Top 10 Chamber Business Stories of 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.