Boise Metro Chamber's 30th Annual Leadership Conference Focused on Transportation and Mobility in Idaho

The April 2023 Leadership Conference was a highly anticipated event, bringing together key decision-makers and stakeholders in transportation from across Idaho. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the conference. Hosted in the beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho the conference focused on the theme "Trains, Planes, and Automobiles: Mobility in Idaho." The conference brought together mayors from the Treasure Valley, Idaho's Governor, commissioners, city council members, other elected officials, regional CEOs, and stakeholders in transportation.

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists who shared their insights on various transportation-related topics. The presentations included "Advanced Air Mobility," which explored the exciting possibilities of drone technology and its impact on transportation, "Reinvesting Idaho's Tax Dollars: How IIJA Can Build the Infrastructure Needs of Today," which discussed the potential for infrastructure investments to boost economic growth, "Bringing Back the Pioneer Line," which looked at the potential for reviving a historic passenger train line to unite communities across Idaho to Salt Lake, and "Connecting our Communities: Regional Collaboration for Transportation," which focused on the importance of cooperation between different regions to create a more efficient transportation network.

Another important presentation was "Passenger Rail in a Growth Mode' Bringing More Trains to More People,'" which discussed the potential for expanding passenger rail services across Idaho to provide more affordable and environmentally friendly travel options for residents. "Engineers and Builders" provided insights into the technical challenges of transportation infrastructure development, while "Boise Airport - Growing in Pace with Our Community" explored the importance of expanding the airport and its services to maintain efficiency for our growing region.

Speakers and Panelists included:

• Odette Bolano, Chair of the Board, Boise Metro Chamber and President & CEO, Saint Alphonsus
• Jared Esselman, Director of Aeronautics, Utah Department of Transportation
• Bre Brush, Mayor's Transportation Advisor, City of Boise
• Elaine Clegg, CEO, Valley Regional Transit
• Kathy Griesmyer, Director of Governmental Affairs, City of Boise
• Alexis Pickering, President, ACHD
• Jimmy Hallyburton, Boise City Council Pro Tem
• Mayor Brian Blad (City of Pocatello)
• Mayor Jarom Wagoner (City of Caldwell)
• Governor Brad Little, The Great State of Idaho 
• Mayor Lauren McLean (City of Boise)
• Garrett Lofto, President & CEO, Simplot
• Jeff Binford, Senior Director US Expansion Planning, Micron Technology
• Nicole Bucich, Vice President, Network Development, Amtrak 
• William Swelbar, Chief Airline Industry Analyst, Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy
• Wayne Hammon, CEO, Idaho Associated General Contractors
• Laila Kral, Administrator, Local Highway Technical Assistance Council
• Amy Luft, Communications Coordinator, COMPASS
• Dan McElhinney, Chief Deputy Director, Idaho Transportation Department 
• Rebecca Hupp, Airport Director, Boise Airport

The conference's presenting sponsor was Republic Services, a waste management company committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Alaska Airlines was the MVP sponsor, reflecting its commitment to safe and efficient air travel. Other sponsors included Adler Industrial, Boise Metro Chamber Foundation, the Executive MBA program at Boise State University, Colliers, Intermountain Gas Company, St. Luke's, and Western Peaks Logistics. Co-sponsors included Albertsons, Bank of Idaho, Boise Airport, Brighton, Capital City Development Corp, Cushing Terrell, Gardner, Harris CPAs, Hawley Troxell Attorneys and Counselors, HC Company, HUB, Micron, Oppenheimer Companies Inc, Regence, University of Idaho in Boise, and Washington Trust Banks.

The Boise Metro Chamber's Leadership Conference was an excellent opportunity for attendees to network, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities for transportation infrastructure development in Idaho. It highlighted the importance of cooperation between different regions and stakeholders in creating an efficient and sustainable transportation network. The speakers and panelists provided valuable insights and recommendations that could inform future policy decisions and investments in transportation infrastructure.

​The April 2023 Leadership Conference was a resounding success, bringing together key decision-makers and stakeholders in transportation across Idaho. The presentations and discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation, sustainability, and innovation. The sponsors and co-sponsors demonstrated their commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure development in Idaho. As always, the event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas and explore new possibilities for the future.