November 2026 Newsletter

PLEASE JOIN US

2026 Annual Meeting

The Future of Southern Idaho's Water:

Infrastructure & Management Challenges

Travis Rothweiler, City Manager

Twin Falls Idaho

Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke

State of Idaho

Thursday, November 19

2:45 p.m. Check-in

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

Fifth Avenue Point Event Center

243 5th Ave S, Twin Falls, Idaho

WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND - PLEASE RSVP!

Thank you to our event sponsor!

Liberty Gold USA, Inc.

A Southern Idaho delegation recently returned to France to continue building international relationships and exploring opportunities for business development. Idaho State Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon, SIEDO Executive Director Jason Barnes, and SIEDO International Business Consultant Jan Rogers represented Idaho at SIAL Paris, one of the world's largest international food exhibitions. From meeting with international business leaders to showcasing Idaho food products at the U.S. Mission House, the visit highlighted Southern Idaho's strengths in food production, processing, and innovation while opening doors for future partnerships.

SIAL Paris: Making International Connections

The delegation attended the SIAL Paris 2026 International Food Exhibition, an event that draws nearly 300,000 attendees and features more than 8,000 exhibitors representing Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America and the United States.

The exhibition provided an opportunity to connect with international food companies and industry representatives, as well as reconnect with Idaho businesses. The Idaho Milk Products team was among the exhibitors reinforcing the growing international presence of Idaho's food industry.

During the exhibition, Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon was interviewed by Mohamed Metwally, Editor-in-Chief of Food Website. Anthon encouraged Egyptian and Middle Eastern food companies to explore investment, research partnerships, and business expansion opportunities in Idaho.

He highlighted Idaho's business-friendly environment and expanding food manufacturing industries, including investments in dairy research, high-protein products, and more sustainable food production.

Anthon emphasized Idaho's potential as a gateway to the U.S. market stating, "There won't be a better front door into the United States market than Idaho."

Idaho Senator Kelly Anthon speaks with Food Website's Editor-in-Chief.

The U.S. Embassy SIAL Reception

The delegation attended an evening reception at the U.S. Embassy hosted by U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco Charles Kushner. Although attendance was significantly reduced due to a travel advisory warning visitors of potential protests and delays, the Idaho delegation was able to attend and connect with the Ambassador and his wife, along with other international guests. Jan Rogers took the opportunity to present the Ambassador with an Idaho belt buckle as a memento.

Jan Rogers presents U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner with an Idaho belt buckle

#FoodDiplomacy: Idaho on the Menu

One of the highlights of the visit was showcasing Southern Idaho's All Things Food at the residence of Mario Mesquita, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in France. The evening demonstrated how outstanding ingredients, talented chefs, and regional producers come together to tell a compelling story about Idaho food. Representatives from Idaho companies joined chefs and food influencers for an evening celebrating the state's agricultural and food production industries.

Mario Mesquita, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy with Senator Anthon and Jason Barnes

Idaho Senator Kelly Anthon speaks about Idaho and its quality and diversity of food products

Featured Idaho products came from these companies:

• 44º North - Mountain Huckleberry vodka
• Snake River Farms (True West Beef) - American Wagyu beef tenderloin
• Idaho Springs Foods - White sturgeon caviar served on a Teton Valley potato chip
• Riverence - Idaho trout
• Frites Street - French Fries made from Idaho-grown potatoes
• Glanbia and Ballard Cheese - Idaho artisan cheeses
• Chobani - Yogurt featured in an Idaho-inspired parfait
• Bitner and Huston Vineyards - Idaho wines paired with the evening's menu

The showcase was an opportunity to introduce international guests to the quality and diversity of Idaho's food products while highlighting the companies and producers behind them.

Exploring Opportunities in Lyon

The delegation's visit also included a meeting with the European American Chamber of Commerce in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Molly Mayfield Barbee, U.S. Consul in Lyon, invited the SIEDO delegation to meet with chamber representatives to learn more about the economic strengths of each region and identify opportunities for international business development.

The conversations explored potential areas of mutual interest between Idaho and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The connections could begin taking shape as early as next year, creating possibilities for continued collaboration and international business relationships.

L-R: Jan Rogers, Daniel Dozier, Senator Kelly Anthon, Lyon Consul Molly Mayfield Barbee, European American Chamber of Commerce Director Sandrine Perreault, Sam Straight with Redox, and Jason Barnes

Looking Ahead

International relationships take time to develop, and visits like this help put Southern Idaho on the map as a place for business investment, food production, and innovation. By connecting Idaho companies with international business leaders, government representatives, and industry influencers, the delegation continues to build awareness of the opportunities available in Southern Idaho and strengthen relationships that may lead to future partnerships.

Southern Idaho on Stage

Southern Idaho's economic development strategies and success stories gained national recognition at the International Economic Development Council's Annual Conference.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) hosted its Annual Conference last month in New Orleans, bringing together economic development professionals from across the country to share ideas, explore new strategies, and learn from one another. Southern Idaho had a notable presence this year, with local and regional leaders sharing their expertise and showcasing the region's economic development successes.

1. Foreign Direct Investment in Rural America: Practical Strategies That Deliver Results



Jan Rogers joined Daniel Dozier, SIEDO's European consultant, and Jolene Schalper, Executive Vice President of the Great Falls Development Alliance, to discuss strategies rural communities can use to compete for and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

The session highlighted practical approaches to building international relationships and positioning rural communities to attract global business investment.

L-R: Jan Rogers, Daniel Dozier, and Jolene Schalper with Great Falls Development Alliance

2. The Power of Place: How Great Communities Stand Out in a Global Economy

April Mason, founder of Violet PR, shared how strategic storytelling and public relations can elevate a community's identity and help attract business investment.

Mason recently released her book, The Power of Place: How Great Communities Stand Out in a Global Economy, which includes a chapter highlighting Southern Idaho's success in building its regional identity through targeted public relations efforts. The chapter features SIEDO's All Things Food initiative and the region's U.S. Manufacturing Designation as examples of how a focused message can increase visibility and strengthen a community's position in the global marketplace.

3. From Globalization to Regionalization: How Geopolitical Shifts are Reshaping Investment and Growth

Daniel Dozier joined three other international economic development leaders on the conference's Plenary Stage, speaking before an audience of approximately 1,500 attendees.

The panel explored a wide range of issues shaping the future of economic development, including entrepreneurship, climate change, global competitiveness, cultural economy, workforce, housing and community trust.

Having Southern Idaho represented in these conversations provided an opportunity to share international perspectives and connect the region's work with broader economic development trends.

Celebrating Jan Rogers

As Jan Rogers retires from SIEDO, we want to recognize and thank her for her many contributions to Southern Idaho's economic development. Jan has been a tremendous advocate for our region, helping build international relationships, create new opportunities for business investment, and raise Southern Idaho's visibility on the global stage. Her work has helped connect our region with the world and showcase the strengths of our businesses and communities.

Jan's knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication have made a lasting difference for SIEDO and the region. We are grateful for her years of service, the relationships she has built, and the foundation she leaves.

We wish Jan all the best in her retirement!

Economic and Industry Reports

Department of Labor's Idaho Economic Situation Report, October 16, 2026

South Central Idaho Labor Force and Economic Profile, October 2026

Other News we are Following

• Chobani is building its future
• R&D on Three Very Different Fronts
• Chobani: A Different Company, Same Ethos
• The Fascinating Man Behind Chobani

"At Twin Falls, Chobani announced in March 2025 it was adding more than 500,000 sq. ft. of production space, expanding the Idaho facility's total footprint to more than 1.6 million sq. ft. That reportedly will make Twin Falls one of the largest natural food production facilities in the country."

KMVT.com, November 11, 2026: $30M irrigation project moves forward for Southern Idaho farmers

Idaho Statesman, November 9, 2026: Idaho and feds clash over water with high stakes for state law, nuclear ambition

KTVB.com, October 29, 2026: Former Idaho official warns federal water rights lawsuit threatens state control

KTVB.com, October 28, 2026: Federal government sues Idaho over water rights

Idaho Business Review, October 19, 2026: Southern Idaho food leaders seek European investment at Paris trade show

Thank you New and Renewing Investors!

Legacy Leaders

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

ICCU

Idaho Power

Jerome 20/20

KeyBank

Liberty Gold USA, Inc.

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