March 2026 Newsletter

2026 First Quarter Meeting

Our First Quarter Meeting, titled "A Southern Idaho Success Story: Pipeline Plastics comes to Rupert, Idaho," showcased what can be accomplished when persistence and collaboration align. Jason Jones of Gary Jones Construction shared the behind-the-scenes story of how a coordinated, proactive approach helped successfully recruit Pipeline Plastics to our region — ultimately resulting in 49 new advanced manufacturing jobs.

As Jones described, the project required finding "a unicorn." Pipeline Plastics was seeking to expand into the Northwest and needed a facility that checked several very specific boxes: rail access, city utilities, and approximately 75,000 square feet of space. After unsuccessful attempts in other communities, the City of Rupert helped identify land owned by an international company that had planned to build there more than a decade ago. While acquiring the property proved complex, persistence paid off, and the project began to take shape.

Jason Jones, Gary Jones Construction, speaks about recruiting Pipeline Plastics

A strong network of partners stepped in to move the project forward. D.L. Evans Bank collaborated with Aspire15 Investors, and closed the deal by using a MoFi New Market Tax Credit (NMTC). United Electric Co-op provided an innovative solution to deliver the required 2.5 megawatts of power without impacting existing Rupert customers. Meanwhile, the City of Rupert and the Minidoka Building Department helped accelerate progress by allowing construction plans to be submitted in phases, keeping the project on a fast track.

Josh Ortega, Pipeline Plastics, speaks about the uses for HDPE pipe and its benefits

The results speak for themselves. Pipeline Plastics broke ground in January 2025 and celebrated its grand opening just ten months later — an impressive timeline that underscores the effectiveness of this collaborative effort. Beyond the speed of delivery, the project brings lasting value to our region, including 49 quality jobs and the addition of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe manufacturer. This product not only strengthens our position in western markets, but also supports infrastructure needs right here at home, serving applications in water, sewer, dairy and energy projects across our region.

This success story is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, businesses and partners work together toward a common goal. It sets a strong example for future recruitment efforts and reinforces the momentum we are building across Southern Idaho.

Speaker Slides

More about MoFi

MoFi recently received $85 million of New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation and is looking for eligible projects. If you have a high-impact project that is a community priority and are located in a low-income census tract, reach out to MoFi representatives Elissa Schauman and Kristen Ingman.

Save the Date!

Check Presentation

Thank you Bank of Commerce!

L-R: Dan Gammon, Mike Morrison, Rebecca Wildman, and Carl Darrington

SIEDO Director Jan Rogers and IDOC Business Attraction Manager Jason Barnes have been actively promoting Idaho on a broader stage, attending major industry events in March and preparing for state, national, and international engagements in the months ahead.

Earlier this month Rogers and Barnes attended the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Leadership Summit held March 1–3. They were joined by Daniel Dozier, SIEDO's FDI consultant with expertise in European markets. During the conference, Rogers facilitated an introduction between Dozier and Violet PR, SIEDO's long-time public relations partner – creating an opportunity to expand media outreach and collaboration in European markets.

Looking ahead, IEDC will host its Annual Conference this October, presenting another valuable opportunity to showcase Southern Idaho and continue building visibility among key site selectors and industry leaders.

L-R: Jason Barnes, Jan Rogers and Daniel Dozier

Rogers and Barnes also attended the Site Selectors Guild Spring Conference, held March 23–25 in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, they connected with Mike and Denise Mullis of J.J. Mullis, Inc., a nationally recognized site selection consulting firm. The Mullis team previously represented the Clif Bar Bakery in its 2015 decision to locate in Twin Falls, Idaho, making the reconnection especially meaningful for our region. They expressed strong interest in returning to Southern Idaho for a future visit – an encouraging sign that our region remains top of mind among key site selection professionals.

L-R: Mike Mullis, Jan Rogers, Denise Mullis and Jason Barnes

On April 1, 2026, Rogers and Barnes will present strategies for international business development and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) at the Idaho Economic Development Association Spring Conference, engaging economic development leaders from across the state. For those interested in learning more, the Business Plus February 2026 Newsletter offers a deeper dive into the distinctions between international trade, FDI, and broader business development strategies.

In May, Team Southern Idaho will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit, one of the nation's premier events for attracting foreign direct investment. Rogers will speak at the May 5 session, "Cultivating Capital: Rural EDO's Competitive Edge," highlighting the unique advantages rural communities bring to the global marketplace. Several regional partners will attend, including Board Member Nathan Murray representing Business Plus.

New this year, Idaho is hosting From Potato Chips to Microchips, an event designed to welcome international companies and investors interested in exploring opportunities across the state. The program will highlight Idaho's growth and innovation in both agricultural technology and the semiconductor industry, with sessions covering education, workforce development, economic strength, and quality of life. A second day of tours will offer attendees the opportunity visit the Magic Valley.

Looking beyond these events, plans are underway for a return trip to the European Union as new opportunities for international engagement and investment continue to emerge.

Remembering Doug Manning

Economic Snapshots

Other News we are Following

Idaho Press, March 18, 2026: U of I report: Idaho agriculture's economic impact hits record $44.5 billion

KTVB7, March 5, 2026: Inside Ag: Magic Valley milk fuels on of Idaho's biggest food producers

Idaho Business Review, February 26, 2026: Experts delve into Idaho's economic development and where it's headed (including SIEDO Director Jan Rogers)

KMVT, February 11, 2026: Jerome economy expected to benefit from new CSI campus

Thank you New and Renewing Investors!

COMMUNITY

Family Health Services

Hudson & Co.

New Leaf Properties*

Oregon Trail RV Park*

Sparklight*

Stevens Pierce & Associates CPAs*

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

IN-KIND SUPPORT

Atlas Technical Services

Bank of Commerce

BBSI

Best Western Burley Inn

Columbia Bank

Con Paulos Chevrolet

D.L. Evans Bank

Frontier Community Resoures

Idaho Central Credit Union

KeyBank

Minidoka Memorial Hospital

Nu-Vu Glass

Packaging Specialties of Idaho

Pizza Factory

PMT

Sparklight

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