Boise Metro Chamber 2025 Regional Leadership Conference

Thank you to all who attended the 2025 Boise Metro Chamber Regional Leadership Conference - Education and Workforce Development presented by Republic Services.

​This year's Regional Leadership Conference focused on the topic of Education and Work Force Development. Attendees heard from seven panels all focusing on education intersecting with industries in Idaho.

Panel 1: The Intersection of Education and Workforce Development
Moderator: Jennifer Swindell
Panelists: Gordon Jones, Roger Quarles, Wendi Secrist

Panel 2: K-12 Education Evolution
Moderator: Kelly Olson
Panelists: Rep. Sonia Galaviz, Sen Dave Lent, Keith Donahue, Dr. Derek Bub

Sessions
How Public Schools are Preparing Students for Success After Graduation: Debbie Critchfield
Idaho Launch: Governor Brad Little
Addressing Workforce Needs In a Growing City: Mayor Lauren McLean - Boise
America's 250 Celebration: Jennifer Stevens

Panel 3: Why Industry Partnership with Education is Critical in Addressing Workforce Needs
Moderator: April Arnzen
Panelists: Olivier Beloobe, Sarah Griffin, Malia Miyaura-Heuman

Panel 4: The Importance of Strategic Partnership in Advancing Idaho's Self Reliance
Moderator: Tom Kealy 
Panelists: Nancy Glenn, Neil Nelson, Scott Gatzemeier

Panel 5: The Importance of Partnerships for Industry and University Research
Moderator: Michael Ballantyne
Panelists: C. Scott Green, Garret Lofto, Christina Hardesty

Panel 6: Partnerships for Securing Idaho's Future with Critical Minerals and Materials
Moderator: Mckinsey Lyon
Panelists: Dr. Marty Blair, Dr. Shannon Bragg-Sitton, Ken Dey
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Panel 7: What are the Barriers to success for a Talent Pipeline for the Future?
Moderator: Jim Shipman
Panelists: Tommy Ahlquist, Skip Oppenheimer, Chelsea Miller, Megan Ellis

Thank you to the following for sponsoring this year's Regional Leadership Conference:

• Blue Cross of Idaho
• Exyte
• Micron
• PMF Investments
• Regence BlueShield of Idaho
• Sorren (Formerly Harris CPAs)

Thank you to all of our Co-sponsors:

• Albertsons
• Boise Airport
• Boise State University
• Brighton Corporation
• Capital City Development Corp (CCDC)
• Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS)
• Cushing Terrell
• Hawley Troxell
• Hub International
• Idaho Business Review 
• INL-Battelle Energy Alliance
• Oppenheimer Companies, Inc.
• Shoshone - Bannock Casino Hotel
• TOK Commercial
• University of Idaho Boise
• Verizon Wireless
• Washington Trust Bank

Be sure to check out the photo gallery.