Welcome to the Business Plus Newsletter!

September 2025

Southern Idaho Showcases Innovation at International Agri-Tech Expo

Team Idaho attending SPACE 2025, Rennes, France

Led by SIEDO, the state of Idaho returned to France, with a mission to promote foreign direct investment opportunities and showcase the state's leadership in agricultural innovation by attending SPACE, the word's leading animal farming exhibition.

This year's exhibition broke all records, welcoming 1,230 exhibitors from 40 countries and over 102,000 visitors. Read more↗

Idaho's delegation included SIEDO Executive Director Jan Rogers, Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, Marc Skinner, CEO of the University of Idaho-Idaho Falls Center, as well as Jason Barnes and Tatum Clark from the Idaho Department of Commerce.

On the first day of the expo, Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke delivered an introduction to Idaho, highlighting the state's agriculture-based economy.

In addition to state and regional leadership, four Southern Idaho companies participated in the event—capitalizing on international exposure and business development opportunities.

• Voda IQ - based in Glenns Ferry, this innovative company specializes in electronic identification products for fish and marine wildlife.
• Redox Bio-Nutrients - A Burley-based ag tech company using cutting edge science to grow more nutritious food while promoting soil health.
• Riverence - A premier producer of sustainable American rainbow trout and steelhead, farmed in Idaho's Magic Valley.
• Hamilton Manufacturing Inc. (HMI) - Located in Twin Falls, HMI creates industrial fiber solutions using 100% recycled materials.

By attending SPACE, these Southern Idaho companies not only strengthened global connections but also demonstrated the state's commitment to sustainable, science-driven agriculture and aquaculture.

Darin Moon, Owner of Redox Bio-Nutrients, shared his perspective:

"Attending SPACE was an incredible opportunity for our company. The connections we made in France have the potential to open new doors for growth in European markets, and we're excited about the possibilities ahead." 

Idaho Opens European Office

Reception for Idaho's delegation in Rennes, France

On September 15, 2025, Idaho officially opened an office at the World Trade Center in Rennes, France. The opening was followed by a reception hosted by the City of Rennes.

Ouest-France, a prominent and widely read daily newspaper headquartered in Rennes, reported:

"Idaho, a western U.S. state renowned for its potato, milk, and semiconductor production, is opening its first European office in Rennes. The company's goals are to facilitate trade and academic exchanges, attract American companies to the French market, and reduce the impact of tariffs by strengthening its local presence."

Idaho Meets with the U.S. Embassy in Paris

Team Idaho met colleagues from three branches of the U.S. Embassy in Paris including the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of State, and the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2025

Idaho's Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke was one of over 300 delegates from around the world attending the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency's Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2025 conference in Paris, France on September 19, 2025. OECD stands for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, an intergovernmental agency that facilitates cooperation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, environment and law. With new attention to Nuclear in the U.S. and Idaho's Idaho National Laboratory work, it was a unique opportunity for Idaho to attend this conference. (Read more about Idaho's nuclear below.)

The U.S. Department of Energy announced that it will cohost the Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2026 conference.

Team Idaho met Idaho National Laboratory leaders in Paris including Jess Gehin, Associate Laboratory Director for Nuclear Science & Technology, Bonnie Hong, International Programs Director for Nuclear Science and Technology. Pictured left to right: Jason Barnes, Scott Bedke, Jan Rogers, Bonnie Hong, Jess Gehin, Marc Skinner and Matt Smith, HMI.

In addition to arranging this incredible week, Daniel Dozier, SIEDO's European Consultant, introduced Aurélien Schwartz, CEO and co-founder of Metroscope—a high-tech AI software company specializing in power plant monitoring and diagnostics, with operations in France, Germany and the United States.

Mr. Schwartz was highly engaged and expressed strong interest in Southern Idaho, and is considering a visit in the future. Mr. Dozier also plans to return to Southern Idaho soon to assist our local companies as they explore opportunities in the European market.

You're Invited! October 8th & 9th

Join business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates for this dynamic conference. Whether you are launching a startup, growing an existing business, or collaborating across sectors, this event is designed to equip and inspire you and your team with actionable strategies and valuable connections.

Choose your Experience:

ABC+ Registration — Wednesday and Thursday, October 8-9 | 8:30 AM–2:00 PM — $250

Includes everything in General Admission plus:

👉 Access to all workshops on October 8th

👉 A CliftonStrengths Leadership Assessment

👉 Unlimited CliftonStrengths coaching

General Admission (ABC) — Thursday, October 9 | 7:30 AM–3:30 PM — $100

👉 Learn what systems are working for and against you

👉 Engage with experts

👉 Option to add workshops on October 8 ($65 each)

Pitch Night — Wednesday, October 8 | 6:00–8:00 PM — Free and Open to the Public

👉 Seven finalists will pitch their businesses — come support Idaho's emerging entrepreneurs!

Spotlight on the Idaho SBDC

Doug Covey, SBDC State Director: "We measure success by the success of our businesses. Companies come to us with a felt need and our goal is to help them reach their core need. Once we determine that, that is when we start to see companies prosper."

The Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost, confidential consulting and expert guidance to Idahoans looking to start, grow, or strengthen their small businesses.

Since 1986, the Idaho SBDC has supported entrepreneurs across the state through a network of regional offices affiliated with Idaho's colleges and universities. The SBDC connects small businesses with valuable resources in higher education, government, and the private sector.

In South Central Idaho, the SBDC office is located at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. Brian Matsouka serves as the Regional Director and leads the team serving Camas, Blaine, Gooding, Lincoln, Jerome, Minidoka, Twin Falls, and Cassia counties.

Each regional SBDC office is staffed with experienced business consultants who provide one-on-one support tailored to a specific business' needs. Under the leadership of the ISBDC State Director, the organization has increasingly embraced virtual consulting—a model that enhances productivity, broadens access, and increases economic impact across the state.

This statewide collaboration model allows businesses to connect with the right consultant, regardless of location—matching clients with advisors who bring the most relevant industry or subject matter expertise.

Each SBDC regional office offers a wide range of low-cost or no-cost workshops and training sessions to help entrepreneurs and business owners build the skills they need to succeed.


Popular training topics include:

• Starting a Business in Idaho
• Business Planning & Start-Ups Essentials
• Writing Effective Business Plans
• Bidding on Government Contracts
• QuickBooks for Small Business
• Building a Website with WordPress
• Social Media & Instagram Marketing
• Getting Found on Google
• Digital Marketing Strategies
• Managing Business Financials
• Accessing Funding & Capital

If you are thinking about launching a business—or ready to take an existing one to the next level—the SBDC is a go-to resource for trusted answers an expert support. Explore the FAQs here.

The 2024 Statewide & Regional Impact Reports highlights how SBDC consultants, training, and resources supported entrepreneurs and strengthened small businesses across the state.

Jerome 2020 Hires New Director

The Jerome 20/20 Economic Development Organization has appointed Camille Barigar as its new Executive Director.

Camille brings a strong background in community engagement and regional leadership. Most recently, she served as Regional Director for Blue Cross of Idaho, and prior to that, as the Director of Community Enrichment and Fine Arts Program Coordinator at the College of Southern Idaho.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Camille Barigar to Jerome 20/20!

Other News we are Following

Oklo.com September 22, 2025: Oklo Breaks Ground on First Aurora Powerhouse

Times-News, September 30, 2025: Idaho Senator President Pro Tempore Anthon honored by Japanese government

Nuclear Newswire, September 29, 2025: Oklo breaks ground at INL on Aurora reactor

Times-News, September 27, 2025: A new view: Work to begin this fall on another Shoshone Falls overlook

Western Governors' Association, September 25, 2025: Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Idaho Governor Brad Little gather in Idaho Falls for first Energy Superabundance workshop on nuclear energy

Idaho Statesman, September 25, 2025: A nuclear renaissance in Idaho? Not without the people to do it | Opinion

Idaho Capital Sun, September 24, 2025: Idaho, Taiwan Flour Mills Association sign $1.2B wheat trade agreement

Idaho Capital Sun, September 23, 2025: Idaho National Laboratory director says state must focus on workforce and education

Idaho Capital Sun, September 22, 2025: 'Searching for energy solutions,' Idaho Gov. Little creates new task force to advance nuclear energy

Times-News, September 16, 2025: 'We are a hub': Community celebrates the College of Southern Idaho's 60th birthday

Times-News, September 13, 2025 | Kyli Gough: Celebrating 60 years of impact: Honoring our partnership with the College of Southern Idaho

Times-News, September 13, 2025: Chefs get a close-up look at Magic Valley ag products

Idaho News 6, September 8, 2025: Idaho Preferred Harvest Tour introduces Treasure Valley chefs to Magic Valley agriculture

Upheaval News 21, September 4, 2025: Farmers advocate for reform, workers fight for survival amid Trump immigration crackdown

Times-News, August 30, 2025: 'Stars align' to allow Twin Falls affordable housing development

Thank you New and Renewing Investors!

COMMUNITY

Collins Connection - Kent & Cindy Collins 

  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices*

Columbia Bank

Family Health Services

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

Con Paulos Chevrolet

D.L. Evans Bank

Frontier Community Partners

Idaho Central Credit Union

Idaho National Laboratory (INL)

KeyBank

Minidoka Memorial Hospital

Nu-Vu Glass

Packaging Specialties of Idaho

PerforMix Nutrition Systems

Pizza Factory

PMT

Sparklight

Starr Corporation

Stratus Marketing

TOK Commercial

Umpqua Bank

Watkins Distributing

Willamette Dental Group

WillTran, Inc.

*Indicates 10+ years of support since 2003

+includes additional promotional investment