Join us for a community film screening with soda, popcorn, candy, and conversation. This event has been curated for middle school to college age students and their parents.
When: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 · 2 - 6pm MDT
Where: Boise State University Student Union Building 1910 West University Drive Boise, ID 83725

Cost: Tickets are complimentary. FREE parking will be provided to the first 250 who register.

• Complimentary soda, candy, and popcorn will also be provided.
• This event is presented by The Children's Home Society of Idaho and The Speedy Foundation. Thank you to our sponsors, The Idaho Resilience Project and Optum Idaho for making this event happen.

Showtimes
The Upstanders - 2 pm

• The Upstanders examines bullying from the perspective of the perpetrator, the victim, and the onlooker, providing practical tips and resources to change the narrative - to stand up, speak out and support - and become an Upstander, not a Bystander.

LIKE - 3:15 pm

• LIKE explores the various impacts that social media has on our lives. It examines the benefits and risks of technology, and looks at how social platforms have changed the ways in which we consume information and how we connect with one another.

Angst - 4:30 pm

• Through personal interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, and parents, Angst aims to provide an understanding of anxiety, help people manage their symptoms, to encourage those struggling to reach out for help, and most importantly, to instill hope within our classrooms and communities.

June 1-7 is National CPR & AED Awareness Week! To celebrate, stop by the Boise Metro Chamber on June 2 any time from 8-10am to grab some coffee, a donut and participate in a hands-only CPR demonstration by RescueStat!

Thousands of Americans experience out-of-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest every single day. Starting CPR immediately can double or triple the chance of survival. One day you may need to save the life of your friend, family or co-worker. Practice your life-saving CPR skills with RescueStat!

In honor of CPR & AED Awareness Week, they are also offering a 25% discount off of CPR/AED Certification and brand-new virtual class, Until Help Arrives. (RescueStat is an authorized American Red Cross Training Center.) 

Demos run every 15 minutes.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council’s Annual Age of Agility Conference (The Governor's Summit on the future of work) is coming up soon on May 17.  This is a virtual conference so you are able to attend anywhere! Join employers, education, and policy leaders from across the state as they present insights and innovations in restructuring the way we deliver education to align with our rapidly changing economy.
 
Live Streaming Event: May 17, 2023 9am-1:30pm (MST)

Featured Speakers include:

• Governor Brad Little
• Tom Mueller, Former CTO, SpaceX

Register/See Agenda here: https://wdc.idaho.gov/what-we-do/#events

​One-hour webinar features three strong women in business sharing approaches that have worked for them
 
CLEVELAND –May 1, 2023 — KeyBank’s Key4Women will present “The Big Three for Women in Business: Balance, Confidence, and Self-Care,” a free, one-hour virtual event on Wednesday, May 17, at 3p.m. eastern standard time.
The webinar will feature three strong women who hold a variety of business roles and have found success by blazing their own paths and creating their own destinies. The audience will walk away with tips and advice on the following:

• How to speak up and be heard with confidence in every interaction.
• How to establish a solid support network for your business and personal growth.
• When and how to say no when it doesn’t serve you or your business.

Guest speakers include:
 

• Constance Hill-Johnson- Owner, Visiting Angels Cleveland, Chairperson, Board of Directors, The Cleveland Foundation.
• Miya Nazzaro- Managing Attorney, Nazzaro PLLC
• Omelia C. Thornton- CEO, First Invest Inc., and Zippy Taxes

 
These days, being a women business owner or professional can be demanding, leaving women depleted and feeling as though they are racing for the top, yet never getting ahead. The demand of managing your personal life adds to the exhaustion and challenge. But women must remember they are not alone. There are ways to build a resource of contacts to call on for various needs and support. But where do you start and how do you create a useful support system? This webinar will address questions of how to achieve balance, improve your confidence and create time for self-care.
 
“The topics of this webinar are important to all of us, yet often seem unattainable,” said Rachael Sampson, Key4Women Leader. “Key4Women is proud to bring the stories and advice of these strong women to our attendees to show them that anything is possible, and balance is within reach. We look forward to this energizing conversation and for guests to put the advice into action.”  
 
For more information, visit key.com/women, or register online by May 16th here.   
 
About KeyBank
KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $198 billion at March 31, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

Valley Regional Transit (VRT) released proposals for a redesigned bus network at its Executive Board of Directors meeting Monday. The proposed changes focus on creating a grid of more frequent local bus service and regional connections.
​
“This is the best path to creating a more useful bus system,” said VRT’s Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Clegg. “If we’re going to grow as a system, attract new bus riders, and better support existing bus riders, our first priority must be frequency. By focusing on the core of the system and reducing how long a passenger waits for a bus, we can create a better foundation to grow from.”

“The bus network of the future will depend on the funding provided by our partners in this region, and this may mean uncomfortable adjustments are necessary for now,” Clegg added. “However, we’re confident that these changes will move us toward a more reliable system for our community.”
VRT is proposing three scenarios for the public to review, each dependent on funding provided by local cities and municipalities:

• Scenario A: Same budget, fewer service hours
  • This option would shift service from less-used routes to areas of higher demand, all within the current budget; due to cost increases, this scenario would also reduce service levels on select routes and frequency improvement to others
• Scenario B: Increased budget, same service hours, frequency focus
  • This option would shift service from less-used routes to areas of higher demand; with a budget increase, VRT could provide even more service to high-demand areas in this scenario
• Scenario C: Increased budget, same service hours, coverage focus
  • This option would shift service from less-used routes to areas of higher demand; with a budget increase, VRT could provide on-demand service in areas impacted by the changes to provide a more flexible transit option

Information on the proposed changes can be reviewed online at rideVRT.org/redesign, and feedback can be provided:

• Online: rideVRT.org/redesign
• Via email: feedback@rideVRT.org
• In-person:
  • 5/25/23: Ada County Open House, 3-7 pm (location TBD)
  • 5/30/23: Canyon County Open House, 3-7 pm (Nampa Library)

​The proposed changes began taking shape in 2018 with VRT’s Valley Connect 2.0 plan, which outlined steps toward a better regional network with higher-frequency routes and updated bus stops. The plan highlighted the Treasure Valley’s need for four times the service and funding in order to meet regional demand and match service levels with peer agencies.

“Since ValleyConnect 2.0 was adopted, we have not wavered in our commitment to bringing more transit service to the valley,” said VRT Chief Development Officer, Stephen Hunt. “We remain committed to the service frequency and coverage in ValleyConnect 2.0, even if we have to prioritize frequency first.”
​
Earlier this year, VRT introduced the Better Bus Initiative, which was focused on getting feedback on action VRT could take to keep moving its 2018 Valley Connect 2.0 vision forward. The majority of respondents supported concepts that would provide more frequent service on fewer routes rather than less service on more routes.
“Ultimately, we’re looking to build a better bus system,” Clegg added. “We are extremely limited in funding. We’re the only subdivision of state government in the State of Idaho without taxing authority. This means we have no dedicated funding source, so we rely on funding contributions from cities, counties and other partners. Costs are outpacing contributions, and we’re working with our funding partners to do the best we can with what we have.”

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – American metropolitans that embrace innovation, invest in outdoor recreation and attract employers that lift an area’s overall quality of life are among the most dynamic in today’s post-COVID economy, according to new rankings released today by Heartland Forward.
Most Dynamic Metropolitans 2022 ranks 382 metros nationwide to determine those communities that are leading in categories including employment, income, economic production and the ability to start and scale young firms. This index captures both historic and forward-looking indicators enabling cities to evaluate policies impacting local economic performance.

The rankings
Top 25 Metropolitans Areas in the United States for 2022:
1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California, (Silicon Valley)
2. Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana
3. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, California
4. Austin-Round Rock, Texas
5. The Villages, Florida
6. Midland, Texas
7. Boulder, Colorado
8. Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida
9. Provo-Orem, Utah
10. St. George, Utah
11. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tennessee
12. Logan, Utah-Idaho
13. Reno, Nevada,
14. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Washington
15. Bend, Oregon
16. Ocean City, New Jersey
17. Punta Gorda, Florida
18. North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida
19. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina
20. Boise City, Idaho,
21. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada
22. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Massachusetts
23. Salt Lake City, Utah
24. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida
25. Fort Collins, Colorado
The research also features an interactive map, which allows users to analyze the data that makes up the metros’ rankings.

Zooming in on the Heartland
Three heartland metros were ranked in the Top 10 this year, and several experienced significant growth including:
● Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana: This up-and-comer has been steadily marching its way toward the top for a few years now. It ranked 356 in 2020, jumped 275 spots to become 81st overall in 2021, and now has taken the second spot overall in 2022. Coined the RV capital of the world, this metro manufactures 80% of the world’s recreation vehicles and it has been a boom town since the pandemic triggered a surge in RV demand. With a population just a little over 200,000 in 2021, Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana has an impressive five-year average annual pay (2016-2021) at 40.1%, which is the fifth fastest growth out of all metros.
● Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, Texas: With an astonishing medium- and short-term real GDP growth (31.2% and 10.5% respectively), this tech hamlet rises to the top as the best-performing heartland tech hub of all and fourth overall. Fast-paced wage growth driven by high demand for skilled workers and an influx of high-tech companies moving HQs from California to Austin are just two drivers of the metro’s economic growth.
● Midland, Texas: This metro rebounded from 38th place to settle in sixth, courtesy of a recovery in oil prices and resurgence of exploration. However, the upturn in energy fortunes has not translated to a commensurate surge in jobs and overall economic activity in the metro. Producers have redirected much of the improved cash flow towards debt reduction and share repurchases rather than tapping new reservoirs. Nevertheless, Midland saw job growth of 9.1% from June 2021 to June 2022—best across all metros—and even surpassed Silicon Valley with the highest per capita income when adjusted for regional price parity.
● The comeback of large heartland metros: There was significant movement and growth among large metropolitans in the middle of the country. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tennessee jumped 84 places (95th in 2021, 11th in 2022); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan leapt 123 places (234th to 111th), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin advanced 97 places (218th to 121st), Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama improved 96 places (228th to 132nd), and Memphis, Tennessee-Mississippi-Arkansas moved 84 spots (219th to 135th).
Key Takeaways:
● Innovation hubs continue to dominate while new metros are becoming recognized for their investments in technology: The two Northern California metros, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, again rank first and third, respectively, in 2022. Additionally, the Seattle and Boston metros placed in the Top 25, with each finishing in the Top 15 for young-firm knowledge intensity – a measure of innovative capacity for young companies. Two of the nation’s burgeoning innovation hubs also ranked high: the innovation engine that is Austin, Texas, has risen to fourth in our current rankings, while the Miami metro advanced from 140th in 2021 to 30th in 2022. The most surprising success story may be the re-emergence of two Midwestern metros that were on the forefront of American innovation in the 20th century: Detroit, which jumped from 234th in 2021 to 111th in 2022, and Chicago, which leapt from 218th to 121st.
● Outdoor Recreation hubs are still prioritized but geographically have changed. The 2021 iteration of this report highlighted the success of smaller metropolitans offering direct access to the outdoors. These areas were again successful in our 2022 index. However, the Western metros that had jumped up the rankings from 2020 to 2021 have now stabilized or fallen slightly. Meanwhile, Southeastern metros located near major outdoor amenities experienced significant jumps. Many Western metros are still performing very well, but their short-term growth numbers are not as strong as last year. One reason is that they weathered the early pandemic so well but haven’t continued their meteoric growth as it waned. For example, Provo-Orem, Utah ranked 12th last year in short-term GDP growth, up 1.5% from 2019 to 2020. However, its 8.3 % GDP growth from 2020 to 2021 was only good enough for 36th.
Ross DeVol, President and CEO of Heartland Forward said: “This year’s edition of the report highlights the dynamism of metropolitans that focus on innovation and quality of life. Smaller metros that offer access to high-quality outdoor amenities continue to perform well, and America’s innovation hubs are mainstays in the upper echelon of our rankings. But from a larger perspective this report also tells the story of the pandemic and its aftermath: our data indicates that the past two years brought very different economic conditions than 2020. Only seven metros experienced positive job growth from 2019 to 2020, but 367 posted gains from 2020 to 2021. And while inflation has hampered economic recovery from the 2020 recession, 357 metros still added jobs from June 2021 to June 2022.”

Idaho Regional Waste Services presents the first annual Brave & Bold Gala to benefit Trevor's Trek Foundation.
Featuring guest speaker Erin Brockovich. Learn how environmental powerhouse, Erin Brockovich, is helping protect children from cancer.

When: Friday, May 19, 2023
Where: Arid Club, 1137 W. River St. Boise, Idaho
For More Information: trevorstrekgala.org

​Idaho Falls, ID - Reed's Dairy, Idaho’s largest family-owned and operated dairy and creamery, has once again been named the Best Ice Cream in Idaho for the third consecutive year. The award was presented on April 21, 2023 by Idaho’s Best an organization which administers the annual awards program to highlight and recognize the best companies and places in the state of Idaho. The top statewide honor is determined by public voting, online reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings.
 
Reed's Dairy has been serving up its handcrafted ice cream for over 45 years, using only the freshest milk and cream from their own cows. Chosen as a statewide favorite, customers have recognized the excellence in taste, texture, and quality of the ice cream produced by Reed's Dairy. The dairy offers a wide range of flavors, including traditional favorites like chocolate and vanilla, as well as unique and creative flavors like huckleberry and peach cobbler.
 
"We are thrilled to receive this award for the third year in a row," said Alan Reed, president of Reed's Dairy. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team to produce the best possible ice cream using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients."
 
The award-winning ice cream is available at six Reed's Dairy locations in Idaho Falls, Ammon, Twin Falls, Boise, Meridian and Kuna; as well as many retail and restaurant locations throughout the state. In addition to ice cream, Reed's Dairy also offers a variety of dairy products including milk, cheese, heavy cream and monthly milk flavors.
 
Reed's Dairy takes pride in being a local, family-owned business, committed to providing the highest quality dairy products to its customers. The recognition of their ice cream as the ‘Idaho’s Best’ for three consecutive years only serves to reinforce that commitment.
 
In addition to this award, Reed’s Dairy was also recently named a ‘Business of Distinction’ by the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, and Alan Reed will receive an ICON Award in June from the Idaho Business Review.
 
For more information about Reed's Dairy and their award-winning ice cream, visit their website at www.reedsdairy.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
 
Reed’s Dairy was founded in Idaho Falls in 1955 and has been selling milk to the public since 1962. It operates a home-delivery service in Idaho Falls and the Treasure Valley and has  six retail ice cream shop locations (Idaho Falls, Ammon, Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls and Kuna). The Reed family owns a growing herd of approximately 185 Holsteins. For more information, visit www.reedsdairy.com.