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Thursday, November 20, 3-5 pm
Check In at 2:45 pm
Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
| | "Southern Idaho's Ag Economy" | | |
Doug Robison
Idaho President at AgWest Farm Credit
2025 Operation Facelift Recognition
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Thank you Sponsors!
Columbia Bank, Con Paulos Chevrolet, and Frontier Community Resources
We invite you to attend - please RSVP!
| | Invest in Southern Idaho's Economy! | | | |
Business Plus is a regional alliance of private-sector leaders committed to driving job creation, industry growth, and economic vitality in Southern Idaho.
We partner with business, education and government to attract new companies, expand local industries, and build a skilled regional workforce. Our efforts directly support the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) and Rural Economic Development Services (REDS).
Join Business Plus and invest in strategic growth that benefits Southern Idaho's regional economy!
Rebecca Wildman
Executive Director
www.BusinessPlusInc.org
208-539-6470
| | | | Pipeline Plastics Opens in Record Time | |
In just ten months, Pipeline Plastics transformed a groundbreaking ceremony into a fully operational advanced manufacturing facility — a remarkable achievement that underscores both innovation and community collaboration.
Thanks to strong partnerships with Gary Jones Construction, D.L. Evans Bank, MoFi, United Electric Coop, and the City of Rupert, this project now brings 50 new full-time jobs to the region. Beyond job creation, it diversifies Rupert's economic base and enhances the local tax structure, reinforcing a more resilient and sustainable economy for Southern Idaho.
"This grand opening represents more than a facility — it represents our commitment to innovation, community and the future of infrastructure," said Mike Leathers, CEO of Pipeline Plastics. "We are proud to celebrate with the people of Rupert and excited to provide high-quality jobs while strengthening the backbone of America's water and energy networks."
"This milestone shows the impact we intend to make — not only within our industry, but in the communities where we live and work," said Jordan Lathan, Vice President of Production. "Our Rupert facility showcases state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities that will drive growth and performance for years to come."
From concept to completion, Pipeline Plastics' rapid progress exemplified what's possible when business, community, and local leadership work hand in hand — a true success story for Southern Idaho.
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Our Economic Development Partner:
CSI Workforce Development & Training
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When Business Plus leaders founded SIEDO twenty-four years ago, they built it on the power of partnership — bringing together our business investors, Southern Idaho’s communities, and the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) with its Workforce Development & Training programs. From the very beginning, collaboration was our key to success.
SIEDO's first success story came in 2001, when we brought DELL Computers to Southern Idaho. CSI stepped up in a big way, creating customized training programs that prepared hundreds of local residents for new careers at DELL. The results were transformative — more than 500 new jobs in our valley and an opportunity for local people to gain cutting-edge computer skills that reshaped our regional workforce. It was a milestone that showed what’s possible when business, education, and community work hand in hand.
| Empowering Southern Idaho's Workforce | |
CSI’s Workforce Development Department is dedicated to helping local businesses thrive by providing practical, results-driven training and education solutions. We partner with employers across industries to identify skill gaps, design customized training programs, and connect companies with emerging talent through apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities. From leadership and safety training to technical skill development and professional certifications, our programs are built to meet real workforce needs.
By working with CSI Workforce Development, businesses can strengthen employee retention, improve productivity, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy—all while investing in the future of Southern Idaho’s workforce.
The Workforce Development Department includes three key divisions:
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Work Based Learning: connects students with internships, career assessments, interview coaching, and résumé assistance to help them transition successfully into the workforce.
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Workforce Training: serves local employers and employees through industry-driven programs that build technical skills, leadership capabilities, and career advancement opportunities.
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Community Education: offers personal enrichment classes for adults and youth, helping individuals explore new interests and lifelong learning opportunities.
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CSI Apprenticeship Success Story |
Gilbert's Interview Closet | In addition to Gilbert's Pantry, the Work-Based Learning Department introduced Gilbert’s Interview Closet—a new resource that provides students with professional business attire, either through donations or voucher support, at no cost. This ensures that students are not only well-prepared for interviews, but also confident and professional on their first day of work. It’s a small but powerful example of how we’re removing barriers to student success. | |
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CSI’s Trades and Industry programs are designed to prepare workers for hands-on technical careers that drive Idaho’s economy. From welding and manufacturing to automation and HVAC, these courses blend practical training with industry-recognized credentials—helping individuals build the skills local employers are seeking.
Our Healthcare training programs continue to address one of Southern Idaho’s most urgent workforce needs. CSI offers short-term and certification courses in areas such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomy, and Medication Aide, as well as advanced training for incumbent healthcare professionals. These programs ensure that hospitals, clinics, and care facilities have the qualified staff needed to provide quality patient care.
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Professional Development offerings help employees and leaders build essential soft skills and management capabilities. Courses in communication, project management, supervision, and leadership development empower participants to take the next step in their careers while contributing more effectively to their organizations.
CSI also offers comprehensive Computer and Technology training, from basic digital literacy to advanced software, cybersecurity, and data analytics. These courses enable local businesses to stay technologically current and help employees build digital confidence in today’s increasingly connected workplace.
Finally, Safety Training remains one of CSI’s most requested services. Our programs cover topics such as OSHA compliance, first aid/CPR, forklift operation, and workplace hazard recognition. By investing in safety training, employers not only protect their workforce but also reduce costly incidents and downtime.
| | | | Our Custom Training services are tailored specifically to meet the needs of local companies. Whether a business is looking to improve supervisory skills, enhance quality processes, or upskill technical staff, CSI’s team of experts can design and deliver training on-site or at one of our regional centers. This flexible, employer-focused approach ensures immediate, measurable impact on performance and productivity. | | CSI Workforce & Development Contacts | | Across all these areas, CSI Workforce Development remains committed to one mission: helping Southern Idaho’s businesses and workers grow together. Whether you’re an employer seeking to strengthen your team or an individual ready to advance your career, CSI stands ready to support your success. | | ITD Updating Statewide Rail Plan | | Idaho Power's Southwest Intertie Project-North | | Other News we are Following | | |
Expansion Solutions, October 30, 2025: Idaho's Incentives Drive Sustainable Growth and Business Expansion
KIVITV, October 21, 2025: Ranked one of the nation's best, Twin Falls City Manager and Gov Business Review, Top 10 City Managers - 2025
Commentary: Idaho Capital Sun, October 10, 2025: Idaho is powering up its nuclear efforts to fill the energy demands of the future
Capital Press, October 2, 2025: Mostly high farm input costs, 'double squeeze' to persist
KMVT, October 2, 2025: CSI is helping students dress to impress
| | Thank you New and Renewing Investors! | | |
PLATINUM
First Federal*
Blue Cross of Idaho
D.L. Evans Bank*
Idaho Central Credit Union*
Idaho Power*
Intermountain Gas Company*
PMT*
GOLD
Cooper Norman, CPAs*
Idaho Dairymen's Association
Mondelēz / Clif Bar
St. Luke's*
SILVER
AgWest Farm Credit NEW!
American Real Estate and Appraisal*
Atlas Technical Consultants
Crossroads Point
Dairy West
Dot Foods
EHM Engineers, Inc.*
Farmers Bank*
Idaho Milk Products
KMVT*+
Oasis Stop 'N Go / Travelers' Oasis / Canyon
Crest Event Center / Redhawk*
PBC Petersen Brothers Construction
PCA Packaging Corporation of America*
Select Health
Starr Corporation*
Times-News/Amplified Digital Agency*+
TitleOne*
United Electric Co-op, Inc.*
Watkins Distributing*
WillTran, Inc.
BRONZE
Balanced Rock Insurance
BBSI
Best Western Burley Inn
Cassia Regional Hospital - Intermountain
Healthcare*
Colliers
Con Paulos Chevrolet*
Desert Creative Group
ESI Construction NEW!
Float Magic
Flying S Title & Escrow*
Gary Jones Construction NEW!
Goode Motor / Lease End*
Innovative Medical Imagining / Innovative
Family Medicine
Les Schwab Tire Center
Lytle Signs*
Mammoth Financial
McKinlay Klundt Appraisal Co.
MEG & Co. Designer Homes
Minidoka Memorial Hospital*
North Canyon Medical Center
Nu-Vu Glass
Popplewell Law
Scoular
TitleFact, Inc.*
TOK Commercial
True West Beef
Ward +Campbell Orthodontics
Westfall & Westfall CPAs / Impact Athletic
Club*
Wills Toyota*
Zions Bank*
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COMMUNITY
Family Health Services
Hudson & Co.
Moss Greenhouses
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
Rep. Maxine Bell (retired)
Cindy Collins
Rep. Lance Clow
Chenele Dixon
Jeff Harris
Linda Hartgen, and in memory of
Stephen Hartgen
Jeff Harris
Carleen Herring
Alan Horner
Dan Lloyd
Rex Lytle
Dave McAlindin
Mike McBride
Gregg Middlekauff
Gary Nelson
Dan Olmstead
Mayor Ruth Pierce
Cally Grindstaff Roach
Jan Rogers
Amy Stahl
Rich Stivers
Jody Tremblay
Doug Vollmer
Lee Wagner
Deb Wilson
John Wright
IN-KIND SUPPORT
Atlas Technical Services
BBSI
Best Western Burley Inn
Columbia Bank
Con Paulos Chevrolet
D.L. Evans Bank
Frontier Community Partners
Idaho Central Credit Union
KeyBank
Minidoka Memorial Hospital
Nu-Vu Glass
Packaging Specialties of Idaho
Pizza Factory
PMT
Sparklight
Stratus Marketing
TOK Commercial
Watkins Distributing
Willamette Dental Group
WillTran, Inc.
*Indicates 10+ years of support since 2003
+includes additional promotional investment
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Our Mission:
Private Investors Growing Southern Idaho's Economy
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Our Vision:
Strong Partnerships Supporting a Vibrant Regional Economy
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