On Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, Boise Metro Chamber President & CEO welcomed new Chamber members at a reception held at the Arid Club in Boise. The receptions are held quarterly and are an opportunity for new Boise Metro Chamber members to network, learn more about the value of the Chamber and to highlight each business or organization. At this reception, 29 Boise Metro Chamber member businesses / organizations were represented, in addition to Boise Metro Chamber staff. 

We would like to thank the following members for attending this event:

• Brian Campbell and Guzman-Gracida of the American Cancer Society - Idaho Region
• Ashley Van Cleave of the Bank of Idaho
• Inis Smith of Board and Brush Boise
• Rebecca Hubb of the Boise Airport
• Scott Werlein of Creative Realities, Inc.
• Tamera Rager of CTG Idaho
• Crystal Howard of Goldenwest Credit Union
• Tess Keim of Honeybaked Ham
• Rena Garibyan of Idaho Art Gallery
• Erin Anderson of Idaho Botanical Garden, Inc.
• Dr. Luchetti of Integrated Dermatology of Boise
• Robert Gillingham and Brandon Reidhaar of Karmik Outdoors
• Jessica Hagan of KTVB News Group
• Holli Storey and Asier Garcia of Leku Ona
• Val Senavsky and Nicol Jensen of Mathnasium
• Lisa McKendall of McKendall Communications
• Dan Price of Mountain West Bank, Division of Glacier Bank
• Racheal Lamb of ProFocus Technology
• David Nichols of Sisu Consulting & Training
• Samantha Maxey of Snake River Wine Tours
• Doug Hardin of Tamarack Grove Engineering
• Adan David Callsen of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Georgia Stokes of The Tile House
• Michael Ballantyne of TOK Commercial
• Victoria Kraynak of Topgolf Boise
• Don Krull and Lyra Manning of Treasure Valley SCORE
• Kevin Choate and Jaron Drennon of Western Peaks Logistics

Special thanks to our gracious host, Bernie Giblin of Arid Club, Inc. for the warm welcome and for providing food and beverage to all guests. We appreciate the consistently exceptional service from the Arid Club staff.

Congratulations to Jaron from Karmik Outdoors and Nichol from Mathnasium for winning free admission to two exciting upcoming events: the CEO Speaker Series with Cradlepoint CEO George Mulhern and the 2023 Small Business of the Year and Chamber Excellence Awards! We can't wait to see you there!

This event would not be possible without the sponsorship of Bank of Idaho. Thank you for your incredible support and partnership!

The Boise Metro Chamber's Policy Committee voted unanimously to officially support House Bill 24.

If passed, the legislation will expand the Idaho Launch Program, connecting education to careers and investing in Idaho's youth and employers. Starting with the 2024 graduating class, high school graduates would receive $8,500 in an individual account to be used at an eligible postsecondary institution or Workforce Development Council (WDC) approved workforce training provider and must be used within four years of the award. There is additional funding available for individuals pursuing "in-demand careers," as identified by the WDC, and for individuals with financial need. 

The Boise Metro Chamber was the first chamber of commerce in Idaho to extend its full support for House Bill 24, which would expand the Idaho Launch Program, and encourages other chambers of commerce across the state to voice their support as well. 

On behalf of the business community and the Boise Metro Chamber Policy Committee, President and CEO Bill Connors provided a letter of support for House Bill 24 to the Idaho Legislature. "As Idaho’s largest business-first organization, the Boise Metro Chamber advocates for the advancement of business and community. We believe this program will do just that: ensure our workforce stays strong, our families stay united, and the next generation feels empowered and supported to stay in our great state," Connors wrote.

Below is the Boise Metro Chamber's letter of support.