The Boise Metro Chamber is excited to announce its 2024 Annual Gala theme. This year’s theme for the Boise Metro Chamber Annual Gala will be “Celebrating Community and Creativity.” This event will take place on September 27, 2024, at Boise Centre West.
 
“This year’s gala will focus on our members in the local arts community, creating a truly unique experience from previous years,” said Bobbi-Jo Meuleman president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber. “We've planned an entertaining and educational evening to highlight the significant, yet often underrecognized, impact that Boise's creative community has on our economy.”
 
The Chamber’s Annual Gala aims to enrich the local arts community and boost the local economy by supporting the arts, which fosters innovation. Investing in the arts makes the city vibrant and attractive, drawing in businesses and talent and fueling further economic development.
 
The arts sector not only enriches the cultural fabric of our community but also serves as a powerful economic driver. By supporting local artists and arts organizations, businesses can stimulate job growth, attract tourism, and foster an innovative environment that benefits all sectors. Investing in the arts creates a vibrant and attractive city, which in turn helps to draw in businesses and talent, fueling further economic development.
 
This year the Annual Gala will showcase vibrant and diverse talents, woven into Boise’s cultural fabric and offer an opportunity to support the following chamber member organizations:

• Ballet Idaho – Est. 1972
• Idaho Shakespeare Festival School of Theater – Est. 1977
• Boise Contemporary Theater – Est. 1997
• Oinkari Basque Dancers – Est. 1960
• Boise Philharmonic (Youth Orchestra) – Est. 1885
• Lamb Weston (Culinary Arts) – Est. 1950

 
The Chamber’s Annual Gala brings together more than 900 Chamber members and community leaders, making it a significant networking and community-building opportunity. With an in-person auction, live auction, and mobile auction offering hundreds of items, it is one of the largest of its kind in the Treasure Valley.
 
The gala serves as the Chamber’s most essential annual fundraiser with the proceeds ensuring the Chamber’s ability to continue advocating for policies impacting business, educating its members, and developing leaders to benefit and enrich the Boise community. Each year, the Chamber also selects a non-profit to benefit.
 
In addition to the auction and performances, the evening’s spotlight will also turn to Andy Scoggin, CEO of Scoggin Capital Investment.
 
 “I am honored to be the keynote speaker for the Boise Metro Chamber’s Annual Gala,” says Scoggin. “This event will be a wonderful opportunity to highlight the incredible creativity within the Boise community.”
 
The Gala will be emceed by Erin Anderson of the Idaho Botanical Garden, Inc. and Laura Kendall of the  Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts.
 
EVENT DETAILS
What: Boise Metro Chamber’s 2024 Annual Gala: “Celebrating Community and Creativity”
When: September 27, 2024, from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Boise Centre WEST
 850 W. Front St.
 Boise, ID
 
Tickets: Tickets are available for $150 each for Boise Metro Chamber members, $200 each for non-members, or $1,750 for Dinner Member Chairman's Table Sponsors. Tickets can be purchased on the Chamber’s website: boisechamber.org
 
Media:  Members of the media are invited to attend this event at no cost. Learn more and RSVP by contacting Konner Jurasek via email at [email protected] or phone at (208) 472-5258.
 
The Boise Metro Chamber Annual Gala’s sponsors are:
Diamond Sponsor: Blue Cross of Idaho
Platinum Sponsor: Alaska Airlines
Gold Sponsors: Albertsons, Amazon, Idaho Central Credit Union, and  Southwest Airlines
Silver Sponsors: Boise Centre, Allied Business Solutions, Delta Air Lines, Colliers, Hawley Troxell, Intermountain Gas Company, J.R. Simplot and Micron Technology, Inc.
Bronze Sponsors: Bank of Idaho, Eiguren Merrill Public Policy, ESI Construction, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Idaho Power Company, Moda Health, PacificSource Health Plans, Procter & Gamble, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Saint Alphonsus Health System, Sparklight, St. Luke's Health Plan, TechCU, U.S. Bank, Umpqua Bank NeighborHub, Unleashing Leaders and WaFd Bank

Today marked the kickoff of the Boise Metro Chamber's 2024 CEO Speaker Series at the stunning Stueckle Sky Center, Boise State University. This event, presented by Bank of America, provides an invaluable opportunity for Chamber members to gain insights directly from the CEOs of the Boise Metro's leading companies, offering a glimpse into their strategic visions and industry-leading projects.

Although the series was set to commence with Dr. John Wagner, unforeseen circumstances led to a change in the lineup. Fortunately, Dr. Todd E. Combs, Deputy Laboratory Director for Science and Technology and Chief Research Officer at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), stepped in admirably. Traveling from Idaho Falls on short notice, Dr. Combs not only attended but also delivered a compelling keynote address.

The event's official airline sponsor was Alaska Airlines. Additionally, Blue Cross of Idaho, ESTECH, Idaho Business Review, and Idaho National Laboratory helped make today's event possible.

A Glimpse into Dr. Todd E. Combs’ Expertise
Dr. Combs, a pivotal figure at INL, plays a crucial role in advancing the nation’s clean energy and national security goals. His work involves pioneering new classes of advanced nuclear technologies and enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure. With a career spanning several prestigious national laboratories and significant contributions to both energy systems and national security, Dr. Combs brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Before joining INL in 2017, Dr. Combs held leadership roles at Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His efforts have consistently focused on addressing global security threats, advancing energy systems, and promoting sustainable solutions. Dr. Combs’ dedication to the field is further demonstrated by his involvement in numerous advisory boards and committees, including the Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance and the Boise State University College of Engineering’s Industrial Advisory Board.

Highlights from the Keynote Address
In his address, Dr. Combs emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration. He praised the efforts of local partners, including ESTECH and their recent completion of the Sample Preparation Lab at INL, which will significantly contribute to nuclear materials research. Highlighting the role of state leadership, Dr. Combs expressed gratitude for the support from the state of Idaho, which has been instrumental in INL’s mission.

Dr. Combs also discussed the future of nuclear energy, acknowledging the recent addition of new plants and the vital role of both large-scale and micro-reactors in achieving energy goals. He underscored the importance of innovative pathways for engaging youth and fostering future talent in STEM fields, drawing parallels to how sports programs identify and nurture young talent early on.

Engaging the Community and Building the Future
Audience members were keen to understand INL’s engagement with educational institutions and the broader community. Dr. Combs elaborated on initiatives aimed at inspiring young minds, including partnerships with local schools and universities. He shared personal anecdotes, such as how his own daughter’s exposure to INL sparked her interest in becoming a chemical engineer.

Dr. Combs also addressed questions about INL’s support for the U.S. military, the safety of nuclear energy, and public perception. He highlighted ongoing efforts to educate the public and promote the benefits of nuclear power, referencing the film "Nuclear Now" as a resource for understanding the true potential and safety of nuclear energy.

Looking Forward
The inaugural session of the CEO Speaker Series set a high standard for the upcoming events. Dr. Combs’ insights and dedication to advancing clean energy and national security were both enlightening and inspiring. As the series continues, the Boise Metro Chamber looks forward to featuring the following leaders to share their vision and expertise, further enriching the community and fostering growth:

CEO SPEAKER SERIES #2
October 14, 2024 from 3-5 P.M.
Diane Hendricks, Founder of Hendricks Commercial Properties
Learn More & Register

CEO SPEAKER SERIES #3
November 20, 2024 from 4-6 P.M.
Garrett Lofto, President and CEO of the J.R. Simplot Company
and Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of Alquist
Learn More & Register

Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to join us at the next event in the CEO Speaker Series!