On October 7, 2025 Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, Interim President of Boise State University was joined by Nancy Glenn, Vice President of Research and Economic Development at Boise State University, to address the Boise business community.

Dr. Shinn discussed how Boise State University continues to contribute to the Treasure Valley’s success including:

• The success of the University’s athletic and extracurricular programs
• The stellar return on investment that those who invest in Boise State University see
• The continual annual increase in first-year student enrollment at the University
• Boise State University’s reputation as the cultural and economic heartbeat of the state of Idaho

“We are committed to providing a pathway for every Idahoan to contribute to the prosperity of our state. Whether they are a traditional freshman living in a residence hall, or adults coming back for their degrees, they are becoming college graduates who will fill critical Idaho jobs, lead businesses like yours, and make our state more nationally and globally comparable” said Dr. Shinn.
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The event is presented by ICCU, sponsored by Gardner, and co-sponsored by Albertsons, Idaho Press, Boise SavATree, and Sparklight. 

Thank you to Boise State University for capturing photos from this event

On Sept. 30, 2025, the Boise Metro Chamber hosted its annual gala and auction downtown at the Boise Centre. This year’s theme was Innovation Through Collaboration. Continuing its tradition of partnering with local organizations, the Chamber highlighted past Trailhead Boise success stories.

The companies featured included:

Idaho Barkery, a woman-owned dog treat company based in Boise, founded by a pharmacist to help dogs with severe allergies. The company creates small-batch, organic, plant-based treats that are pharmacist-formulated and lab-tested, with no fillers or artificial additives. It also offers custom-branded treats for events and retailers and has earned recognition through local entrepreneurship awards.

Soleni Shoes, a Boise-based company offering stylish orthopedic flats for women seeking comfort without sacrificing fashion. Founded by a medical professional, the brand uses patented three-point ortho-technology for arch support, heel stability and a wider toe box. All shoes are crafted in North America with sustainable leather, blending health-conscious design and elegance.

Lovery, a lifestyle and gifting brand known for its curated spa sets and cruelty-free bath products made with essential oils. Established in 2016, the company emphasizes sustainability and paraben-free formulas, offering gift baskets for personal and corporate occasions. Its products are available online and in major retail stores nationwide.

​ERTH Beverage Company, based in Boise and Garden City, produces sparkling switchels — functional sodas made with vinegar, ginger and honey for natural hydration and gut health. Founded by a husband-and-wife team, ERTH focuses on clean, locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors like raspberry-ginger and turmeric-lemon-ginger. Its beverages are distributed across the Treasure Valley and have earned recognition for innovation in craft drinks.
Also included among the featured speakers were two high school students from the R.I.S.E. Program who developed an AI program that helps identify potential health issues in household pets before visiting the vet — “telehealth for your pet.”

The event also featured a fireside chat with moderator Faisal Shah, Auction Frogs founder and CEO Kristi Saucerman, and SWEAR founder and CEO Jason Crawforth.

The Chamber raised more than $10,000 for Trailhead Boise through its raffle.

The Boise Metro Chamber’s Annual Gala & Auction is one of the largest events of its kind in the Treasure Valley and serves as the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds support the Chamber’s mission to advance business, advocate for the business community and create opportunities for tourism growth.

This event would not be possible with out our sponsors:
​PLATINUM: Alaska Airlines
GOLD: Albertsons, ICCU and Southwest Airlines

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