Top 10 Chamber Business Stories of 2023

12/21/2023

The Boise Metro Chamber reached a historical moment in October, with the addition of its two-thousandth member. In tandem with its member growth, the Chamber’s number of Board of Directors rose to 25 this year; 34 including its Executive Committee. This all-time high affirms that businesses are realizing and capitalizing on the access to advocacy, thought leadership, and networking the Chamber provides.

This spring, our Policy Committee was hard at work to ensure the advancement of business and community. They were excited about House Bill 24, expanding the Idaho Launch Grant Program, after learning that the legislation would allocate approximately $8,000 to public school graduates to attend eligible Idaho institutions for in-demand careers. This grant opportunity helps our workforce stay strong, our families stay united, and the next generation feel empowered and supported to stay in our great state.

Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP) and Visit Boise welcomed nearly 500 industrial real estate professionals this October for the 2023 Fall Industrial Asset Management Council Conference (IAMCC). The large group toured the city of Boise on bikes and visited the iconic Boise State University blue turf and other Chamber members such as Telaya Wine Co. and Payette Brewing. The conference generated a significant economic impact on Boise.

This October, a limited Boise Edition of Monopoly was launched featuring the Boise Metro Chamber & Visit Boise on the game board. This version of the popular game not only reflects the vibrancy of Boise but also brings the heart of our community to the heart of everyone’s homes. If you haven’t already, purchase yours today in the Boise Metro Chamber Gift Shop and Visit Boise Information Center.

Visit Boise secured two national events this year, hosting the USA BMX Gem State Nationals and USA Climbing YETI Nationals. Both national events brought nearly 5,300 attendees, and reserved approximately 6,000 total room nights. These events created an economic impact of $5.9 million in business sales.

In October, Micron began building its $15 billion semiconductor fabrication plant, which will generate 2,000 direct job opportunities over the next decade. Through its strategic partnerships, BVEP helped Micron connect with local resources such as the Idaho Workforce Development Council, Boise State University, and College of Western Idaho. These partnerships create new opportunities for Idaho’s education systems at all levels, as well as provide career awareness, financial incentives, and career advancement pathways. As a result, the State of Idaho will experience an exponential economic impact and an educational impact on its younger workforce.

The keynote of this year’s 140th Annual Boise Metro Chamber Gala was Ashley Campbell, daughter of the late musician Glen Campbell who succumbed to Alzheimer’s. In honor of those impacted by the disease, the event raised awareness and a ten-thousand-dollar donation for the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Idaho Chapter. The Gala represented a harmony of sensational music, noble giving, and the forging of new beginnings.

The Boise Metro Chamber extends its gratitude to our 2023 Chair, Odette Bolano. Her love and dedication toward the Boise community will be greatly missed next year. Without her efforts, the Chamber would not have been able to celebrate all of their wins this year. Bolano spearheaded the search for a new President and CEO for the Chamber and continues her efforts to make Boise a better place. Next year, we welcome Dan Price, Community Banking President of Mountain West Bank.

Bill Connors began his tenure with the Boise Metro Chamber as CEO & President in 2009 and will conclude his very successful leadership career on December 31, 2023. During his fifteen years at the Chamber’s helm, he positioned the organization as an influential advocate for Boise businesses. Connors also spearheaded the effort to bring Visit Boise, BVEP, and the Chamber together as a tri-organization and moved them into a new location, under one roof, which the Chamber built and owns.

Garden Plaza of Valley View Hosts December 2023 Business After Hours

12/15/2023

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Yesterday, Garden Plaza of Valley View graciously hosted the Chamber's final Business After Hours for 2023. The interior was festively decorated and a large wagon in the foyer was set up for collecting Toys for Tots. Located at 1130 N. Allumbaugh St., the senior living community offers independent and assisted living as well as skilled nursing. The beautiful campus is tucked away in a quiet corner of Boise and offers a view of the foothills. They are prided in providing top-rated services, a variety of amenities, enjoyable retirement living, an the ability to take care of the details so residents can live carefree. There is even a delicious shop located just inside, Wishful Cookies, which sells an delightful array of brownies, baklava, cakes, royal iced cookies, and German desserts. Learn more about the facility on their website: https://www.valleyviewret.com/

The next Business After Hours will be hosted in late January at WebMarkets and Totally Boise.

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Bobbi-Jo Meuleman Featured in 2023 CEO Speaker Series

12/12/2023

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On Tuesday, December 12th, members of the community attended a fireside chat with the new Boise Metro Chamber President and CEO, Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, facilitated by Jess Flynn, Founder and CEO of Red Sky. The event was the second-to-last Boise Metro Chamber event in 2023. The final installment of Business After Hours on December 14th will close out the year.

During the CEO Speaker Series, Meuleman gave insight to how she’s achieved her current success. She shared that throughout her career, she took every opportunity she could to advance herself. She asked for more, put herself out there, and never shied away from a challenge. Meuleman credits her time with the present and past Governors of Idaho for her ability to lead. When working with Governor Otter, she learned not to accept “no” for an answer and how to work with others to create an outcome that benefits everyone. Alongside Governor Little, Meuleman honed her skills to manage a crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She feels that Governor Little has always been a “resource of guidance.”

When asked to describe leadership, Meuleman said she believes that being a leader means, “guiding the ship.” It takes someone to make the decisions, elevate others around them, and give them tools to succeed.” Meuleman’s vision for the Boise Metro Chamber is to continue the great work with the same enthusiasm as her predecessor. She plans on continuing to create a strong membership base by deep-diving into what members find most valuable. During the process, she will identify what’s working and what isn’t. Her hope is for the Chamber to become a beneficial partner through community engagement, advocacy, and support.

Meuleman plans on working with all Chambers here in the Treasure Valley. As she mentioned, “Many businesses across Idaho are facing the same issues such as workforce, housing, and transportation. By narrowing in on what we can handle locally, through partnerships across the valley, we the community can take care of itself over time.” Meuleman gave kudos to the Boise Metro Chamber’s Board members and said they’ve been active advocates within the community who want to help. She said that many of them have approached her with new ideas and projects to partner with. She reported that the support from the Board has been magnificent and that she’s eager to be working with them.

When Jess Flynn pressed about the Chamber’s efforts in policy, Meuleman answered, “You will see more of a presence in the state house,” mentioning the Chamber’s own Policy Committee and members who have government affairs staff. Going forward, she plans for the Chamber to have a more visible presence with advocacy, in lieu of working behind the scenes. Meuleman encouraged members to reach out to her, the Policy Committee, or Tori Thomas, the Chamber’s Community and Government Affairs Manager, to share thoughts and inquire about how they could become more involved.

As the event began to conclude, Bobbi-Jo spoke about her vision for the next year to be filled with continued growth for the Chamber, creating new opportunities for its members and making an impact within the Treasure Valley as an influential partner.