|
Washington, D.C.--Access to affordable housing remains one of the most pressing issues affecting both employees and employers across Idaho. Today, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) launched a housing survey across the state of Idaho to solicit feedback from homeowners, renters, insurance brokers, bankers, realtors, government officials and general contractors. Information provided in the survey will help inform Senator Crapo of common issues where legislation may be considered. “A lack of affordable housing is the number one issue Idahoans raise with my staff and me in meetings across the State,” said Crapo. “Idaho is far from alone in this nationwide challenge, but Idahoans can be a key part in piecing together the housing puzzle as I continue to work to find collaborative solutions to this issue. I invite any Idahoan to complete the survey and share as much detail as they are willing and able to provide.” The housing survey follows the model of Senator Crapo’s veterans’ surveys from 2014 and 2015 that ultimately resulted in legislation Senator Crapo introduced being signed into law. The survey is available on Senator Crapo’s official website at https://www.crapo.senate.gov/issues/affordable-housing-survey, or at the QR code at the bottom of this release. Flyers with the QR code can be picked up at any of Crapo’s Idaho regional offices, listed below. At the conclusion of the survey, data will be aggregated and released into a final report available to the public. No personally identifiable information will be included in the final report and responses will ensure anonymity. The housing survey will run through May 31, 2025. 
Dear friends,
We can all remember being a high school senior ready to move on from childhood into the freedom of adulthood. It is a milestone that comes with much excitement but also apprehension about the future. We are fortunate our state and our country offer so many different paths for our young people to choose as they enter an independent stage of life. Here in Idaho, we are making the transition into rewarding, productive careers even smoother with Idaho LAUNCH. Our innovative new workforce training program is connecting students with careers and helping employers like you fill in-demand jobs that create prosperity and strengthen our economy. There is no doubt Idaho LAUNCH has been tremendously successful. Here’s a snapshot of how LAUNCH moved the needle in just one year:
That last statistic really hits home for me. We have so many bright young Idahoans who offer much promise for our state but who simply don’t perform as well in traditional academics, resulting in lower GPAs. These students have as much to offer as a 4.0 student. Idaho LAUNCH is motivating those students to go on to training programs for jobs our business community desperately needs. I can say with confidence that Idaho LAUNCH is changing lives. Together, we are ensuring Idaho kids STAY in Idaho. We have you, our business community, to thank in part for that. I appreciate the strong support we’ve received from Idaho employers on Idaho LAUNCH. With your help, we have been able to pioneer new workforce training strategies that are clearly WORKING! Brad Little Governor of Idaho WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of the Stagecoach Inn in Garden City as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2025. The Stagecoach Inn will be recognized for its contribution to the community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.
“The Stagecoach Inn has been a feature of Idaho’s political and social landscape for decades,” said Risch. “This Treasure Valley institution has been around since 1959 and is now owned by Wanda Martinat and Fred and Francie Oliver. I’m proud to recognize the Stagecoach Inn as the February Small Business of the Month." Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to the community. Make Valentines Day last all month long by Sharing Your Love! Valentines Day is all about expressing your love for the special people in your life. This February, show them just how much they mean to you by making a donation in their name to The Idaho Foodbank and make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. $25 Donation: Donate online in the name of your Valentine and show you care for our neighbors in need. $50 Donation: Receive heart and entered into drawing for pearl earrings and an evening at the ballet. The campaign runs through the month of February and provides local Idahoans the opportunity to make a donation to The Idaho Foodbank in the name of a past or present loved one. Each person that donates online receives a heart on our heart wall located at the Meridian location and an opportunity to enter a raffle. Simmons's Fine Jewelry is offering the winner a set of pearl earrings as well as tickets to the ballet. Learn more and donate here: https://idahofoodbank.org/share-your-love/idahofoodbank.org/share-your-love/  [Boise, ID] – January 27, 2025 — RM Soap Market is thrilled to announce the launch of its innovative and personalized Body Bar experience with our Kick Off Celebration on February 1st, 2025. This groundbreaking concept allows customers to design their own handcrafted soap products tailored to their scent preferences. With a commitment to quality and creativity, RM Soap Market invites the community to explore a truly unique and luxurious approach to personal care.
Customers can now create their signature soaps by choosing from an array of premium ingredients, vibrant colors, and soothing fragrances. Your product is crafted on-site through the support of our skilled artisans who ensure every detail meets RM Soap Market’s high standards of excellence. Whether you’re looking for a gift or an indulgence for yourself, the Body Bar experience guarantees a product as distinctive as you are. At RM Soap Market, our mission extends beyond crafting exceptional products. We are proud to partner with Story Ranch (https://storyranch.org/), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs. Through this collaboration, RM Soap Market provides meaningful employment opportunities and skills training for members of the special needs community. By incorporating inclusive practices and fostering a supportive environment, we aim to make a positive impact on lives while enriching our community. “The Body Bar experience embodies everything we stand for at RM Soap Market: creativity, self-expression, and making a difference,” said Tony Feltman, Founder and CEO of RM Soap Market. “We’re excited to offer a service that not only delivers a personalized product but also reflects our commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.” The grand opening of the Body Bar experience will take place at RM Soap Market’s Boise Town Square Mall location, 350 N Milwaukee St Unit #1047, ground floor, near Macys, February 1st from 1-3pm. Join us for a day of celebration, live demonstrations and enter a drawing for a $75 gift basket. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet members of the Story Ranch team and learn more about their inspiring mission. RM Soap Market invites everyone to be part of this exciting journey as we redefine personal care and champion inclusivity in our community. About RM Soap Market RM Soap Market is a family owned, small business specializing in handcrafted soaps and body care products. With a focus on sustainability, creativity, and community impact, RM Soap Market strives to deliver high-quality products while making a meaningful difference. We are thrilled to have chosen Boise as our first flagship location outside Colorado because of the vibrant and active community. About Story Ranch Story Ranch is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs through education, employment opportunities, and community engagement. Their mission is to empower every individual to lead a fulfilling and independent life. For more information about RM Soap Market, visit rmsoapmarket.com or follow RM Soap Market on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates. Media Contact: Niki Cicak, Director of Marketing for RM Soap Market 719.641.3661 [email protected] rmsoapmarket.com  Savor the bouquet, the food, and the memories! Savor Idaho Wine!
Savor Idaho, the state’s premier wine event, will be held on Sunday, June 8th, 2025 at the beautiful Idaho Botanical Garden. Held during Idaho Wine and Cider Month, come sample from over 30 wineries and cideries from around the state and get a taste of Idaho’s welcoming and approachable wine community. Stroll through the garden, sip Idaho wine and cider, visit local exhibitors, sponsors and food trucks and participate in a painting class by Wine and Design. Savor The Weekend In Boise! Attend a winemaker’s dinner, participate in many tastings throughout the weekend, book a wine tour then top off the weekend at Savor Idaho. Room rates available at our partner accommodations – Hotel43. Savor Idaho Tickets Make The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift! Tickets on sale March 1st, 2025! VIP Tickets – $125 | 1-2pm (early entry into the event + other added benefits) General Admission Tickets – $80 | 2-5pm Reserve a Table! – $200 | Seats 8 with an umbrella
“The friendly hospitality and laid-back atmosphere of Idaho wineries was on full display!” – Wine Business Bronco Corps Summer 2025 applications are now open. Boise State's College of Business and Economics Career Services is seeking 10-15 small businesses and/or nonprofits to partner with next summer to host business interns at no cost to the organization. Please feel free to share with your network and reach out with any questions.
Submit the Application to Participate in Summer 2025 here Deadline to Submit Applications: Friday, November 29, 2024 Bronco Corps, Summer 2025 Timeline:
View additional information for small business & nonprofit applicants - includes a FAQ section View article "Bronco Corps internships offer a win-win for students and the community" We welcome the opportunity to work with you! Laura Chiuppi Bronco Corps Staff, College of Business and Economics Boise State University Program Information: boisestate.edu/cobe/community/bronco-corps Contacts: Laura Chiuppi (208) 426-1355 | Monique Halgat (208) 426-3941 Mail: MS 1645; 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1030 Location: MBEB 1123C; 2360 University Drive, Boise, ID 83706 Treasure Valley SCORE’s Small Business Essentials (SBE) workshop series is designed to help anyone considering starting a business make the decisions and plans required to successfully launch their business. All workshops are two hours, taught by experienced certified SCORE Mentors. Learn more and register here  RM Soap Market (Formerly Rocky Mountain Soap Market), an impact-driven business, will open a new flagship
store at Boise Townsquare Mall on Labor Day weekend. RM Soap Market, whose slogan states, "Inspired by the Rocky Mountains, and shaped by what really matters," features fresh, invigorating, and inspired body products crafted with utmost care and attention to detail. These products embody the essence of our original brand while representing our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. RM Soap Market offers a complete line of soaps, bath and shower products, spa essentials, a full men's line of products, and its very own unique "body bar." RM Soap Market offers something unique for consumers looking for bath products with a fresh, personalized experience. With natural and small-batch ingredients ranging from their more popular scents, such as Garden of the God's scent, Black Forest, Honey & Almond, or the very popular Eucalyptus Tea Tree, coupled with their mission of impact, RM Soap Market is dedicated to providing their customers with a brand they are both excited to use and proud to own. RM Soap Market is dedicated to making a difference. The "RM" reflects dual inspiration from their roots embedded in the Rocky Mountains and their focus on what "Really Matters." RM's mission is to transform its brand from elegant bath products to an impact-driven business, stamping its mark on its customers through simplicity, local craftsmanship, and community engagement. At RM, we can impact our communities in bigger ways. Through their partnership with Story Ranch, they provide weekend respite camps and supported employment through RM Soap Market. Through this effort, they help individuals with I/DD achieve their goals and grow in independence. Because every story matters. Learn more at storyranch.org RM Soap Market will open on Friday, August 30th, on the ground floor of the Macy’s wing. To learn more about RM Soap Market and its mission, visit its website and follow it on its social media platforms. |
Chamber Members can submit their upcoming events to be listed on the Chamber Event Calendar via the member portal.
Press Releases for this blog can be submitted to Konner Jurasek: [email protected] When submitting member press releases please make sure they are in an email format or PDF document. Press releases in a Jpg/Jpeg or .PNG format will not be uploaded. Archives
April 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
1101 W. Front St., Suite 100
Boise, Idaho 83702 Phone: (208) 472-5200 Website: boisechamber.org Email: [email protected] |
Boise Chamber Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.* Fri: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.* *Closed daily for lunch from 1-2 P.M., weekends, and holidays (click to learn more). |
|
|
 |
|
|
All content on this website is copyright © The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, 2025. All rights reserved. View our Privacy Policy.