July 2026 Newsletter

PLEASE JOIN US

2026 Third Quarter Meeting

"Workforce in Focus: State Resources, Federal Policy and Southern Idaho's Future"

Chet Jeppesen, Manager

Idaho Department of Labor

South Central Office

U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson

2nd Congressional District of Idaho

Thursday, August 20, 2026

2:45 p.m. Check In

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Meeting

El Sombrero

143 W Main Street

Jerome, Idaho

WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND - PLEASE RSVP!

Thank you Sponsors!

Jerome 20/20

&

Stratus Marketing

We could use one more sponsor; contact Rebecca if you are interested!

Celebrating SIEDO's 25-Year Anniversary!

On June 1, we celebrated a remarkable Southern Idaho success story: the 25th anniversary of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO).

For 25 years, SIEDO has helped drive long-term prosperity across Southern Idaho through a public-private partnership with Business Plus, the College of Southern Idaho, and communities across the region. Built on trust, partnership, and a shared regional identity, SIEDO has helped transform the way Southern Idaho approaches economic development.

Watch: Jan Rogers pass the baton to Jason Barnes, new Executive Director for SIEDO

Retired Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter speaks about Southern Idaho's success

L-R: Jason Meyerhoeffer, Jim Evans, and Vann Cunningham

SIEDO co-founder Lee Wagner speaks on SIEDO's history

SIEDO's story began in the 1980s, when Southern Idaho's agriculture-dependent economy faced low commodity prices, double-digit interest rates, declining land values, and limited access to capital. Lee Wagner, a co-founder of SIEDO, recalled the desire to take a regional approach, leading to the engagement of consultant Lockwood Greene to develop a regional economic development strategy.

Former Lockwood Greene consultant Vann Cunningham, returned to Idaho to speak at this event, and see for himself our valley's transformation. He reflected on the lasting impact of that vision:

"The greatest achievement is not how many jobs you're going to create or how many square feet you've built — it's the permanent cultural shift from city versus city competition to a model of regional collaboration."

The spirit of collaboration was echoed throughout the celebration.

L-R: Con Paulos, Linda Hartgen, CSI President Dean Fisher

College of Southern Idaho President Dean Fisher emphasized CSI's role as an economic development engine, serving as a responsive partner to employers, communities, and industry leaders. He said CSI helps translate regional growth into opportunity through workforce training, industry alignment, and collaboration — and must move with the local economy, adapt to it, and help power it "at the speed of business."

L-R: Former Idaho Governor Butch Otter, Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, Idaho Senate Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon

Former Governor Butch Otter praised Idaho's work ethic and business-friendly approach, pointing to the Magic Valley and Chobani as examples of what can happen when communities, state leaders, and employers align around growth and move quickly on practical solutions.

Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke highlighted the Magic Valley's teamwork and community leadership, describing the region's "secret sauce" as its people — defined by grit, hard work, and a shared commitment to making it a great place to live and work.

L-R: Burley Administrator Brett Boyer, Jerome Administrator, Mike Williams, and Twin Falls City Manager Travis Rothweiler

Senator Kelly Anthon, Brett Boyer, Mike Williams and Travis Rothweiler underscored the value of continued investment in the regional partnership, long-term collaboration, and the relationships that help move projects forward.

Kelly Anthon said Southern Idaho had transformed itself "from a team of individuals into an individual team," adding that "companies don't see city lines — investors see a region."

L-R: Jan Rogers introducing new SIEDO Executive Director Jason Barnes, Rudy Ashenbrenner

The celebration also marked a transition in leadership with Jan Rogers introducing Jason Barnes as SIEDO's next executive director. Jan's dedicated leadership and years of service helped shape SIEDO's first 25 years, and she leaves the organization with a strong foundation and an exciting future ahead.

Rudy Ashenbrener closed the event with a call to continue investing in Southern Idaho's economic development future:

"This is why Business Plus matters. Your support provides the resources and flexibility needed to advance projects, respond to opportunities, and continue the important work that has defined SIEDO's first 25 years. We invite you to continue the journey with us."

Thank you to the Business Plus and SIEDO Boards, our investors, community leaders and the College of Southern Idaho for helping make this celebration such a success.

Explore SIEDO's 25-year story: Our event program highlights the history of Business Plus and SIEDO and takes a look at how Southern Idaho's economy has grown and changed over the past 25 years.

Welcome New Director Jason Barnes!

We are excited to welcome Jason Barnes as the Executive Director for SIEDO!

Jason comes to us with a wealth of experience after spending the past eight years with the Idaho Department of Commerce's Business Attraction team, including the past two years leading the team. Throughout his career, Jason has helped attract new investment, support business expansion, and strengthen partnerships that create lasting economic opportunities across Idaho. His collaborative leadership style, commitment to service, and passion for economic development make him an outstanding addition to the SIEDO team.

Reach Jason at: jasonb@southernidaho.org

"Southern Idaho has incredible momentum and opportunity, and I am honored to join SIEDO at this exciting time. I look forward to building on the organization's strong foundation, strengthening partnerships, and working alongside our members and communities to create lasting economic prosperity throughout the region."

- Jason Barnes, SIEDO Executive Director

Trade Mission to Japan | November 18-20, 2026

Idaho Governor Little is planning a Trade Mission to Tokyo, Japan. Idaho companies that are looking to expand sales and building new business relationships in the Japanese market are invited to participate.

For more information, contact Sharon Canaday at the Idaho Department of Commerce or Chelsea Conlon at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

On July 17, Jason Barnes, Executive Director of SIEDO, met with representatives from the Idaho-Japan Trade Office at the College of Southern Idaho to learn more about trade opportunities in Japan. Trade and international business development complement one another, creating new opportunities for our Southern Idaho businesses and communities.

L-R: Ivan Cardenas, Jason Barnes and Kevin Meek

Twin Falls Downtown Redevelopment Opportunities

The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Twin Falls has launched a major downtown redevelopment effort focused on two sites: 2nd and Hansen and the Old Towne South Site at 4th and Hansen.

The RFPs represent an exciting opportunity to attract qualified development partners, build on downtown momentum, and advance projects that could bring new housing, commercial activity, hospitality, public gathering spaces, and long-term investment in the heart of Twin Falls.

Learn more: Watch KMVT's interview with Shawn Barigar, explore the project information, or contact Shawn Barigar with questions.

The Idaho Transportation Department is requesting public comment on the DRAFT Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP), a document that guides ITD investments through various state and federal funding programs for the next seven years. The comment period is open through July 31, 2026.

ITD is also asking for the public's feedback on planned road, bridge and safety projects. Visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map of projects for the next seven years. Comments can be submitted through the ITD portal, by email to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov, or by mail to ITD; P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707.

Adult Education Survey for Employers

Attention Employers! Changes in federal and state workforce training requirements are creating new opportunities to better align Adult Education programs with the needs of local employers. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey and help identify workforce and workplace preparation needs, especially for entry-level and mid-skill employees.

Do you have a particular hiring challenge you want to share, or are interested a more detailed conversation? Reach out to Todd Schwarz or book an appointment directly through IvyWild Consulting.

All responses are confidential and anonymous.

Early registration is now open for the IEDA Fall Workshop! You don't need to be an economic development professional to attend — this workshop is a great opportunity for business and community leaders to learn more about infrastructure, connect with others, and explore strategies for strengthening Idaho communities.

Jerome 20/20 Launches New Website

A strong website is critical for economic development serving as the community's digital storefront and a primary research tool for site selectors, investors and talent.

A community website showcases local assets — from available sites and buildings to workforce data and business resources — helping prospective businesses, investors, and residents understand what makes a community a great place to live, work, and grow.

We invite you to explore Jerome 20/20's new website and learn more about the community's assets and opportunities.

Economic and Industry Reports

Idaho Milk Products Expands Footprint with Cutting-Edge Ice Cream and Powder Blending Facility in Jerome

"After years of planning, this new facility enables us to advance our milk protein powder business through customized blending solutions while bringing the same value-added approach to cream as we have with milk protein. More importantly, this is a plant built for the future."

- Daragh Maccabee, CEO Idaho Milk Products

More news: Idaho Milk Products, KMVT, Quality Assurance & Food Safety, Food Engineering Magazine, Ag Proud, Dairy Herd Management, GlobeNewswire, and Trendhunter

Other News we are Following

Times-News, July 21, 2026: Jerome County Commissioner gain insight into nuclear energy

Times-News, July 15, 2026: Top 5 Things to know: Jerome's Downtown Revitalization Project

Times-News, July 14, 2026: What Jerome's nearly $6 million downtown makeover means for residents

KMVT, July 8, 2026: Idaho U.S. Rep. Simpson supports overhaul of H-2A migrant farm worker program

Times-News, June 28, 2026: Making Magic: Water, Vision and the Magic Valley

KMVT, June 26, 2026: ITD studies improvements on major Magic Valley highway corridor

KMVT, June 26, 2026: Department of Labor closes office in Burley, will open mobile location

Idaho Department of Commerce, June 17, 2026: Idaho wins Silver Shovel Award for economic growth and job creation

Times-News, June 16, 2026: URA announces parcels available for Twin Falls downtown development

Congressman Mike Simpson, June 4, 2026: Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Idaho Water Improvement Projects

Times-News, June 4, 2026: Twin Falls/Jerome misses out on $800M Janicki expansion project

KTVB, June 2, 2026: 'Growth is outpacing resources': Why Idaho Power wants to build two new natural gas plants

Thank you New and Renewing Investors!

COMMUNITY

Family Health Services

Hudson & Co.

New Leaf Properties*

Oregon Trail RV Park*

Sparklight*

Strategic Financial Group

Stratus Marketing

Twin Falls Handy Wash

Window Welder

LEGACY LEADERS

Leonard Anderson

Maxine Bell

Lance Clow

Cindy Collins

Chenele Dixon

Jeff Harris

Linda Hartgen, and in memory of

   Stephen Hartgen

Carleen Herring

Alan Horner

Dan Lloyd

Rex Lytle

Dave McAlindin

Mike McBride

Gregg Middlekauff

Gary Nelson

Dan Olmstead

Ruth Pierce

Jan Rogers

Amy Stahl

Rich Stivers

Jody Tremblay

Doug Vollmer

Lee Wagner

Deb Wilson

John Wright

SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT

Atlas Technical Services

Bank of Commerce

BBSI

Best Western Burley Inn

Columbia Bank

Con Paulos Chevrolet

D.L. Evans Bank

First Federal Bank

Frontier Community Resoures

Idaho Central Credit Union

Idaho Power

Jerome 20/20

KeyBank

Minidoka Memorial Hospital

Nu-Vu Glass

Packaging Specialties of Idaho

Pizza Factory

PMT

Sparklight

St. Luke's

Stratus Marketing

TOK Commercial

United Electric Co-op, Inc.

Watkins Distributing

Willamette Dental Group

WillTran, Inc.

*Indicates 10+ years of support since 2003

+includes additional promotional investment