third-degree burns.

"A small spark can start a major fire," says Isaacson. "Leave the fireworks to the professionals and put some time and thought into where you set up your grill, chiminea and fire pit, including clearing away any combustible materials. Then spend your summer enjoying good times and great food, not dealing with the destruction and heartbreak of a house fire."

SERVPRO is an industry leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services. For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit https://www.servpro.com. For more information on SERVPRO of Boise, please contact Christian Isaacson at (208) 375-0300 or [email protected]. For more information about SERVPRO, please visit servpro.com.


1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_triangle
2 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/summer_safety_flyer.pdf

Boise, IDAHO – On June 5, the Valley Regional Transit (VRT) Executive Board voted to extend the timeline to implement Better Bus Routes — the agency’s proposed bus network redesign — due to significant community feedback and identification of adequate funding to sustain current levels of service through this year. VRT plans to implement service changes by summer 2024.

“We’re taking more time to listen and craft a network redesign proposal that moves toward more frequent buses while best reflecting our community’s needs,” said VRT’s Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Clegg. “We’ve heard from residents across the Treasure Valley about the value of public transportation and the role it plays in their daily lives, and we’ve had discussions with our funding partners on how critical our services are for the communities they serve.”

During the May comment period, VRT received more than 380 survey responses and 570 individual comments on existing or proposed routes. The Executive Board set the following schedule at the recommendation of VRT staff to design network updates that best meet community needs:

• June/July: VRT Board of Directors finalizes budgets and reviews feedback to develop the final service plan proposal based on existing hours.
• August/September: VRT Board of Directors introduces the final network proposal on August 7 at the Board of Directors meeting and another public comment period opens. Public hearings on the final proposal will be held in September.
• October: The VRT Executive Board and Board of Directors meet on October 2 to review proposed changes and public comments – and consider the final proposal.

“We’re grateful to our funding partners for their collaboration in helping create positive change, and, thanks to their contributions, we no longer have to plan to reduce total service hours,” Clegg added. “We now have an opportunity to explore ways to reinvest — through more frequent bus arrivals and innovative ways to provide transit access — without cutting the total amount of service available to the region.”

While public and stakeholder support for a higher-frequency network is strong, VRT hopes to strike a balance between frequency and coverage with the final proposal. Riders can expect routes to be modified or improved without significantly reduced service hours across the system.

“Our goal is to move toward a higher-frequency network while also providing service where and when it is most needed. We are exploring alternatives to intercounty options, the proposed Central Bench and Southeast Boise changes, and solutions to serve high ridership on routes that may not have strong all-day demand, such as Boise’s North End,” said Clegg.

Valley Regional Transit, 700 NE 2nd Street, Meridian, ID 83642
Lacking its own taxing authority, VRT plans for transit services based on funding contributions from cities, counties, and universities in the region. To stay up to date on the network redesign, please visit rideVRT.org/BBR or follow VRT on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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About Valley Regional Transit
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) has been connecting people to the community they love to live in for over 20 years and is the regional public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties. VRT bus services include 18 fixed routes in Ada County, on-demand bus service in Eagle and Canyon County, four inter-county routes, and numerous specialized transportation options. For more information, please visit rideVRT.org.

On Tuesday June 13th,  KeyBank hosted its 32nd annual Neighbors Make the Difference Day®. Throughout various times of the day, teammates in Idaho stepped away from the desks to spend time volunteering as a team with community organizations and service projects in the region. They joined thousands of KeyBank teammates nationwide in receiving paid time off to volunteer across the country in the neighborhoods where they live and work. It is estimated that more than 16,000 volunteer hours were spent in the community nationwide and more than 350 hours locally.
 
Neighbors Make the Difference Day launched in 1991, with a group of KeyBank employees in Alaska who volunteered for service projects. By 1993, KeyBank extended the concept to many of the communities it served, making it an official day of employee volunteerism. Now, Neighbors Make the Difference Day is a hallmark program and leading corporate volunteerism effort in America, showcasing KeyBank’s commitment to communities.
 
“We all love our community and take pride in living in and supporting our neighbors,” said Scott Schlange, KeyBank’s Idaho Market President and Commercial Banking Leader. “We are proud to carry on the tradition of coming together as one to dedicate our time and talent, brighten lives and help transform our community in a meaningful way.”
 
To see the social media conversation from June 13th, please follow #NeighborsDay and #IAmKey, @KeyBank on Twitter and KeyBank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/keybank.
 
For more information about KeyBank’s commitment to creating stronger communities, visit : https://www.key.com/about/community/community-is-key.jsp

​Bogus Basin is currently hiring for a range of summer jobs at the recreation area for the upcoming 2023 summer season. Bogus Basin summer job openings span various departments and new activities, including operators for The Mineshaft Challenge Course, an exciting new attraction at the area. Other available opportunities include cooks, cashiers, baristas, mountain patrollers, mountain bike coaches, equipment operators, and more.

​Bogus Basin’s seasonal workforce represents a diverse range of skills and backgrounds, ranging from students gaining their first job experience to retired professionals. The non-profit recognizes the value of its seasonal employees, and in addition to competitive wages, the area offers a number of benefits to enhance their experience, including:

• Free transportation to and from the mountain
• 50% off food & beverage
• A summer season pass to The Basin Gravity Park
• Retail and rental shop discounts
• An opportunity to work with a dynamic team in a beautiful natural environment

Daily operations at the area begin June 23rd; this summer marks the non-profit’s continued celebration of 80 years in the community. A full lineup of fun, family-friendly events, and activities are planned.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit Bogus Basin’s website for details about the available information and to submit their applications.

Free summer music meets nature as the non-profit continues its yearlong celebration of 80 years in the community
BOISE, Idaho— June 9, 2023 – Bogus Basin has announced an exciting FREE music lineup for its popular Music on the Mountain series and Music on the Patio weekend performances for the upcoming summer season. This year’s Music on the Mountain features six dates – the first of the free multiple band events is Saturday, June 24th. Guests are invited to bring chairs or spread a blanket on Bogus Basin’s expansive lawn located near the ICCU Plaza to watch music meet nature during the family-friendly performances.

The selection of musical talent, curated by Bogus Basin’s Group Sales & Events Coordinator, Colette Wright, is particularly diverse this year, ranging from bluegrass to soul to funk – and even a tribute band paying respect to the legacy of the Grateful Dead. The blend of local and regional artists continues Bogus Basin’s yearlong celebration of its 80th Anniversary year.

“The Music on the Mountain concert series is one of the best ways to get together with friends and families while appreciating and enjoying all that Bogus Basin has to offer in summer – we are looking forward to kicking off a music-filled season of fun.” Colette Wright – Group Sales & Events Coordinator

Pleasant temperatures, a range of activities, and a backdrop of beautiful mountain views make Bogus Basin the ultimate destination for family-friendly entertainment and adventure. For more information about Music on the Mountain, the free music lineup, and other summer activities at Bogus Basin visit www.bogusbasin.org.